pinball Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2026

The guy who built Windows Task Manager in 1996 just remade it with a cyberpunk vibe — but there’s one big issue for PC users

Dave W. Plummer, a notable figure in programming, contributed significantly to Microsoft by introducing ZIP file support for Windows, adapting Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and creating the Windows Task Manager, which debuted in 1996. He has shared insights from his time at Microsoft through his platform, Dave's Garage. Recently, he released a mockup of a redesigned Task Manager, named "Task Manager OG" (TMOG), which features a cyberpunk aesthetic and is currently available as a beta version for macOS, with a Windows version planned. TMOG combines elements of macOS's Activity Monitor and Windows Task Manager, providing essential system information and deeper diagnostics. The application is described as being half the size of the Windows Task Manager and is available for free download.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest means big savings on games about high-tech lowlifes

The Steam Cyberpunk Fest is ongoing until 10 AM on August 10, featuring discounts on various cyberpunk-themed games. Notable offers include: - Ruiner: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Neon Struct: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].79 - The Ascent: 75% off at .49 - Cruelty Squad: 90% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - The Red Strings Club: 80% off at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the realm of digital gaming, the term "cyberpunk" has taken on a life of its own, particularly during the ongoing Steam Cyberpunk Fest. This sale, which runs until 10 AM on August 10, invites players to explore a curated selection of games that embody the essence of cyberpunk, albeit with a tagline that leaves much to the imagination: "They say never look back. Cyberpunk says ALWAYS be in the future. Think about it." While the meaning may be elusive, the real draw lies in the enticing discounts that promise to enrich our gaming libraries with tales of cyborgs, hackers, and rebellion against oppressive systems. Highlights of the Sale Among the standout offerings are: Ruiner: Engage in slow-motion brawls alongside a commanding hacker mentor, now available for just 90% off at .99. Neon Struct: Dive into this immersive simulation as an ex-spy navigating life off the grid, with a remarkable discount of 90% off at .79. The Ascent: Traverse a beautifully crafted arcology in this action RPG, currently priced at 75% off for .49. Cruelty Squad: Experience the bizarre world of a corpo assassin simulator, now at an incredible 90% off for .99. The Red Strings Club: Unravel one of the best cyberpunk narratives available, with a discount of 80% off at .99. Shadowrun Hong Kong: Recruit a ghoul samurai and navigate the film industry for just 75% off at .99. Invisible, Inc: Discover the merits of turn-based stealth gameplay, available for 75% off at .99. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Enjoy this classic at a historic low price of 65% off for .99. Cyberpunk 2077: For those seeking the quintessential experience, this title is discounted by 70% to .99. Additionally, the iconic Deus Ex is half-price, while its predecessor, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut, is available at a staggering 85% off. Looking ahead, Steam has more sales lined up for the month. From August 17 to 20, the Pins & Pegs Fest will celebrate games centered around pinball, bowling, and other related themes. Following that, the PvE Survival Crafting Fest will take place from August 31 to September 7, promising a diverse array of gaming experiences for enthusiasts." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 - Shadowrun Hong Kong: 75% off at .99 - Invisible, Inc: 75% off at .99 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: 65% off at .99 - Cyberpunk 2077: 70% off at .99 - Deus Ex: 50% off - Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut: 85% off Upcoming sales include the Pins & Pegs Fest from August 17 to 20 and the PvE Survival Crafting Fest from August 31 to September 7.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: PARANORMASIGHT, Klocki, Maneater, more

Android users can find a variety of app deals today, including price drops on titles such as PARANORMASIGHT: TMC, Hexologic, Klocki, Roundguard, Ailment: Dead Standoff Premium, Maneater, and Can You Escape: The Collection. There are also ongoing pre-order promotions for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8, offering bonuses like FREE 0 credits and discounts up to 0 with trade-ins. Additionally, Microsoft’s 2026 touchscreen Surface Pro 2-in-1s are available at savings of up to 0, and there is a deal on the ASUS 16GB/256GB ExpertBook.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Pixel Party Free Add On

Two friends visited an arcade filled with games and competed for leaderboard positions, winning prizes such as cosmetic items and food. They announced the release of the free Chaos Cubed: Pixel Party add-on by Hogskull Labs, which includes a quest to find the Arcade Cave containing five unique arcade machines. Players can engage in minigames that utilize sulfur cube physics, such as Netherball, Metal Mania, Paint Frenzy, and Void Pinball. Completing challenges in these games can earn players collectible pet spawners, while the Rewards Kiosk offers cosmetics, plushies, and consumables based on performance. The add-on also provides tools for creative players to build their own arcade experiences in Creative Mode. The add-on is available at the Minecraft Marketplace and requires Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Brings the Neon 80s to PC

The Retro Arcade Shop Simulator, developed by Alt Tab Game, will debut on PC with a demo available on June 11. The full version is expected in 2026/2027, with a console release in 2027. The game allows players to build and manage their own retro arcade, featuring 28 types of entertainment options and interactive machines. The demo includes four progression levels, six types of attractions, and customization options for layout and decor. Players can manage a cafeteria and hire staff. The minimum system requirements for the PC demo include Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-14100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600, and 8 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I stop looking for 5 seconds and now Crimson Desert has pinball and a rideable wyvern

Crimson Desert has released Patch 1.10.00, which includes several new features and improvements. Notable additions are the introduction of a pinball minigame at the inn near the Deleysian Institute, where players can earn tokens for various items, and a new minigame called "Orb Roll" located at the Great Gate of Urdavah. Players can now nurture a baby wyvern that can be fed and eventually ridden. The update also includes improved Re-Blockade mechanics, the ability to request "Protection" for strongholds, new mounts and pets, enhanced item management, combat enhancements, and UI improvements.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Windows’ classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

3D Pinball for Windows – Space Cadet was included with several Microsoft operating systems until Windows XP and was part of the Full Tilt! Pinball software collection launched by Maxis in 1995. Deeproot Pinball attempted to create a physical version of Space Cadet but faced collapse before completion. Hobbyist CNCDan is now working on a physical Space Cadet table, featuring 3D-printed mechanical flippers, pop bumpers with embedded LEDs, slingshots, and a raised playfield. He has encountered challenges with the size and positioning of table elements, resulting in a playfield that measures 56 cm in width, which is smaller than typical commercial pinball tables.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

I’m tired of everything getting turned into a roguelite, but I’ll make an exception for pinball

Developers are rapidly creating quick-hit games inspired by various mechanics, with 257 new roguelites released on Steam in the past month. One notable title is Pin-Crawl, which introduces a roguelite twist to pinball gameplay, featuring upgrades that create chaotic effects and unique spells for strategic advantages. Although its visuals may not match those of established titles, it offers innovative gameplay mechanics, including stats, bosses, and meta progression. Pin-Crawl aims to deliver quick, engaging sessions, appealing to players' nostalgia for pinball while blending it with roguelite elements.