platforming Archives

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

I want to love the new Castlevania, but it just feels a little off

The game Castlevania: Belmont's Curse struggles to display on monitors with a refresh rate exceeding 120 Hz, which was resolved by capping the in-game frame rate at 120 fps. The gameplay features a mix of enjoyable elements and frustrating mechanics, such as a lengthy wind-up on Rose Belmont's whip and a limited invincibility frame for the dodge mechanic, leading to difficulties during platforming and boss encounters. The game includes tedious platforming challenges that require precise controls, and the timing for certain attacks feels misaligned. Belmont's Curse draws heavily from the Netflix Castlevania series, featuring some of the same voice actors, but the static artwork in early cutscenes feels underwhelming. The game improves after reaching Dracula's Castle, introducing clever platforming mechanics and engaging puzzles. Despite some control issues, the game includes satisfying hitstop effects and well-presented tarot cards that enhance the experience.

BetaBeacon

October 13, 2026

REPLACED Heads to Android This December

REPLACED, a cyberpunk 2.5D Sidescrolling indie-hit, is set to be released on Android in December. The game will be part of the Google Play Games Program, allowing players to enjoy it on mobile, tablets, and PC with synced saves across devices. The port to Android was done by Poland-based studio ‘The Knights of U’.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

This week in PC games: new Ace Combat, Transport Fever 3, and a System Shock-alike set on a disco space station

The world of video game journalism is thriving, with a variety of new PC game releases showcasing creativity and innovation. Notable new titles include: - Camp Whittlewood: A pixel-art horror RPG featuring cub scouts on a camping adventure without typical horror tropes. - HR: Human Remains: Players navigate Hell as an office clerk managing a to-do list amidst a war between humans and demons. - Yots: A co-op extraction game set in a procedurally generated city reminiscent of the PS1 era and Silent Hill. - Drop Command: Combines cockpit combat with 90s Mechwarrior and 4X gameplay elements. - Nivalis Nights: A cyberpunk restaurant management simulation with lush visuals. - Toem 2: A sequel featuring gentle platforming and photography puzzles. - Transport Fever 3: A detailed simulation game focused on trains. - Tiny Flock: A VR shepherding simulation with whimsical elements. - Radiosol: Players control a mechanical spider in a world of dusty megastructures, utilizing generative AI for multilingual support. - Okko The Exiled: A 2D visual game featuring a small protagonist with a large club. - Songs of Glimmerwick: A witch school RPG combining magic and music. - By God Alone: An expansion for Crusader Kings 3 allowing players to control the Vatican. - Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered: Revives the classic musou experience with enhanced graphics. - RetroSpace: A survival game set aboard a space station drawn into a black hole. - Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve: The latest installment in the aerial combat franchise.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

RuneScape: Dragonwilds (PC) Review

RuneScape: Dragonwilds introduces players to the new continent of Ashenfall, where they face the Dragon Queen Kuldra amidst a significant dragon threat. The game features a new biome called the Scorned Wilderness and a raid-style dungeon, requiring 40 to 60 hours of gameplay to complete its story content. It includes a sophisticated crafting system that allows for extensive customization of the game world. The combat system has been modernized, incorporating various weapon types and a nuanced parrying system, while the magic system offers unique runes that alter spell effects. Players experience skill progression through the use of tools or weapons, but the early game lacks healing potions, making it challenging. The game encourages exploration with a robust crafting system and in-game mounts, as well as the ability to create travel routes using loadstone teleporter panels. It also features dungeons with platforming elements and diverse enemy encounters. RuneScape: Dragonwilds supports full crossplay for consoles and has a roadmap for future updates.

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2026

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed Hits Mobile With Full Game for $15.99

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a 2024 remake of the classic 2010 Wii game, now available on mobile devices for .99 with no microtransactions. It offers updated visuals, refined gameplay, and external controller support. The game is also set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 6, 2026.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Unofficial PC Version of Super Smash Bros. Melee Released

An unofficial PC port of the Nintendo GameCube game Super Smash Bros. Melee has been released. The game, originally launched in 2001, features a unique damage system, various attack types, and diverse stages. It includes several game modes such as Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, and Event Matches, with unlockable characters and content. The PC version supports keyboard and gamepad inputs, allows for resolution adjustments and visual customizations, but lacks online play and widescreen support. Users need to provide their own ROM to play. This release is part of a trend of unofficial PC ports of classic games, including titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

BetaBeacon

September 9, 2026

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris launches on iOS and Android

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris has been adapted for touch controls on smartphones and tablets. The game offers customizable touchscreen controls for combat and platforming, and players can also use physical gamepads, mice, and keyboards. The game can be played alone or with up to four players, who must recover the scattered Fragments of Osiris and stop Set, the God of Chaos, from enslaving humanity. The game requires iOS 18 or later on Apple devices and Android 13 or later on Android devices, with at least 3.6GB of free storage needed on both platforms.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Peak studio Aggro Crab is publishing a sick-looking platformer about a blue collar guy doing dirty work on an alien world

Nick Kaman from Aggro Crab expressed enthusiasm for co-op "friendslop" games and indicated a desire to explore this genre further. Aggro Crab is developing a new platformer titled Rebounder, which features a color-limited, comic book aesthetic and draws inspiration from kaizo games. The gameplay will include tricky jumps and precise timing, incorporating unique sci-fi elements. Rebounder is set for general release in 2027 and is available for wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Big Walk patch addresses voice volume complaints with restraint: ‘We consider it an important part of the game’s design that you can only hear players who are close to you’

The puzzle game Big Walk features a proximity voice chat that has received mixed feedback from players regarding volume levels, especially for those with quieter microphone setups. In response, developer House House released a patch to enhance audio, making quieter voices more audible at close and medium distances, while maintaining the original distance at which voices fade. The patch does not increase the range of voice communication or allow for separate adjustments of voice and background audio levels. Players have reported varying experiences with the voice volume, with some adapting quickly while others find the volume drop-off challenging.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Late 90s Platformer Is Getting Remastered for Modern Consoles and PC

Argonaut Games has announced a remaster of Croc 2 Kingdom of the Gobbos, set to be released on modern consoles and PC. The remaster will feature classic platforming action with enhancements, including a triple jump mechanic and expanded gameplay options such as racing and flying. Players will explore four unique villages, rescue Gobbos, and encounter new Guardians. The remaster will also include the “Croc2pedia,” a digital museum with production materials and interviews about the game's development. It will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows PC via Steam and GOG.com.