play Archives

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

Testing PC games using FEX on a high-end Android tablet can yield playable results — but the early tech is still not ready for prime time

FEX or FEX-Emu translates raw x86 instructions into ARM64 instructions, allowing Arm-based chips to run many full-fat games from the Steam Library. However, complex graphical pipelines in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Clair Obscur can cause issues with rendering geometry correctly due to community-developed graphics drivers like Turnip. Qualcomm's mobile chips were not originally designed to support desktop-level Vulkan instructions, so widespread support for mainstream games may be limited. The FEX project is ongoing, but more maturation of applications and community-made drivers is needed before FEX can be considered a feature in mainstream products.

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

Now you can run Steam games in Linux on some handhelds that ship with Android

- Valve has released Proton 11 beta 1, which allows you to run Windows games designed for x86 architecture on devices with Arm processors running Linux. - ROCKNIX, a Linux-based gaming operating system, has added support for Steam on handheld game consoles, allowing you to play PC games on these devices. - Not all PC games will work on these devices, especially those that require NVIDIA RTX graphics or use DirectX 12. - ROCKNIX can be installed on an SD card to use on Android handhelds without overwriting the original operating system, but performance may be better if installed on the internal storage.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

This week in PC games: the “final” Molyneux game, Game Boy horror, ski resort management, and a glamcore heist sim

Returning from a holiday, the author feels invigorated and is excited to explore new PC game releases. The new games include: - Space Drilling Station: An early access vertical outpost builder set in a magma pool. - TownsFolk: A hexagonal survival strategy game focused on rebuilding a home in the wilderness. - The Third Shift: A nostalgic horror game where players patrol a museum. - Vampire Crawlers: A game combining turn-based strategy, dungeon exploration, and deckbuilding roguelite mechanics. - Legendary Pilots: A flight simulator with sepia pixel art inspired by the golden age of aviation. - Tides of Tomorrow: A "plasticpunk" game with online features for shared storytelling in a post-apocalyptic setting. - Masters of Albion: An early access god simulation game from former Lionhead and Bullfrog developers, including Peter Molyneux. - Factory 95: A factory management game set in a nostalgic Windows OS environment. - Titanium Court: A surreal strategy game for clowns and criminals. - Offering App: A violent introspective journey with minigames and hand-drawn art. - Rollick N Roll: A collection of 3D marble runs involving toy trains. - Above the Snow: A management game focused on designing hiking trails for an alpine ski resort. - Snap & Grab: A game where players, as a burglar disguised as a fashion photographer, plan heists by capturing images. The RPS team is engaged in hands-on impressions and discussions about upcoming titles, including a focus on god sims and a recurring pirate theme in games.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft is going after every part of Windows 11’s legacy UI in major design update

Microsoft plans to revamp various design elements of Windows 11, including the "Installing Windows 11" screen, which has been criticized for being functional but misaligned with the overall aesthetic. The design director indicated that while this screen is not a priority, it remains on their agenda. Windows 11 still contains legacy UI features, with some interfaces resembling Windows 8 and even Windows 3.1. Microsoft is migrating all Control Panel settings to the Windows 11 Settings app, but faces challenges due to the need to ensure compatibility with various network and printer devices and drivers. The company is taking a careful approach to this transition.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

Polymega Remix lets you play original SNES, N64, and PlayStation games on a Windows 11 PC

The Polymega Remix is a 9 USB device from Playmaji that allows users to play retro games on a Windows 11 PC. It connects to laptops, PCs, or gaming handhelds and features a built-in CD/DVD optical drive that also acts as a cartridge reader. The device supports CD-based consoles such as the Original PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Neo Geo CD, TurboGrafx-CD, and Sega CD add-on for the Sega Genesis. Cartridge support is available through separate modules for consoles including NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Sega 32X, and Atari 2600. The Polymega Remix has completed mass production and is set to begin shipping in May 2026.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

The Death of the Console War: Why Project Helix is Both a PC and an Xbox

Microsoft has announced Project Helix, a next-generation gaming initiative aimed at merging PC and console gaming into a unified ecosystem, set to launch in late 2027. The initiative features a hybrid gaming system that allows seamless play between Xbox and PC games. It is powered by a custom AMD System-on-Chip called Xbox Magnus, which includes next-generation ray tracing, generative AI technology, and Microsoft’s proprietary DLSS5 technology. Project Helix also introduces streamlined tools for developers to simplify game creation and porting, aiming to expand the Xbox game library. Key milestones include an official announcement in March 2026, a potential hardware reveal in mid-2026, and a consumer launch in late 2027. The initiative is led by Xbox executives Asha Sharma, Matt Booty, and Jason Ronald. Project Helix is positioned as a premium gaming device with a projected price of ,000, reflecting its advanced features and expansive game library.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

The Internet Archive has preserved 758 old PC Gamer demo discs you can download and play

The Internet Archive hosts a collection of hundreds of promotional demo discs from PC gaming history, which include unique extras and bonuses. Notable examples include the Quake-O-Rama disc from October 1997, featuring Quake maps and the first speedrun demo file, and a March 2008 disc containing a full episode of Telltale's Sam & Max along with a Duke Nukem Forever trailer. Additionally, a 1994 floppy disk may contain FMV clips with the Coconut Monkey mascot. The archive's cover disc collection, curated by Jason Scott and contributors, includes 758 entries that showcase the history of PC gaming magazines.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

What is the best licensed music to make its way into videogames?

The interplay between music and gameplay in video games enhances the gaming experience, making moments memorable. For example, Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" amplifies the excitement of pro skating in Tony Hawk's game, while Foals' "Spanish Sahara" deepens the emotional impact of Life is Strange's conclusion. Licensed music can enhance immersion and emotional depth, as seen in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's '80s soundtrack and Saints Row 4's use of Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract." BioShock Infinite uses real-world music as a storytelling device, and episodic games like Tales from the Borderlands utilize music to set the tone. Lollipop Chainsaw features a vibrant soundtrack that reflects the game's quirky essence, with each boss encounter thematically tied to the music. The soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's identity and can spark appreciation for different music genres and artists.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

I never want to play a Cleric in D&D, but 2026’s best RPG stars one for a simple reason: ‘I’m sorry to say they are just overpowered’

Christoffer Bodegård, the creator of the RPG Esoteric Ebb, describes the Cleric class as "overpowered" due to its versatility in gameplay. In the game's early drafts, the Cleric was a central character alongside a goblin companion. Players always embody the Cleric but can explore other D&D classes, with the option to earn specific titles based on their actions, such as a Dick-Ass Rogue for engaging in thievery. Esoteric Ebb emphasizes the interplay between character classes and player choices, challenging traditional notions of heroism and class identity.

BetaBeacon

April 19, 2026

Gala Games Releases Legends & Dragons on iOS and Android

Gala Games released Legends & Dragons, a popular match-3 RPG game, on iOS and Android on April 14. The game offers new features such as PvP battles and empire-building elements, aiming to enhance the overall gameplay. The game, previously known as Legends Reborn, has over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and has been rebranded to focus on delivering quality content and gameplay.