play Archives

Winsage

June 1, 2025

A week of hell with my Windows 11 PC really makes me appreciate the simplicity of Google’s Chromebook laptops

The author's PC experienced significant issues while trying to run DOOM: The Dark Ages, primarily due to problems with NVIDIA RTX graphics drivers on a system equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700K and NVIDIA RTX 5080. The Windows 11 Start Menu became unresponsive, leading to a complete system failure despite attempts to roll back and update drivers. The author used a USB drive with a Linux installer as a temporary solution but continued to face crashes. Attempts to reinstall Windows were complicated by an incorrectly formatted USB stick, which needed to be exFAT. Ultimately, the author resolved the issues by wiping both SSDs and creating fresh partitions. The author also noted the complexity and bloat of Windows 11 compared to the simplicity of ChromeOS, which has become a reliable alternative for tasks and gaming.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

My top 5 must-play PC games for the second half of 2025 — Will they live up to the hype?

PC gamers are looking forward to several upcoming titles in 2025. - The Outer Worlds 2 is anticipated to launch in 2025 on PC, Xbox, and PS5, featuring a new colony and an Earth Directorate agent unraveling a mystery. - Hades II is in Early Access and is expected to be fully released by late 2025. - ARC Raiders, a PvPvE extraction shooter, is rumored to launch in 2025 on PC, Xbox, and PS5. - Escape from Tarkov has been in closed beta since 2017 and aims for a version 1.0 release in 2025. - Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is set to launch on July 15, 2025, with enhancements including new units and larger maps. - Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024, and will be free to play upon its full release, though a specific date has not been announced.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

‘The journey was long’: two years later than planned, boomer shooter Project Warlock 2 blasts out of early access with a 50% discount and a request to submit your own loading screen tips

Project Warlock 2, a sequel to the nostalgic first-person shooter Project Warlock, was unveiled at the PC Gaming Show in 2021 and has recently re-emerged from early access. The game features three distinct campaigns, 36 levels, 54 unique weapons, various perks and spells, over 50 monsters, and a "realmshift mode." It is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at £6.74, until June 11. Additionally, players can submit game tips to be featured on the loading screens, fostering community engagement.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

5 Best Free Open World Games On PC You Must Play

Genshin Impact is an anime-inspired open-world game where players explore a vibrant universe filled with diverse landscapes and characters. Players take on the role of a traveler and can switch between heroes with unique abilities, enhancing combat and allowing for strategic gameplay. The game features numerous puzzles and secrets across various locations, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery. Its captivating visuals and engaging gameplay contribute to its appeal in the open-world genre.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

You got Nightreigned: Elden Ring’s spinoff is the most aggravating, player-hostile FromSoft game I’ve played, but I keep staying up past 3 AM for ‘one more run’

The author has logged 42 hours playing Elden Ring Nightreign, often sacrificing sleep to sync with friends during the pre-launch phase. Despite its punishing difficulty and reliance on random number generation, the game captivates the author, who finds joy in its challenges and surprises. Key aspects that keep the author returning include the game's unique pace, unexpected twists, and the camaraderie fostered by playing with friends. The author expresses eagerness for potential DLC and values the rewarding nature of victories amidst the struggles faced in the game.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

It’s not just you: Elden Ring Nightreign’s matchmaking is taking forever if it works at all, and there doesn’t seem to be a fix⁠—aside from queueing with a full group

FromSoftware has acknowledged prolonged matchmaking times in Elden Ring: Nightreign, despite a player base exceeding 2 million. Players, particularly on PC, have reported lengthy waits, and initial recommendations from the studio, such as restarting the matchmaking process and altering NAT connection types on PlayStation, have not significantly improved the situation. Discussions on platforms like the Elden Ring subreddit and Steam forums indicate that there are between 200,000 and 300,000 players online on Steam at any time, raising concerns about matchmaking efficiency. Players are advised to form full teams of three for quicker matchmaking and to consider using Yui's Seamless Co-op mod for duo play as an alternative solution.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

NYC students use Minecraft to reimagine inclusive, sustainable spaces in citywide challenge

The all-girl team from P.S. 86 participated in the Minecraft Education Challenge for the second year, focusing on designing a sustainable and inclusive space at Orchard Beach. The challenge, part of the Battle of the Boroughs, had 3,259 applicants, with 175 students in the semi-finals. The team, consisting of sixth graders Yoselin, Zeynabou, Pearl, Emily, and Sadika, was guided by their teacher Kim Judin. They proposed features like solar panels, wheelchair accessibility, and bilingual signage. Although they did not advance to the finals, the experience was valuable for team bonding. The Mayor’s Cup Finals are scheduled for May 31.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

New Steam Game Just Released Has a 99% Rating and Is Free

Poco is a point-and-click adventure game released on May 20, developed by Whalefall and Micah Boursier. It has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with 99 percent of 774 user reviews being favorable. The game is free to play and contains no microtransactions or hidden costs. Poco features a whimsical narrative where players help a clown named Poco navigate the Below World and construct a rocket. The gameplay lasts around two hours, and its compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently listed as “Unknown.”

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

I switched to indie apps for privacy, and now my workflow is a mess

The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

OK Google, it’s time to support app icon packs on Pixel phones

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update introduces new features, including Material 3 Expressive and a "Themes" tab in the Wallpaper and Style app, indicating potential customization through unreleased "Pixel Customization Packs." While the full capabilities of Pixel themes are unclear, they may include new wallpapers, fonts, and app icon designs, addressing the current limitations of app icon customization on Pixel phones. Future updates promise customizable app icon shapes, but lack of support for third-party icon packs remains a significant drawback compared to competitors like OnePlus and Samsung. The introduction of Pixel themes raises hopes for enhanced personalization, particularly regarding icon pack support, which has been a long-standing request from Pixel users.