player choice Archives

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

Kingdom Come 2 Studio Cut This Feature Because It Was “Too Bizarre And Too Much Work”

Warhorse Studios revealed that an ambitious eating system for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which would allow the protagonist Henry to gain or lose weight based on food consumption, did not make the final cut. This feature would have influenced Henry's wardrobe choices and the sizes of non-playable characters (NPCs) in the game. Players could alter Henry's physique through his eating habits, affecting which clothing items fit him. However, the feature was deemed too complex and not enjoyable, leading to its exclusion. The game is currently available for purchase and has received a 9/10 rating from GameSpot, being praised for its complexity and player choice.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

I’m not waiting 5 years for everyone to realize The Outer Worlds 2 is another Obsidian classic—I’m giving it its flowers now

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to release in 2025 and is part of Obsidian Entertainment's lineup, which includes Grounded 2 and Avowed. The game emphasizes character development and player choices, offering a variety of options tailored to individual character builds. Players can invest in a select few of the twelve available skills, fostering a unique gameplay experience. The game features locked doors and terminals that can be accessed through pickpocketing or dialogue options influenced by previous choices. A significant moment in the game involves negotiating a peaceful resolution with the final boss, dependent on the player's speech skill. The consequences of player choices are reflected throughout the game, culminating in a slideshow at the end. While it may not have as many quests and locations as New Vegas, it offers proportional complexity that engages players.

AppWizard

December 26, 2025

4.9 out of 5: This Video Game Is Almost Perfect

The Epic Games Store is currently offering Disco Elysium – The Final Cut for free, allowing players to permanently add it to their library. The game has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars and features a rich narrative with player choice. This offer is part of the Epic Games Store's Advent Calendar, which includes daily free premium games throughout December. Upcoming free games include Hogwarts Legacy on December 11th and others leading up to Christmas.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

The Best Games of 2025 — The Windows Central team ranks our favorite titles across Xbox and Windows PC

2025 has seen a diverse range of high-quality gaming titles across multiple platforms, including Xbox, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Notable releases include: - Silent Hill F: A return of the franchise set in 1960s Japan, featuring intense combat and an immersive atmosphere. - Elden Ring: Nightreign: Introduces a co-op roguelike format with fast-paced gameplay and randomized upgrades. - Hollow Knight: Silksong: A highly acclaimed metroidvania known for its difficulty, visuals, and tight combat mechanics. - Arc Raiders: Emphasizes player choice and community-driven gameplay, reminiscent of early multiplayer games. - Battlefield 6: A grounded approach to warfare, positively received after previous setbacks in the franchise. - Ball x Pit: Blends classic gameplay with modern auto-battler mechanics, becoming a standout title. - Hades 2: A sequel that expands on the original's success with stunning artwork and engaging gameplay. - Blue Prince: Features intricate puzzles and co-op gameplay that encourages collaboration. - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: An open-world RPG praised for its dynamic systems and immersive storytelling. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Combines homage to classic JRPGs with modern storytelling in a unique French setting. Honorable mentions include Atomfall, Dying Light: The Beast, DUSK, The Alters, Keeper, Silent Hill 2 (remake), Dispatch, Cronos: The New Dawn, WH40K: Rogue Trader — Lex Imperialis DLC, and remastered versions of Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Ten years in the making, Jonathan Blow’s new game breaks all the rules of gaming’s greatest puzzle

Jonathan Blow is developing a new game titled Order of the Sinking Star, which has evolved from a modest engine test for his programming language, Jai, into a full-fledged Sokoban-style puzzle game. The game combines elements from four lesser-known freeware puzzle games and features multiple worlds, each with distinct realms and mechanics. Players will navigate challenges involving various characters, each with unique abilities that enhance gameplay. The narrative follows a deposed queen in a fantastical setting, with gameplay focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. Blow's design philosophy emphasizes the interaction of game mechanics and player agency, diverging from traditional storytelling methods. He is collaborating with a publisher for the first time to address the challenges of a saturated market.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Getting banned by Steam and Epic has made HORSES a best-seller — but this censorship bodes ill for creativity

Indie developer Santa Ragione's horror game HORSES has been banned from Steam without a clear explanation, leading to frustration from the developers and a lack of communication regarding the ban. Despite this setback, interest in the game has increased, resulting in strong sales on alternative platforms like GOG and itch.io, where it is currently a best-seller. The ban has made it difficult for Santa Ragione to secure external publishing deals, forcing them to seek private funding. Steam cited concerns over depictions of sexual conduct involving minors, while Epic referenced explicit sexual behavior and animal abuse, claims that Santa Ragione disputes. The game is available for purchase on GOG for .99 and on itch.io. GOG has expressed support for the game, emphasizing player choice in gaming experiences.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

CD Projekt’s PC Game Storefront GOG Gets Behind Horses After Valve Steam Ban: ‘Players Should Be Able to Choose the Experiences That Speak to Them’

CD Projekt’s GOG is supporting the indie horror game Horses after it was banned from Steam. The game is set to launch on December 2 across multiple platforms, including Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch.io, and Humble Store, but not on Steam due to Valve's decision. Valve reviewed the game earlier in 2023 and cited concerns regarding its content as the reason for the ban. GOG has launched pre-orders for Horses and is actively promoting it, emphasizing player choice and creativity. Santa Ragione, the game's developer, has called for greater transparency from Steam and improved conditions for developers in the industry.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

There’s a difference between hard games and hardcore ones, and the distinction matters

The launch of Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection has renewed interest in classic fighting games on PC, but players face challenges with the AI, which often uses ruthless tactics that create an unfair experience. This can lead to frustration and the development of bad habits that do not apply to real player interactions. In contrast, Virtua Fighter 5 offers a remastered mode with over a thousand CPU challengers that encourages strategic play. Games like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3 allow for creative freedom in gameplay, enabling players to craft unique builds and strategies. Terraria provides a randomly generated world for players to explore or build in, while Tetris The Grand Master 4 offers varying levels of engagement based on player choice. The term "SNK boss" refers to unfair CPU opponents that disrupt gameplay balance, similar to the AI in Mortal Kombat. True hardcore games invite players to explore challenges and skill in diverse ways, emphasizing personal expression in gaming.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Mass Effect 3 redeemed to glory as modder puts its ME1-style elevator back in

The Mass Effect series, particularly its third installment released in 2012, sparked intense discussions about its endings and player choice impact. A mod called Glorious Elevators (LE3), developed by Linkenski, aims to restore the elevator experience from the original Mass Effect, which was cut from Mass Effect 3 due to technical limitations of the PS3 and Xbox 360. The mod allows players to experience the Normandy's lifts in real time, enhancing gameplay and rekindling nostalgia. Linkenski claims it improves upon the original elevators and adds to the seamlessness of Mass Effect 3.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

‘In a true RPG, you need to think about what is happening’: RPGs have been coddling us, says Outer Worlds 2 director, who’s glad to see games like Baldur’s Gate 3 let players make mistakes

Brandon Adler, game director, reflected on his early struggles with Dungeons & Dragons and the complexities of Baldur's Gate when it launched in 1998. He noted the evolution of RPGs towards more accessible experiences, particularly through the Mass Effect series. In an interview, he expressed appreciation for the resurgence of RPGs that require deeper player engagement, highlighting Baldur's Gate 3 for its intricate choices that significantly influence gameplay. Adler observed trends in The Outer Worlds 2, where players experiment with unconventional character builds, emphasizing that such experimentation is part of the learning curve. He noted a decline in reliance on objective markers, which has reduced engagement with NPCs and their narratives, and expressed a desire for players to reconnect with storytelling in RPGs. He also mentioned the rising popularity of tabletop RPGs and how mainstream understanding has evolved since the 1990s, as seen in the success of Baldur's Gate 3, which appeals to both long-time fans and new players.