player choices Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Bandai Namco just stealth announced that one of the coolest Ace Combat games is coming to PC for the first time as a pre-order freebie

Sony announced a port of Ace Combat Zero, originally released two decades ago, which will debut on PC later this year. This port is part of a pre-order incentive for the deluxe edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, launching on PS5 and Steam on October 1. Ace Combat Zero has not received HD remaster treatment and will be available for separate purchase. The gameplay features aerial dogfighting, a reputation system affecting player choices, and characters inspired by Norse mythology. The game includes a unique 1-on-1 jousting match and will be available to those who pre-order the deluxe edition starting September 29.

BetaBeacon

June 2, 2026

Warner Bros launches Game of Thrones: Dragonfire on iOS and Android

Warner Bros. Games and HBO have launched Game of Thrones: Dragonfire, a free-to-play mobile strategy game inspired by House of the Dragon. Players can control up to five dragon-led armies, each with unique dragons and abilities, to conquer Westeros during the Targaryen Civil War. The game features tactical, tile-based warfare, a Dragon Strike minigame, and strategic control of the map. The narrative evolves based on player choices and performance, offering branching storylines and reactive Campaign stages.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

14 years ago we published our Elder Scrolls 6 wishlist, and honestly? It still holds up

The February 2012 "Armchair Designer" column in PC Gamer highlighted ten desired features for Elder Scrolls VI, shortly after Skyrim's release. The game is now projected for a 2026 release. Bethesda has since developed Fallout 4 and Starfield, incorporating new systems like settlement management. Fans hope for a return to Morrowind's flexibility and improved stealth mechanics, influenced by design director Emil Pagliarulo's background. The column proposed exploring Akavir, introducing colonial themes and diverse factions, with a narrative that allows for complex interactions between Tamriel and Akavir's cultures. The vision for TES 6 aims to blend nostalgia with innovative storytelling, enhancing player choices and consequences.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Total War Medieval 3 aims for emergent character growth: “We have no plans for skill trees”

Total War Medieval 3 is in development by Creative Assembly, with Creative Director Leif Walter actively communicating with the community. The team has decided against including skill trees in the game due to concerns about repetitiveness, instead opting for emergent gameplay elements like traits and ancillaries. The focus will be on dynasties rather than individual characters, allowing players to cultivate distinct identities over a long time span. Walter acknowledged the influence of the modding community, specifically citing Europa Barbarorum 2 and the Stainless Steel megapack as inspirations. He emphasized the need to balance accessibility and depth in the game, ensuring it remains engaging for both experienced and less experienced players while maintaining historical authenticity.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Steampunk colony sim Steel Artery is here, and it’s “emergent chaos” aboard a giant train

Steel Artery is a train city-building simulation game set in a moving city called Steelpolis, developed by SoulAge23. It combines elements from colony simulation games and features fully autonomous citizens with their own needs and desires. Players manage the population, production chains, and resources while navigating challenges and social tensions. The game has stunning pixel artwork and offers a unique experience with each playthrough. It is available on Steam with an 89% positivity rate from initial reviews, highlighting its complexity and management challenges. The game is priced at .24 during a promotional period, with a 10% discount until May 22.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

2D exploration horror adventure game remake Midnight Train: New Moon announced for PC

Publisher PLAYISM and developer LydiaBluebell are releasing a remake of the 2D exploration horror adventure game, Midnight Train: New Moon, set to launch for PC via Steam in 2027. The game will be available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Midnight Train: New Moon is a reimagining of the free RPG Maker title Midnight Train from 2020, originating from Spain and inspired by Japanese horror RPG traditions. The remake will feature a narrative-driven experience with revamped graphics, enhanced visual effects, and improved game balance. The story follows Luna Wyndell, who, during her train journey, discovers that all other passengers have vanished, leaving her and aspiring detective Neil Lawton stranded. They find a cryptic pocket watch with a note warning them to find the next train within three hours or risk being trapped forever. Key features include a narrative across four chapters, an engaging game system for clue gathering, multiple endings based on player choices, diverse maps and characters, an original soundtrack, dynamic sprite animations, and partial voice acting. Enhancements for the remake include completely overhauled graphics, redesigned puzzles, new events and visual effects, and quality-of-life improvements. Character profiles include Luna Wyndell, who communicates through a notebook due to her inability to speak, and Neil Lawton, a kind-hearted but sometimes timid aspiring detective with strong observational skills.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Forza Horizon 6, Mixtape, Subnautica 2, and More

Final Fantasy V is available on May 5 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Forza Horizon 6 will be available on May 19 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC, with early access starting on May 15. Ben 10 Power Trip is set for May 6 on Cloud, Console, and PC. Descenders Next (Game Preview) will also be available on May 6 for Cloud, Console, and PC. Wheel World, Wildgate, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will be released on May 6 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Mixtape will be available on May 7 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. Outbound is scheduled for May 11 on Cloud, Console, and PC. Black Jacket and Call of the Elder Gods will be available on May 12 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. Elite Dangerous will be available on May 12 for Cloud and Console. DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on May 14 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. Subnautica 2 (Game Preview) will also be available on May 14 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC. InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories was released on April 30 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC. Dead by Daylight’s Bloodbound Release Update is available now for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Sea of Thieves: Last Ship Standing Act 3 is part of Season 19. World of Warships: Legends is available now for Cloud, Console, and PC. Titles leaving Game Pass on May 15 include Galacticare, Go Mecha Ball, Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship, and Planet of Lana.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

After visiting the studio I’m more excited for The Blood of Dawnwalker than ever, so it’s a relief to find out I’ll only need to wait until September 3 to play it

The Blood of Dawnwalker is an RPG developed by former creators of The Witcher 3, allowing players to navigate as a human by day and a vampire by night. The game features a sandbox narrative that adapts to player choices and quest sequences. Its release date is confirmed for September 3 of this year.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

A minor Fallout: New Vegas quest got its own ending slide because the team was transfixed by the choice where you make the NCR’s worst soldiers take Psycho

Josh Sawyer, design director at Obsidian, discussed the subjective criteria for selecting quests that receive ending slides in their RPGs, with the game's director making the final decision. Individual designers rarely advocate for their own quests to be included. He highlighted the quest "Flags of Our Foul-Ups," where NCR soldiers face dire consequences due to their incompetence. Players can use various skills or the fictional stimulant "Psycho" to influence the outcome. The team concluded that using Psycho could lead to chaos and war crimes, prompting the inclusion of ending slides that detail the soldiers' grim fate. Sawyer emphasized the importance of capturing major narrative beats in these slides, while also acknowledging the logistical challenges of creating them, including time limits and the need to illustrate and record multiple endings for companions.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Fallout co-creator says non-linear design is all about never assuming how players will act, illustrates his point by fantasising about an NPC guard he seems to really hate

Tim Cain, co-creator of the Fallout series, shared insights on game design in a YouTube video titled Eight Level Design Guidelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding player behavior and intentions. He advocates for non-linear gameplay, warning against making assumptions about player choices and criticizing design documents that enforce linearity. Cain believes that understanding the purpose of game elements is crucial for designers. He also credits his experiences with Dungeons & Dragons, which began in 1979, as a significant influence on his design principles, particularly in storytelling and mechanics.