playing Archives

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows Wrap: Microsoft finally remembers why Windows enthusiasts matter

Microsoft is revitalizing Windows 11 by rebooting the Windows Insider Program to better engage with user feedback and improve the operating system. The company aims to address bugs and enhance quality, signaling a shift in its approach. Recent developments indicate a renewed enthusiasm for the program, which has historically played a significant role in shaping user experiences and technology careers. Additionally, Surface enthusiasts are creating their own accessories through 3D printing due to unmet demands from Microsoft.

BetaBeacon

April 27, 2026

ANBERNIC shows off RG Rotate emulating your favorite games from childhood

ANBERNIC unveiled the Android-powered RG Rotate handheld in a demo video, showcasing its ability to emulate games from various consoles. The device offers a nostalgic gaming experience for classic 2D games but lacks joysticks for newer titles. The RG Rotate also supports wireless streaming to a TV, gameplay streaming from a PC, and Bluetooth controller connectivity. Release date and pricing details are still unknown.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows Wrap: Windows 11 is getting its spark back

Microsoft is revitalizing the Windows Insider Program to reconnect with its user base and enhance Windows 11. The program, which previously fostered community engagement and innovation, is being rebooted to prioritize user feedback and improve quality. Significant updates to Windows 11 have been announced, and there is a push to recognize the contributions of Insiders. Additionally, Surface enthusiasts are creating their own accessories through 3-D printing due to a lack of official offerings from Microsoft.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

I’m obsessed with a guy who keeps soloing Elden Ring Nightreign’s hard mode over and over like they’re trapped in a purgatory of their own making

Eauvni is a YouTuber known for playing Elden Ring Nightreign, focusing on the Sekiro-parrying Executor character and exclusively tackling the Deep of Night mode. They have recently concentrated on Depth Three of Five, where the difficulty increases significantly, with enemies dealing double damage. Despite reaching Depth Five, eauvni prefers to engage with earlier depths and has developed mathematically perfect relic builds for every character. They have achieved notable feats, including a no-damage run against challenging bosses. The gameplay experience contrasts with that of other players, who often feel overwhelmed by the game's challenges. The upcoming Tarnished Edition patch for Elden Ring raises concerns about the potential impact on game balance and the thrill of encounters.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

This new Skyrim mod is unashamedly vibe-coded, but it lets you swing NPCs into each other with ragdoll physics, so we all win

The Drag and Drop mod for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Special Edition allows players to drag and drop non-playable characters (NPCs) as if they were objects. The mod was created by Gerkinfeltser, who utilized knowledge of Skyrim's Havok physics and SKSE hooks to guide AI in its development. The mod introduces chaotic gameplay, enabling players to swing NPCs around and crash them into each other, enhancing the humor associated with ragdoll physics. It also supports configurable sound effects for added customization. The mod is available on Nexus Mods, and Skyrim Special Edition can be purchased for .99, often on sale on Steam.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena review (2009)

Wes Fenlon reflects on the legacy of older video games, particularly The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, expressing nostalgia for its innovative gameplay mechanics, including stealth and melee combat. He compares its level design to that of Batman: Arkham Asylum and suggests that Riddick influenced future licensed games. Fenlon notes the unavailability of both Riddick titles in the current market and speculates that Vin Diesel could help resolve licensing issues for a revival. He describes the immersive gameplay experience, where players embody Riddick and navigate a dynamic environment filled with various types of guards. The game features a mix of stealth and conventional shooting mechanics, with a variety of weapons, including a tranquilizer gun and the Scar gun. Fenlon critiques the level design in later stages and the checkpointing system, which lacks quicksave options. Despite these flaws, he appreciates the game's adult themes and humor, highlighting its significance in video game evolution.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings retrospective – The millennial medieval masterwork proves that there’s more to RTS than killing and destruction

Age of Empires II features four primary resources: wood, gold, food, and stone, simplifying the strategic landscape. The game is known for its rich visual design, captivating soundtrack, and blend of historical fact with storytelling. It allows players to engage in both military strategy and city-building, creating a tranquil atmosphere despite the looming presence of war. The game's music, composed by Stephen Rippy, enhances the gameplay experience. Historical accuracy is emphasized, with campaigns narrated from unique perspectives and missions reflecting real historical events. Players gain strategic gameplay while absorbing historical knowledge through compelling narratives.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

As Enter the Gungeon celebrates its 10th anniversary, its creators have some choice words for the modern roguelike: ‘We’re seeing it mutate to the version of itself that popularity obfuscates’

Enter the Gungeon celebrated its tenth anniversary earlier this month and has sold over 14 million copies. The game's creators, Dave Crooks and Adam Kidd Drucker, expressed concerns about the evolving action roguelike genre, noting a shift towards mechanics resembling slot machines and a confusion between roguelikes and roguelites. They highlighted the rarity of authentic roguelikes and mentioned the lukewarm reception of some recent titles. Dodge Roll is currently developing Enter the Gungeon 2, which aims to maintain the original's gameplay while introducing a new 3D art style.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

My favorite RPG of 2026 put an impossible challenge in the second room to teach you not to save scum: ‘I am your DM, trust me’

Esoteric Ebb features an innovative approach to failure and save scumming, allowing players to reroll failed checks using an in-game resource called Shards of Jor, enhancing gameplay and storytelling. Designer Christoffer Bodegård emphasizes player agency and enjoyment, stating that players can choose how to engage with the game, including the option to save scum. He provides examples of encounters where players can retry difficult checks and assures them that initial failures are acceptable, as challenges will become easier over time. Bodegård aims to create a structured experience that accommodates various play styles while maintaining an illusion of agency within the narrative.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

I can’t stop winning with this Vampire Crawlers build that basically plays itself

Mortaccio is a skeletal Crawler character in Vampire Crawlers that becomes available after defeating 444 skeletons. He starts with Bone cards and an armor card, which increases the Amount stat when blue cards are played. The strategy involves using armor cards and the Your Shield My Liege Arcana to make Mortaccio invincible. Securing a Spellbinder card at the start of each run is crucial, as it extends Mortaccio's Duration. Playing armor increases Bones, which are free to play, and combining them with Golden Armor enhances defenses. Duplicator cards amplify offensive capabilities, while gems that boost Might, Area, and Amount are essential for upgrading the strategy. The Reverse Combo gem is valuable with Golden Armor for additional damage. For single-target encounters, a card costing two Mana, such as the Holy Wand, is recommended. Accumulating gems like Echo or Copy allows for more Bones each turn, and a Clover card can help find powerful gems. Enhancing hand size with a Bracer and including more blue Armor or Pummarola cards triggers Mortaccio's skill.