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The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I've gone from 'meh' to believer
AppWizard
March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.
Marathon console players can turn off PC matchmaking if they want, but Bungie made a point to give everyone the same gameplay experience
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Marathon console players can turn off PC matchmaking if they want, but Bungie made a point to give everyone the same gameplay experience

Bungie's new title, Marathon, will launch on March 5, marking the company's first release outside the Destiny universe in over a decade. Players will have the option to disable cross-platform matchmaking, allowing PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users to avoid competing against PC players. Marathon will feature a mix of PvP, PvE, and PvPvE gameplay elements, but will not use matchmaking strategies from other titles like Arc Raiders. A server slam is scheduled for February 26 to preview the game. Sony has received positive feedback from playtests, which has informed adjustments to improve the game before its release.
Left 4 Dead creator's new co-op shooter just won me back after its limp Game Awards reveal
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Left 4 Dead creator’s new co-op shooter just won me back after its limp Game Awards reveal

4Loop is a new co-op shooter developed by Bad Robot Games, led by Mike Booth, known for Left 4 Dead. The game features a roguelite structure with tactical maps made up of interconnected nodes for missions, which require at least one player to survive to advance. Players can vote on objectives, and missions include tasks like rescuing hostages or harvesting resources. The game encourages creative tactics against AI opponents, utilizing features like portals and invisibility. A notable boss encounter involves navigating a dynamic obstacle course of lasers. The game is currently in pre-beta, with upcoming playtests planned, and will launch on PC and PS5. Specific release dates have not been announced.
One of my most anticipated games for 2026 is a little sandbox puzzle game that plays like the lovechild of Unpacking and PowerWash Simulator
AppWizard
January 19, 2026

One of my most anticipated games for 2026 is a little sandbox puzzle game that plays like the lovechild of Unpacking and PowerWash Simulator

Hozy is a new simulation game that allows players to clean and decorate various rooms in a whimsical sandbox environment. During playtests, players explored a spacious living room and a compact studio apartment, cleaning by gathering clutter into floating orbs and disposing of them in a whimsical wheelie bin. After cleaning, players can freely arrange furniture from moving boxes to create a customized aesthetic. The game encourages thoughtful placement of larger items and offers a relaxing gameplay experience, enhanced by ambient sounds. Some players experienced minor glitches, such as floating fairy lights. Hozy is noted for its engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy order and organization, but it currently lacks a release date, with fans hoping for more content by 2026.
The PvPvE extraction shooter where you build and drive a huge stompy mechanical base across a ruined planet gets a Steam release date
AppWizard
January 10, 2026

The PvPvE extraction shooter where you build and drive a huge stompy mechanical base across a ruined planet gets a Steam release date

Sand: Raiders of Sophie is an open-world first-person shooter developed by Hologryph, set in an industrial alternate history of 1910 under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The game features player-versus-player and player-versus-environment gameplay, allowing players to raid resources and explore the remnants of cities. Players can engage in skirmishes for loot, search for weapons and resources, and navigate using a mobile base called the Trampler, which can transform into a ship. The game is set to be released on Steam in March, and it has undergone several playtests. A new trailer has been released, showcasing the game's visuals and environment.
2D ARPG 'Fantasy Journey' Slated For 2026 Steam Release
AppWizard
December 26, 2025

2D ARPG ‘Fantasy Journey’ Slated For 2026 Steam Release

Developer XiangziArtStudio will release their 2D action role-playing game, ‘Fantasy Journey,’ on PC via Steam in June 2026. The game features a combat system that allows for various playstyles, including parrying, dodging, and blocking. Playtests and a demo version are currently available for players to provide feedback. Visual materials, including images and a video, have been released to showcase the game's world and mechanics.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
December 12, 2025

Everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 — Xbox, gaming handhelds, PC, and more

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2025. Decrepit, an indie title from Frame Interactive, is set to launch on PS5 and Steam in 2027. Audiomech, a bullet hell shooter by Dylan Fitterer, will have a free demo available on Steam starting December 12. PRAGMATA, an action-packed sci-fi adventure from CAPCOM, is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, with preorders open and a demo available on Steam. Solasta 2 will enter Early Access on Steam on March 12, 2026. TankRat, a vehicular action game, is set for a Spring 2026 release on Steam. Bradley the Badger, an action platformer, is available for wishlisting on Steam. Stupid Never Dies, a zombie-themed game, is planned for release in 2026 on Steam and PS5. Casey Hudson is developing a new Star Wars RPG set in the Old Republic era. Larian Studios announced Divinity, a project larger than Baldur's Gate 3. 4:LOOP, a co-op game from Bad Robot, will release on PC and PS5. Ontos, a spiritual successor to SOMA, is slated for a 2026 release on Steam and PS5. South of Midnight, winner of the Games for Impact award, will be available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2026. Order of the Sinking Star, a puzzle adventure game, is set to launch on Steam in 2026. Exodus, an RPG from Wizards of the Coast, is expected in Early 2027. WARLOCK, a dark fantasy action-adventure game, will launch on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5. Control Resonant, a sequel to Control, will be available in 2026. Gang of Dragon is an upcoming action game from the developers of Yakuza. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will release on May 29, 2026. Tomb Raider: Catalyst is expected in 2027, while a reimagining titled Legacy of Atlantis will launch in 2026. Forest 3 is in development with limited details. Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred expansion will launch on April 28, 2026. Hogwarts Legacy is available for free on the Epic Games Store until December 18. No Law, an open-world shooter, is set for release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. Total War: Warhammer 40,000 is available for wishlist on Steam. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will launch in 2026. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is scheduled for release in 2026. The Wind Awakening is set for release on December 23 for multiple platforms. Phantom Blade Zero will launch on PC and PS5 on September 9, 2026. Mega Man: Dual Override is set to release in 2027. Highguard, a free-to-play multiplayer FPS, will launch on January 26, 2026.
Dawn of War 4 developer confirms it's adding its most-requested feature, and now I can breathe a sigh of relief
AppWizard
December 11, 2025

Dawn of War 4 developer confirms it’s adding its most-requested feature, and now I can breathe a sigh of relief

Warhammer 40k Dawn of War 4 is highly anticipated, particularly due to the introduction of Lion el'Jonson and a focus on the original game's essence. Developers Jan Theysen and Elliott Verbiest engaged with the community during an AMA, indicating that initial playtest feedback is positive. King Art Games has compiled a list of around 200 potential features and improvements based on player desires. Customizable hotkeys are in development, and a replay system and observer mode are confirmed, though they may be added after launch. The game will utilize the 10th edition of Warhammer 40k for gameplay and units, despite the upcoming 11th edition. Details on modding capabilities are currently limited, but updates are promised.
Battlefield 6's low-poly rival is back, as its new update's playtest attracts an "overwhelming" number of players in just four hours
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

Battlefield 6’s low-poly rival is back, as its new update’s playtest attracts an “overwhelming” number of players in just four hours

The upcoming update to Battlebit Remastered, titled Operation Overhaul, aims to introduce a new map, redesigned classic elements, reworked weapons, improved audio, and refined movement mechanics. Since its Early Access launch in June 2023, the game has received over 78,000 reviews on Steam and has gained popularity among gamers. The first playtest for Operation Overhaul lasted four hours and received mixed feedback, with criticism regarding performance issues like memory leaks, although some players praised the user interface and visual enhancements. The game remains accessible to players with older hardware, and additional playtests are planned for the coming weekends.
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