progression system Archives

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

The new Company of Heroes is a wave-based defense game that throws prospective generals straight into the action

Relic Entertainment has announced Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand, which introduces a "wave defense" gameplay style and features formidable bosses and dynamic battlefield events. The game incorporates a roguelite progression system, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies. This installment celebrates the franchise's 20th anniversary while evolving the Company of Heroes experience.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Discussion time: Most big MMOs are seasonal now—do you prefer it that way, or do you loathe the FOMO checklist?

Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are increasingly adopting a seasonal structure, with titles like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and The Elder Scrolls Online implementing named seasons. This shift aims to address player fatigue from extensive power grinds, offering a reset mechanism that allows for a more level playing field. In contrast, games like Old School RuneScape, EVE Online, and Project Gorgon focus on permanent progress without seasonal resets. Guild Wars 2 utilizes a hybrid model, combining major patches with a horizontal progression system.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Marathon’s Vault Breaker PvE mode is coming in July, and here’s the twist: You leave your loot behind

Marathon has introduced a new mode called Vault Breaker, allowing players to explore the raid map Cryo Archive solo or in groups of two or three. This mode features a unique progression system where players enhance their power across multiple matches with the goal of reaching the final vault. To participate, players need a "Sponsored Kit," a free loadout designed for balanced gameplay. Unlike traditional extraction shooters, players will not keep gear or items found during runs; instead, they collect Vault Data, a currency for upgrading the Sponsored Kit or purchasing gear for other modes. The mode is set to launch on July 21 as part of a mid-season update, which will also introduce the Cradle Evolution system and various quality-of-life improvements. Community reactions are mixed, with some players criticizing the inability to retain items, while others see it as an opportunity to learn the map without high stakes.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Witchspire is a charming Palworld-esque survival crafting game that replaces the unpaid monster labour with magic and whimsy

Witchspire is a survival crafting game released into early access, where players take on the role of a witch in a whimsical world filled with magical tools and familiars. Players can track down fellow witches, build a base, and engage in tree chopping using wands and spells. Familiars can be captured and serve as combat companions or enhance productivity at the player's base. The game features a fluid combat system with a dodge mechanic and multiple double-jumps, as well as gridless building mechanics. Exploration rewards players with chests, mini-puzzles, and experience points for a skill tree. Some quality-of-life features are still in development, such as viewing crafting recipes and switching consumables during combat. The game is developed by Envar Games.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Wash and Polish Rides! Car Wash Simulator Gets a PC Demo

A free demo of Car Wash Simulator is now available on PC, with the full version set to launch in 2026 for PC and later for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is developed by Majestic Twelve and published by Wildlands Interactive and Ultimate Games S.A. It features intricate car-cleaning mechanics, business management, and reputation-building strategies. Players can wash cars, upgrade equipment, and make strategic decisions that affect their reputation. The demo, available on Steam starting June 10, showcases key gameplay mechanics. The game supports multiple languages and is designed for a single player. Minimum system requirements for the demo include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-7600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU, and 10 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

There are already two mods to make Gothic Remake’s lockpicking less painful

The Gothic Remake offers a deeper gaming experience but has received criticism for its lockpicking system, which players find tedious. Alkimia Interactive is aware of the feedback and notes that investing skill points can improve the experience. Mods like "Unlock All Chests and Doors" and "Lockpick Settings" are available to help players manage the lockpicking mechanic. Players are also using mods to enhance performance and identify interactable objects in the game. Installing these mods requires downloading files into the game’s directory and launching the game with administrative privileges.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Cozy city builder Papaya Plaza announced for PC

Publisher Weekend Games, in collaboration with developer Biscuit Factory Games, has announced the village builder game Papaya Plaza, set to launch on PC via Steam, with a demo currently available. Players will take on the role of Mayor to revitalize a neglected tourist town into a vibrant destination, aiming for a 5-Star status. The game features customization options and art by Stef Bollen. Players will assist uniquely designed villagers and establish shops to generate income for town improvements. Key features include a low-stress gameplay environment, pixel art style, and a progression system to enhance the town's rank.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

9 cool things about Paralives you won’t find in The Sims

Paralives has entered early access and offers several innovative features that distinguish it from The Sims 4. Key features include: - The ability to resize objects, allowing for customization in design. - A snap-free decorating system that enables free placement of items. - A color wheel for customizing clothing, hair, and furniture colors, with the option to save swatches. - Height sliders for creating characters of varying heights, enhancing realism and diversity. - A vegetarian toggle that does not consume a trait slot, simplifying character traits. - A needs-dependent skill progression system that requires characters' needs to be met for leveling up. - Special mood meters that provide unique emotional states based on characters' actions. - Townie requests inspired by farming simulators, offering daily tasks for rewards. - A museum feature for donating found items, encouraging exploration and collection.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Sink your teeth into V Rising for free this weekend, and you can grab the full game for less than half price

V Rising is currently available for free on Steam until Monday, allowing players to experience the game without initial cost. The full version is offered at a 55% discount, priced at £16, and six downloadable content packs are available at a 20% discount. The game features exploration, resource gathering, and base-building, with players taking on the role of a vampire. It has received a score of 89% from critic Lewis Parker, who praised its progression system and boss fights. A new patch has been released to improve gameplay and balance PvP encounters. The promotional offers will last until May 21. Stunlock Studios is also working on a new title related to the vampire theme.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

Marathon’s Game Director admits it’s “overwhelming to learn” and too sweaty

Marathon, developed by Bungie, has a specialized appeal that may hinder sustainable growth, as noted by Game Director Joe Ziegler. He described the game's learning curve as "overwhelming" and gameplay as a "hardcore sweat-fiesta," indicating a need for more relaxed options. Since its launch nearly three months ago, the game has fostered a growing core community, with players contributing fan art and lore videos. Key observations from Season 1 include the overwhelming experience for newcomers, the chaotic endgame balance, and the demand for less intense gameplay. For Season 2, two new PvE-focused modes will be introduced, including one that blends PvE with PvP and another emphasizing cooperative gameplay. New features will include the Night Marsh zone, a defensive Runner shell named 'Sentinel,' fresh weapons, and improved customization options. Additional anticipated features are a Duos rotating zone queue, a revamped matchmaking system, and an expansion of Vault size. Bungie is also working on enhancing the onboarding experience and contract system. Season 2 is set to launch on June 2, with more details to be revealed in late May.