protagonist Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

The Backrooms film left me with more questions than answers and that’s why it’s the perfect adaptation

Kane Parsons has adapted his web series, including the Found Footage installment, into a feature-length film under the A24 banner. The film effectively introduces the concept of the backrooms to both newcomers and dedicated fans, featuring thrilling chase sequences and jump scares, particularly from the Still Life entity. It captures themes of memory loss and the fear of forgetting familiar faces and places while integrating seamlessly into Parsons' existing web series. The narrative establishes the Async Institute and explores character dynamics, with Clark's stubbornness and Dr. Mary Kline's curiosity propelling the story. The film maintains an air of mystery, leaving many questions unanswered about the characters' fates and the true nature of the backrooms. The conclusion hints at a more coherent version of the backrooms, suggesting a complex narrative layered with intrigue.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2026

Inazuma Eleven Cross Game Launches for iOS, Android on June 9

Inazuma Eleven: Cross will be launching for iOS and Android on June 9, featuring a new protagonist named Yō Shiosawa and an original story. The Japan National Team 2026 Project will be included in the game, along with new commemorative artwork and the addition of Mark Evans and Jude Sharp in Japan's national team uniform. The fifth free major update "New Kick-Off" DLC for Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road will be available on June 11. Characters from Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road will not transfer to Inazuma Eleven: Cross, but will be saved for a future sequel game.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)

Mina The Hollower is a game developed by Yacht Club Games over six years for PC and consoles. The protagonist, Mina, has a unique move called "hollowing," which allows her to dive into the ground to find treasures and navigate through walls, contrasting with the jumping mechanic of Super Mario. The co-founder of Yacht Club Games, David D’Angelo, recommended starting with Shovel Knight to prepare for Mina The Hollower, noting that Specter of Torment is the least difficult and quickest to finish, while King of Cards offers a polished experience similar to Mina. Engaging with Yacht Club's previous titles enhances understanding of their game design evolution.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)

Mina The Hollower is a new game developed by Yacht Club Games, which has been in development for six years for PC and consoles. The protagonist, Mina, has a unique ability called "hollowing," allowing her to dig into the earth to find treasures and navigate through walls. The co-founder of Yacht Club Games, David D’Angelo, recommended playing their previous titles, starting with Shovel Knight, to better understand the design philosophy behind Mina The Hollower. He noted that Specter of Torment is the least difficult and quickest to finish, while King of Cards celebrates their work in the Treasure Trove compilation. Engaging with these games provides insights into the studio's evolution as a game developer.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

‘Shonen run ‘n’ gun’ game Tiebreakers announced for PC

Tiecorp Studio has announced a new game called Tiebreakers, set to launch on PC via Steam, with the release date yet to be revealed. The game features 2D shooting action combined with sports elements, where players control a group of heroes known as the Tiebreakers, including the protagonist Li Sha, who uses sports-themed projectiles. Players will face enemies called "Red Cards" in boss fights, following rules that require scoring seven points with a two-point lead to win. The game emphasizes themes of perseverance and teamwork. Development began seven years ago as a side project by Tom Kurcz and Alexandre Re, with contributions from freelance artists. Key features include intense boss fights, innovative mechanics, a shonen story, and dynamic gameplay. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for viewing.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

From ‘Minecraft’ to ‘Alto’s Adventure’: 7 cosy games with soundtracks for the soul

The music of Stardew Valley was composed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone and features 100 tracks that capture various moments and locations, making it a gold standard for comfort in gaming. Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a soundtrack that combines lo-fi melodies with electronic guitar riffs, adapting to the time of day and weather, enhancing the gameplay experience. Spiritfarer explores themes of death and nostalgia through its soundtrack, which evolves into a narrative element of the game. Minecraft features an ambient soundtrack by Daniel "C418" Rosenfield that has influenced lo-fi and vaporwave music trends, characterized by gentle piano melodies and tranquil synths. The soundtrack of Monument Valley aligns with the game's aesthetic and player actions, enhancing immersion. Journey has a Grammy-nominated score by Austin Wintory that complements its visuals and storytelling, providing essential clues through its instrumentation. Alto's Adventure features stirring melodies that capture the exhilaration of gameplay, inviting players to immerse themselves in the experience.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

One Move Away is a great cosy packing game, even if it had me rage-flinging boxes into the back of a truck

One Move Away is a game that uses the act of packing as a storytelling device, allowing players to engage with the life of an unnamed protagonist. The game begins in 1973 with the protagonist as a baby, teaching players mechanics like stacking and organizing items. As the protagonist grows, players experience significant life events, such as moving into their first apartment, where they must fit possessions into small moving vehicles. The game captures the satisfaction of packing while also depicting the stress of transitions. Players may reflect on their own moving experiences, facing challenges like fitting large furniture and improvising packing strategies. Ultimately, the game emphasizes the joy of problem-solving and the satisfaction found in imperfect solutions.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Before Dishonored, Arkane was tapped to make Thief 4, and my heart weeps for what might have been: ‘We had an amazing pitch for Thief’

The Dishonored series is inspired by the Thief franchise, with Stephen Russell, the voice actor for Thief's protagonist Garrett, voicing Corvo Attano in Dishonored 2. Before creating Dishonored, Arkane Studios was approached by Bethesda to develop Thief 4, as they were seen as the ideal candidate for the project. Co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith have discussed this potential project, expressing nostalgia for an Arkane-crafted Thief game. Thief 4 was eventually developed by Eidos Montreal but received a lukewarm reception. A recent spiritual successor, Thick as Thieves, has also been released with mixed reviews.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

PC gaming’s very own indie-themed Smash Bros. just added the guy from Spelunky, who I now know is named Guy Spelunky

Guy Spelunky is the protagonist from the game Spelunky and will be featured in Fraymakers, an indie fighting game developed by Team Fray. Fraymakers includes a diverse roster of characters such as Octodad, the Impostor from Among Us, and Hat Kid from A Hat in Time. A reveal trailer showcasing Guy Spelunky’s abilities and gameplay is available on YouTube.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

I can’t wait to get murdered by flowers in this rad-looking survival horror game

The Florist is a new survival horror video game from Unclear Games, featuring plants as a central theme. It employs fixed-camera perspectives, complex environmental puzzles, and a methodical combat approach, possibly with tank controls. The game showcases hyper-detailed plant life and includes scripted sequences with a zombie-like enemy. The release is expected in 2026.