reception Archives

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

First-Person Shooter Zombie Game Now Free for All PC Gamers

A first-person shooter zombie game called Blood and Zombies is available for free to PC gamers through IndieGala, a digital storefront. The game, developed by Wild Monkey and published by Indie.io, was released in 2022 and typically retails for .99. It has received a "Mixed" user review score on Steam, with a 57% approval rating based on 283 reviews. The gameplay involves players defending against waves of zombies using various weapons and survival strategies. Players can experience several hours of content without any financial commitment during the promotional offer.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

In defense of placeholder assets: why generative AI accidentally appears in so many games

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn has acknowledged the use of generative AI in its development, while Pearl Abyss apologized for unintentionally including AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert. Other games like The Alters and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have faced similar issues with AI elements. Developers are increasingly cautious about AI integration, with some, like Arc Raiders, moving away from AI-generated voice actors. When AI-generated art appears, developers often claim these were placeholders, which raises concerns about their inclusion in final products. Josh Sawyer highlighted the importance of distinguishing between temporary and final assets in his project Pentiment. The creative process relies on human vision and artistry, which generative AI cannot replicate. Additionally, the environmental impact of AI technology is a concern due to the energy demands of data centers. Developers' claims of unintended AI assets raise questions about transparency, contrasting with Owlcat's open acknowledgment. Players react negatively to AI-generated artwork, leading to swift apologies from developers, highlighting the tension between AI use and artistic integrity.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Borderlands 4’s Mad Ellie expansion plummets into the red as players reject $30 price tag

Anticipation for the first story expansion of Borderlands 4 is high, particularly due to the enjoyable base game experience. The expansion features characters like Ellie and introduces a new playable character, C4SH, a robotic gambler. Players will join forces with Moxxi's daughter and Ellie to confront a cosmic threat in the new region, Whispering Glacier, while seeking an alien monolith and exploring the Vault of the Damned. C4SH has unique abilities that enhance gameplay, including building 'Fortune' stacks and using various action skills. However, the expansion has received 'mostly negative' reviews on Steam, with only 33% of reviewers rating it positively, largely due to its pricing. The expansion is priced at .99 / £26.99, which many players feel is too high for the content offered, especially when compared to other games that provide more substantial gameplay for similar prices. The bundling of the new character with the story content has also contributed to dissatisfaction, as not all players may be interested in both elements. The expansion is available on Steam and included in the Super Deluxe Edition bundle.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Mojang hired a “cow whisperer” and “real animal voice actors” to record new Minecraft animal noises: “The cows started to speak to him immediately”

Minecraft's latest update, Tiny Takeover, features new animal sounds created with the help of "real animal voice actors" to enhance authenticity. The update includes an overhaul of baby mob sounds, with recordings of kittens, wolf puppies, foals, piglets, and baby chickens, as well as new sound variants for adult animals. The reception of update 26.1 has been mixed, with some players criticizing it as a "low effort marketplace add-on," while others defend the developers' efforts. The Minecraft development team remains optimistic about future updates and the abundance of ideas available for the game.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

V Rising studio is working on a new game, and it sounds like it’s got teeth: ‘The odyssey of the Vampire continues’

Stunlock Studios has announced the end of content updates for its vampire survival game, V Rising, nearly two years after its launch. The studio is shifting its focus to a new ambitious project that aims to expand the V Rising universe, promising a world with greater depth, danger, and mystery. While details about the new game are limited and it is still in early development, Stunlock reassured fans that V Rising will continue to receive balance adjustments and bug fixes. Additionally, the studio confirmed that official modding support will not be introduced for V Rising due to structural limitations, but insights from this exploration may benefit future projects.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

V Rising developer is making its “most ambitious” vampire game yet, and players want it to be an MMORPG

Stunlock Studios is transitioning from V Rising to a new project within the same universe, which they describe as their "most ambitious project yet." While they will continue to support V Rising with balance adjustments and bug fixes, the content for the game is complete. The studio is stepping away from V Rising's established architecture due to its restrictive nature for creative iteration. They have introduced a Google Form for players to provide feedback on V Rising, although most of the development team will focus on the new title. Details about the new project are vague, but it promises a deeper and more dangerous experience. There is a strong player desire for an MMORPG experience, with hopes for larger servers in the next iteration. Stunlock is attentive to this feedback and invites community suggestions for the future of the V Rising saga.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Marathon review

Bungie's upcoming title, Marathon, is set to release on March 5, 2026, as an extraction shooter for up to 16 players, priced at £30. The game features a fast-paced multiplayer experience with matches lasting around 15 minutes, emphasizing player-versus-player interactions and strategic gameplay. It showcases a visually original design set in Tau Ceti, with unique environments and weapon aesthetics. The narrative is enriched by a codex with hundreds of entries, allowing for non-linear storytelling. Map designs encourage tactical engagement, and future player engagement may be affected by a seasonal wipe scheduled for June. Overall, the game has received positive feedback for its gameplay, visuals, and narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

There’s a new Payday game coming later this year, and it’s VR

Starbreeze is launching a virtual reality game titled Payday: Aces High, part of the Payday franchise, developed by Fast Travel Games. The game features co-op multiplayer for up to four players and allows for solo play. Players assume the roles of elite bank robbers in chaotic heists, maintaining the series' elements of planning and teamwork. Payday: Aces High is set to release in the third quarter of 2026, specifically between July 1 and September 30, and will be available exclusively for Meta Quest and SteamVR headsets. Starbreeze's CEO stated that this game is part of a strategy to expand the Payday franchise through new formats. The studio is currently facing challenges, including issues with Payday 3 and layoffs, while the success of Aces High remains uncertain amid a reevaluation of VR investments in the industry.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 announced with 2026 release date

Mojang has announced Minecraft Dungeons 2, set for release later this year, available on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. The game will feature a new enemy force and aims to engage both new and returning players. The original Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, attracted 25 million players in its first three years. Minecraft Dungeons 2 will be included in the Game Pass lineup, likely requiring a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for day-one access. A teaser trailer has been released, but no exact release date has been provided.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Cat Parents amasses over 100,000 wishlists in just 3 days, leaving its indie devs speechless: ‘We never imagined that our little dream would spark interest in so many people’

An indie game titled Cat Parents allows players to collect and care for stray cats, including activities like cleaning, feeding, and modifying their homes. The game's announcement by Solvita Zacha, CEO of Gaze In Games, generated significant excitement, achieving 100,000 wishlists within three days. The specific launch date for the game has not yet been announced.