releases

Winsage
December 28, 2024
The Windows Insider program allows users to test unreleased features of Windows 11 and provide feedback. Participants may encounter several issues, including: - Unstable user interface with bugs, glitches, unexpected freezes, and scaling issues. - Random reboots that risk losing unsaved work. - Throttled performance during resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. - Increased potential for data loss due to system failures and blue screens of death (BSOD). - Microsoft collects diagnostic data from users, raising privacy concerns. - Frequent updates that can introduce new issues and require significant time for installation. Overall, the experience may lead users to prefer stable releases over Insider builds.
AppWizard
December 27, 2024
Alan Wake 2 debuted late last year, leading to assumptions of a 2024 release. Dragon's Dogma 2 launched in March but had excessive hardware demands and inconsistent performance. Nixxes Software's port of Horizon Forbidden West showcased effective traditional rendering. In May, Nixxes also released the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, which lacked ray tracing but was well-executed. June saw the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, the first expansion for Elden Ring, which did not include engine updates, causing performance issues for PC gamers. In August, Black Myth: Wukong and Star Wars Outlaws featured ray tracing but faced performance issues. September brought a port of God of War Ragnarök and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, both performing well. The Silent Hill 2 remake encountered glitches and performance issues on PC, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 struggled at launch. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl had visual appeal but suffered from performance problems and required patches for stability. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle performed well on lower-end hardware but was glitchy. High-profile titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth are anticipated for 2025.
Winsage
December 27, 2024
Users who installed Windows 11 24H2 via removable media may not receive security updates if the installation media contains the October or November 2024 security updates. Microsoft advises using installation media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later to avoid this issue. Devices receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are not affected. Microsoft is working on a resolution for the installation media problem, which is one of several known issues with the Windows 11 update.
AppWizard
December 27, 2024
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was released on PlayStation 5 on October 20, 2023. It is set to launch on PC platforms on January 30, 2025, available through Steam and the Epic Games Store. The PC version will be developed by Nixxes Software and will include all updates and enhancements from the PS5 edition, such as new suits, a New Game+ mode, increased difficulty levels, new styles for the Symbiote suit, options to modify the time of day, and additional post-story challenges. The game was part of Sony's strategy to bring more PlayStation exclusives to PC. Pre-order bonuses included early access to specific suits and gadgets, and various editions were available at launch, including a Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and Collector’s Edition.
AppWizard
December 26, 2024
Mouthwashing is a notable horror game released this year, set on a broken spaceship named the Tulpar, which can be completed in under two and a half hours. Players experience the story through the perspectives of Curly and Jimmy, exploring themes of violence and corporate dehumanization with a nonlinear narrative. Still Wakes the Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is another significant title that takes around six hours to complete. It follows protagonist Caz McLeary on an oil rig, blending psychological horror with emotional depth as players evade a monstrous entity while dealing with Caz's troubled past. Lethal Company stands out in the multiplayer sandbox horror genre, featuring whimsical yet terrifying elements and unpredictable gameplay. The game has received updates throughout 2024, enhancing its chaotic and memorable experiences, such as encounters with a hungry bird and a giant robot. Overall, this year has been exceptional for horror gaming, particularly for indie titles like Mouthwashing and Lethal Company, which have gained recognition alongside larger games.
AppWizard
December 26, 2024
- Empire of the Ants, developed by Tower Five using Unreal Engine 5, showcases innovative technology like Lumen and Nanite, delivering a visually stunning experience without stutters. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a unique art style and striking visuals powered by the Frostbite Engine, despite not meeting long-time fans' expectations. - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, despite its troubled development and some graphical glitches, is visually captivating, especially with HDR, and modding communities have helped enhance its environments. - Horizon: Forbidden West translates beautifully to PC, offering impressive visuals without ray tracing effects, and is considered superior to titles like God of War: Ragnarok. - Final Fantasy 16 shines on PC with gorgeous environments and character designs, and the absence of major pop-ins enhances the immersive experience. - Tekken 8 is noted as the most visually impressive 3D fighting game, with meticulously crafted character models and stage designs that run smoothly on various PC configurations. - Black Myth: Wukong utilizes path tracing technology for a visually rich experience, though it has some limitations in environmental design. - The Silent Hill 2 Remake features expansive environments and exceptional use of Lumen and Nanite, showcasing impressive 3D models and an elevated horror art style. - Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, utilizing Unreal Engine 5, presents some of the most realistic 3D characters and environments, with high-quality textures and particle effects. - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is recognized as the best-looking PC title of 2024, featuring path tracing effects that enhance lighting and detail, despite minor texture issues.
AppWizard
December 25, 2024
The Minecraft Actions & Stuff add-on has been released on the Minecraft Marketplace by Oreville Studios. It enhances mob movement and interactions, featuring smoother animations, 3D items, custom armor, new textures, and quality-of-life upgrades. The add-on is available for 1690 Minecoins and has received 1,500 reviews with a four-star rating. It is not available for the Java edition of Minecraft and was previously a free mod before being removed. Only Bedrock Edition players can access this add-on.
AppWizard
December 25, 2024
PC gaming has transitioned from a niche hobby to a significant competitor against consoles, highlighted by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3. The Steam wishlist charts showcase a diverse range of games, including janky survival games, indie debuts, and obscure titles that gain unexpected popularity. Notable games this year include a survival game with 25 million players, a poker roguelike, and Stalker 2. Discussions around Game of the Year awards featured unconventional games, reflecting the eclectic nature of PC gaming. Despite the rise of console-first releases on PC, the platform continues to embrace a variety of genres and interests, maintaining its unique identity and charm.
TrendTechie
December 25, 2024
The majority of free digital game downloads are pirated versions lacking developer protections. EA FC 25 cannot be acquired through piracy as it remains secure due to the Denuvo protection system, which has not been breached since the game's release over a month ago. Denuvo is known for its robust security, making it time-consuming and resource-intensive to crack. Additionally, many games receive downloadable content post-launch, requiring ongoing efforts to bypass security. Pirating games is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.
AppWizard
December 25, 2024
In 2025, several highly anticipated video game releases are expected, including Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Grand Theft Auto VI, Ghost of Yōtei, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Among these, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, a sequel to the 2018 game Moonlighter developed by Digital Sun, is set to launch in 2025. The game features a new 3D aesthetic and invites players to balance the roles of an adventurer and a merchant, exploring vibrant dimensions while managing a treasure shop. The gameplay includes battling enemies in roguelite-style arenas and collaborating with other business owners to upgrade equipment.
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