retrospectives

AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Monolith Productions announced its closure earlier this year, prompting tributes to its 30-year legacy. One notable title from the studio is Gruntz, a puzzle strategy game released for PCs in 1999, which has maintained an active community despite its initial rocky launch. The game was designed by Nick Newhard, who aimed to create a game that his wife would enjoy, blending real-time strategy elements with puzzles. After Newhard's departure from the project due to internal disagreements, Kevin Lambert took over development, infusing humor and personality into the characters. Gruntz received mixed reviews upon release, but found a favorable reception in Europe. The game's inclusion of level editing tools led to a dedicated fan community, with ongoing projects like Dizgruntled and Gruntz Unityverse. The community currently has over 368 accounts, showcasing the game's lasting appeal.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt celebrates its 10th anniversary this week, marking its evolution from a niche title to a significant influence in modern fantasy storytelling, partly due to the Netflix adaptation. Upon release, it received a score of 92% from PC Gamer and was recognized as a top title in 2016, despite not winning the Game of the Year award in 2015. The game faced distribution challenges, with console versions prioritized over PC, leading to delays in review copies. The community has embraced various memes, including the "tub scene" and "Big Geralt," contributing to the game's cultural impact. The ongoing conversation about its legacy and anticipation for a sequel keeps the franchise relevant.
AppWizard
October 19, 2024
Mega Man X Dive, initially a mobile game, was released on Steam in 2023 and features high-quality art comparable to other Mega Man titles. The Mega Man X Dive: Official Complete Works book is available for preorder, set to release on March 25, 2025, and includes character designs, key art, and developer interviews. Art books from the Mega Man series, such as Mega Man: Complete Works and Mega Man Zero: Official Complete Works, are priced high due to limited print runs. Several Mega Man manga series are also available, including Mr. Mega Man and Mega Man Mastermix: Robot Rebellion. Additionally, the Street Fighter series has upcoming literature, including the Street Fighter World Warrior Encyclopedia: World Tour Edition, releasing on November 5, featuring character profiles and other content.
AppWizard
June 11, 2024
Ultima 5: Warriors of Destiny is an early example of a "make it darker" sequel, exploring the consequences of the hero becoming an outlaw. Ultima's influence on both western and Japanese RPGs is highlighted, with the game being compared to other influential titles such as Wasteland and Pool of Radiance.
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