role-playing games Archives

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

If you love Diablo 4’s Necromancer, the next Titan Quest 2 update is made for you

Titan Quest 2 is an action role-playing game developed by Grimlore Games, focusing on core elements from the original game while avoiding the live-service model. The game is currently in early access, with an update scheduled for April that will introduce two major features: summons and talismans. Each mastery will include a summon skill with new passive abilities, allowing for diverse playstyles. Summons will function similarly to auras, requiring energy management, and the game will automatically re-summon fallen minions. The five current masteries and their summons include: - Storm: Wisps that unleash lightning strikes. - Warfare: War Banner that heals and buffs allies or debuffs foes. - Forge: Automaton, a customizable mechanical ally. - Earth: Core Dweller, a rock golem that deals damage. - Rogue: Shadow Clone that mirrors the player’s gear. The update will also introduce talismans for mages, replacing traditional shields and enhancing energy reserves. Additionally, there will be an overhaul of epic items, with significant buffs and reworks to improve their effects. Other enhancements include new affixes on gear and revamped implicits on staves for casters. The exact release date of the update is not specified, but it is described as "nearly ready for release."

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Esoteric Ebb’s creator reckons most players only saw half the game, and that’s fine by him: ‘You’ve got to miss stuff in order to feel like the world is bigger’

A player completed New Vegas after 300 hours over 15 years, demonstrating dedication to experiencing every aspect of the game. Christoffer Bodegård, the creator of Esoteric Ebb, designed the game to evoke wonder and discovery, similar to classic RPGs like Elden Ring. He introduced the concept of the "illusionary wall of agency," suggesting that with numerous choices and content, players may feel they have missed significant portions even after completing a large percentage of the game. This design philosophy enhances gameplay and fosters a deeper connection between players and the game world, encouraging exploration and repeated engagement.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company writer wants its cast to have real friction: ‘It’s not a personal fantasy game’

Star Wars Zero Company, directed by Aaron Contreras, aims to create a distinct narrative identity, departing from common RPG tropes. The game combines strategic gameplay similar to XCOM with storytelling elements reminiscent of Mass Effect. A feature detailing the development process and narrative vision is available, showcasing insights from Contreras and the Bit Reactor team. An explainer provides essential details about the game's features and narrative direction, indicating that it seeks to redefine the RPG landscape with a focus on challenge and emotional depth.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be “100% human made”

Owlcat has admitted to using generative AI in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, specifically for prototyping and placeholders, which will be replaced before final assets are created. PR manager Katharina Popp clarified that this approach is intended to streamline development, allowing for rapid iteration. However, this decision has sparked debate among fans, many of whom prefer human creativity over AI-generated content. Owlcat previously stated that generative AI was not used in their other titles, raising questions about their commitment to originality. The community has expressed resistance to the technology, with some players stating they do not want to play games that incorporate generative AI.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Banquet For Fools review

Banquet for Fools is an immersive role-playing game set to release on March 5, 2026, by Hannah and Joseph Games. Players engage deeply with the game world, which lacks traditional quest logs and markers, requiring them to take notes to track objectives. The game begins with a chaotic scene and spans three centuries into the future, where players create questing parties with unconventional characters. The narrative is intentionally vague, and players must interpret information conveyed through elaborate scrolls and hand-drawn notes. Traveling in the game is a significant experience, with players choosing routes that impact their resources and survival. Encounters with friendly groups or hostile enemies add tension, and combat is real-time, requiring tactical decisions and quick reactions. The combat system emphasizes a personal connection to attacks and encourages players to unlock new abilities that enhance tactical options. Challenges include vague directions from NPCs and a strict day/night cycle, which can lead to frustration but also deepen player engagement with the game world. Each setback offers opportunities to learn and adapt, making the experience rewarding despite its complexities.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?

In role-playing games (RPGs), there is a debate between using pre-defined characters with backstories versus creating unique characters. Many players appreciate the freedom of crafting their own characters, as seen in games like Baldur's Gate and Skyrim, which offer extensive customization and replayability. Conversely, games like Mass Effect and The Witcher, featuring defined protagonists, provide memorable experiences through strong narratives and emotional depth, despite offering less character customization. Players face significant choices that shape their journeys, even with established characters. The release of Baldur's Gate 3 blends both approaches, allowing for rich character development while starting from a blank slate. This ongoing discussion encourages players to reflect on their preferences in character creation versus narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Esoteric Ebb Review

Esoteric Ebb is a role-playing game inspired by Disco Elysium, focusing on exploration rather than combat, and features a narrative rich in literary and political themes. The game blends narrative depth with mechanics similar to Dungeons & Dragons. - Price: £21 - Release Date: March 3, 2026 - Developer: Christoffer Bodegård - Publisher: Raw Fury - Reviewed on: Steam Deck, Windows 11 (Core i5 12600K, RX 9070 XT, 32GB RAM) - Steam Deck: Verified - Official site link available Gameplay includes strategic challenges, such as an early ambush by an assassin where players can use spells creatively. Some minor complaints include a cluttered user interface on the Steam Deck, cumbersome inventory management, typographic errors, and occasional UI glitches. There are also reports of bugged feats affecting gameplay. Despite these issues, the game is considered compelling for RPG enthusiasts and offers good value for its price.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Obsidian was ‘surprised’ that Avowed players bounced off one of the RPG’s most important systems: ‘That frustration came through loud and clear’

Avowed's crafting system initially faced criticism for making upgrades mandatory, requiring players to gather materials for weapons and armor, which hindered exploration. In response to player feedback, Obsidian Entertainment implemented changes in an anniversary update, refining the progression system to allow for a more gradual experience. Custom difficulty modifiers were introduced, enabling players to adjust game elements like merchant prices and upgrade material costs. Additionally, workbenches were added throughout the game world, allowing players to enhance equipment without returning to camp, making gear acquisition and upgrades more accessible.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Diablo 2 with Minecraft logic: Blizzard veterans talk about what the new role-playing action game Darkhaven will surprise with

Veterans from Blizzard North, now part of MoonBeast Productions, are developing an action role-playing game called Darkhaven, which combines elements from Diablo II and Minecraft. The game is not a sequel to Diablo II but is inspired by concepts from the original game and its Lord of Destruction expansion. Darkhaven features a procedurally generated world that evolves as players progress, including a global event called the "Necropolis" that transforms the landscape into an undead-dominated realm. Players can escape to new worlds with unique challenges. The game includes a dynamic event system that will regularly introduce new events, similar to how Minecraft adds new biomes. Players can manipulate the environment, such as destroying walls and reshaping the terrain for tactical advantages. Darkhaven is available on Steam for players to add to their wishlist, but its release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

KONAMI Unveils Rev. NOiR, a New RPG, on Sony Interactive’s State of Play Broadcast

Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. has announced the development of a new role-playing game titled Rev. NOiR for PlayStation®5, revealed during Sony Interactive’s State of Play broadcast. A teaser trailer and a dedicated website have been launched to provide insights into the game. The story is set in a world affected by a phenomenon called light fall and follows a boy with amnesia and a girl on a quest to stop this destructive force. The narrative explores themes of destiny and the human spirit. Further announcements regarding the game's features and storyline are expected.