routes Archives

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Is Minecraft colonial?

In a Minecraft world, approximately 50 villagers are confined in a basement, contrasting with the idyllic town above. Players manage villagers by using fishing rods to guide them into trading halls, where they can be traded with for resources. The game, launched in 2009 by Mojang Studios, allows players to explore and build in an open-world environment. The construction of villager trading halls reflects themes of exploitation, likened to chattel slavery, as players seek enchantments through trading. Critics note that the game's mechanics mirror colonial ideologies and contemporary global supply chains. Techniques like update suppression enhance farming efficiency, suggesting a deeper layer of exploitation in gameplay. The villager trading hall serves as a processing puzzle, emphasizing the functional role of villagers rather than their individuality. The game encourages innovation and manipulation of reality within its grid-based structure, reflecting broader societal trends in technology and information.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Manor Lords’ dev is experimenting with a new trading system that allows for ‘deliberate economic strategies’, including establishing monopolies on resources

Manor Lords, developed by Slavic Magic, had a quiet 2025 as the team recalibrated after its successful early access launch in 2024. Activity increased in December with a significant patch that reworked core systems and castle construction mechanics. Tim Bender, CEO of publisher Hooded Horse, announced a new trade route system that connects locations to the import and export of items, allowing up to three merchants per route. Players must hire at least one merchant to engage in trade, and can attempt to buy out merchants on a route, creating contested economic territory. This system enables players to develop economic strategies, such as monopolizing Iron Slabs. Hooded Horse and Slavic Magic are seeking feedback from the Manor Lords community on these features. Additionally, Hooded Horse launched the 1.0 version of Terra Invicta, a sci-fi grand strategy game, and Bender opposed the use of AI-generated assets in their games.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Hidden-gem strategy game where you take over a cyberpunk city as a sentient AI adds a new mode for the “truly sadistic”

Heart of the Machine, a city-building sandbox game by Arcen Games, launched in early access in January 2025. It combines elements of 4X strategy, RPG-like narratives, and tactical combat. Following a significant update that eased some challenging endgame elements, players requested a return to the original difficulty, leading to the introduction of 'Misery mode,' designed for those seeking extreme challenges. The game has been adjusted to make key routes easier for new players, and it allows exploration of alternate timelines. Arcen Games is working on finalizing tier-three goals for the game's eventual 1.0 release, with a planned post-launch update for the 'Stars Beyond Reach' route. Heart of the Machine is currently available at a 50% discount during the Steam Winter Sale, priced at .99 / £12.49, and has a 92% positive recommendation rate from players.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Strava used to be my favorite running app, but now I can’t stand it

The author canceled their Strava subscription due to dissatisfaction with the platform's shift towards a premium model that restricts access to personal data and features. Upon canceling, they lost access to their workout history, personal bests, and the Year in Sport recap, which are now only available to paying users. The mapping features, including the Night Heatmap and custom route creation, are also limited for non-subscribers, raising concerns about safety. The author has shifted their focus from performance metrics to social interactions on the platform, finding enjoyment in connecting with friends rather than tracking training goals.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

4 Essential Android Smartwatch Apps You Should Always Install First

Google Gemini's Wear OS app is a successor to Google Assistant, offering voice control, AI-driven reasoning, and automation for tasks like checking the weather, sending messages, and managing smart home devices. It enhances fitness app management, allowing users to control workouts without touching the device. Gemini integrates with Google services for real-time health inquiries and improves email productivity by summarizing and drafting responses. Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows text and voice input for capturing ideas and creating lists on an Android smartwatch. It features quick access through watch tiles and complications but lacks full editing capabilities. Strava is a fitness tracking app that allows users to monitor activities directly from their smartwatch, using built-in GPS to log routes and metrics. It syncs data to the mobile app after workouts, though social features are limited on the watch. SleepisolBio is a sleep management app that tracks heart rate and sleep patterns, offering therapy options and personalized recommendations. It operates on a freemium model, providing many features for free, but requires smartphone setup for effective use on a smartwatch.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Since everyone got mad about yellow paint again this year, here are 5 alternatives I propose to help players find their way around in 2026

The gaming community is currently debating the use of yellow paint as a navigational aid in video games, with titles like Stellar Blade, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, and Star Wars Outlaws contributing to the discussion. Critics argue it reflects lazy game design, while industry voices like Naoki Hamaguchi acknowledge its necessity. The lead designer of The Witcher 4 suggests that the issue lies in the contextual application of such indicators. An alternative navigation concept inspired by Ghost of Tsushima proposes using weather elements, like rain or thunder, to guide players. This method is seen as more subtle but may not suit all players. Mafia: The Old Country introduced physical road signs along routes, improving navigation without frequent minimap checks, though implementation can be challenging in diverse environments. Another idea involves making navigational hints optional and turning them into puzzles with an NPC called The Riddlemaster, which could enhance engagement but requires significant resources. Lastly, a more extraordinary navigational aid could involve a dramatic visual intervention, like a giant hand directing players, which would be memorable but costly and potentially controversial.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

The Best PC Games Of 2025

Peak is a low-budget cooperative multiplayer game categorized as "friendslop." It features chaotic gameplay where players navigate unpredictable events like tornadoes and geysers while climbing a mountain. The game emphasizes decision-making regarding stamina, routes, and risk versus reward when collecting supplies. It offers a procedurally generated mountain that changes daily, ensuring unique experiences. Players can collaborate and face challenges, including the extreme option of cannibalism for survival. The game is designed to be engaging through its mechanics and the variety of challenges presented.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

Day 4 Night announces genre-bending action adventure game Bradley the Badger for PC

Day 4 Night, co-founded by Christian Cantamessa and Davide Soliani, has announced their new project, "Bradley the Badger," an action-adventure game set to launch on PC via Steam, with potential future releases on additional platforms. The game is a tribute to video games, blending exploration, traversal, and puzzles within a satirical narrative. Players will follow Bradley, a platforming icon, as he navigates various uniquely crafted worlds to rescue friends and restore order. Central to the gameplay is the Kit, a tool that allows Bradley to modify unfinished assets, enhancing exploration and combat. Players can adjust the size of objects, control unfinished assets, create climbable walls, transform objects into explosives, and manipulate surfaces to create pathways. Additional powers will be unlocked as players progress.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Marble Arch pop-up theatre ‘looks like Minecraft tree’

A pop-up theatre designed to resemble a "Minecraft tree" will be located at the Marble Arch Mound, opening in April 2026 and operating until June 2028. The Westminster City Council's planning committee has unanimously approved the venue, which will temporarily house the Arts Theatre during its refurbishment. The theatre is designed for a lifespan of 20 years, with potential relocation after two years. Local support for the project is strong, although some councillors have expressed concerns about the building's green cladding. Historic England has reservations about the structure's impact on the Marble Arch's prominence. The theatre will feature an aluminium frame with recycled materials, a foyer, bar, and a stage at the western end, with shipping containers used for additional facilities. The Arts Theatre's last performance at its current location is scheduled for December 31.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

7 Top Android App Genres in Texas

Mobile phone usage in Texas has become integral to daily life, with various popular Android app genres reflecting residents' preferences. 1. Gaming Apps: Gaming is highly favored, particularly strategy games, racing titles, and card games. Real money online casino platforms are gaining popularity for their straightforward cash play and quick withdrawals. 2. Social and Communication Apps: Texans use messaging apps and social media to maintain connections with friends, family, and colleagues, fostering a sense of community. 3. Finance and Budgeting Apps: Many Texans utilize finance and budgeting apps to manage bills, track expenses, and monitor investments, aiding in financial management. 4. Shopping Apps: Shopping apps are widely used for accessing deals and ordering essentials, especially beneficial for residents in small towns and urban areas. 5. Travel and Navigation Apps: Navigation apps are essential for real-time traffic updates and route planning, particularly for commuters and road-trip enthusiasts. 6. Lifestyle and Wellness Apps: There is a rise in downloads of lifestyle and wellness apps, including fitness trackers and meal planners, promoting healthier lifestyles. 7. Productivity Apps: Productivity apps help Texans manage projects and tasks, enabling organization and efficiency in various professional sectors.