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After feedback that Death Stranding was 'too slow,' Kojima wanted more players to see Death Stranding 2 all the way through to the end
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

After feedback that Death Stranding was ‘too slow,’ Kojima wanted more players to see Death Stranding 2 all the way through to the end

Hideo Kojima set a benchmark for player engagement in Death Stranding 2, aiming for a fulfilling experience that encourages completion. Feedback from playtesters led Kojima to enhance the game's playability while avoiding conventional gaming tropes. In the original Death Stranding, completion rates were low, with about 40% of PS4 players, 34% of PS5 players, and 20% of Steam players finishing the game. Initial data for Death Stranding 2 shows over 62% of players completing the final chapter, attributed to easier navigation with vehicles and tools. To address concerns about reduced challenge, a difficulty setting called To the Wilder was introduced in the PC release. Kojima Productions aims to balance enjoyment and accessibility with depth and complexity in the game.
This tax-themed malvertising attack can blind security software before it arrives — and then unleashes ransomware
Tech Optimizer
March 24, 2026

This tax-themed malvertising attack can blind security software before it arrives — and then unleashes ransomware

Cybercriminals are targeting taxpayers with phishing schemes and malware attacks as the April 15 tax deadline approaches. They create fake tax form websites that appear in Google Ads, leading users to download malicious software like ScreenConnect, which can disable device security. These tactics aim to steal sensitive information and potentially facilitate ransomware attacks. Counterfeit Chrome updates are also being used in similar schemes. Taxpayers are advised to verify the authenticity of websites and rely on trusted sources to protect their personal information.
Evernote is getting even more expensive, so I'm ditching it and moving to this note-taking app
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Evernote is getting even more expensive, so I’m ditching it and moving to this note-taking app

The author experienced frustration with Evernote due to unnecessary AI features, stability issues, and unreliable syncing after over a decade of use. A price hike in 2026 prompted a search for alternatives. The author found Notesnook to be a suitable replacement after resolving a previous issue with its search function, allowing for seamless data transfer from Evernote. Notesnook offers automatic syncing across devices, a user-friendly interface, robust security, and an open-source foundation. It has a free tier with limitations, an Essential tier at .99 monthly or .99 annually, and a Pro tier at .99 monthly or .99 annually, all featuring end-to-end encryption. Notesnook's pricing is considered reasonable compared to Evernote's higher fees.
Death Stranding 2 was my Game of the Year in 2025, and now on PC, it's my GOTY for 2026
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Death Stranding 2 was my Game of the Year in 2025, and now on PC, it’s my GOTY for 2026

Death Stranding 2 has been released on PC after its initial launch as a PS5 exclusive. The game continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges, who is now raising his adopted daughter Lou while attempting to connect Australia to the chiral network. Players can unlock new gear and contribute to shared constructions, enhancing gameplay and fostering a sense of community. The game blends various genres and features a narrative with elements reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid. It includes a soundtrack by Woodkid, replacing Low Roar, and is available for .99 / £62.99 on Fanatical, providing a Steam key.
Indika forced me to confront some of life's toughest questions, and I think it's made me a better person
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Indika forced me to confront some of life’s toughest questions, and I think it’s made me a better person

The author attended an all-girls Catholic high school where they observed a dissonance between the teachings of compassion and the actions of some devout Catholics who bullied peers. This experience led to a questioning of faith, which has diminished over time, although an appreciation for religious imagery remains. The author discusses the indie game Indika, developed by Odd Meter, which explores dark themes of faith and violence within an Eastern Orthodox convent. The gameplay combines puzzle-solving and parkour elements, with nostalgic pixelated segments. Indika's narrative is dark, lacking happy endings or divine intervention, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and the absence of God in times of hardship. The game illustrates that even pious individuals can harbor darkness and encourages players to embody resilience and compassion in the face of evil.
Screamer's racing action and storytelling are impressively unique, but the game needs balancing fast
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Screamer’s racing action and storytelling are impressively unique, but the game needs balancing fast

Screamer is a racing game that integrates a comprehensive narrative into its gameplay, distinguishing itself from traditional racing titles. The game features a vibrant anime aesthetic and a cast of eccentric characters involved in dramatic rivalries and corporate intrigue. Players engage with the story primarily in the main Tournament single-player mode, which focuses on character motivations and relationships. The driving mechanics in Screamer differ from conventional controls, utilizing the right stick for drifts and the left stick for steering. As players progress, they can accumulate boost abilities that can be transformed into attack capabilities, adding a strategic layer to the racing experience. However, the gameplay often revolves around maximizing boosts, which can overshadow classic racing strategies. The game presents challenges such as erratic difficulty spikes in Tournament mode, leading to inconsistent experiences where some races are disproportionately easy or difficult. The boost system is essential for most races, and developers may need to refine the mechanics to achieve better balance and enhance the overall experience.
Banquet For Fools review
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.
Don’t Miss Out on This Huge Open World Game That’s Skyrim Meets Minecraft
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Don’t Miss Out on This Huge Open World Game That’s Skyrim Meets Minecraft

Enshrouded is an expansive open-world RPG that combines the destructible sandbox mechanics of Minecraft with the RPG elements of Skyrim. It supports multiplayer gameplay for up to 16 players and offers a wealth of content for solo RPG enthusiasts, featuring an open world filled with adversaries, dungeons, and treasures. Players can shape their environment, creating settlements and communities. Enshrouded is currently in Early Access and is set to launch its 1.0 version later this year, with additional features, including console ports, expected in a final update scheduled for Fall 2026.
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