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AppWizard
January 18, 2026

Cutesy Stardew-like life sim with millions of players just hit Steam, but the PC version is a letdown and it’s awful news for Steam Deck

Heartopia, a life simulation game, has gained over five million players on mobile but has struggled to resonate with the Steam audience after its PC release. The game launched on Steam with vague announcements about its availability and received nearly 1,000 reviews shortly after, though feedback has been mixed. Players feel the PC version seems like an afterthought, with issues related to control schemes and the absence of controller support. The development team is engaging with the community but has provided generic responses regarding improvements. Despite these challenges, 69% of Steam reviews are positive, with players appreciating the game's charm, although frustrations about camera controls persist. Heartopia is available for free on Steam.
Disney suddenly pulls 14 games from Steam, including a childhood favorite, and the preservationist in me is wincing
AppWizard
January 18, 2026

Disney suddenly pulls 14 games from Steam, including a childhood favorite, and the preservationist in me is wincing

More than a dozen Disney-published titles have been removed from sale on Steam, raising concerns about digital preservation. The delisted games include: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Cars Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney's Chicken Little Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules - Disney Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney Pixar Toy Story Mania - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and The Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The removal affects both lesser-known licensed games and beloved classics from LucasArts, such as Afterlife, which allows players to build infrastructures of heaven and hell, and other notable titles like Armed and Dangerous and Stunt Island. Players were not given prior notice about the delisting.
Heartopia (PC) Review
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.
Repair shop simulator ReStory will finally let me live out my dream of being an electronic tinkerer without having to destroy my own belongings first
AppWizard
December 10, 2025

Repair shop simulator ReStory will finally let me live out my dream of being an electronic tinkerer without having to destroy my own belongings first

ReStory is a simulation game set in early 2000s Tokyo where players act as a repair shop owner, mending various electronic devices. The gameplay involves disassembling gadgets, cleaning them, diagnosing issues, and restoring them. Players will encounter a range of devices to repair, including Atari consoles, Tamagotchis, and vintage mobile phones. The game features a narrative aspect where players interact with customers, revealing emotional connections to their devices. ReStory is set to be released in 2026.
Beloved, 13-year-old simulator game hits a new Steam peak as stunning DLC lets you cruise beneath the Northern Lights
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Beloved, 13-year-old simulator game hits a new Steam peak as stunning DLC lets you cruise beneath the Northern Lights

Viral clips featuring role-playing streamers and expensive gaming setups have become common, enhancing the gaming experience of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). Thirteen years after its release, ETS2 recently achieved a peak of 72,686 concurrent players on Steam following the launch of two new DLC packs and a significant discount. The first DLC, Nordic Horizons, adds 40 new cities across Scandinavia, allowing players to drive to the northernmost point in Europe. The second DLC, the Forest Machinery pack, introduces new forestry equipment as cargo options. The game is currently available at a 75% discount, reducing the base price to .99/£4.22 until December 11. The surge in player numbers is attributed to community support and the new DLC rather than just the discount.
Last year's addictive co-op building game, Satisfactory, is 30% off Humble's Cyber Monday sale
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Last year’s addictive co-op building game, Satisfactory, is 30% off Humble’s Cyber Monday sale

Satisfactory is a factory-building game set on an alien world where players construct and optimize automated production networks. The game emphasizes automation, resource gathering, and intricate constructions, allowing players to explore and experiment with their designs. It features a first-person perspective and a co-op mode for collaborative play. Currently, Satisfactory is available for .45, down from .50, as part of the Humble Store's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, which offers a 30% discount. This offer is valid until December 4th, 2025.
After 13 years, Euro Truck Simulator 2 smashes its all-time concurrent player peak on Steam by dropping two DLCs with, let me check my notes here, more Europe and more trucks
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

After 13 years, Euro Truck Simulator 2 smashes its all-time concurrent player peak on Steam by dropping two DLCs with, let me check my notes here, more Europe and more trucks

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has surpassed its all-time peak player count on Steam with over 72,678 concurrent players, more than 13 years after its release in 2012. Recent expansions, including Nordic Horizons and the Forest Machinery add-on, have enhanced gameplay. The game offers a meditative quality, allowing players to experience tranquility while driving through scenic routes, serving as a form of escapism from daily life.
Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it's avoiding Inzoi's biggest flaw
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it’s avoiding Inzoi’s biggest flaw

The release of the life simulation game Paralives has been delayed, with a new early access launch date set for May 25, 2026. The Paralives team recently showcased 45 minutes of uncut gameplay, highlighting features such as a daily local newspaper with activity suggestions, skill progress bars, a meaningful conversation system, personality trait upgrades, contextual moods, and the ability to purchase items in shops. Despite some minor bugs observed during the gameplay session, the overall experience suggests players will have opportunities to shape their characters' lives. The game aims to address critiques of its predecessor, Inzoi, which has faced criticism for lack of engagement and meaningful activities.
Stardew Valley's medieval fantasy cousin now lets you collect adorable pets and kill off NPCs
AppWizard
November 22, 2025

Stardew Valley’s medieval fantasy cousin now lets you collect adorable pets and kill off NPCs

Mirthwood's latest update, the Foundations update, introduces new features such as seasonal festivals, pets, and random world events. Three recurring festivals have been added: All Hallows Eve, the Festival of Blossoms, and the Summer Solstice, each featuring special vendors with 35 exclusive items. Players can now have pets, including cats and dogs, which help with farm tasks and alert to intruders. The update also includes 35 new random events, like Bandit Raids and Vermin Plagues. A significant new feature is the mortality of NPCs, where players can lose characters due to neglect or failure to complete quests, with a tombstone system to memorialize them. The Foundations update is currently available, with a 30% discount on Steam until December 2, and a free demo is offered.
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