soldiers Archives

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

“We love punching Nazis,” Jeronimo Barrera says. That’s why Nekome: Nazi Hunter is all about killing them

Nekome: Nazi Hunter is a story-driven game that explores themes of vengeance and the darker aspects of human experience during World War II, particularly the Holocaust. Players assume the role of Vano Nastasu, a young Romani man seeking revenge against the Nazis who murdered his family. The game features hyper-violent combat and a comic-book aesthetic, inspired by grindhouse cinema and films like Inglorious Basterds. The development team emphasizes that the violence serves a narrative purpose and collaborates with consultants to ensure respectful representation of the Roma and Sinti people's experiences. The game includes a notoriety system that affects how Nazi soldiers react to players' actions, adding complexity to combat. Scheduled for release in 2026, the game is generating interest among potential players and can be added to wishlists on Steam.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Altera is a hardcore, realistic, unforgiving military survival sandbox, so of course it features penguin soldiers with reflex sights on their heads

Altera is a military survival sandbox game set in a Central European landscape, focusing on base-building, crafting, and missions from NPCs. It features ranged combat against lifeless enemies and lacks zombies or competitive elements. The game has introduced "weaponized penguins," where players can equip penguins with military helmets and gun sights to engage in combat. Altera has been in development since 2022, originally conceived as a sci-fi game but evolving to a more realistic aesthetic while retaining the concept of humans and animals fighting together. The game has over 2,000 sign-ups for an upcoming playtest, and while a specific release date is not announced, it will debut in early access on Steam.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Why Did Messaging App Telegram Fall From Grace in Russia

Russia plans to implement a full block on the messaging app Telegram on April 1, 2026, following increased pressure from authorities over six months, including halting calls, conducting regional shutdowns, and slowing functionality nationwide. Telegram has nearly 96 million users in Russia and serves as a media outlet and communication tool for various state agencies and military personnel. The app was initially embraced by the Russian government but faced conflicts leading to previous blocking attempts in 2017, which were largely unsuccessful. In 2020, Telegram was allowed to operate freely again, but the situation changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with increased scrutiny following the launch of VK's messaging app, MAX. Recent developments suggest Telegram could be classified as an extremist organization, posing legal risks for its founder and users. Additionally, the Federal Antimonopoly Service claimed advertising on Telegram was illegal, complicating its market presence in Russia, where it hosts about 40 percent of the influencer market.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

The Mess With Max, Telegram, And More: Russians’ Patience Tested By Online Troubles

In Moscow, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram are facing increasing restrictions due to regulatory actions by the state tech regulator, Roskomnadzor, aimed at promoting the state-backed app, Max. Mobile internet access is being intermittently disabled, causing significant disruptions for residents who rely on connectivity for services like taxis and food delivery. The Kremlin spokesperson suggested using landlines as a solution. Reports indicate that Telegram may face a complete ban by April 1. Authorities have mandated the installation of Max on new mobile devices and enforced its use in universities, with students required to install the app to receive diplomas. The throttling of Telegram has raised concerns among military personnel and their families about communication. Mobile internet outages have affected millions, prompting public outrage, especially on International Women's Day, and leading to significant economic losses for businesses in Moscow. Similar issues have been reported in other cities across Russia.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Russia is killing Telegram, its most popular messaging app, despite fears of pushback

The Kremlin is increasing its control over Telegram, Russia's most popular messaging app, leading to resistance from citizens and regime supporters. Telegram serves as an essential communication tool for many Russians, including pro-Kremlin activists like Grigory Korolyov, who uses it for military fundraising, and Olga Krygina, who organizes humanitarian aid. The government frames Telegram as a platform for terrorism, justifying restrictions by claiming it does not comply with Russian laws. Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, is under investigation for allegedly assisting terrorism, which he denies, suggesting the crackdown is a government attempt to suppress dissent. The promotion of a state-backed alternative, MAX, has faced skepticism and connectivity issues. Military bloggers express concern that a potential ban on Telegram could harm battlefield communication, with reports indicating soldiers are being told to remove the app. Despite assurances from the Kremlin about alternative communication systems, experts argue that Telegram is vital for military operations, raising doubts about the effectiveness of MAX in this context.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Moscow University Students Pressured to Use State App Max to Receive Diplomas

Students at the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the Moscow Pedagogical State University (MPGU) have raised concerns about a directive to register for the state-run messaging application, Max, warning that non-compliance could jeopardize their access to diplomas via the government portal, Gosuslugi. The university is transitioning all academic communication and administrative processes to Max, with messages from the dean's office emphasizing the necessity of registration. An order from the Russian Ministry of Education instructs university officials to discuss the implementation of Max with students. MPGU representatives confirmed that the introduction of Max aims to enhance the university's information environment. Additionally, the state messenger's adoption affects Russian military personnel, who are resisting orders to install Max, which has led to discontent among soldiers and officers. Concerns about digital surveillance have also intensified, with many military personnel seeking to avoid using Max, viewed as a surveillance tool. The Russian government plans to enhance internet monitoring and censorship, with a new system set to be introduced in 2026, backed by a budget of 2.27 billion rubles.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

This week in PC games: Marathon, Slay The Spire 2, a promising Disco-like RPG and a monastic garden mystery

This week features a variety of new PC game releases, including: - The Abbess' Garden: A life simulation game set in the 17th century where players restore a botanical sanctuary. - Sad God: A game where players navigate a shaft filled with threats to reach the surface before lava engulfs them. - The Legend of Khiimori: An open-world courier game set in 13th-century Mongolia, now in early access. - Esoteric Ebb: A single-player CRPG where players investigate an explosion at a teashop during an election. - Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered: A remaster of the classic title focusing on narrative and choice. - Humanica: A city-building game where players can edit the landscape of their prehistoric city. - Luxman Moonlit Market: A night market simulation game with a unique art style. - Scott Pilgrim EX: A side-scrolling brawler based on the Canadian comic book series. - Slay the Spire 2: The sequel to the roguelite deckbuilder, now in early access. - Card Cultivation: A game combining elements of Cultist Simulator with Chinese mythology. - Planet of Lana II: A puzzle-platformer where players save a cyborg world alongside a kid and their pet. - Age of Barbarians Chronicles: An action game with a sword-and-sorcery theme. - Here Comes The Swarm: An early access survival RTS where players fend off gigabeetles. - Marathon: Bungie's reboot of the classic FPS set in a rich lore universe. - Ratcheter DX: An adventure game challenging players to escape a sunken ice base. - Mr. Peregrino: A game set in the 19th century where players manage food supplies while escorting pilgrims. - Over The Top: WW1: A game where players experience the frontlines of World War I. - Aethus: A game where players investigate a lost science expedition on a desert world. - Post-Apocalyptic Technician: Players repair Stroggs as an underground technician. - Frog Abundance: An exploration game centered around frogs in various time periods. Team members at RPS express interest in different titles, with Ollie favoring Marathon, James interested in Planet of Lana, Mark leaning towards automotive adventures, and Julian considering writing about Slay the Spire 2.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Steam Drops 10 New Free Games This Weekend, Keep Forever

This weekend, Steam users can download a selection of new free games, including: - The Raid of Brunswick: A first-person simulation of a World War II bombing raid. - Precision: A fast-paced 2D platform shooter with retro graphics and sound. - Stellifier: The Comeback: An otome typing game featuring returning idols. - Dreams Stories Online: An MMORPG with real-time combat and character progression. - Dog's Walts: A game where players control a dog to knock soldiers off a stage. - Haimaskià: A vampire-themed action/stealth game featuring an assassin named Lucie. - Metal Goose: A first-person retro shooter where players battle robotic birds. - Exodus: A top-down shooter defending Earth from alien invaders. - Song of Decay: A 2D RPG inspired by the myth of Orpheus. - Slime Wars: A 2D real-time strategy game focused on slime battles and resource management. These games can be downloaded from their store pages on Steam and will remain in users' libraries indefinitely.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Russia probes Telegram founder Durov to crush messaging app

Moscow is conducting a criminal investigation into Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, over accusations of terrorism, as reported by the state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The Russian government aims to control Telegram, which has over 1 billion active users, and is promoting a state-supported alternative, MAX. The investigation is based on allegations that Telegram assists terrorist activities, with claims that it serves as a tool for hybrid threats and poses risks to national security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted substantial violations linked to Telegram's operations. In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia is increasing its repressive measures and digital surveillance, targeting VPNs and messaging apps to enhance national security. Despite these challenges, Telegram remains a crucial news source in Russia and is used by various groups, including Kremlin officials and opposition figures. Durov opposes government censorship and argues that the crackdown aims to push citizens towards a state-controlled app. He has previously faced scrutiny for his refusal to comply with Russian authorities and has criticized other governments for their influence on digital freedoms. The Russian FSB claims that Ukraine is exploiting data from Telegram for military purposes.