solitude Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time

Revisiting Final Fantasy 11 after nearly two decades evokes nostalgia but highlights a diminished community. The game approaches its 20th anniversary, and while familiar landscapes remain, the sense of belonging has faded. The introduction of NPC party members allows solo players to progress more quickly, altering the gameplay that once emphasized teamwork. This change raises concerns about the value of achievements earned without shared experiences, as the vibrant social dynamics have been replaced by messages from players selling items. The author grapples with the desire to reach max level while questioning the worth of solitary accomplishments.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Derelict Star review

A momentum-based 2D platformer titled "Derelict Star" will be released on April 3, 2026. It is developed by gate and published by Luminous Tree Games. The game emphasizes exploration and skillful navigation over traditional power-ups, encouraging players to master movement mechanics. It features a jetpack mechanic with a speed meter, and the environment consists of various rooms with unique challenges. Checkpoints and fast travel options enhance the exploration experience. The game is verified for Steam Deck and was reviewed on an RTX 3060 laptop with a Ryzen 5 5600H and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

This is not a drill: All-timer weirdo game Deadly Premonition now playable on Linux as of Valve’s most recent Proton beta, plus 17 others and your EA library (until EA breaks it again)

Proton 11 beta 1 has been released by Valve, enhancing the Steam Deck and Linux desktops, and incorporating features from Wine 11. This update includes an initial Arm64 version of Proton, with plans for implementation in the upcoming Steam Frame. Some Windows games may perform better on Linux with this update. Newly playable games include "Unknown Faces," "Gothic 1 Classic," "X-Plane 12," "Breath of Fire IV," and "Deadly Premonition." The update also fixes various issues, such as video playback in "She Sees Red," rendering problems with the Ukrainian language option in "Chambers," and voice chat issues in "Phasmophobia." Improvements have been made in VR support for "No Man's Sky," and many other gameplay and performance enhancements have been implemented across various titles. Proton 11 beta 1 is based on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, including vkd3d, dxvk, and Wine Mono.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Subnautica 2 multiplayer explained – crossplay and four-player co-op

Subnautica 2 introduces multiplayer functionality, allowing players to explore underwater landscapes with up to three friends. The game maintains a design that ensures all single-player features are available in multiplayer without exclusive elements. Players can switch between single-player and multiplayer modes, converting existing saves or creating new ones. Friends can join a player's world but may be able to take resources. The game is fundamentally designed as a single-player experience, preserving moments of solitude. Subnautica 2 supports cross-play between Xbox and PC users, with a friends list system for connecting across platforms. Future expansions to other platforms are expected to maintain this cross-play capability. Players should check system requirements for compatibility.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

The Last Caretaker’s latest update embraces its inner Dr Evil by adding sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads

The Last Caretaker is an oceanic survival simulation game that blends themes of desolation, hope, and crafting. The latest update, Curiosity Wakes, introduces laser sharks with cranial laser cannons, ram sharks, and mysterious archangels. Players can now deploy NPC companions, including a mobile gun turret called the Sweetheart and craft spiderbot-like creatures. The update also adds customization options for the player's robot, new quests, and locations, as well as a connection to vat-grown humans via the Council of Humanity. Since its alpha launch in November, the game has received three significant updates, including the addition of a jetski, new biomes, a forklift truck, and a compost system for biofuel production. An upgraded demo is available on Steam, enhancing the starting area and exploration opportunities.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Oblivion turns 20 today, and I need Bethesda to return to its roots for Elder Scrolls 6

The author purchased The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion the day after its release, exchanging all their pocket money at Gamestation. The game came with a disc and a glossy map of Cyrodiil. Oblivion allowed players to take on various roles, showcasing the flexibility characteristic of RPGs. The author experienced the game on PC, while it also became a flagship title for the Xbox 360, broadening the appeal of RPGs to console gamers. Oblivion has influenced many contemporary games, including Elden Ring and Kingdom Come Deliverance. It is associated with the controversial horse armor DLC, which sparked discussions about microtransactions in gaming. The author reflects on the game's graphical limitations and the unnecessary nature of the Oblivion Remastered version. As Oblivion celebrates its 20th anniversary, the author considers the future of RPGs and the potential impact of The Elder Scrolls 6.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

If I could change one thing in Arc Raiders this year, I’d abolish late spawns

The author completed their Expedition by acquiring the last Ion Sputter and reflected on their experiences in Stella Montis. They noted that late spawns in Arc Raiders, while previously a minor inconvenience, have become a significant hurdle due to the game's focus on Expeditions and resource collection. Specifically, late spawns drastically reduce the chances of obtaining necessary items like Ion Sputters and Frequency Modulation Boxes. The introduction of aggression-based matchmaking has further complicated resource gathering. The author argues that late spawns disrupt strategic planning and introduce randomness, making it difficult to achieve specific objectives. They suggest that if the game continues to emphasize resource pursuit, the late spawn mechanics should be reconsidered to align with other extraction shooters.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

James Gunn’s Superman Arrives In Minecraft With New DLC

James Gunn's vision of Superman has debuted in Minecraft through a new downloadable content (DLC) in collaboration with DC Studios and Oreville. Players can explore Metropolis, solve puzzles, and confront Lex Luthor, who is voiced by Nicholas Hoult. The adventure begins at the Fortress of Solitude, where players can choose missions and strategize against LuthorCorp. The gameplay emphasizes flying through Metropolis, engaging in combat, and using powers like Super Breath and Heat Vision. The DLC requires Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and includes 11 unique skins and various iconic locations. Additionally, players can receive a complimentary Superman fan top in the Character Creator. James Gunn's Superman film is set to be a highlight for Warner Bros in 2025, having already grossed 7 million worldwide on a million budget.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

Superman Comes to Minecraft with New DLC

Players can now experience the Superman DLC in Minecraft, allowing them to take on the role of Superman and defend Metropolis from Lex Luthor's schemes. The DLC includes various missions, combat mechanics utilizing Superman's powers (such as punching, freezing, and Heat Vision), and features iconic locations like the Fortress of Solitude, Metropolis, LuthorCorp, and the Hall of Justice. Players can also team up with other heroes and claim a free Superman fan top in the Dressing Room. The DLC is available on the Minecraft Marketplace for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

AppWizard

September 10, 2025

Superman saves Minecraft in new DLC

The official Minecraft account announced an upcoming Superman expansion featuring iconic Superman comic covers in a Minecraft style. Players will explore Metropolis, visit the Fortress of Solitude, and encounter characters like Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Krypto. The narrative involves Lex Luthor pretending to open a shelter for lost puppies while plotting chaos in Metropolis. Players will engage in activities such as flying, battling foes, and solving puzzles to uncover Lex's plan, with assistance from Lois Lane. A video presentation showcasing the Superman DLC features is anticipated.