spells Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Demigod review (2009)

Demigod, reviewed in PC Gamer issue #201 (June 2009), features a unique art direction characterized by a "Video Game Beige" color palette. The game allows players to utilize Generals to command minions in chaotic battles, though the visuals can sometimes obscure unit status. It includes four game types, with Conquest and Fortress modes requiring direct assaults on turrets, which can lead to drawn-out matches. Players can upgrade their minions at the Citadel, enhancing their capabilities. The game incorporates RPG elements, allowing players to invest in team benefits or personal enhancements through in-game currency. However, it has minor flaws, including pathfinding issues and inconsistent netcode, affecting online play. Despite these issues, players find enjoyment in the blend of strategy and RPG mechanics.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

It’s time for Garfield’s official Magic: The Gathering crossover now

The Magic: The Gathering franchise is releasing a "Cats are the Best" set, which includes 15 Garfield-themed cards in three drops of five cards each. The set reimagines classic cards like Swords to Plowshares and Counterspell with humorous Garfield-themed artwork. Collectors and players are encouraged to purchase these limited-run reprints from the Secret Lair website.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

This game about being a chaotic mage might be the best indie immersive sim you can play, as I learned after destroying a mime’s house with magnetism

Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Souls is a PC game that combines RPG elements with immersive simulation. Players encounter a mime in the game, who has an elaborate setup and a magnet-themed puzzle. The game features 40 spells, or runes, that can be creatively combined to solve puzzles. The design encourages experimentation and embraces failure, allowing quick respawns after mistakes. The gameplay includes slapstick animations that highlight comical misfortunes. Despite minor flaws in narrative and spell reprogramming, the game offers an engaging experience that appeals to fans of RPGs and puzzle-solving.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

I’m tired of everything getting turned into a roguelite, but I’ll make an exception for pinball

Developers are rapidly creating quick-hit games inspired by various mechanics, with 257 new roguelites released on Steam in the past month. One notable title is Pin-Crawl, which introduces a roguelite twist to pinball gameplay, featuring upgrades that create chaotic effects and unique spells for strategic advantages. Although its visuals may not match those of established titles, it offers innovative gameplay mechanics, including stats, bosses, and meta progression. Pin-Crawl aims to deliver quick, engaging sessions, appealing to players' nostalgia for pinball while blending it with roguelite elements.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU

In competitive gaming, unique character abilities combined with a 5v5 format create innovative experiences, with high stakes in competitive shooters where low frame rates can lead to defeat, demanding on CPU resources. Baldur’s Gate 3 features an immersive storyline and expansive world, requiring a robust CPU due to its intricate physics and character interactions. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 onwards) is a CPU-intensive simulation game that offers real-time world streaming, dynamic weather, and air traffic management. GTA Online allows players to engage in a sprawling open world of crime, with complex AI interactions that demand substantial processing power. Civilization VI, while not graphically intensive, requires significant CPU load for its intricate gameplay mechanics and constant calculations. Counter-Strike 2 demands high FPS and stable frame rates, making it extremely CPU-intensive due to its tactical team-based combat. World of Warcraft is one of the most CPU-intensive MMOs, requiring significant processing power for large-scale battles and exploration. Total War: WARHAMMER III places considerable demands on CPU performance due to its real-time warfare mechanics with vast armies. Overwatch relies on steady frame rates and real-time calculations, necessitating a powerful CPU, while also depending on the GPU for optimal performance. Minecraft's resource generation and real-time world building place significant demands on the CPU across various modes. Call of Duty: Warzone requires a powerful CPU to maintain fast frame rates and execute numerous physics-related calculations on a massive map. Starfield is one of the most demanding PC games of 2023, emphasizing the need for a capable CPU to handle its complex mechanics and expansive environments.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

This vampire farm sim has Real Housewives of Stardew energy

In Moonlight Peaks, players experience a unique farming simulation where the protagonist escapes from Dracula and arrives at a neglected family cottage that needs restoration. The game features quirky characters, including a hungover vampire father, a werewolf mayor, and a self-absorbed warlock. Players manage farm life starting at 6 PM, engaging in tasks like watering crops, crafting goods, and pursuing romantic interests, particularly with a werewolf named Saga. Innovative gameplay elements include a spellcasting minigame, energy-saving spells, and shapeshifting abilities. Additional activities such as flower arranging and potion brewing enhance the experience. The game has a sitcom-like tone and a distinctive art style, focusing on character relationships without combat. A public demo is available ahead of the full release on July 7.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Far Far West is my favorite indie in recent years, and Fanatical already has a discount for it

Far Far West is an indie game that combines elements of storytelling from Red Dead Redemption 2, cooperative gameplay from Deep Rock Galactic, and Easter eggs reminiscent of Call of Duty Zombies. Players take on the role of a robot cowboy bounty hunter, collecting gold and souls for upgrades while facing increasingly challenging missions. The game features engaging gunplay, magical spells, and boss encounters, with a strong emphasis on multiplayer gameplay for up to four players. Since its early access launch, it has received an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam and is available for .99 / £12.79 at Fanatical, reflecting a 20% discount from its regular price.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

My favorite RPG of 2026 put an impossible challenge in the second room to teach you not to save scum: ‘I am your DM, trust me’

Esoteric Ebb features an innovative approach to failure and save scumming, allowing players to reroll failed checks using an in-game resource called Shards of Jor, enhancing gameplay and storytelling. Designer Christoffer Bodegård emphasizes player agency and enjoyment, stating that players can choose how to engage with the game, including the option to save scum. He provides examples of encounters where players can retry difficult checks and assures them that initial failures are acceptable, as challenges will become easier over time. Bodegård aims to create a structured experience that accommodates various play styles while maintaining an illusion of agency within the narrative.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

My favorite RPG of 2026 put an impossible challenge in the second room to teach you not to save scum: ‘I am your DM, trust me’

Esoteric Ebb is a role-playing game that effectively balances challenge and player agency by embracing failure as a key element of storytelling. The game introduces a resource called "Shards of Jor," which allows players to reroll failed checks, promoting engagement with the narrative rather than relying on save scumming. Designer Christoffer Bodegård emphasizes a flexible approach to rules, encouraging players to design their own experiences. He provides examples of gameplay where failure is integral, such as a challenging Wisdom check involving a mysterious benefactor and accessing a magically sealed tea shop, both of which offer multiple pathways to success. Bodegård's philosophy aims to create an illusion of agency, empowering players to explore their choices within the game's narrative framework.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More

Chocobos, space, vampires, and sentient pottery are themes of upcoming games showcased at the ID@Xbox and IGN event. Several games will be available on day one through Game Pass, including: - Little Rocket Lab (April 21) - A cozy machine-building RPG where players help build a rocket. - Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato (April 21) - A narrative adventure about a quest for a potato in a magical realm. - Vampire Crawlers (April 21) - A turn-based, rogue-lite card-driven game based on Vampire Survivors. - Kiln (April 23) - A pottery-themed game that combines crafting and online battles. - Aphelion (April 28) - A third-person sci-fi adventure involving a crash landing and rescuing a partner. - Trepang2 (April 29) - A visceral FPS set in a dystopian future. - Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era (April 30) - A prequel to the series featuring army raising and spell casting. - Sledding Game (April 30) - A multiplayer snow-sports experience with voice chat. - TerraTech Legion (April 30) - A game focused on constructing battle vehicles. - Final Fantasy V (May 5) - A classic RPG involving a rescue mission and adventure with a Chocobo. Several titles will leave the Game Pass library on April 30, including: - Citizen Sleeper - Creatures of Ava - Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 - Endless Legend 2 - Goat Simulator - Goat Simulator Remastered - Hunt Showdown 1896 - NHL 24 (EA Play) - Revenge of the Savage Planet Games with a 'Handheld' designation are optimized for handheld play.