storytelling Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Amid a tidal wave of new games in 2024, these 10 must-play deep cuts are cheap and will run on almost anything

Many gamers are facing a growing backlog of titles as they enter the new year. Instead of returning to popular games like The Witcher 3 or Persona 5, players are encouraged to explore quirky indie games that offer depth and creativity, are budget-friendly, and suitable for short gaming sessions. Eight standout indie games from the past year and two late entries from 2023 include: 1. Felvidek: Set in the Slovak highlands, featuring a disgraced protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences with a priest, utilizing sepia-toned visuals and retro turn-based combat. 2. Skald: Against the Black Priory: A DOS RPG-inspired game with pixel art and a rich soundtrack, offering modern hardcore CRPG mechanics. 3. Dread Delusion: A low-fi RPG with immersive world-building and exploration, captivating players since early access. 4. Anger Foot: An arcade FPS priced at , combining fast-paced action and humor, reminiscent of "Hotline Miami." 5. Judero: An action-adventure game with a druid protagonist in a whimsical claymation world, featuring surreal dialogues. 6. Mouthwashing: A claustrophobic narrative set on a marooned spaceship, known for its nonlinear storytelling and haunting atmosphere. 7. Straftat: A 1v1 FPS that combines classic map design with humor, serving as a contrast to live service games. 8. The Black Parade: An unofficial expansion for Thief Gold, featuring ten expansive missions that highlight immersive sim design. These indie titles offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream gaming, allowing players to enjoy unique narratives and innovative gameplay.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is so authentically Indiana Jones it should probably be called Henry Jones Jr. and the Great Circle

The PC Gamer team highlighted "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" as a standout game in their 2024 Game of the Year Awards. Voice actor Troy Baker portrays Indiana Jones, initially raising skepticism due to his previous iconic roles. Early trailers presented the game as simplistic, but players found a rich exploration experience, featuring locations like The Vatican and authentic character interactions. A notable scene involves a humorous confrontation with antagonist Emmerich Voss. The game employs first-person gameplay for immersion, allowing tactile engagement with the environment. Its slower pacing fosters a deeper connection to the world and characters, reminiscent of classic RPGs. MachineGames successfully captures the essence of Indiana Jones, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience. There is anticipation for future adventures in the series, emphasizing storytelling and character development over mere spectacle.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2024

The PC has become a supportive environment for indie games, as seen in the finalists for this year’s PC Game of the Year. The game 1000xResist is noted for its compelling storytelling. Crow Country, created by SFB Games, is a tribute to PS1 survival horror games while offering a unique narrative. The winner of the 2024 Siliconera PC Game of the Year is Balatro, which has gained recognition and is compared to timeless classics like Tetris.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

30 Amazing PC Games of All Time

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in hardware leading to cinematic visuals and a broader understanding of gaming. Certain genres, like computer role-playing games and strategy titles, continue to thrive. "Sons of the Forest" is highlighted as a notable title, encouraging players to experience the original game to appreciate its sequel. The game features innovative tools, such as solar-powered golf karts and hang-gliders, a variety of firearms and melee weapons, AI helpers, and a revamped building system. While the narrative isn't the main focus, the game offers a wide range of engaging activities, showcasing the exploration, survival, and creativity that define PC gaming.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

This year has proved yet again that horror games do best when devs keep it small-scale

Mouthwashing is a notable horror game released this year, set on a broken spaceship named the Tulpar, which can be completed in under two and a half hours. Players experience the story through the perspectives of Curly and Jimmy, exploring themes of violence and corporate dehumanization with a nonlinear narrative. Still Wakes the Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is another significant title that takes around six hours to complete. It follows protagonist Caz McLeary on an oil rig, blending psychological horror with emotional depth as players evade a monstrous entity while dealing with Caz's troubled past. Lethal Company stands out in the multiplayer sandbox horror genre, featuring whimsical yet terrifying elements and unpredictable gameplay. The game has received updates throughout 2024, enhancing its chaotic and memorable experiences, such as encounters with a hungry bird and a giant robot. Overall, this year has been exceptional for horror gaming, particularly for indie titles like Mouthwashing and Lethal Company, which have gained recognition alongside larger games.

BetaBeacon

December 26, 2024

Top 25 best text-based games for Android phones and tablets

- Unmemory is a thrilling text-based game where players track down the man who murdered their girlfriend while dealing with memory loss.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Use your Christmas money to buy these games in the Steam Winter Sale

The Steam Winter Sale is running until January 2, 2025, offering substantial discounts on popular games. Notable titles on sale include: - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: A 2D action game from Ubisoft, recognized for its innovation in accessibility. - Helldivers 2: A cooperative shooter featuring humorous gameplay against alien foes, with a recent content update. - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: An RPG sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, offering over 100 hours of gameplay. - Tekken 8: A fighting game available at a 50% discount, featuring a cinematic story campaign. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A narrative-driven RPG from Bioware, offering a deep storytelling experience. - Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess: An innovative tower defense game from Capcom, with a bundle option including Okami. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 original 8-bit games, appealing to retro gaming fans. - Lorelei and the Laser Eyes: A puzzle game known for its intricate design and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

Spirit of the PC 2024: Stalker 2

Stalker 2 is a PC game released in 2024 that retains the quirky charm of its predecessors while incorporating modern enhancements. It features systemic oddities and unconventional design choices, creating a lively world filled with unexpected events. The game personalizes character names, such as 'Vanya Badass' and 'Gena Sleepy,' enhancing player interactions. Players experience unpredictability and nostalgia reminiscent of earlier gaming days, with each journey offering unique encounters. Despite a rocky launch with some bugs, the game captivates players with its immersive experience and distinctive charm. Stalker 2 challenges players with a hostile environment and unpredictable gameplay, ultimately earning the Spirit of PC award for its mature and complex gaming experience.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

The Best PC Games of 2024

The best PC games of 2024 include: - Duck Detective: The Secret Salami: Players solve the mystery of a stolen salami in a quirky office environment, combining humor and intrigue with a captivating design and storytelling. - Turnip Boy Robs a Bank: A sequel featuring a mischievous vegetable engaging in a heist, noted for its engaging art style and witty writing. - The Crush House: A game blending reality TV and social commentary, exploring entertainment pressures and social media impacts with humor and engaging gameplay. - Conscript: A portrayal of the psychological toll of war, offering a raw narrative crafted by Australian developer Jordan Mochi. - Sumerian Six: A strategic turn-based adventure combining history and fantasy, encouraging thoughtful tactics and creativity. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A successor to The Case of the Golden Idol, featuring fresh aesthetics and intricate puzzles that promote critical thinking. - Neva: Known for its emotional storytelling and stunning art direction, creating an immersive experience. - Harold Halibut: Reflects on life’s purpose through a handcrafted aesthetic and engaging narrative. - The Plucky Squire: Blends 2D and 3D environments, showcasing innovative mechanics and captivating visuals. - The Sims 4 Life and Death: An expansion pack introducing themes of mortality, enhancing the gameplay experience with new elements like funerals and a Reaper career.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Another N64 classic has been quietly ported to PC by fans

An unofficial PC port of the Nintendo 64 game Star Fox 64, called 'Starship,' has been released by the Harbour Masters team, who previously created PC ports for Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. The port features enhanced capabilities such as higher frame rates and ultra-widescreen resolutions, and players must use their own legally sourced ROMs to access it. The development involved reverse-engineering the original game while ensuring compliance with copyright laws. Original Star Fox programmer Dylan Cuthbert expressed hope for the franchise's future, noting the absence of a new game for eight years since Star Fox Zero on the Wii U. He discussed the game's inspirations and the importance of character development in the franchise.