storytelling approach Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Marathon review

Bungie's upcoming title, Marathon, is set to release on March 5, 2026, as an extraction shooter for up to 16 players, priced at £30. The game features a fast-paced multiplayer experience with matches lasting around 15 minutes, emphasizing player-versus-player interactions and strategic gameplay. It showcases a visually original design set in Tau Ceti, with unique environments and weapon aesthetics. The narrative is enriched by a codex with hundreds of entries, allowing for non-linear storytelling. Map designs encourage tactical engagement, and future player engagement may be affected by a seasonal wipe scheduled for June. Overall, the game has received positive feedback for its gameplay, visuals, and narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

See How Visual Effects for A Minecraft Movie Were Made by Wētā FX

A piglin presented a "terrible" drawing of a house, created by Stopsack's daughter, during an internal contest at Wētā FX. The original concept depicted a joyful scene with Malgosha and the piglin holding hands, but the outcome of the scene took a darker turn, highlighting the balance between lighthearted creativity and somber narrative elements.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

The Hundred Line has changed how I think about choice and consequences in games, and I can’t put it back in the box

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy immerses players in the consequences of their choices, allowing for significant alterations to the storyline through a time-rewind mechanic. The game features a linear narrative where players defend a school over a hundred days, gradually uncovering character stories. Each decision leads to distinct outcomes, creating a rich tapestry of branching narratives. Character development is emphasized, with companions evolving based on player choices. The game has achieved market success and is priced at .99 / £49.99 on Steam, with a demo available for players to experience its mechanics.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Counterfeit Monkey is so magnificent a text adventure that I’m convinced the puzzle genre went wrong when it added graphics

Counterfeit Monkey is a text adventure game that emphasizes creative problem-solving through linguistic manipulation. Players solve puzzles by altering words, such as transforming "chard" into "card" by removing the "h," or creating a "car" from "garbage." It is categorized as a parser game, where players input commands to navigate the game world. Released for free on New Year's Eve in 2012 by Emily Short, the game is celebrated for its narrative innovation and intellectual depth. Another related game, Fallen London, is an expanding choose-your-own-adventure novel, and in 2023, its creator directed Mask of the Rose, a visual novel that allows players to craft narratives.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Cyberpunk platformer Replaced launches on PC, Xbox, Steam, GOG, and Epic in March 2026 after years of delay

Sad Cat Studios is gaining attention in the gaming industry due to its innovative game design and storytelling approach. The studio focuses on creativity and player engagement, blending traditional gameplay mechanics with new narratives. It has built a strong community by actively engaging with players on social media and forums, encouraging feedback and interaction. Additionally, Sad Cat Studios has formed strategic partnerships with established industry players to enhance its market presence and distribution channels. The studio has a pipeline of upcoming projects and aims to continue its growth while maintaining its commitment to creativity and community engagement.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Destiny 2 Renegades results in a generous surge on Steam, but even Star Wars mania can’t bring back the highs of my favorite FPS

The latest chapter of Destiny 2, the Edge of Fate expansion released in June, has led to player discontent and a significant exodus from the game. In contrast, the Star Wars-themed expansion, Destiny 2 Renegades, launched on December 2, has seen a resurgence in player interest, with a peak of 71,278 concurrent players recorded on its debut day. This figure, however, is below the over 100,000 players achieved by Edge of Fate and trails behind previous expansions like the Witch Queen, Lightfall, and The Final Shape, which surpassed 290,000 players. Player feedback on Renegades has been mixed, with a Steam user score of 59%, categorized as 'mixed,' and some complaints about microtransactions. Despite this, early impressions have praised the new buildcrafting features, narrative quality, and cinematic cutscenes.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Obsidian knows we want “the next Fallout New Vegas,” but it’s finding more “joy” in original creations like The Outer Worlds 2

Obsidian Entertainment is currently focused on developing its own original projects, such as Avowed, Grounded 2, and The Outer Worlds 2, rather than pursuing a sequel to Fallout New Vegas. The studio's VP of operations, Marcus Morgan, acknowledged the ongoing fan interest in a New Vegas sequel but emphasized that this year is dedicated to celebrating their own creations. Obsidian aims to explore its creative potential and prioritize depth in storytelling, distancing itself from past franchises.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

You can get every single one of Telltale’s The Walking Dead seasons for $5—which is around $1 per 10 hours of game

Steam has launched an Indie Horror Showcase featuring discounted games. Telltale's The Walking Dead series is available for £4.19, which includes Seasons 1 through 4, the 400 Days DLC, and the Michonne side story. The offer is valid until November 3. Telltale's The Walking Dead Season 1 is noted for its significant impact on gaming history and storytelling.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy’s director says Rebirth wasn’t too long, you’re just too busy

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth features a variety of minigames and side quests, with director Naoki Hamaguchi addressing critiques about pacing and tone, suggesting they may arise from players being overly engaged. Some critics have noted "open-world filler" and repetitive quests that detract from the narrative experience. The card game Queen's Blood has been well-received, while whimsical activities like riding a dolphin provide a break from the main storyline. Character-driven missions, especially those related to the Gold Saucer, are highlighted, though some tasks may feel tedious. Hamaguchi believes the game's pacing is appropriate and attributes player urgency to the abundance of gaming options. He acknowledges community feedback for the sequel, aiming for a more concise storytelling approach in the trilogy's conclusion.

AppWizard

September 21, 2025

BioWare never stopped making Baldur’s Gate 2

Baldur's Gate 2 was released 25 years ago and is noted for its rich character development, which set it apart from its predecessor. The game introduced memorable characters with complex backstories, influencing future RPGs and developers. Its storytelling approach has left a lasting impact on the genre, as seen in recent titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and The Outer Worlds 2.