storytelling Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android 17’s newest feature feels like it was built for TikTok

The Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 introduces a feature called Screen Reactions, allowing users to record their screen with their selfie camera for creating reaction videos. The update also includes the May 2026 security patch, bug fixes, and stability improvements, and is being rolled out to Android Beta Program participants. Additional features showcased include enhanced Instagram integration, exclusive Edits app features, and the upcoming availability of Adobe Premiere on Android.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

I was big into Clutch’s mix of story and racing styles, but the driving’s a lot simmier than I expected

Clutch is a cinematic open world action-driving game set in Monaco, where professional and underground street racing collide. It has sold over six million copies shortly after its release, making it the only racing franchise with sales comparable to major third-person action titles. The game features a narrative that follows siblings Theo and Cass Martial in the R1K racing league, incorporating fully motion-captured actors, cutscenes, and an expansive open world. Players engage in dynamic scenarios, including police chases and street racing with the Midnight Collective, where they can earn money for new cars and perform viewer-requested stunts. Clutch aims to blend narrative with gameplay, offering a vibrant experience that encourages player investment in the characters and their journeys.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Humble’s offering a nearly buck-a-game deal on some of the best reactive narratives out there, including one of my personal favourite games of all time

Inkle's adaptation of Phileas Fogg's journey in 80 Days is highly regarded, ranking among the author's top three favorite games due to its blend of adventure, intrigue, and 19th-century themes. The Complete Inkle Library bundle is available for £11 and includes titles such as TR-49, Expelled, A Highland Song, Heaven's Vault, Sorcery Parts 1-4, 80 Days, Overboard!, and Pendragon. Heaven's Vault received an 88% review score for its engaging narrative, while TR-49 has been praised for its innovative approach. Pendragon is noted as an accessible strategy game linked to a dynamic story generator.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Hands-On Demo – It’s The Halo You Love, But Even Better

The remake of the level "Assault on the Control Room" from Halo: Combat Evolved is featured in the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. This level, known as the fifth and longest in the original campaign, has been redesigned to enhance gameplay while preserving its original essence. Creative Director Max Szlagor emphasized the level's importance and its core sandbox experience, highlighting improvements in pacing, navigation, and visual detail. The remake includes enhanced AI for Covenant forces, vehicle hijacking, and a cooperative play option for up to four players. The game is set to launch globally on July 28, 2026, with early access for Premium Edition owners starting July 23, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.

BetaBeacon

June 10, 2026

The 19 best games on the Nintendo Switch 2

- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Remastered have Metacritic scores of 95 and 94 respectively. - Hades II has a Metacritic score of 95 and has been praised for exceeding expectations with its gameplay loop and captivating storytelling. - Mina the Hollower, developed by Yacht Club Games, has a Metacritic score of 91 and is a top-down action adventure game inspired by Game Boy Colour classics.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Nintendo’s latest Direct has a lion’s share of exciting Xbox and PC games reveals

Sora, Donald, and Goofy return in Kingdom Hearts 4, set in the city of Quadratum, with a release planned for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Kingdom Hearts Collection [I ~ III] will be released on October 8, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen will launch on October 9, 2026, introducing a new region and challenges. Final Fantasy Resonance, featuring an HD-2D art style, is set for release on October 22, 2026. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World will be available on December 3, 2026. Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton is expected in 2026, while Atelier Karia: The Kingdom of Night and the Signpost of Reminiscence is slated for early 2027. Tales of Eternia Remastered will launch on October 16, 2026.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Surely FromSoftware has something brewing besides that Switch 2 exclusive, right?

FromSoftware announced a network test for the game Duskbloods, exclusive to the Switch 2, during the recent Nintendo Direct. The game features a trailer with atmospheric visuals and ominous narration. Fans are speculating about its implications for a potential Bloodborne 2 and expressing disappointment over its exclusivity to the Switch 2. Additionally, the Tarnished Edition DLC for Elden Ring is set to release on August 28, introducing two new classes and new weapons and armor.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Ball State IDIA Lab Launches Mesa Verde Virtual Companion App for Apple and Android Devices

Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab) has launched the Mesa Verde Virtual Companion, an augmented reality mobile app designed to enhance public engagement with Mesa Verde National Park. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play and includes features such as augmented reality experiences, 3D visualizations of ancestral structures, narrated interpretations, animated figures, and interactive learning content about the Ancestral Pueblo people. The app aims to facilitate both on-site and off-site exploration of the park, which contains nearly 5,000 archaeological sites and is recognized as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It targets park visitors, educators, families, and remote users, incorporating accessibility features like a welcome tutorial and voiceover options. The project emphasizes immersive learning and cultural preservation, using advanced digital media to connect users with Indigenous history. The IDIA Lab, supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Digital Media Initiative, develops projects that explore virtual and augmented reality and collaborates with various organizations to enhance educational experiences.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

After 3,000 hours spent in Total War: Warhammer, 40k’s gameplay reveal has me convinced this one might genuinely end me

The author recalls their first encounter with Morrowind and Rome: Total War, which sparked a love for RPGs and strategy games, respectively. They have spent over 6,000 hours in Rome: Total War, which has maintained consistency over 25 years. The gaming community is looking forward to Total War: Warhammer 40k, with recent gameplay footage and a closed beta announcement. The game will focus on Armageddon, featuring iconic characters and diverse campaigns for different factions. Tactical dynamics will involve the Astra Militarum, Orks, Space Marines, and Eldar, with an emphasis on strategic use of cover and new units. Impressive bombardment mechanics have also been revealed. The author initially expected a release in 2028, but now anticipates a launch next year.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Fumito Ueda on why Gen Atlas has shooting but isn’t a shooter, cool robots, and generative AI

Fumito Ueda, the creator of Gen Atlas, shared insights about the game during a recent meeting. The game features a silent protagonist navigating a vast desert, encountering colossal robots, and engaging in combat. Ueda emphasized the importance of uniqueness in game design and the balance within the overall experience. He aims to refine familiar mechanics while introducing innovative elements, such as a shooting mechanic that enhances player agency without dominating gameplay. Ueda's narrative is influenced by personal experiences and cultural themes, particularly the relevance of robots and AI in today's society. Gen Atlas will be Ueda's first release on PC, allowing him to reach a broader audience. The game will also feature dynamic environmental interactions, contributing to its storytelling.