stun Archives

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

Skyrim was ‘personally rebalanced’ by producer Jeff Gardiner just 2 weeks before launch: ‘Well, I hope this is good’

Jeff Gardiner, a former Bethesda producer, had conflicts with the design team over the balance of Skyrim as its launch approached. He argued that the designers' reliance on AI simulations did not accurately reflect human player behavior, which could lead to a disconnect in gameplay experience. Gardiner took it upon himself to extensively playtest the game and make adjustments to creatures and weapons in a focused effort just weeks before release. He believed that his background in design allowed him to effectively contribute to the game's balance. Gardiner reflected on the unpredictable nature of RPGs, which he found appealing in his own experience with Skyrim.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Avowed is a jack-of-all-trades action RPG with a rare attention for the little details

Obsidian Entertainment is developing the fantasy RPG Avowed, which is not an expansive open-world game like Skyrim. The game features firearms, diverging from traditional fantasy tropes. Director Carrie Patel highlights the series' blend of political intrigue with philosophical and metaphysical elements. The game aims for a scope similar to The Outer Worlds while focusing on expansive role-playing and action-heavy combat. Players can purchase firearms and use a classless system to combine melee and magic, which is uncommon in RPGs. Combat includes a responsive dodge mechanic and a stun meter for special attacks, with a balance between agility and weight. The game encourages exploration with climbable surfaces and hidden rewards, and player agency is emphasized. Avowed includes tutorials and customizable user interface controls. While the gameplay is engaging, some elements feel artificial, and the writing may not resonate as deeply as other titles.

AppWizard

August 13, 2024

The best Qingyi build in Zenless Zone Zero

The Qingyi build in Zenless Zone Zero focuses on enhancing her ability to stun enemies, supporting her team in combat. She is an electric stunner who can replace Lycaon in certain team compositions. Qingyi's basic attack builds the Flash Connect resource, allowing her to unleash an enhanced attack that applies a stun damage multiplier. Her EX special attack inflicts damage and daze. The recommended W-Engine for her is the Ice-Jade Teapot, which increases her impact and buffs squad damage. Drive Discs like Shockstar Disco and Swing Jazz enhance her impact and energy regeneration. Base stats for Drive Discs include anomaly proficiency or crit rate, electric damage or energy regen, and impact. To promote Qingyi, players need Stun Certification Seals and Investigator Logs, obtained through the Combat Simulation activity. Raising Inter-Knot reputation is necessary for unlocking higher character levels.