surreal Archives

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

I installed the 154 GB ‘biblically accurate Skyrim’ mod and only crashed my PC like 8 times

Curseadelica is a 154 GB modpack for Skyrim, designed for Linux systems, created by JanuarySnow. It features nearly 900 mods that transform the game into a vibrant, psychedelic experience with new races, quests, and NPCs. The gameplay includes bizarre elements such as character creation options like a human body piloted by a spider, exaggerated NPCs, and absurd quest notifications. The experience is chaotic, with frequent crashes and strange occurrences, highlighting the challenges of running complex modpacks on Skyrim's foundation. The author expresses a desire to get the modpack running smoothly for a proper adventure.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Crimson Desert review

Crimson Desert is an epic fantasy action RPG developed and published by Pearl Abyss, set to be released on March 19, 2026, with a price of £55. The game features a complex web of systems and diverse build options, catering to players who enjoy depth and complexity. The narrative centers around Kliff, a Scottish character voiced by Alec Newman, who embarks on a journey after being ambushed by the Black Bears. While the main storyline lacks depth and coherence, side quests offer engaging character interactions. The game includes a variety of gameplay systems such as stock investments, black market dealings, resource gathering, and combat mechanics. Combat is fluid and allows for various tactical choices, although some aspects may frustrate players. The game runs smoothly on mid-range PCs and features a beautifully rendered world.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Nvidia Wants to Slop-ify Your PC Games With Its New AI Upscaler

Nvidia has announced DLSS 5, which will enhance in-game lighting effects and employ artificial intelligence to analyze games' color palettes and motion vectors, resulting in more lifelike scenes. The technology is designed to support resolutions up to 4K and will be integrated into existing titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Early demonstrations, such as in Resident Evil Requiem and Starfield, show character models that may appear overly polished or exaggerated, raising concerns about the balance between realism and artistic integrity. DLSS 5 is expected to be released in the fall, as Nvidia continues to refine its model. Currently, DLSS 4.5 competes with AMD’s FSR Redstone and Intel’s XeSS, offering superior detail preservation.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Control Resonant is far more of an RPG than I expected, complete with talent trees, stats screens, and build-crafting that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Diablo game

Control Resonant features a new protagonist, a different environment, and shifts from gunplay to melee combat, incorporating RPG mechanics. Players can customize their experience in a hub called The Gap, where they refine combat builds. The combat system allows players to charge supernatural abilities through weapon attacks, creating a cycle of attack and power accumulation. Customization includes a shape-shifting weapon, Aberrant, which offers various forms for different playstyles. Players can equip abilities gained from defeating bosses and utilize extensive talent trees for enhancements. The game includes diverse monsters and aims to provide varied combat experiences, drawing inspiration from action titles like Devil May Cry.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

WWE NXT Champ Joe Hendry (and Steam Deck fan) tells us his favorite game — and the surreal experience of being included in WWE 2K26

WWE Superstar and NXT Champion Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania 41 as the TNA Champion, accepting an open challenge from Randy Orton. He is featured as the pre-order bonus character for WWE 2K26. The game introduces a MyRise campaign story mode and new match types, including the Inferno fire match. Hendry owns a Steam Deck, PC, Xbox, and PS5, and has a passion for city-building games and classic titles like Warcraft 3 and Final Fantasy 7. WWE 2K26 is set to launch on March 13, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

It’s only March, but I’m calling it: Esoteric Ebb is 2026’s best RPG and the first worthy successor to Disco Elysium

A goblin tea shop in Esoteric Ebb was bombed, prompting an investigation into whether it was caused by magic or an explosive device. The investigation coincided with the upcoming inaugural democratic election. The investigator engaged in various activities, including attempting to eat a large amount of apples, persuading a zombie to harm itself, robbing a zombie and others, campaigning for a position as "Wizard-God," resolving a permit dispute, failing at flirting with an angel, befriending a sphinx, discovering a conspiracy through breaking and entering, experiencing an out-of-body moment while climbing a ladder, and facing a harsh critic that led to their demise.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Highly Rated 2025 PC Horror Game Confirms PS5 & Xbox Release (& It’s Getting New DLC)

Necrophosis, a Lovecraftian horror game published by Dragonis Games, was released on PC via Steam in April 2025 and has received a "Very Positive" rating from players. It is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as part of a complete edition called Necrophosis: Full Consciousness, which will include a new DLC titled Necrophosis: Subconsciousness. The game features elements of walking simulators and cosmic horror, with gameplay lasting 2-3 hours. A detailed trailer for the DLC will be released on March 2nd at 1:15 PM ET on the Dragonis Games YouTube channel. A physical version of the complete edition will also be available for PS5, bundled with another title, The Shore. The release date and pricing for Necrophosis: Full Consciousness are expected in 2026, while the base game is currently priced at .99 on Steam.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Psychological Horror Platformer LOVE ETERNAL Challenges (A God’s) Gravity on PC and Consoles Today

LOVE ETERNAL, developed by brlka and published by Ysbryd Games, has been released on PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game features a narrative where the protagonist, Maya, experiences a surreal nightmare during a family dinner, becoming ensnared by an ancient god in a transformed, eerie realm. Players navigate a castle filled with intricate platforming puzzles, requiring mastery of gravity and spatial awareness to overcome various obstacles. The game includes exploration of atmospheric environments and encounters with other prisoners and doppelgängers. LOVE ETERNAL is priced at USD 19.99 and supports multiple languages.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

I thought Fishing Shop Simulator was a joke after I saw mechs in ancient Rome, but after two hours with its demo, I’m hooked

Fishing Shop Simulator is an indie game developed by solo creator Sinqnew, blending survival and resource management in a post-apocalyptic setting. Players select bait from card packs and fish in waters that combine historical and fantastical elements. They can catch rare fish to enhance their shop's aesthetic and unlock upgrades in a tech tree, including better equipment and hiring assistants. Players must manage wages and taxes, with an airship collecting taxes every few days, adding strategic depth. The game features a crumbling town that evolves with player progress, and while the demo is basic, there are plans for expansion with new biomes and gameplay mechanics.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Digging a huge hole has never been as exciting (or terrifying) as it is in Mole

A game titled Mole is set to launch in Q2 2026, focusing on piloting a post-war drilling machine within a horror and simulation framework. The game features a nostalgic PS2 aesthetic and includes menial tasks essential for maintaining the drilling machine. A demo is currently available and will continue into Steam Next Fest. Players experience tactile controls with satisfying sound effects, creating an immersive environment. The narrative introduces surreal elements, including foreign dialogue and a grave-digging scenario that hints at deeper themes. Players are encouraged to explore the demo on Steam and can wishlist the game for its upcoming release.