swordplay Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy review

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel in the Plague Tale series that shifts from puzzle-stealth mechanics to a third-person action-adventure format. Set during a Mediterranean treasure hunt, players control Sophia, a smuggler from the second game. The game introduces a new sword combat system focused on melee action, allowing for creative interactions with the environment. While it retains some stealth elements, the main emphasis is on exploration and combat, featuring beautifully rendered Minoan ruins and puzzles involving light manipulation. The visuals are complemented by a thematic score from composer Olivier Deriviere. The narrative evolves from a light-hearted adventure to a darker, horror-infused story. The game is priced at £44, available on Windows 11 and Steam Deck.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Miyamoto Musashi is the central character in Capcom's upcoming game, Way of the Sword, set to release on September 3, 2026, for £60. The game features a physics-driven combat system that emphasizes parrying and timing, with players building a "burning" meter to increase damage. Notable encounters include battles against a demon named Byakue. The game allows for straightforward controls while encouraging players to utilize environmental elements strategically. Musashi's Oni Armaments serve as secondary weapons that add depth to combat. The visuals are impressive, particularly on high-end hardware, achieving 120 fps, and the narrative explores Musashi's evolution as a warrior.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4

- The Blood of Dawnwalker: Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game: Developer: PM-Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NBA 2K27: Developer: 2K, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NHL® 27 Deluxe Edition: Developer: Electronic Arts, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Halloween – Digital Deluxe Edition: Developer: IllFonic Publishing, Co-Publisher: Gun Media, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Young Suns (Game Preview): Developer: KO_OP, Release Date: August 31, Price: .99, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Shelldiver: Developer: Gagonfe, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview): Developer: 11 bit studios, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Game Pass / Handheld Optimized. - Angeline Era: Developer: Analgesic Productions, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - BioEden: Developer: Focus Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .79, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Puzzledorf: Developer: Stuart's Pixel Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Salvation: Echoes of War: Developer: Infinite Entropy, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Sticker Picker (Xbox Series): Developer: Afil Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Crimson Moon: Developer: ProbablyMonsters, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Tintle's Great Colorful Adventure: Developer: Midnight Pounce Studios, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Eden Coil: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Feed Your Cat: New Paths: Developer: Tribus Games Indie, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Marsupilami 2 – Salsa Palombia: Developer: Microids, Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Pharmacy Store Simulator: Developer: Art Games Studio S.A., Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Radiation Caterpillar: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Super Woden Rally Edge: Developer: Eastasiasoft Limited, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Asdivine Knot: Developer: KEMCO, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Brainrot Kart: Developer: Skibidi Studios, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Bus Simulator 27 – Year 1 Edition: Developer: astragon Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space: Developer: Flynn's Arcade, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Doctor: Developer: Bad Minions, Little Giant, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fight School Simulator: Developer: Ultimate Games S.A., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Galactic Vault: Developer: Take IT Studio!, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Hearthstorm: Developer: NOSTRA GAMES LTD, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Komorebi: A Furry Visual Novel: Developer: Top Hat Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: Developer: tinyBuild, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Shoe it All!: Developer: Bright Gambit, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Cage: Developer: JanduSoft, Release Date: September 4, Price: .49, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Fear The Timeloop: Developer: PlayWay S.A., Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play. - Flute Of Gobelin: Developer: RainForest Game Studio, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fortress Merge: Developer: QubicGames S.A., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Hockey Beasts: Developer: Revulo Games LLC, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - I Am Angel: Developer: PortingGuru, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Isle of Reveries: Developer: Electric Airship, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonbringer: Developer: 2dragontails, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Order Automatica: Developer: better. publishing, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Railbreak DX: Developer: Dead Drop Studios LLC, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Tales of Formentera: Developer: Ratalaika Games S.L., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s first event league goes ‘oops, all bosses’ and reworks its worst mode so sane people can finally enjoy it

The Return of the Ancients update for Path of Exile 2 has generated excitement ahead of its full release later this year. Grinding Gear Games will launch a new mini-league called Forbidden Rites on September 4, which will introduce a streamlined experience with a twist to the campaign and a rework of the Trial of Chaos. The revamped Trial of Chaos will offer manageable challenges with enhanced loot quality and improved mechanics for unlocking ascendancy classes. New clips of the duelist class highlight the game's melee combat features.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns (PC) Review – CGMagazine

Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns is set in 1149 during a power struggle in England following the king's assassination, with players tasked to rally lands, defeat rival armies, and claim the throne. The game features turn-based strategy mechanics, including army building, castle raiding, and tournament hosting, and offers both the original MS-DOS version and an enhanced iteration. It includes a deck-building roguelike mode that introduces card-based battles. The Jousting and Swordplay modes have been improved with new mechanics like blocking and parrying. However, the game has shortcomings in tutorial explanations and battle mechanics, which can lead to confusion. Visuals are enhanced while retaining a nostalgic pixelated style, and the audio has been upgraded.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Beast of Reincarnation Roars Onto Game Pass, Xbox, PlayStation, PC – Game Freak’s Ambitious Action RPG Has Arrived

Game Freak has released a post-apocalyptic action RPG titled "Beast of Reincarnation," available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere, and PlayStation 5, with a price of £49.99 for the Standard Edition and £57.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition. The game is also available on Game Pass from day one. Set in the year 4026, it features protagonists Emma and her dog Koo as they navigate a Japan overrun by nature and a deadly blight. The combat system allows players to control both characters, with Emma utilizing swordplay and Koo executing special techniques. Players can customize Emma's skills through various trees, spirit stones, and equipment. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes additional content such as skins for Koo, a special hat for Emma, a sword, in-game currency, and vegetable seedlings.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Beast of Reincarnation review

"Beast of Reincarnation," developed by Game Freak, is an action RPG set in a desolate 41st-century Japan, featuring a protagonist named Emma who suffers from the Blight, a condition that affects her emotions and memories while granting her unique powers. The gameplay combines open and linear exploration with fast-paced combat reminiscent of titles like Sekiro and Nier, though enemy placement can feel uninspired outside of major encounters. The game has a rugged art style that captures a post-apocalyptic world but may hinder exploration due to dense graphics. Technical performance issues have been noted, particularly on gaming laptops. The narrative is characterized by mature storytelling and nuanced voice acting in Japanese, focusing on silence and introspection rather than typical humor. Despite its flaws, the game aims to offer a unique experience in the action RPG genre.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Corsair Cove Sets Sail On PC And Game Pass – Time To Build The Ultimate Pirate Haven

Corsair Cove is a new city-building strategy game developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Hooded Horse, available exclusively on PC through the Xbox Store, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. The game is priced at £34.99. Players start with a shipwreck and survivors, expanding their pirate settlement by constructing various buildings while managing resources and production chains. The game features vertical construction, tactical combat against enemy fleets, and exploration of neighboring islands for resources and treasures.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced review

Ubisoft is releasing a comprehensive remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled "Resynced," on July 9, 2026, priced at in the U.S. and £50 in the U.K. Developed by Ubisoft Singapore, the remake features enhanced graphics using the latest Anvil engine, dynamic weather, a realistic day-night cycle, and improved combat mechanics. The game has been verified for Steam Deck, though performance may be an issue. While it retains core elements from the original, some features, like customizable homes and additional ship ammunition types, were already present in the original game.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Mojang says that Minecraft Dungeons 2 has more overt “callbacks to vanilla Minecraft” than the last ARPG it released

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is an upcoming action role-playing game (ARPG) that emphasizes swordplay and cooperative adventures in various locales. It aims to be an accessible dungeon crawler, appealing to fans of the Diablo series while providing a simpler alternative to games like Path of Exile 2. The sequel seeks to strengthen connections to the original Minecraft experience by incorporating more "callbacks" and introducing an interconnected world that encourages exploration. Additionally, it features a refined item rarity system with four tiers: Common, Rare, Special, and Unique, enhancing gameplay and engagement.