tabletop Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

The Baldur’s Gate remakes should scrap the original combat system and fully embrace superior turn-based fights

Baldur's Gate 2 and potentially the original Baldur's Gate are set to receive remakes, with Wizards of the Coast re-engaging BG2's co-lead designer. A community poll indicated that 75% of participants prefer turn-based (TB) combat systems over real-time with pause (RTWP). The success of Baldur's Gate 3 has highlighted how TB mechanics can enhance combat, making it more strategic and engaging. Adopting a TB system could align gameplay with Dungeons & Dragons principles and improve the authenticity of the experience. However, remakes should balance innovation with the preservation of character complexities and narrative dynamics from the original games.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 review

Mechanicus 2 is a follow-up to the original Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games, priced at £31.50. It is available now on Windows 11 but does not support multiplayer or Steam Deck. The sequel features two distinct campaigns, allowing players to choose between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the necrons, offering a deeper exploration of the necrons' complexities. Unlike its predecessor, Mechanicus 2 limits players to five named leaders with basic upgrade trees, reducing customization options. Technical issues include subtitle bugs and performance problems, and the soundtrack is less impactful than the original. The game lacks the charm and innovation of the first installment, despite being enjoyable as a casual experience.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

The best birding board game on PC is getting a sequel about dragons, which are like cooler birds

Wyrmspan is a digital adaptation of the board game Wingspan, featuring a theme centered around dragons instead of birds. Players take on the role of "amateur dracologists," strategically playing cards to generate points and build the tallest tower of synergies. The game supports up to five players or can be played solo. It is rated as "medium light" in complexity and introduces new mechanics, distinct from Wingspan's existing content. Initial reviews praise its attention to detail and design. Wyrmspan currently does not have a confirmed release date, but it can be added to wishlists on Steam.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Bhashiva’s tiger warriors are an addition to Total War: Warhammer 3 worth the money and the wait

In 2006, the supplement Tome of Corruption introduced an illustration of a tiger-headed warrior, suggesting the existence of tiger-headed beastmen in the Warhammer World. This concept gained traction over the years, culminating in the release of tiger warriors as a playable army in Total War: Warhammer 3, which surprised many players. The new content is available as a downloadable content (DLC) pack priced at five dollars, featuring Bhashiva the White Tiger as a legendary lord in a character pack format. This approach contrasts with previous pricing strategies that faced criticism. Additionally, the Warhammer Skulls event will introduce a complimentary legendary hero, Taoyan the Merciless, for Cathay armies, enhancing gameplay and narrative opportunities.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

There’s a new Vampire The Masquerade game in the works, and its setting is my absolute favorite

Vampire: The Masquerade - Oaths and Ashes is an upcoming visual novel set in Berlin, developed by Revive The Spark. Players can choose to play as two characters: Alice, a Camarilla Ventrue, and Lenz, a Thinblood punk rocker. Alice's gameplay involves reshaping Berlin through her disciplines—Dominate, Presence, and Fortitude—while Lenz focuses on alchemical skills. The game features an evolving map influenced by player actions and introduces mechanics related to Thinblood Alchemy. It emphasizes political intrigue among factions and is scheduled for release in 2026.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Vampire The Masquerade Bloodhunt is officially dead. I should be sad, but instead, I’m just thankful for the memories

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodhunt is a battle royale game set in a rain-drenched Prague, allowing players to choose their clan and engage in survival gameplay. It launched in 2022 with a peak player count of 29,475 but saw a decline to around 1,000 players before ceasing content updates in 2023. The game was announced to close in October 2025 after four years. Bloodhunt featured atmospheric representation of the World of Darkness, parkour mechanics for navigation, and character customization options that reflected clan aesthetics. However, it faced balance issues, cheating problems, and struggled to compete in a saturated market. Despite these challenges, a vibrant community remained engaged with the game, sharing memories and experiences.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Fallout co-creator says non-linear design is all about never assuming how players will act, illustrates his point by fantasising about an NPC guard he seems to really hate

Tim Cain, co-creator of the Fallout series, shared insights on game design in a YouTube video titled Eight Level Design Guidelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding player behavior and intentions. He advocates for non-linear gameplay, warning against making assumptions about player choices and criticizing design documents that enforce linearity. Cain believes that understanding the purpose of game elements is crucial for designers. He also credits his experiences with Dungeons & Dragons, which began in 1979, as a significant influence on his design principles, particularly in storytelling and mechanics.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

We owe Fallout to an admiral and his officers teaching its designer to play D&D in 1979

Tim Cain, a veteran RPG designer known for the Fallout series, shared his first experience with Dungeons & Dragons during the Carter administration, guided by his mother’s colleagues in the U.S. Navy. He contrasted this experience with modern gaming, noting that players starting on computers lack the direct interaction that comes with a Dungeon Master. Cain was captivated by the novelty of polyhedral dice and expressed excitement about the game. His mother supported his interest by suggesting a stop at a game store, leading him to acquire the AD&D Monster Manual and a boxed set. This engagement with D&D significantly influenced his career, particularly his expertise in the 2E AD&D's THAC0 system, which helped him secure a position at Interplay and lead the development of The Temple of Elemental Evil. His introduction to tabletop roleplaying was facilitated by a DM known as “Captain Dave,” whose influence extended to Cain's later work in game development.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2026

The Best Mobile Games on Google Play Are Becoming Harder to Put in One Box

Developers in the mobile gaming industry are now comfortable borrowing elements from various genres, resulting in games that are harder to define by a single genre. The best mobile games cater to different levels of commitment simultaneously, offering a surface loop for beginners and deeper systems for serious players. Mobile games now borrow structure from various sources, including console design, tabletop mechanics, and social media behavior. The diversity in mobile gaming has increased, with games offering a variety of tones and tempos within genres. The best mobile games are less predictable and offer a combination of different elements, making the platform more expansive and appealing to a wider audience.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Moves of the Diamond Hand will be one of 2027’s best RPGs, and it just launched in early access

Moves of the Diamond Hand entered early access on April 13. It is set in Off-Peak City, a noir-inspired metropolis with blue-skinned DJs, cloned jazz musicians, and animal-human hybrids. The game features a narrative that combines personal quests with societal issues, including a mayoral race. Players can engage in whimsical scenarios and utilize various non-combat skills. The gameplay is based on dice rolls and freeform mechanics, allowing exploration and interaction with characters. Players can level up skills and acquire augment dice that influence their rolls. The early access model provides feedback and funding but may be challenging for players seeking polished gameplay. The game is available on Steam, with a full release expected in spring of next year.