tactical gameplay Archives

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

You’ve never heard of it, but a Russian studio made a fantasy take on original Fallout way back in 2001, and it honestly kind of rules

GoldenLand is a PC game set in a fantasy world inspired by Russian folklore, featuring characters like Belobog and Drah-Shu, and a protagonist named Gromoboy, a bogatyr from Russian legend. The game draws inspiration from classics such as Baldur's Gate and Fallout, allowing character creation with familiar classes and a strategic combat system based on action points. Players experience a leveling system with perks, though the game has some rough mechanics and animations. Despite budget limitations, the developers infused the game with passion and authenticity, highlighting the potential for more culturally diverse CRPGs in the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Menace isn’t XCOM, and that’s okay

Menace is a turn-based strategy game that distinguishes itself from the XCOM series by offering a grander, more theatrical experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes and Starship Troopers. It features larger-scale confrontations and a unique squad structure where each member operates as an individual unit, allowing for a focus on overwhelming force rather than precision strikes. The game includes named characters commanding groups of up to eight soldiers, but the large number of troops can dilute emotional connections, making losses feel less impactful. The developer has invested in character development, but the emotional bond is weaker compared to smaller squads. The game is currently in early access and is expected to evolve before its full release.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

“The hardest game in the world to make” – How Darkhaven hopes to rebottle Diablo 2’s lightning by channelling Minecraft

The "Necropolis" event in Darkhaven introduces a wave of undead that obstructs player waypoints and populates the environment with skeletal minions. Players can transfer characters to new worlds, facing challenges like volcanic eruptions, rising floodwaters, or ice ages. The game features modular gameplay events that can be procedurally integrated into the world. Players can interact with each other's worlds and utilize terrain deformation and building systems for strategic gameplay. Darkhaven aims to rejuvenate the action-RPG genre by focusing on organic experiences and player agency, moving away from rigid progression systems. The game emphasizes diverse loot systems and player impact on the environment, creating a living world that reflects players' actions. The development team includes veterans from the original Diablo, and they are preparing for a Kickstarter campaign.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Promising good old fashioned co-op FPS action, Half-Life remake dev’s Rogue Point has finally hit early access

Rogue Point is a co-op, PvE FPS game developed by the creators of the Black Mesa Half-Life remake, recently launched in Steam Early Access. Players form squads of up to four resistance fighters against mercenaries hired by wealthy backers. Missions include objectives like eliminating targets, gathering intelligence, and rescuing hostages, with success yielding cash rewards for loadout improvements. The game features a Dead Drop mechanic for acquiring new gear without real-money transactions. Gameplay emphasizes tactical realism and strategic movement, with elements reminiscent of games like Ready or Not and Rainbow Six Siege, while also incorporating chaotic enemy types. Rogue Point is currently priced at .99 / £14.44, with a 20% discount for its first two weeks.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Newly Released Tactical RPG Is an Instant Hit on PC (And It Could Be a Game of the Year Contender)

Mewgenics, a tactical cat RPG created by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, launched on Steam on February 12th and quickly attracted over 58,900 concurrent players. The game has received overwhelmingly positive initial reviews, achieving a Metacritic score of 89, making it the highest-rated game of the year so far. Players engage in building a cat army and face strategic decisions through a tactical breeding system. The main campaign offers over 200 hours of gameplay with a roguelite progression system. Mewgenics is currently available exclusively on Steam for PC and Steam Deck, priced at .99 with a 10% introductory discount until February 24th.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

Best Star Wars games 2026: play in a galaxy far, far away

Star Wars has a rich history of licensed games, with a curated list of the finest titles available on PC in 2025 including: 1. Star Wars Outlaws - Players assume the role of Kay Vess in a narrative set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, focusing on heists and adventures. 2. Star Wars Bounty Hunter Remaster - A remaster of the original game following Jango Fett, featuring updated controls and graphics, rated 'Very Positive' on Steam. 3. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - Covers all nine mainline films in a Lego format, offering cooperative gameplay. 4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords - A sequel with a complex narrative exploring the light and dark sides of the Force. 5. Star Wars: Republic Commando - A tactical shooter from the perspective of a special ops clone trooper during the Clone Wars. 6. Star Wars: Empire at War - A real-time strategy game focusing on the conflict between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. 7. Star Wars: The Old Republic - An MMO with single-player storytelling and various class narratives. 8. Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer - A racing game based on the pod race sequence from the film. 9. Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster - A remaster of the classic game featuring Kyle Katarn's first adventure. 10. Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast - Continues Kyle Katarn's journey with a mix of shooting and lightsaber combat. 11. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron - Players pilot starfighters in space battles. 12. Star Wars: TIE Fighter - Players experience the conflict from the perspective of an Imperial pilot. 13. Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017) - A multiplayer experience with stunning visuals and epic battles. 14. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - A sequel featuring a more mature Cal Kestis with refined combat mechanics. 15. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Allows players to wield the dark side of the Force as Starkiller. 16. Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith - A game capturing the essence of the prequel trilogy with dynamic saber combat. Upcoming titles include a remake of Knights of the Old Republic and a new project titled Fate of the Old Republic, led by KOTOR director Casey Hudson.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

There’s a Transformers XCOM-like on Steam, and it’s on sale for 90% off before it gets delisted

Transformers: Battlegrounds will be delisted from Steam on December 31 due to an expiring licensing agreement. The game is currently being offered at a 90% discount. It features tactical gameplay aimed at younger audiences, with characters from the Transformers franchise.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

I played dozens of retro games this year, and these are the ones I still whole-heartedly recommend going into 2026

The concept of "old" in personal computing is fluid, with platforms like Steam and GOG offering a mix of new and classic games. Modern hardware can run both cutting-edge graphics and nostalgic titles. There is a continuous influx of classic games being revived, allowing players to explore a wealth of gaming history. Engaging with classic arcade shmups, such as Taito's, provides an exhilarating experience with accessible yet intricate mechanics. Compilations, like The Ivalice Chronicles, offer a variety of gaming options and feature both original and remastered versions of games, enhancing the gaming experience with new content.

BetaBeacon

December 19, 2025

Top Mobile Games in 2025 for iOS and Android

- Fortnite and Call of Duty: Mobile are the top choices for mobile shooter games in 2025. - Standoff 2 is a must-play game in 2025 with tactical gameplay and competitive esports scene. - League of Legends: Wild Rift is the top choice for mobile MOBA games with refined gameplay and regular updates. - Spooky Express is a thrilling horror game for casual players. - Undecember is the best RPG mobile game with extensive customization options and visually stunning world.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

The best PC games of all time in 2025

Since 1873, Rock Paper Shotgun has annually curated a selection of the finest PC games, beginning to document this list in 2021. The definition of the best PC games evolves each year, reflecting the current team's tastes. They aim to highlight personal favorites, intentionally leaving out other important titles. The team will unveil their selections for the RPS 100: 2025 Edition throughout the week. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth features dual protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, blending serious themes with surreal humor in a turn-based RPG format. Inscryption challenges players in a card game against a gremlin in a haunted forest, known for its creativity and unexpected twists. House Of The Dying Sun is a space combat game inspired by classics, offering exhilarating battles and intuitive controls. Dragon's Dogma II introduces the Unmaking Arrow, adding unpredictability to its gameplay. Devotion is recognized as a top horror game, exploring despair through a masterfully crafted narrative. DayZ is a survival mod for ArmA II that retains its core essence despite updates, emphasizing player interactions. Wreckfest is a driving game focused on chaos and enjoyment rather than just winning. Dyson Sphere Program immerses players in factory building across planets with smooth gameplay. BattleTech incorporates mercenary economics into tactical gameplay. Full Throttle is a classic adventure game with high production values and a gripping narrative. Deep Rock Galactic features procedurally generated environments and cooperative gameplay. Stray portrays a cat navigating a dystopian city, creating an immersive experience. Return Of The Obra Dinn involves investigating a maritime mystery through unique gameplay mechanics. Plants Vs Zombies is a charming tower defense game appealing to all ages. Pentiment explores 16th-century life through a monk's perspective, enhancing storytelling with its art style. Gorogoa offers a unique puzzle experience with hand-drawn art. Conquests of the Longbow blends historical authenticity with engaging gameplay in the Robin Hood saga. Into The Breach presents a tactical challenge with innovative mechanics prioritizing civilian safety. The Stanley Parable encourages exploration and choice, thriving on humor and inventive design. Peggle encapsulates randomness and joy through its simple premise. The next reveal of the 80th to 61st best PC games will occur tomorrow, with previous selections available from 2021 to 2024.