tactical Archives

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

Marathon’s most popular shotgun is getting nerfed a second time, as Bungie worries it is ‘eclipsing a lot of the other short range options that exist in the game’

The WSTR shotgun is a popular weapon in the game Marathon, known for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat despite a recent nerf that reduced its range. A forthcoming update will change its capabilities, ensuring players with blue shields can no longer be taken down in two shots, while it will still down players with green shields in two shots. This aims to encourage more tactical gameplay. The game is also experimenting with sponsored kits that limit players to a free loadout and has introduced Mercy Kits, which players often use to eliminate opponents instead of reviving them.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

XCOM spiritual successor Warhounds dumps its gen-AI portraits, and I’m breathing a sigh of relief

Everplay is developing a turn-based strategy game called Warhounds, inspired by classics like XCOM and Jagged Alliance. The game faced criticism during its Steam Next Fest demo for using generative AI for character portraits, which were described as "shiny, unrealistic, and completely at odds with the look of the game." In response to community feedback, Everplay clarified that the AI-generated portraits were temporary placeholders and announced plans to replace them with over 100 hand-crafted designs. The new portrait system will create images directly from each character's in-game 3D model, ensuring visual consistency and accommodating custom recruits. Warhounds features an accuracy system that calculates bullets individually, eliminating random misses, and introduces meaningful consequences based on player decisions. The game is set for release in 2026, with a wishlist option available on Steam and a free demo for players.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Pragmata review – nostalgic aesthetics, S-tier combat

Pragmata is a linear third-person shooter that offers approximately 12 hours of gameplay focused on action rather than storytelling. The protagonist, Hugh, and his android companion, Diana, navigate challenges on the moon, utilizing Diana's hacking abilities to exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The game features a dual-control system that balances shooting and hacking, with players solving real-time puzzles while engaging in combat. Hugh's arsenal evolves from a basic pistol to more powerful weapons, and combat encounters reward players with upgrade materials for enhancing their abilities. Boss battles present unique tactical challenges. However, the narrative struggles with character development and emotional depth, resulting in a less impactful story. Despite these shortcomings, the innovative gameplay mechanics and nostalgic elements make Pragmata an engaging experience.

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 17, 2026

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam PC playtest signups are now open

Team17 announced on April 16, 2026, that playtest signups for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam are now open for PC users. The game features six expansive maps, 50 vs 50 battles, and emphasizes teamwork and strategy. Players will have access to historically accurate weapons, vehicles, and tactical options, including US aerial units with helicopters, NVA forces with tunnel networks, and patrol boats for river navigation. A new trailer showcasing intense combat scenes was released during the Galaxies Showcase. Team17 Digital, founded in 1990, is a prominent developer and video games label, while Expression Games, established in 2022, is leading the development of the Hell Let Loose franchise.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

My full guide to Pragmata after spending 18 hours shepherding my space daughter

Pragmata features a blend of nostalgia and innovation in gaming, with early levels that have a linear design and complex currencies. A notable gameplay mechanic is hacking, which increases damage to enemies and turns them into 'OPEN' targets, especially useful against bosses. The weapon system allows players to equip four types of firearms, with some functioning as consumables. Healing is managed through limited Repair Canisters, which can be replenished at the Cradle hub area. The Shelter serves as a central hub for upgrades and interactions, with players able to enhance it and unlock new facilities. Various activities and collectibles are available, including challenge arenas and hidden items. A New Game+ mode becomes available after completing the main storyline, allowing players to restart with all gear and upgrades, alongside a more challenging difficulty setting. The game has an approximate playtime of ten hours for the main story and up to 20 hours for full completion.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Death Stranding 2 is the top game to win in this $1 Fanatical Mystery Bundle

Death Stranding 2 is a sequel that continues the narrative of delivering packages in a post-apocalyptic Australia, focusing on themes of loss, grief, and human connection. Players control Sam Porter Bridges, voiced by Norman Reedus, as he works to unite communities and faces new threats, including red robots. The game features challenging gameplay with environmental hazards and tactical combat elements. It is available for purchase through Fanatical's Mystery Egg Bundle, where players have a chance to acquire it for a low price, though there is no guarantee of receiving the game. The bundle offers additional keys for a collection of games at a discounted rate.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie comes from the Blasphemous team, and it’s an underrated strategy gem

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a game known for its chilling narrative and insanity mechanic. The Epic Games Store has introduced a new title called The Stone of Madness, developed by The Game Kitchen, set in an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Players control five distinct prisoners trying to escape while managing stealth and sanity. The game features real-time tactical gameplay, requiring players to navigate two escape plans with continuous time flow. Each character has unique skills, and maintaining sanity is crucial to avoid traumatic outbursts. The Stone of Madness is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until April 23 at 8 am PST / 11 am EST / 4 pm BST / 5 pm CEST.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 16/04/2026

The Epic Games Store is offering the game The Stone of Madness for free from 4 PM GMT on April 16, 2026, until 4 PM GMT on April 23, 2026. The game, published by Tripwire Presents and developed by The Game Kitchen, is set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery and features five prisoners who must work together using their unique skills to confront fears and avoid insanity. It is a real-time tactical stealth game that emphasizes strategic thinking and teamwork.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

’90s style Command and Conquer spiritual successor DORF smashes its Kickstarter to raise $300,000

DORF is a real-time strategy (RTS) game inspired by '90s titles, currently funded on Kickstarter, raising nearly 0,000. It features three factions: the Union of Imperial States, the Collective, and the Warbands. The game includes single-player campaigns, skirmish modes, online multiplayer, and a map editor. Additional content from the funding includes special online co-op campaigns, unique voice lines for units, and new environmental zones like snowy regions and megacities. DORFteam is expanding their development team, particularly seeking dedicated mappers. The tentative release date is set for 2028, but they aim for a 1.0 launch by 2027. Players can wishlist DORF on Steam for updates.