technical issues Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

I wish Ubisoft had ever made the game it promised with Assassin’s Creed 1, but instead the series just spiralled into a weird identity crisis

Ubisoft aimed to create a historical assassination simulator that emphasized careful planning and execution, allowing players to embody a master assassin targeting high-ranking individuals. The original Assassin's Creed, while memorable, fell short of this vision, devolving into repetitive missions. As the series evolved, it strayed from its core elements, introducing new systems that overshadowed the original concept. The closest realization of the initial vision was in Assassin's Creed: Unity, which allowed for intricate schemes but suffered from technical issues at launch. Currently, it seems unlikely that Ubisoft will return to the original concept, though the idea of a cunning, strategy-focused assassin game remains appealing.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 is finally available for all, but here’s why your PC may still not get it

Microsoft has made Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update, available to a wider audience. This update includes enhancements such as a revamped File Explorer, an updated Start menu with Phone Link, improved Power Settings, video call enhancements, and AI-related features. The update is accessible via Windows Update for eligible PCs not managed by IT departments, and users can check for updates in Settings. However, some users may face a compatibility hold, particularly those using the sprotect.sys driver, which prevents the update from appearing. Manual updates can be performed using the Windows Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool, but caution is advised due to potential stability issues. Windows 11 23H2 support will continue until November, and delaying the upgrade beyond this date could expose systems to security risks.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows announces more difficulties, more immersion options, more Jesuits, and a bo staff in its year 1 roadmap

Ubisoft has announced a post-launch roadmap for Assassin's Creed Shadows, featuring a year of updates that include patches, new features, and enhancements. This month, players can expect: - A free quest focused on Yasuke's companion, Luis Frois. - Quality-of-life improvements, including the potential reinstatement of the multi-sell feature. - An updated photo mode for creative expression. - A special collaboration similar to past co-marketing efforts. - Refinements to parkour mechanics, introducing new movement options. Future content will include: - A new free quest and ally. - New difficulty settings. - Gameplay immersion options, such as headgear visibility in cutscenes. - An open-world alarm system with unspecified changes. Ubisoft has also teased expansions, including new storylines, collaborations, unique gear for the battle-pass system, and the Claws of Awaji expansion, which will add a new region. Additionally, Naoe will be able to wield a bo staff, enhancing combat dynamics.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11 April security patch quietly blocks 24H2 update, but are you impacted?

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 25H2 update in October, aimed at facilitating the transition to Windows 11 24H2. However, the rollout of Windows 24H2 has faced issues, with many PCs experiencing blocks due to third-party applications and technical problems. The April security patch, released on April 8, has complicated the upgrade process for some users, particularly those with the patch KB5055528 installed, leading to error code 0x80240069. This issue mainly affects IT administrators using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), while individual users on Windows 11 Home are largely unaffected. Microsoft is investigating the problem and plans to release a fix by the next Patch Tuesday on May 13. Additionally, organizations are advised to explore alternative update management solutions, as WSUS is no longer under active development.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Capcom’s wonderful Breath of Fire 4 is finally available digitally thanks to GOG—I just wish it wasn’t quite so faithful to a 22-year-old port

GOG's game preservation program, launched in November, has curated over 100 titles to ensure classic games run smoothly on modern hardware and provides technical support for buyers. A recent addition is Capcom's PC port of Breath of Fire 4, which is now available digitally for the first time. The game features a captivating narrative, artwork, and a fishing minigame, but its port lacks unique enhancements and is considered inferior to other versions. Despite GOG's updates for controller support and technical issues, the experience is similar to the original PlayStation version. GOG claims this is the best PC version of Breath of Fire 4, though it is the only available PC port.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

CHARTS: RuneScape Dragonwilds debuts at No.2 on Steam

RuneScape: Dragonwilds became the second highest-grossing title on Steam after its launch on April 15th, achieving a peak of 52,641 concurrent users. Counter-Strike 2 remains the top-grossing game, while Schedule 1 dropped to third place. Last Epoch climbed to fifth place after launching its second season of content. REPO held sixth place, Marvel Rivals fell to seventh, and Baldur's Gate 3 rose to eighth. Tempest Rising debuted in tenth place despite technical issues at launch. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending April 22nd includes: 1. Counter-Strike 2, Valve 2. RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Jagex 3. Schedule 1, TVGS 4. Steam Deck, Valve 5. Last Epoch, Eleventh Hour 6. REPO 7. Marvel Rivals 8. Baldur's Gate 3, Larian 9. Tempest Rising

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

The 20 best games on PC

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a strategy game that revitalized the original XCOM 2, which faced criticism for technical issues and gameplay frustrations. The game involves defending against extraterrestrial invaders in a turn-based tactical format, where players command a squad of soldiers and face the possibility of permadeath. The War of the Chosen expansion introduces new enemy types, allied factions, unique soldier classes, formidable bosses, and a variety of mission types, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game emphasizes player-driven storytelling, where decisions impact the narrative, and offers high replayability due to its tactical depth and evolving challenges.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Grand Theft Auto 5 is Coming Back to PC and Xbox Game Pass on April 15

Grand Theft Auto 5 will return to Xbox and PC Game Pass on April 15, allowing players to access both the standard and Enhanced Edition. The Enhanced Edition, released in March, has received mixed reviews on Steam, currently holding a "Mixed" rating with over 33,000 user reviews. Enhancements include graphical upgrades, new vehicles, and activities like the Wildlife Photography Challenge, along with an initial boost of GTA 000,000 for new players. Since its release in 2013, GTA 5 has sold over 210 million copies globally, contributing to over 440 million units sold across the entire GTA franchise. Rockstar is also developing Grand Theft Auto 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no announcements regarding a PC version.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053656 update released with 38 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5053656 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors. This update addresses authentication issues and blue-screen errors, and is classified as an "optional non-security preview update." It introduces live captions and real-time translation support for over 44 languages, enhances Windows Search with improved capabilities, and fixes issues related to the MsiCloseHandle API and boot menu entries. The update also phases out the Location History feature and acknowledges known issues affecting Citrix components and Roblox on Windows Arm devices. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update upgrades systems to build 26100.3624. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed and accessible to all users.