tension Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

New report reveals top Trump admin. officials discussed classified information on messaging app

A judge compared the due process received by Nazis to that of Venezuelans facing deportation under the Trump administration. High-ranking officials from the Trump administration discussed classified military operations on the messaging app Signal, raising security concerns. A GOP senator admitted that claiming Social Security will remain untouched is disingenuous. GOP Senator Curtis clarified that Elon Musk's comments on potential cuts were merely suggestions rather than specific policy advocacy. A GOP senator indicated that impeachment of a judge who ruled against Trump is unlikely. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reaffirmed his commitment to his position amid internal party pressure and expressed concerns about a constitutional crisis in American democracy. Canadian officials responded to Trump's tariffs by stating that "nothing is off the table" regarding retaliatory measures. Trump asserted that he will have the final say in deportation cases, prompting discussions about the need for a nuanced approach to immigration policy.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

The best games to play in 2025, so far

In 2025, the gaming landscape features a mix of innovative titles and new iterations of beloved franchises. The standout games, each rated four stars or higher, include: - WWE 2K25: Offers an immersive wrestling experience with a talented roster and innovative modes, though it has monetization strategies that may frustrate fans. - Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: Revitalizes the Yakuza series with engaging mechanics and a captivating pirate adventure narrative. - Sniper Elite: Resistance: Set in World War II France, it enhances the sniping experience with multiplayer modes and a strategic narrative. - Dynasty Warriors Origins: Features epic battles and refined combat mechanics, creating a thrilling atmosphere. - Wanderstop: A simulation game about a former champion fighter running a tea shop, blending whimsical gameplay with a narrative about personal growth. - Civilization 7: Enhances the 4X formula with stunning visuals and new mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans. - Avowed: Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it emphasizes rich storytelling and exploration. - Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector: Enhances narrative depth and introduces new gameplay mechanics, creating a thrilling experience. - Assassin's Creed Shadows: Combines stealth and RPG elements in a beautifully crafted Sengoku-era Japan setting. - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Features a detailed open world and engaging quests, rewarding players for overcoming challenges. - Two Point Museum: A humorous simulation game where players build and manage a quirky museum, adding layers of strategy. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape One: Introduces a dual timeline for enriched storytelling and innovative mechanics. - Split Fiction: A cooperative game with a blend of genres and gameplay styles, promoting teamwork in a visually stunning world. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Refines the series' core loop with thrilling hunts and gear crafting, emphasizing dynamic combat and immersive environments.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Atomfall Review

Players in Atomfall awaken with amnesia in a post-apocalyptic landscape five years after the Windscale Fire, which has turned Cumberland into a quarantine zone controlled by the British government. The game features distinctive gameplay mechanics that emphasize survival action, where enemies do not have levels or health bars, and a well-placed headshot results in an instant kill. Players engage with a unique investigation system through an Investigation Journal that fills with 'Leads' as they explore, converse, and read documents. Interactions with NPCs allow for various resolutions without a morality system. Visually, the game presents mixed quality, with beautiful environments but rudimentary character models. Atomfall is optimized for smooth performance across platforms, maintaining a consistent 60fps on consoles.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

Retro-style survival horror game PHASE ZERO announced for PC

SPINA Studio and SUPERHOT PRESENTS are developing a retro-style survival horror game titled PHASE ZERO, set to launch on PC via Steam, with a demo expected soon. The game features episodic chapters focusing on two protagonists, set in the fictional town of Flint Peak in 1994 during a snowstorm. A mysterious illness transforms the town's inhabitants into grotesque creatures. Players will navigate the environment using fixed camera angles and prerendered backgrounds, reminiscent of 90s horror games. Key features include confronting mutated monsters, exploring a 3D pre-rendered environment, and experiencing a chilling soundtrack.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

The Best Video Games of 2025 (So Far)

January allowed players to enjoy late-2024 titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, while February introduced several new games, including Civilization VII and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Early 2025 releases include: 1. Monster Hunter Wilds - A game featuring big-game hunting in a Mesozoic ecosystem, focusing on ecological balance and cinematic experiences. 2. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - A narrative-adventure game where players shape the story of Swann, an aspiring filmmaker, influenced by ’90s underground music and film. 3. Keep Driving - A driving simulator that emphasizes road trip experiences through small decisions, exploring themes of time and connection. 4. Citizen Sleeper - A sequel set in a distant galaxy where players navigate a vibrant universe as a robot worker escaping a gang boss, combining narrative depth with engaging mechanics. 5. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders - A skiing game that offers breathtaking visuals and immersive environments, blending the thrill of time trials with a serene atmosphere.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford rants at internet randoms (again), insists we should ‘root for’ the Borderlands 4 team or ‘we’ll all pay the price’, then whips around and says ‘I love criticism’

Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software, engaged in a social media exchange regarding Borderlands 4 after muting a user named MitsuShow. He expressed frustration with negativity, stating it is demotivating for his team, and emphasized the importance of support over criticism. Pitchford acknowledged that he appreciates constructive criticism but prefers positivity. His comments have sparked debate about the nature of dissenting opinions and the impact of public scrutiny on developers' mental well-being.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Our favourite demos from Steam Next Fest Winter 2025

The latest Steam Next Fest showcased a variety of indie games, encouraging players to explore unique demos. - DoubleWe: A first-person roguelite game where players navigate a world filled with tension, facing their murderous clone among twitching NPCs. - 1950s Delivery Game: A top-down delivery game set in the 1950s, featuring chaotic streets and absurd jobs for an underachieving courier, with destructible environments. - Wanderstop: A game centered on a grouchy protagonist, Alta, where players help him unwind and enjoy mundane tasks. - The Horror At Highrook: A cosmic horror board game that invites players to explore haunted environments and uncover hidden malevolence through card-crafting systems. - Hotline Miami-inspired Game: A game that allows players to switch perspectives and link environmental elements for strategic gameplay and destruction.

BetaBeacon

March 2, 2025

‘Dredge’ Review (Android, iOS): 2025’s Best Mobile Game (So Far)

Dredge is a mobile game that puts players in the role of a fisherman in the town of Greater Marrow. During the day, players fish and upgrade their boat, while at night Lovecraftian horrors emerge. The game balances peaceful fishing mechanics with creeping dread, enhanced by a fear system and time-based resource management. The mobile port of Dredge runs smoothly on devices like the Google Pixel 7a, with intuitive controls. The game is praised for its deep experience and unsettling atmosphere, making it worth the price on the Apple and Google Play stores.

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

An $8 cooperative horror game is rocketing up Steam’s top sellers list: ‘Never occurred to me Lethal Company was missing physics until I played this’

REPO is a game focused on repossessing items from eerie environments, surpassing the sales of Civilization 7. It allows six players to cooperate as whimsical, googly-eyed pedal bins, featuring a voice chat that animates their mouths. The game includes a physics engine enabling players to lift each other for navigation and comedic moments. Stealth mechanics allow players to hide from monsters by squashing their characters. It has received nearly 2,000 positive reviews on Steam. Currently in early access, REPO is being developed by semiwork and includes three worlds, 19 enemies, 29 equipment items, and eight player upgrades. It is available for £8.50 with a 20% launch discount.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Swedish authorities seek backdoor to encrypted messaging apps

Sweden's law enforcement and security agencies are pushing for legislation that would require messaging platforms Signal and WhatsApp to create technical backdoors for accessing encrypted communications. Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation, stated that Signal would exit the Swedish market if forced to comply. The proposed bill could be presented to the Riksdag, requiring Signal and WhatsApp to retain messages and allow authorities to access message histories of criminal suspects. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer argued that access to this data is essential for combating crime. However, the Swedish Armed Forces oppose the bill, citing concerns that backdoors could create vulnerabilities for exploitation. Neither Signal nor WhatsApp has commented on the issue. This situation reflects a larger global debate on encrypted communication and law enforcement access, with similar legislative efforts seen in the U.S. and the U.K.