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RedOctane's 'next evolution in rhythm gaming' sure looks a lot like 2007's Rock Band
AppWizard
March 3, 2026

RedOctane’s ‘next evolution in rhythm gaming’ sure looks a lot like 2007’s Rock Band

RedOctane became a significant player in the gaming industry in the early 2000s, peaking in 2005 with the release of Guitar Hero. Activision acquired RedOctane in 2006, but by 2010, the company was closed due to declining interest in rhythm games. In 2025, Embracer Group revived the brand as RedOctane Games, announcing a new title called Stage Tour, which resembles Guitar Hero but introduces new features and game modes. Stage Tour will function as a "band game" with solo play options, and a closed alpha test is planned ahead of its holiday season release. RedOctane Games aims to create a sustainable experience rather than a series of sequels, and there is uncertainty about the demand for a new rhythm game experience. Details on pricing and song availability are still pending.
12 Free PC Games to Play in March 2026, Thank You Steam
AppWizard
March 2, 2026

12 Free PC Games to Play in March 2026, Thank You Steam

In March 2026, a selection of free PC games includes: - Novel Haven: A management simulation where players transform a lighthouse into a bookshop and engage with villagers. - DJ Bunny: A 2D music-puzzle adventure where players craft tunes to help DJ Bunny perform at a music festival. - Metal Goose: A retro first-person shooter where players battle robotic birds as the MG-1 super soldier. - Vampire’s Fall 2: A 2D RPG where players rise as a vampire amid a civil war between humans and vampires. - Snowbot: A third-person adventure featuring a robot navigating snowy mountains and solving puzzles. - Witch You Want: A game where players create a witch character, engage in potion-making, and explore romance. - Another Day With You: An adventure game filled with mini-games set in a quaint city corner. - Where Winds Meet: A game that launched in November, returning with a free expansion titled Hexi, adding new maps, enemies, and quests. - D1AL-ogue: A cyberpunk game where players repair androids using a circular puzzle mechanic. - Hackinal: A browser-based hacking game with various difficulty levels for cracking passcodes. - Faehnor Online: An MMORPG developed by a solo creator, encouraging exploration with real paper maps. - A Date With Chester 2: A standalone story reflecting on memories while celebrating an anniversary with Chester.
Bungie share top feedback from Marathon's playtest, including PC performance, UI issues and ammo shortages
AppWizard
March 2, 2026

Bungie share top feedback from Marathon’s playtest, including PC performance, UI issues and ammo shortages

Bungie conducted a "server slam" for the reboot of Marathon to stress-test its online capabilities ahead of the release on March 5th. Players provided feedback on various aspects, including: - UI Feedback: Bungie is collecting user input on the user interface and plans to iterate post-launch. - PC Performance: Issues reported include high CPU usage, low GPU utilization, FPS ceilings around 80-100, and stuttering. - PvP Frequency: Bungie is investigating player density on maps and welcomes feedback on gameplay experiences. - Movement and Heat Generation: Discussions about heat generation and momentum are ongoing, with players encouraged to share thoughts on movement mechanics. - Med and Ammo Economy: Feedback on the economy of medical supplies and ammunition, particularly regarding stack sizes and item effectiveness, is being collected. - Weasel Error Codes: Players have encountered Weasel error codes related to network disruptions, and Bungie is investigating these issues. The author expressed mixed feelings about the gameplay experience, noting issues with extraction-shooting mechanics and ammunition shortages, while appreciating the art direction.
Windows Package Manager 1.28.190 is final
Winsage
March 1, 2026

Windows Package Manager 1.28.190 is final

Microsoft has launched WinGet 1.28.190, aligning its version number with App Installer to resolve discrepancies. The previous version 1.12.470 has been replaced by this update. Key changes include consistent directory separators for portable packages, compatibility of the –suppress-initial-details option with winget configure test, corrections to the experimental “font” property, and the introduction of the experimental sourceEdit feature, which allows users to set a source for package management. The update signifies a consolidation of versioning and enhances clarity for users and administrators.
Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.
Winsage
March 1, 2026

Windows 11’s February Insider update adds new features — but which ones actually matter? Here are the 11 biggest.

Microsoft has released enhancements to Windows 11 in build 26300.7877, including: - Modern content menu improvements, showing application icons for specific file types when right-clicked. - Updates to File Explorer with dark mode improvements for the Folder Options dialog. - Changes to the Settings app for better clarity and usability. - A redesigned "About" settings page focusing on key hardware specifications. - Introduction of the Cross-Device Resume feature, allowing users to resume applications from Android devices on Windows 11. - New customization options for the Narrator tool, enabling users to select which properties are read aloud. - Windows Hello now supports external biometric fingerprint readers for enhanced security. - Voice Typing updates allowing users to set a wait time before executing voice commands. - Redesigned SCOOBE page for a streamlined setup process. - Expansion of the AI agent in the Settings app to support additional languages. - Quick Machine Recovery feature enabled by default on Windows 11 Pro editions. - Camera support for pan and tilt settings accessible from device properties. - A new network speed test feature available from the Taskbar. - Improvements to the Widgets dashboard with a new settings page. Additionally, changes from build 28020.1619 are related to version 26H1, designed for new ARM64 hardware expected in 2026, and the Canary Channel has been divided into two paths for different versions.
Don't buy a new phone just for gaming, last-gen flagships still perform just as well
BetaBeacon
February 28, 2026

Don’t buy a new phone just for gaming, last-gen flagships still perform just as well

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra and its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor perform similarly to the last year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra and its Snapdragon 8 Elite in popular Android games and emulators. The newer processor offers slightly lower power consumption and potential future-proofing for upcoming games, but overall, there is not a significant performance difference between the two models.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, featuring a blend of cozy gameplay and horror elements. Players embark on missions in dungeons, collecting treasures to sell to a character called the Taxman. The game allows for customization of a hideout, which serves as a central hub for missions and social interaction. Players can revive allies at designated points and float as ghosts to assist teammates. The game includes a selfie camera for fun interactions. The demo is currently available and may contain bugs, as it is an early version.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, a team of former Valheim members, blending cozy and horror elements in a genre they call 'friendslop.' Players explore dungeons, collect treasures, and interact with a customizable hideout that serves as a social hub. The game features a narrative framework encouraging player progression and ownership, with mechanics allowing for team revivals and ghost assistance. The demo includes a selfie camera for capturing moments, emphasizing fun and lighthearted gameplay. The demo is available for download after Steam Next Fest, although it is an early version that may contain bugs.
Balatro meets Scrabble in this new roguelike from the creators of TimeSplitters—and I'm just thrilled to finally find a word game that lets me score with swear words
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

Balatro meets Scrabble in this new roguelike from the creators of TimeSplitters—and I’m just thrilled to finally find a word game that lets me score with swear words

Renowned game developers Steve Ellis and David Doak have created a spelling game called Beyond Words, which features innovative gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from other word game roguelikes. Players navigate a Scrabble-like board aiming for a target score within a limited number of moves, with progressively challenging rounds and a boss round introducing unique gameplay modifiers. Between rounds, players can acquire cards that activate bonuses to enhance scoring potential. The game boasts an expansive dictionary that includes a wide array of terms, adding humor and enjoyment. It includes wildcard tiles for creative word formation and features uniquely shaped maps for each run, enhancing strategic depth. However, the visual presentation has been criticized for lacking a cohesive style. The demo is currently available for free during Steam NextFest.
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