tiles Archives

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.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”

Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Steam Next Fest is full of Balatro-likes: here’s 7 demos I think you should try

Steam Next Fest features various new game demos inspired by Balatro, including: 1. Gambonanza: A strategic game set on a miniature chessboard where players use chess pieces to battle against the computer, with options to enchant tiles and acquire gambits after mini-matches. 2. Raccoin: A coin pusher arcade game where players drop coins to create chaos and push additional coins into a basket, featuring special coins with unique interactions. It is set to launch on March 31. 3. Coinsweeper: An enhanced version of Minesweeper that allows players to bail out mid-game, offering purchasable items and modifiers for bonuses. 4. Ultrapool: A pool game where players can upgrade and combine pool balls and increase pocket multipliers for higher scores. 5. Rogue Hanafuda: A game using hanafuda cards similar to poker, where players unlock more card plays as they accumulate wealth and can purchase stackable items for bonuses. 6. Capsulitas: A game combining gashapon mechanics where players buy capsules and manage inventory to enhance scoring chances in future rounds.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 16 to 20

In the upcoming week, several new games will be released for Xbox platforms: - Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown Deluxe Edition: Developed by Daedalic Entertainment, priced at .99, releasing on February 18, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Styx: Blades of Greed – Quartz Edition: Developed by Nacon, priced at .99, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - AerialKnight's DropShot: Developed by AerialKnight Games, releasing on February 17, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Handheld Optimized. - Hex Park: Developed by Webnetic s. r. o., priced at .99, releasing on February 17, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - HeadHunters: Developed by Sumalab, priced at .99, releasing on February 18, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Backrooms Level X: Developed by Firenut Games, priced at .99 (discounted price: .99), releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Death Match Love Comedy!: Developed by KEMCO in Japan & Asia, PQube in North America & Europe, priced at .99, releasing on February 19. - Harvest Cafe: Developed by World of Poly, releasing on February 19, Xbox Play Anywhere. - KLETKA: Developed by Sobaka Studio, priced at .99, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Outpath: Developed by Silver Lining Interactive, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - Showgunners: Developed by Klabater, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Soulslinger: Envoy of Death: Developed by Headup, releasing on February 19, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Horror Tale 2: 4k Remaster: Developed by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 20, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Liquor Store Simulator: Developed by PlayWay S.A., priced at .69 (MSRP: .99), releasing on February 20, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 16 to 20

Next week on Xbox, several games are set to release across various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. - Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown Deluxe Edition Developer: Daedalic Entertainment Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 18 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Styx: Blades of Greed – Quartz Edition Developer: Nacon Price: .99 Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Aerial_Knight's DropShot Developer: Aerial_Knight Games Release Date: February 17 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere / Handheld Optimized - Hex Park Developer: Webnetic s. r. o. Price: .99 Release Date: February 17 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - HeadHunters Developer: Sumalab Price: .99 Release Date: February 18 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Backrooms Level X Developer: Firenut Games Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Death Match Love Comedy! Developer: KEMCO in Japan & Asia, PQube in North America & Europe Price: .99 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 19 - Harvest Cafe Developer: World of Poly Release Date: February 19 Xbox Play Anywhere - KLETKA Developer: Sobaka Studio Price: .99 Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Outpath Developer: Silver Lining Interactive Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Showgunners Developer: Klabater Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Soulslinger: Envoy of Death Developer: Headup Release Date: February 19 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Horror Tale 2: 4k Remaster Developer: EpiXR Games Price: .99 Release Date: February 20 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S - Liquor Store Simulator Developer: PlayWay S.A. Price: .69 (MSRP: .99) Release Date: February 20 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

LEGO Minecraft The Lush Cave Fight Polybag Set 30705 Review

The LEGO Minecraft The Lush Cave Fight set, numbered 30705, was released in 2025 and contains 40 pieces, designed for ages five and above. It features Alex, who battles a skeleton in a lush cave environment, marking the first appearance of the lush biome in a Minecraft-themed set. The Alex minifigure has reddish-brown legs, a sand-green shirt, and orange hair, wielding a medium azure pixelated sword. The skeleton minifigure uses standard parts and comes with a reddish-brown pixelated bow. The lush cave model includes various Minecraft plants on a 4x6 dark blue base, with elements like glow berries and a large folding dripleaf that allows for parkour movements. The set offers a simple building experience and includes two minifigures.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing

In 2025, users reported over 20 issues with Windows 11, leading to dissatisfaction reminiscent of past criticisms of Windows Vista and Windows 8. The original Windows 8 promotional campaign effectively highlighted its features through engaging marketing, contrasting with recent Copilot ads that faced backlash for showcasing the AI's limitations. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards AI integration, particularly with Copilot, despite negative feedback from users and developers regarding its effectiveness. Historically, Microsoft responded to Windows 8's challenges by releasing Windows 8.1, which addressed user concerns and improved functionality. A similar update, Windows 11.1, could help restore user confidence and improve the overall experience with Windows 11.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 11 Just Fixed One Of Its Biggest Problems

Linux installations are increasing as Windows 10 approaches its expiration date, driven by user dissatisfaction with Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and disruptive updates. The Start Menu, a key feature since Windows 95, has faced criticism due to redesigns that complicate user experience. A recent update to Windows 11 has introduced a redesigned Start Menu that allows greater customization, features a wider layout, and enables users to disable the Recommended section. However, issues remain, such as irrelevant search results, loss of access to recently accessed files when disabling recommendations, inability to resize the Start Menu, and absence of categorization for pinned items.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

The Windows Interface You Didn’t Like, For Linux

Windows 8, launched in 2012, featured the Metro start screen, which was a significant departure from previous desktop interfaces and was met with consumer frustration, leading to its quick replacement in later versions. A new shell called Win8DE has been introduced by er-bharat for Wayland window managers, bringing a version of the Metro interface to Linux. The Metro design was effective on handheld and touchscreen devices but did not translate well to desktop machines. The new Linux environment could be beneficial for tablets or touch-enabled devices, although its association with Windows 8 may limit its adoption. There is potential for integration with the Linux version of .NET to create an improved version of Windows 8.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Kingdom Loop Has Been Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer RootGame, in collaboration with publisher Ultimate Games, has announced Kingdom Loop, a strategic roguelike set to launch on PC and consoles. Players will control eight unique heroes with distinct abilities and navigate an endless loop around the Grail Temple, adapting strategies as enemies become stronger. The game features deckbuilding and kingdom management, dynamic turn-based combat, and over 200 unique tiles for replayability. Kingdom Loop is inspired by Loop Hero and combines turn-based strategy and JRPG elements. A formal launch date has not been announced, but a trailer and additional information are available.