videogames Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand review

Paul's expertise includes videogames, Star Trek, and flannel shirts. He is involved in the gaming world with the expansion "Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand," which focuses on wave defense mechanics and roguelike elements within a World War II setting. The expansion allows players to select factions and face waves of enemies on a compact map, starting with limited units and making strategic decisions after each wave. Players can enhance their capabilities with various abilities, and the gameplay emphasizes survival, adaptation, and strategy. Matches can be completed in around 40 minutes, and the expansion is accessible for both veterans and newcomers. It operates independently from the main game and is budget-friendly, making it a recommended choice for players.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

After leaving Epic Games last month, its former ‘Unreal evangelist’ is now building his own game engine

Sjoerd De Jong left Epic Games after 12 years as the lead evangelist for Unreal in June. He plans to create his own game engine, tentatively named Immens, to address the complexities of established engines like Unreal and Unity. De Jong believes there is a need for a modern engine designed from the ground up and envisions incorporating large language models and generative AI tools into the gaming ecosystem. He aims for Immens to be adaptable for AI integration while emphasizing the importance of developers in maintaining the artistry of game creation.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

I used videogames to solve my country’s politics: Turns out the answer is ultra-mega-communism

The Labour prime minister of the United Kingdom has stepped down, leading to the anticipated leadership of former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. A simulation exercise envisions the UK in 2026 under a radical premiership, proposing initiatives like cryptocurrency, subsidized healthy food, and university grants. The legislation of the right to die significantly boosted approval ratings to approximately 43%. A financial crisis led to a state of emergency, allowing for sweeping reforms such as a state postal service and increased NHS funding. The political landscape is divided, with socialists and trade unionists supporting the leadership, while religious conservatives and capitalists oppose it, forming armed factions. The campaign strategy focused on galvanizing the base, resulting in a 70% turnout from supporters and a nationwide turnout of 72%, translating to 30 million votes and 44.7% of the overall vote for the party.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Expert anglers, can you name all of these videogames with fishing in them after seeing just one screenshot of a successful catch?

Engaging card games and fishing minigames can significantly extend playtime in video games. Fishing minigames are popular for their charm and the blend of patience and excitement they offer, despite the challenging controls and frantic button-mashing involved. A quiz is available that challenges players to identify fish from 21 different games within a 16-minute time limit.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Status Update 2: Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 Edition

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been significantly reduced from 103 MB and 990 pages to 73.9 MB and 839 pages, marking a notable achievement in its transformation. At its peak, the guide was over 300 MB and contained more than 1,150 pages. The reduction includes the removal of the Microsoft Edge section, which had about 100 pages of outdated content, replaced by a more concise chapter. The top-level table of contents has been restructured, and numerous chapters have been updated and consolidated, introducing new sections on Hardware, Security, Apps, Command Line Interfaces, Virtualization, XBOX and Videogames, and Help and Recovery. Additional work remains on consolidating chapters like Multitasking, Files, and Accounts. A monthly update schedule is planned to keep the guide current with new Microsoft features. Access to the guide is included for Thurrott Premium members, available in PDF and ePUB formats, with files currently hosted on Google Drive.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

I’m sorry, but I’m here to say that I really do not enjoy parrying stuff in videogames

The introduction of parrying mechanics into turn-based combat games has caused confusion and frustration among players who value the strategic depth of traditional turn-based gameplay. Many gamers feel overwhelmed by this shift, longing for simpler mechanics that allow for strategic planning rather than reactionary gameplay. While some appreciate the challenge of parrying, others believe it detracts from the satisfaction of executing well-thought-out plans. There is a desire for game developers to explore alternative ways to challenge players without relying on trends like parrying, which may not align with the core essence of turn-based games. Players yearn for a return to the simplicity and depth that once defined the genre.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Talos Principle 3 will definitely be the last one in the series, because ‘so many videogames just don’t end, and then you have an endless kind of cliffhanger’

The Talos Principle 3 is the final installment of the trilogy, as confirmed by writer Jonas Kyratzes, who stated, "This is the end. This is the last Talos Principle." The studio, Croteam, aimed to deliver a complete narrative arc rather than prolonging the franchise. Kyratzes emphasized the game's unique nature and its emotional impact on players, expressing hope that the conclusion will satisfy audiences and reflect the journey from the dawn of a new humanity to its future.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

What would be your go-to gaming soundtrack to recommend to a non-gamer?

Videogame music plays a significant role in many people's lives, often unnoticed by non-gamers. Critical Hit is a platform that explores and celebrates videogame music and audio design. A recent discussion on Reddit's r/gamemusic focused on recommending original soundtracks (OSTs) to entice non-gamers. Personal experiences shared include introducing captivating videogame tracks to friends and family, such as vocal tracks from Persona 4 and calming music from Final Fantasy 10. The discussion also highlights the use of relaxing background music as an introduction to gaming music. Examples of tracks mentioned include "Kitsch" from Tekken 5 and the main theme from L.A. Noire.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Why PC Gaming Has Never Been More Accessible Than In 2026

The entry point into PC gaming has become significantly easier, moving away from complex installation issues and compatibility challenges. Platforms now prioritize convenience, allowing players to transition from download to gameplay with minimal friction through pre-configured installations and one-click launchers. This evolution has attracted casual gamers who previously avoided PC gaming due to technical barriers. The variety of PC games available has expanded, with a focus on user-friendly platforms that feature large, organized libraries and straightforward download processes. Curation has become essential for accessibility, helping players discover new titles easily. There has been notable growth in simulation and survival genres, while open-world RPGs remain popular. The modding community has also contributed to the longevity of older titles by introducing new content. Overall, the trend toward accessibility and convenience in PC gaming continues to grow, making it an inviting time for new players.