Visual Effects Archives

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Fighting games continue to hold the title for coolest videogame soundtracks of all time

Fighting games provide an immersive sensory experience through tactile button interactions, vibrant visuals, and resonant sounds, enhanced by engaging soundtracks. At the VSFighting tournament in Birmingham, the atmosphere is electric, with crowds cheering and chanting along to iconic voice lines and memorable tunes. Notable tracks include Street Fighter 6's "Reinvent the Game," which energizes players during character selection, and Tekken 7's "Moonsiders 2nd," which evokes nostalgia. Soundtracks are designed for both players and spectators, featuring high-energy tracks influenced by various music genres. DJ sets, like Mifumei's at the Tekken World Tour 2023 finals, highlight the connection between music and gameplay. The text also suggests standout tracks from the fighting game genre suitable for various listening occasions.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Separated Friends Connect on Minecraft in ‘Shape Your World’ Film

Minecraft has partnered with Boo Agency to create a new narrative for International Day of Friendship, featuring a short film about two best friends, Sully and Sally, who are separated by distance but connected through Minecraft. The film, directed by Dan French and produced with BIG Productions, showcases the game's world-building capabilities and emphasizes the theme of friendship. It was shot over two days using practical effects and visual techniques to maintain a handcrafted aesthetic. The project aligns with Minecraft's brand proposition, "Shape Your World," and aims to resonate with both new and long-time fans. The film will be accompanied by additional content distributed across Minecraft’s channels, inviting players to explore and create within the game's universe.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

I’m not upgrading to Windows 11, but I’m not tolerating Linux either

The author has been using an HP Pavilion laptop for a decade, but its performance on Windows 11 has declined due to modern applications and web standards. The laptop's 4th-gen i5 processor struggles with current operating system demands, leading to slowdowns during simple tasks. Attempts to optimize Windows 11 provided only marginal improvements. The author considered switching to Chrome OS Flex for its lightweight nature but found its reliance on web applications and lack of support for certain software limiting. Linux was also considered but deemed too complicated and incompatible with essential Windows-native applications. Ultimately, the author decided to install Chrome OS using the Brunch Framework, which allowed the aging laptop to run more efficiently and support the Google Play Store, improving overall performance and user experience.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Next major Windows 11 update could boost battery life on your laptop with a single click

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Adaptive Energy Saver for Windows 11, which will automatically toggle Energy Saver mode based on user activity to maximize battery efficiency. Currently, users must manually activate Energy Saver mode, which reduces display brightness and curtails background activities. The Adaptive Energy Saver feature, currently being tested by Windows Insiders, will maintain screen brightness while managing power-intensive components like the CPU and GPU during lighter tasks. This feature is exclusive to devices with built-in batteries and is expected to be rolled out to the wider public later this year. Users can access it through Settings > System > Power & Battery once available.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

New Windows 11 trick will improve your Galaxy Book’s battery life

Microsoft is testing a new feature called Adaptive Battery Saver Mode for Windows 11 devices, which adjusts battery usage based on workload rather than just battery level. Unlike traditional Energy Saver mode, it maintains screen brightness and allows background tasks to continue without interruption. This feature is currently being tested in the Canary Channel under build number 27898, and if successful, it will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices. The development coincides with advancements in power-efficient processors from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, aimed at improving battery performance in Windows laptops.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Remains No. 1 on Disc Sales Chart

The Minecraft Movie is in development and aims to capture the essence of the game while introducing a narrative for both gamers and newcomers. The film will explore themes of adventure, friendship, and imagination, featuring familiar elements such as crafting, building, and exploring. A talented team of writers and directors is working on the project, which includes a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars in the cast. The film will utilize cutting-edge visual effects, feature a lineup of voice actors, and include an original music score. Anticipation is building within the gaming community as the release date approaches.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I made Windows 11 look like 10 without tools

Many users wish to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 10 while using Windows 11. Adjustments can be made using built-in settings without additional software: - Start menu alignment: Users can change the Start menu from center to left by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Classic File Explorer: Users can access the classic File Explorer interface by pressing the Windows key and searching for Windows Tools, then clicking on Home or This PC. - Return app labels: Users can enable app labels on the taskbar by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors and selecting Never next to “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.” - Always show scrollbars: Users can make scrollbars always visible by navigating to Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual Effects and toggling on the “Always show scrollbars” option. - Change the color scheme: Users can modify the color scheme by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Colors, selecting Custom for “Choose your mode,” and opting for Dark for “Choose your Windows mode.” - Desktop icons: Users can restore legacy desktop icons by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Themes and clicking on Desktop icon settings. These adjustments help create a Windows 10-like experience within Windows 11.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

7 quick things I did that instantly sped up my Windows PC

Transitioning from Windows to macOS can create nostalgia for the Windows interface, but many professionals still need access to Windows for work. Older machines may hinder performance, but improvements can be made without new hardware. To enhance the performance of an aging Windows PC: 1. Restart the system regularly to clear memory leaks and unresponsive processes. 2. Turn off visual effects to improve responsiveness, especially on older machines. 3. Delete unnecessary files and applications to free up storage space. 4. Uninstall third-party antivirus software in favor of Microsoft Defender, which is resource-efficient. 5. Disable unnecessary startup programs to enhance boot times and system responsiveness. 6. Close multiple browser windows and tabs to conserve RAM. 7. Regularly update the Windows operating system for speed and stability improvements.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Demonic sci-fi RPG Illusion City is one of those timeless pixel art games that still looks incredible in GIF form 34 years later

Pasokon Retro highlights the significance of Illusion City, a 1991 RPG developed by Micro Cabin for multiple platforms including PC-98 and MSX Turbo R. The game features a narrative set in a world of shady corporations and demons, blending magic with technology. Players engage in turn-based battles while navigating a well-crafted story that emphasizes visual detail and character expression. The protagonist, Tian Ren, is introduced through a dynamic animation, and the game showcases vibrant environments and intricate animations during combat. Illusion City is noted for its rich storytelling and immersive atmosphere, remaining influential in the realm of retro gaming.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

FBC: Firebreak patch aims to improve the game’s early hours, which ‘do not provide a good experience,’ Remedy admits

Remedy has acknowledged that FBC: Firebreak did not meet expectations but believes many issues are fixable. A recent patch introduces balance changes to improve gameplay, including making Lost Assets easier to locate and allowing new players to start at Clearance Level 3 for the introductory job, Hot Fix. The patch also includes significant overhauls to core systems, enhancing progression and rewards, with recalibrated unlockable costs and streamlined gear progression. New players can now begin at Clearance Level 3 for the first Job, and must complete a full three-zone run at CL3 to unlock subsequent Jobs. The Operational Requisition has been divided into two categories: Essentials and Expressions, allowing players to access essential gear without unlocking unrelated items. Balancing changes include reduced construction times for certain items, increased health for enemies, and improved accessibility for the Stapler Corrupted Item. Audio issues have been addressed, including missing sound effects and music transition problems. User interface corrections include XP level indicators and crash issues in the Loadout menu. Gameplay improvements involve enhanced haptic feedback and visibility for Lost Assets. Visual enhancements include performance improvements and updates to environmental elements.