visual improvements Archives

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Minecraft is Redefining the Look of Baby Mobs in 26.1 Snapshot 2 –

Mojang has released the 26.1 Snapshot 2 for Minecraft, the first Java Edition snapshot of the year. This update includes significant visual upgrades, particularly for baby mobs, enhancing the game's aesthetics. It also features various audio and gameplay enhancements for a more immersive experience. Additionally, several technical improvements have been made to enhance the game's stability and performance.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Intel: Stutters in PC Games are “Breaking Immersion”

Google's "Project Butter," introduced with Android 4.1, aimed to improve scrolling smoothness on 60Hz smartphone displays. Intel announced the Precompiled Shader Distribution to enhance gaming performance by downloading shaders directly to PCs via Arc Control software, debuting with Panther Lake review driver downloads and initially supporting select DirectX 12 titles on Steam. Intel will update offline shaders alongside game patches and driver updates, with a focus on optimal performance. Petersen expressed support for Microsoft's efforts in precompiled shaders for Windows gaming. Intel Arc employs machine learning for its XeSS image upscaler and Xe Frame Generation system, with plans to address frame-pacing issues using AI. Petersen discussed the need to distinguish between frame generation and rasterization, emphasizing that visual improvements should be viewed separately from performance metrics like frames per second.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Windows 10 end of life has passed – here’s your business guide to Windows 11

Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with major companies addressing potential deployment issues. Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October 2025, but users can access the Extended Security Update program for an additional 12 months of coverage. Windows 11 features a refined user interface with a centered taskbar, enhanced visual elements, and productivity tools like snap layouts and Cloud Clipboard. The Start menu has been simplified, and the File Explorer sidebar has been reorganized. Focus Assist is improved with direct settings and integrates with the Windows Clock app. Windows 11 includes Copilot for natural language queries and task automation, with enhanced features for devices with neural processing units. Security is strengthened with Windows Hello and optional integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and TPM version 2.0. All editions of Windows 11 support encryption and biometric security, with Pro and Enterprise editions offering additional features. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is typically free if the device meets the requirements, with prices for new purchases starting at around £119 for Windows 11 Home and £219 for Windows 11 Pro.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Play Football Manager 26 early and score a goal with this major discount

Football Manager 26 is set to be released on November 4, with early access available for .19 / £40.99. The game features new elements such as women's football, enhanced visuals due to a transition to Unity, and fully licensed Premier League kits and clubs. A pre-launch discount is offered for early access. The gameplay includes improved Match Day atmosphere and refined animations to simulate live football matches. New players may find the user interface cluttered, and the tutorial is brief. Players should check their PC's minimum specifications before playing.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a remastered version of the original tactical RPG, now available on modern platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch 2, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S, priced at .99. The game retains the narrative of political intrigue in the medieval kingdom of Ivalice, where two regent candidates vie for the throne. Players assemble a party of five heroes and navigate a tactical battlefield, utilizing over 20 job classes inspired by classic Final Fantasy archetypes. The remaster offers two gameplay modes: Classic, which is a faithful port of the original, and Enhanced, which includes animated character portraits, improved controls, and voice acting. The user interface has been updated for clarity, and localization has been refined with input from the original director. However, some features from The War of the Lions, such as certain characters and multiplayer modes, are absent. The game includes additional features like an encyclopedia called The Chronicle and a dynamic map tracking significant events. Minimum system requirements for PC include an AMD Ryzen 3 2300X or Intel Core i3-8100 CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 460 or equivalent GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 15GB of storage space. The game supports both controller and keyboard-and-mouse configurations and includes various Steam features, but employs Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Borderlands 4’s latest patch triggers a flurry of performance complaints, but Gearbox says new stuttering problems ‘should resolve over time as the shaders continue to compile’

A new patch for Borderlands 4 has been released, focusing on fixes and gameplay enhancements to improve performance and stability. The game has received a "mixed" rating on Steam, largely due to performance issues. Players have reported that their gaming experience has worsened after the update, with concerns over reduced frame rates and increased stuttering. The patch includes improvements to stability and performance, addressing hitching, low FPS, and crashes, as well as updates to character animations and loading times. Weekly activities have been adjusted, including a new variant of a boss and a revamped mission that guarantees a Legendary drop. Various issues related to rewards, character skills, gameplay missions, gear, UI, visuals, and audio have been fixed. However, some players are still experiencing stability issues, and it is recommended to clear the shader cache if problems persist.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Shenmue III Enhanced Edition Announced, Free PC Upgrade Confirmed

ININ Games has announced an Enhanced Edition for Shenmue 3, which will be a complimentary upgrade for existing PC owners. The Enhanced Edition includes sharper 4K textures, richer details in environments and characters, faster load times, and support for NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR. The city village of Niaowu will feature more NPCs. Gameplay enhancements include a new optional camera view, an adjustable stamina system, healing options before battles, and reduced costs for progression. These changes are optional, allowing players to retain the original experience if desired. The release date is currently unannounced.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

After 2 Years, the PC Version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Finally Gets the Next-Gen Update

Bandai Namco announced that the Next-Gen Update for the PC version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be released on July 17, 2023. This update is a free upgrade for existing owners and includes visual enhancements such as improved lighting, vegetation, water effects, and higher-quality textures. The game originally launched on PC in 2020 and was well-received for its performance, with minimal stuttering and proper keyboard and mouse support. The update brings the PC version in line with enhancements previously made for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2023.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Enhanced Splinter Cell is the best way to play this classic in 2025

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, released in 2002, has an unofficial mod called Enhanced Splinter Cell that revitalizes the game with quality-of-life improvements and restored content. The mod enhances lighting effects, allows customization of Sam Fisher's outfit, and incorporates dgVoodoo2 for modern compatibility. It introduces gameplay tweaks such as easier inventory access, HUD toggling, adjustable movement speed, and a new crouch mechanic. Additionally, it includes two previously cut missions, Nuclear Power Plant and Severonickel, along with updated cutscenes for the Kalinatek mission and the new missions. Enhanced Splinter Cell is recommended for players wanting to experience the classic on modern hardware.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft receives separate trailer for the Switch as doesn’t support Vibrant Visuals

The Chase the Skies update has been released in Minecraft, but Nintendo Switch players will not have access to the Vibrant Visuals update. Switch users can still enjoy the Chase the Skies content, which includes new features such as flying with a ghast companion, creating a caravan of camels, and using the Player Locator bar. There is speculation that Microsoft and Mojang may develop a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, potentially offering enhanced graphics.