whimsy Archives

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

This week in PC games: Summer Game Fest, the Gothic remake, and the policing of furry Chicago

The Maw has broken containment and consumed Geoff Keighley, the figure behind Summer Games Fest. As a result, the anticipated game trailers and announcements scheduled for June 5th are uncertain. New PC game releases mentioned include "Tattoo Removal Simulator," "Starforged Legacy," "Lost in Art: A Miniature Realm," "OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast," "Remorses," "Fatekeeper," "Prohibeast," and a remake of "Gothic." There are rumors of a "Geoff Keighley" still sharing details about Summer Game Fest streaming times.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

LEGO Minecraft Steve’s Desert Expedtion 21251 Review

LEGO Minecraft set Steve’s Desert Expedition (set number 21251) was released in 2024 and consists of 75 pieces, aimed at ages six and above. The set features Steve building a temporary dwelling in a desert and defending it from a Phantom. It includes a new version of the Steve minifigure with a dark azure shirt and a medium lavender enchanted axe, which is exclusive to four sets. The set also introduces a baby camel, designed with a 1X1 tan tile for its nose and constructed from two 1X2 tan bricks. The Phantom, a character in Minecraft since 2017, has a build that allows for dynamic flying poses. Steve's campsite is built on a tan plate, includes a small water source, a cactus, and a crafting table, though the campfire design could be improved for realism.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Google’s got disco icons for your Pixel phone, and everyone’s already taking them too far

Disco-themed app icons have gained popularity, initially conceptualized by Pixly’s Race Johnson. Android head Sameer Samat announced that these icons are now officially available as a custom style for the Pixel Launcher. This move reflects an embrace of the disco trend, which has received mixed reactions, particularly among Spotify users. The disco icons serve as a fresh preset within the Pixel Launcher’s customizable icon styles. Google’s Dieter Bohn has showcased his home screen featuring the disco icons. Pixel users are encouraged to share their experiences with the new aesthetic.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed ’90s nostalgia is exhausting

Atari announced Bubsy 4D, which has generated skepticism and amusement in the gaming community. The first trailer did not impress, and Bubsy games are known for their poor reception, particularly Bubsy 3D, which is considered one of the worst games ever. The revival of the Bubsy franchise is driven by nostalgia, despite its notorious reputation. The game is being developed by Fabraz, a studio recognized for successful platformers like Demon Tides and Slime-san. The 3D platformer genre is evolving with innovative titles, and there is uncertainty about the necessity of another Bubsy game.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

This game about being a chaotic mage might be the best indie immersive sim you can play, as I learned after destroying a mime’s house with magnetism

Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Souls is a PC game that combines RPG elements with immersive simulation. Players encounter a mime in the game, who has an elaborate setup and a magnet-themed puzzle. The game features 40 spells, or runes, that can be creatively combined to solve puzzles. The design encourages experimentation and embraces failure, allowing quick respawns after mistakes. The gameplay includes slapstick animations that highlight comical misfortunes. Despite minor flaws in narrative and spell reprogramming, the game offers an engaging experience that appeals to fans of RPGs and puzzle-solving.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Windows Wrap: Windows 11 is getting its spark back

Microsoft is revitalizing the Windows Insider Program to reconnect with its user base and enhance Windows 11. The program, which previously fostered community engagement and innovation, is being rebooted to prioritize user feedback and improve quality. Significant updates to Windows 11 have been announced, and there is a push to recognize the contributions of Insiders. Additionally, Surface enthusiasts are creating their own accessories through 3-D printing due to a lack of official offerings from Microsoft.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is making significant changes to the Windows Insider Program to address user feedback and improve community engagement. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for more predictable releases. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier movement between channels without needing complete reinstalls. - Assignment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) to oversee specific areas based on community feedback. Upcoming features for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, enhanced File Explorer functionality, and a redesigned Feedback Hub. Microsoft aims to rebuild trust by focusing on quality in Beta builds and publicly acknowledging community contributions. The company is prioritizing refining Windows 11 over launching a new version, Windows 12.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More

Chocobos, space, vampires, and sentient pottery are themes of upcoming games showcased at the ID@Xbox and IGN event. Several games will be available on day one through Game Pass, including: - Little Rocket Lab (April 21) - A cozy machine-building RPG where players help build a rocket. - Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato (April 21) - A narrative adventure about a quest for a potato in a magical realm. - Vampire Crawlers (April 21) - A turn-based, rogue-lite card-driven game based on Vampire Survivors. - Kiln (April 23) - A pottery-themed game that combines crafting and online battles. - Aphelion (April 28) - A third-person sci-fi adventure involving a crash landing and rescuing a partner. - Trepang2 (April 29) - A visceral FPS set in a dystopian future. - Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era (April 30) - A prequel to the series featuring army raising and spell casting. - Sledding Game (April 30) - A multiplayer snow-sports experience with voice chat. - TerraTech Legion (April 30) - A game focused on constructing battle vehicles. - Final Fantasy V (May 5) - A classic RPG involving a rescue mission and adventure with a Chocobo. Several titles will leave the Game Pass library on April 30, including: - Citizen Sleeper - Creatures of Ava - Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 - Endless Legend 2 - Goat Simulator - Goat Simulator Remastered - Hunt Showdown 1896 - NHL 24 (EA Play) - Revenge of the Savage Planet Games with a 'Handheld' designation are optimized for handheld play.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

‘I don’t want Sloppy Spire 2’: Slay the Spire 2 dev teases exciting updates, rejects the concept of deadlines

Slay the Spire 2 has gained popularity on Steam since its March launch, surpassing the original game in features. Upcoming updates include alternate versions of Acts 2 and 3, Steam Workshop support, experimental game modes, a new character, new cards, events, relics, and potions. Players can also expect bug fixes, enhanced audio and artwork, balance adjustments, and additional languages. The studio has not provided specific timelines for these updates. Recent balance changes will be integrated into the main version once stable. Developers are committed to maintaining a whimsical experience in the game. A full newsletter detailing updates is available on Steam.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

I might have a reason to press my Copilot key as this absurd Windows 11 app adds some comic relief: “I can’t stop laughing”

Microsoft has announced plans for new Windows PCs that will include a dedicated Copilot key, marking a significant change to the Windows keyboard in 30 years. The option to remap this key in Windows 11 has been temporarily suspended to prevent bugs. The developer community has created a utility called NoCopilotKey to revert the key to its original function as the right-side CTRL key. Additionally, an app called TypeFart produces humorous sounds with keystrokes but does not allow users to assign unique sounds to specific keys. Microsoft has clarified that outdated language in Copilot's terms of use, which suggested it was for entertainment purposes only, will be updated to reflect its current capabilities. The company is also working on improvements for Windows 11, including the return of the movable Taskbar and better integration of Copilot.