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Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I've ever played
AppWizard
February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.
Hooded Horse's new strategy game Menace isn't XCOM, and that's okay
AppWizard
February 21, 2026

Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Menace isn’t XCOM, and that’s okay

Menace is a turn-based strategy game that distinguishes itself from the XCOM series by offering a grander, more theatrical experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes and Starship Troopers. It features larger-scale confrontations and a unique squad structure where each member operates as an individual unit, allowing for a focus on overwhelming force rather than precision strikes. The game includes named characters commanding groups of up to eight soldiers, but the large number of troops can dilute emotional connections, making losses feel less impactful. The developer has invested in character development, but the emotional bond is weaker compared to smaller squads. The game is currently in early access and is expected to evolve before its full release.
XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, 'the game we poured our hearts into'
AppWizard
February 20, 2026

XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, ‘the game we poured our hearts into’

Jake Solomon, founder of Midsummer Studios, announced the studio's closure and shared a gameplay video of "Burbank," a life simulation game. The game aimed to empower players as storytellers and was described as a blend of "Life Sims + The Truman Show." Despite receiving an 88% review score and being a Game of the Year runner-up for "Midnight Suns," the studio struggled with sales. Midsummer Studios had secured funding from various venture capital partners and Krafton but was seeking additional funding rounds. The gameplay footage of Burbank featured a polished aesthetic, with plans to use generative AI for character voices while ensuring visual art was created by human artists.
Hidden-gem strategy game where you take over a cyberpunk city as a sentient AI adds a new mode for the "truly sadistic"
AppWizard
January 5, 2026

Hidden-gem strategy game where you take over a cyberpunk city as a sentient AI adds a new mode for the “truly sadistic”

Heart of the Machine, a city-building sandbox game by Arcen Games, launched in early access in January 2025. It combines elements of 4X strategy, RPG-like narratives, and tactical combat. Following a significant update that eased some challenging endgame elements, players requested a return to the original difficulty, leading to the introduction of 'Misery mode,' designed for those seeking extreme challenges. The game has been adjusted to make key routes easier for new players, and it allows exploration of alternate timelines. Arcen Games is working on finalizing tier-three goals for the game's eventual 1.0 release, with a planned post-launch update for the 'Stars Beyond Reach' route. Heart of the Machine is currently available at a 50% discount during the Steam Winter Sale, priced at .99 / £12.49, and has a 92% positive recommendation rate from players.
XCOM creator's spiritual successor strategy game just got a colossal update inspired by its best mod, and it's 60% off
AppWizard
December 14, 2025

XCOM creator’s spiritual successor strategy game just got a colossal update inspired by its best mod, and it’s 60% off

The Firebird update for Phoenix Point has been released, featuring significant gameplay enhancements and a 60% discount on Steam until December 18, allowing players to purchase the game for .99 / £7.79. The update includes reduced research and construction times, adjustments to resource management, rebalanced Haven Defense missions, refined encounter types, a redesigned manufacturing screen, and rebalancing of all five DLC packs. The development team collaborated with creators of the popular Terror From The Void mod to ensure compatibility with ongoing campaigns.
Amazon Prime members can get these 12 Steam Deck-compatible games for free for a limited time
AppWizard
December 6, 2025

Amazon Prime members can get these 12 Steam Deck-compatible games for free for a limited time

Amazon Prime members currently have access to a selection of free Steam Deck-compatible games, which must be claimed through third-party launchers like Heroic Games Launcher or GOG. The available games include: - Gas Station Simulator (Playable, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on Jan 7, 2026) - New Tales from the Borderlands (Playable, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on Feb 4, 2026) - Lovecraft’s Untold Stories (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on December 10, 2025) - PlateUp! (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on December 24, 2025) - LEGO 2K Drive (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on March 4, 2026) - Dream Tactics (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 24, 2025) - EMPTY SHELL (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 17, 2025) - XCOM 2 (Playable, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on January 7, 2026) - Fort Solis (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on January 14, 2026) - Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 17, 2025) - GYLT (Verified, Amazon Prime, Offer ends on Feb 4, 2026) - Dark City: Kyiv – CE (Playable, Amazon Prime, Offer ends on Jan 14, 2026) Additionally, Amazon is offering a six-month free trial of Prime membership for individuals aged 18 to 24 and students, allowing them to explore these gaming benefits without initial commitment.
D&D's new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight - but without VR, I'm not finding the fun
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

D&D’s new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight – but without VR, I’m not finding the fun

Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is a cooperative multiplayer strategy game set in D&D's Forgotten Realms, available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Meta Quest, primarily designed for virtual reality (VR). The game features turn-based strategy gameplay with players choosing from various D&D classes and species, represented as virtual miniatures. It is not a virtual tabletop or a direct adaptation of D&D 5e rules. The graphics are low in polygon count but rich in character, and the game emphasizes quick play sessions without the discomfort of VR-induced nausea. The control scheme reflects its VR origins, requiring players to pick up and place figures, which feels cumbersome on a flat screen compared to other games. The game is set to release on November 20, and the reviewer notes that their experience has been limited to single-player due to illness in the office.
This mech themed XCOM-like just got a gargantuan update that overhauls its campaign, redesigns its overworld, and adds personalities to pilots with 'over 100' unique traits
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

This mech themed XCOM-like just got a gargantuan update that overhauls its campaign, redesigns its overworld, and adds personalities to pilots with ‘over 100’ unique traits

Brace Yourself Games released Phantom Brigade 2.0, an update to the mech-themed, simultaneous turn-based tactics game originally launched in 2023. The update addresses criticisms of the initial version, which included repetitive missions and basic enemy AI. Key enhancements in the 2.0 update include a reworked campaign with new maps and quests, an expanded overworld with new provinces, improved mission generation for a dynamic environment, over 100 unique pilot traits and abilities, and revamped gameplay mechanics for better tactical encounters. Early player feedback shows a positive reception, with recent Steam reviews indicating a 90% positive rating. The game is currently available at a discounted price of £12.50 until December 3.
New Viking RPG fusing Baldur's Gate 3's combat with KCD2's bawdy charm sets a launch date, and you can try a demo now
AppWizard
November 22, 2025

New Viking RPG fusing Baldur’s Gate 3’s combat with KCD2’s bawdy charm sets a launch date, and you can try a demo now

Norse: Oath of Blood is a turn-based RPG featuring twins Gunnar Gripsson and Sigrid Gripdottir on a quest for vengeance after their father is betrayed and murdered. The game combines tactical battle systems with a rich narrative and character interactions. It utilizes advanced motion capture technology and aims to capture the human aspects of Viking culture. The release date is set for February 3, 2026, on PC via Steam, with a free demo currently available.
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