Windows
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Windows.
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STARBITES Review
Starbites is a turn-based RPG that captures the essence of PlayStation 2-era JRPGs with its earnest storytelling and vibrant aesthetic. Developed by IKINAGAMES and published by NIS America, the game features a charming narrative about a debt-ridden heroine named Lukida and a tactical combat system inspired by Octopath Traveler. While praised for its characters, voice acting, and satisfying gameplay, the review notes a lack of rewards for higher difficulties and a missed opportunity with the equipment system's visual customization.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Out Now for macOS
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is now available for macOS, developed by Feral Interactive and World's Edge. This real-time strategy game allows players to lead various civilizations through historical campaigns and skirmish modes. The macOS version is Apple Silicon-native and includes 4K visuals, a remastered soundtrack, and three base game expansions, with additional DLC available for purchase.
Demos and Freebies
Cairn is a new survival-climber game from the creators of Furi and Haven, available on Steam for Windows. Players must carefully plan their routes and manage climbing gear to reach an unprecedented summit.
Game History and Preservation
The classic Windows game 3D Space Cadet Pinball is receiving a physical re-creation, highlighting the ongoing discussion around game preservation. This initiative brings attention to the challenges of maintaining access to older digital titles.
DRAGON QUEST XII: BEYOND DREAMS REVEALED AS DRAGON QUEST CELEBRATES ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY
SQUARE ENIX celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Quest series with multiple announcements. Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams has entered development under a new structure, and Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is coming to multiple platforms. Additionally, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is set for release on Nintendo Switch 2, and in-game events are planned for Dragon Quest Smash/Grow.
Warhammer Skulls 2026: The Recap & Up to 90% Off Select Warhammer Video Games Until 28th May
The Warhammer Skulls 2026 event celebrated its 10th anniversary with a showcase of new and upcoming Warhammer video games, including world premieres of Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Deathwatch and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster. A Helldivers 2 x Warhammer 40,000 collaboration was also announced. Sales of up to 90% off on select Warhammer titles are available across multiple platforms until May 28th.
Enter the Chronosphere Early Access
Enter the Chronosphere, a turn-based roguelike bullet hell game from Effort Star and Joystick Ventures, has launched its Early Access period for Windows. Players can now experience the game before its full release.
A love letter to the Quake series, free and open source FPS Quetoo is out now
Quetoo, a free and open-source first-person shooter inspired by the classic Quake series, has been released after 19 years of development. It features classic gameplay modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, remakes of legendary maps from Quake, Quake 2, and Quake 3, modern rendering features, and cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Picker Magnate Simulator Announced for PC - A Junk Dealer Life Sim Coming Q4 2026
Indie developer S-Grade Games has announced Picker Magnate Simulator, a life simulation game where players build a resale empire from scratch. The game, featuring shop management, crafting, and RPG progression, is planned for release in Q4 2026 for Windows and Linux.
Sunday Mobilization
This article analyzes the current state of purchasing Windows laptops in 2026, suggesting it is a poor choice for consumers. It also briefly mentions Amazon's discontinuation of older Kindle models and provides advice for affected users.
Vault of Seraphim XL - A Spelunker inspiration released for the C64 by Natthrafn [UPDATE! now for MacOS, Windows & Linux]
Natthrafn has released 'Vault of Seraphim', a jump and run cave crawler platformer for the Commodore 64, inspired by 'Catacombs of Cherubim'. An updated version, 'Vault of Seraphim XL', is now available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux, featuring expanded content and features.
Demos and Freebies
The game 1939, a fast-paced top-down action shooter, is now available on PC via Steam for Windows. Players take on the role of Elisa, a widow seeking revenge in 1939 Birmingham.
MEDIA ALERT: Mega Greninja Faces Off with Mega Floette in the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising Expansion, Available Now
The Pokémon Company International has released the latest expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising. The expansion introduces new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards, including Mega Greninja ex and Mega Floette ex, and is available in physical booster packs and collections worldwide. It is also available digitally through Pokémon TCG Live on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
Warhammer 40K: Gladius - Relics of War Gets Eradications DLC and Another Giveaway
The 4X strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War has received a new Eradication pack, available on Steam for Windows and Linux. This DLC adds eight new units to the game. The article also mentions another giveaway is happening.
Dreamcore Launch Now Complete
Montraluz and Tlön Industries have released Dead Mall, the final chapter of their psychological exploration game Dreamcore. The game, described as being set in the largest liminal world ever made, is now available for Windows.
Demos and Freebies
Atre: Dominance Wars, a fantasy kingdom builder with god powers and turn-based tactical combat, is available on Steam for Windows. Players can build settlements, forge artifacts, and command armies with heroes.
Guide: Anticheat check - which competitive games actually work on Linux?
This guide details which competitive games with anti-cheat software are compatible with Linux and SteamOS. It aims to help users transitioning from Windows by outlining playable titles and providing necessary information for a smooth gaming experience on alternative operating systems.
Anticheat check - which competitive games actually work on Linux?
This guide details which competitive games with anti-cheat systems are compatible with Linux and SteamOS. It explains how anti-cheat software interacts with different operating systems and compatibility layers like Valve's Proton. While some major titles like Fortnite and Valorant are blocked, games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals function correctly.
In the early 1990s, Doom was famously installed on more PCs than Windows itself—but how many was that, actually?
An analysis explores the historical popularity of Doom in the early 1990s, citing figures suggesting it was installed on more PCs than Windows. While shareware downloads reached 20 million, a study referenced by Gabe Newell indicated Windows was on 30 million PCs in the US, with Doom being the number one product. The article questions the exact numbers and the significance of Doom's widespread adoption compared to the dominant operating system of the era.
Phonopolis Released
The puzzle/adventure game Phonopolis has been released on Windows and macOS via Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam. A 10% launch discount is available for a limited time.