iOS Gaming July 2014: With Sunburned iOS Devices And Sweaty Fingers All Around

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Pocket Tactics is great, and their comment section is actually readable and often has intelligent discussions
 
Adult Swim Games released a free version of Castle Doombad today called Castle Doombad: Free to Slay

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/castle-doombad-free-to-slay/id881941481?mt=8

The gameplay, in-game economy, progression and structure are all the same as the paid ($2.99) version. However, this version includes interstitial ads, removes one of the IAP coin packs, adds a purchase to remove ads and unlock all traps, and adds a button to watch a video ad in exchange for in-game currency.

doombadfts.PNG


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(Note: I am a producer on this title.)
 
So, I'm playing this year GOTY :) and I can finally talk about it (a bit).
(Part of these impression were already posted on another forum).

I'm testing a game in alpha state (even if it's already much more polished than finished games) that has been in development since forever.
You can imagine my surprise when I received a test build all of a sudden about the game that was still in the top place of my wish list since 2009.

Wanting a game so much, for so long, usually brings disappointment when you finally play it. Expectations are always high, maybe too high...and the time passing makes all this worse.

But not always.

Because, let me tell you loud and clear, I was simply

BLOWN AWAY

from what I played....to the point I started playing the alpha at 11pm and after what it seemed a blink of an eye my watch displayed 3 am.
Clearly a temporal malfunction.

What can I say...I do not want to be too specific, but I was literally teleported to another weird, colorful, brutal, deeply scifi distant universe.
As soon as my alarm remebered me I had to go to work, the first thing I did was launching the game to 'explore just another bit'.

It's everything I hoped it could be, just better, and then some.

It's like Space 1999, Star Trek TOS and all the '70 scifi book covers got mixed up in a mysterious tabletop game that is masterfully rendered between my hands (iPad and iPhone, equally awesome).
The sense of mystery, danger, exploration...are GLORIOUS, as are the graphics and sounds.

I won't even mention all the details and classy touches that bring back sooooo many memories from my D&D modules childhood more than 30 years ago; I won't spoil anything.

But if, like me, you were following the game since the beginning and hoped it would turn out great...watch this space.
Everything can happen between now and the release version...but it would really take a HUGE effort to ruin what seems already so awesome.

I've been informed by the dev (like 5 minutes ago) they want to open up testing to some more people in the next weeks.
I told them here there might be serious people that want to contribute in making the game perfect and a success (it's not a free game...testing is serious and more always than not a real chore...apply only if you want to help)...so when the time will come I'll post a link to apply for a TestFlight build.

Ah...I almost forgot.

The game is Galactic Keep:Dice Battles.

It's a mature themed scifi tabletop/RPG experience for iOS.
It's a turn based RPG, heavy story based, with a damn beautiful and original setting and art style.

GK-grangeBattle-die.gif
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I'd have to agree with everything Pitta just said. I only recently started playing Galactic Keep and I was just instantly engrossed in the world, story, and gameplay. It's a turn-based tabletop-style sci-fi RPG just brimming with atmosphere, deep mechanics and customization, and fantastic writing. The game is so well written, bringing the environments, exotic creatures and weapons, even the items you find to life with vivid descriptions, and the excellent sound effects only add to the immersion. The combat is tactical and challenging, with myriad weapons and items to use, the presentation is fantastic, and the game controls effortlessly, just perfectly designed for mobile. I can't believe the game is still early in development; it's just an incredibly polished experience.
 
flowsnake said:
Unless I'm missing something, "adult themed" seems like a really poor choice of wording. But anyway, that looks interesting.
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Eh...it's surely my fault...English is not my language.
I meant it's not the classic scifi...it's very....mature...maybe mature it's a better wording.
I'll edit the original post. :)
 
PittaGAF said:
Eh...it's surely my fault...English is not my language.
I meant it's not the classic scifi...it's very....mature...maybe mature it's a better wording.
I'll edit the original post. :)
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Easy mistake to make, I didn't mean to come across as harsh. It implied to me that it was sexually explicit, although I guess Apple wouldn't allow that anyway?

How are you guys playing it, private early access or soft launch in the Canadian store or something?
 
I hate when someone posts a really positive impression of a game, and I go to look for it-and it's not available yet.
 
TheFLYINGManga_Ka said:
So looks like Sword & Poker is actually a purchasable game, right? With the $5 to unlock infinite battle energy?

Will download!
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I tried it briefly, deleted now. The energy system is not the biggest culprit. Dual currencies are, and the premium currency is required for the better weapons and shields. Shame. The premium weapon had about 3x the damage stats as the one you buy for gold, and gems are not something that can be farmed. If I had to wager a guess, it'd probably cost close to $50 to get all the items that sell for gems, but I'm not 100% sure.
 
Minsc said:
I tried it briefly, deleted now. The energy system is not the biggest culprit. Dual currencies are, and the premium currency is required for the better weapons and shields. Shame. The premium weapon had about 3x the damage stats as the one you buy for gold, and gems are not something that can be farmed. If I had to wager a guess, it'd probably cost close to $50 to get all the items that sell for gems, but I'm not 100% sure.
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That sucks. :(

It's one of those games. That's terrible.

Sometimes hate mobile games. Rip off central!
 
flowsnake said:
Easy mistake to make, I didn't mean to come across as harsh. It implied to me that it was sexually explicit, although I guess Apple wouldn't allow that anyway?

How are you guys playing it, private early access or soft launch in the Canadian store or something?
Click to expand...

No sexually explicit anything that I've come across yet :)
Don't worry, I always appreciate when I can improve my English.

I applied for testing after being invited and was lucky enough to be selected.
Game is not on the AppStore yet....I'm confident it will be out by the end of the year...but consider it's been in development since 2009 if I recall correctly.

For people that follow iOS since the beginning...it's like the unicorn of iOS games :)
I just wanted to let people know it's no vaporware...like many thought after all these years.
 
TheFLYINGManga_Ka said:
That sucks. :(

It's one of those games. That's terrible.

Sometimes hate mobile games. Rip off central!
Click to expand...

Yeah, that said, I just discovered one of my favorite time wasters from the past, The Tribez, now has a sequel The Tribez and Castlez, so I am slightly less upset about Sword & Poker atm. Hopefully it's as enjoyable as the original was (which is definitely a ymmv type game). :)
 
Minsc said:
Yeah, that said, I just discovered one of my favorite time wasters from the past, The Tribez, now has a sequel The Tribez and Castlez, so I am slightly less upset about Sword & Poker atm. Hopefully it's as enjoyable as the original was (which is definitely a ymmv type game). :)
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Cool! There are definitely really good gems for everyone among the trash heap of ios! Lately, it's just been harder to find because of the flashflood of F2P games.

I wouldn't mind F2P as much IF they were fair and balanced. But most of the time, they're not, unfortunately. :(

Anyway, tried more Sword & Poker. Looks like you get gems after defeating every area. But I'm sure I'll hit a wall where it'll be extremely difficult to get pass latter areas without upgrading. I know that'll happen.

Happened with Asphalt 8. Great racing game but it's so difficult, if not impossible, to get to the later seasons with shoddy cars. Unless you buy them of course!

$99.99 car packs! >_<
 
So I just finished Monument Valley and I loved the fact that is was short and sweet.

I just don't have time for long games anymore. Any recommendations for short games?
 
suffah said:
So I just finished Monument Valley and I loved the fact that is was short and sweet.

I just don't have time for long games anymore. Any recommendations for short games?
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Glyph Quest is a fun match-3 game with a lot of cool elements and deeper strategy than you might think at first. It has an endless mode and extra challenges, but the main game doesn't take too long to beat.
 
Gotta say I really don't care for Kiwanuka. I just find it so boring. And I wished there was more variation to the puzzles behind each level.
 
Breach & Clear is on sale. Down from $3.99 to free.

Edit: Grasshopper's Liberation Maiden is down to $0.99.Touch controls look at bit so-so, judging from Youtube videos ... hmm, what to do? :-)
 
mr_toa said:
Breach & Clear is on sale. Down from $3.99 to free.

Edit: Grasshopper's Liberation Maiden is down to $0.99.Touch controls look at bit so-so, judging from Youtube videos ... hmm, what to do? :-)
Click to expand...
Liberation Maiden is pretty fun if shallow game. I enjoyed it.
 
Minsc said:
I tried it briefly, deleted now. The energy system is not the biggest culprit. Dual currencies are, and the premium currency is required for the better weapons and shields. Shame. The premium weapon had about 3x the damage stats as the one you buy for gold, and gems are not something that can be farmed. If I had to wager a guess, it'd probably cost close to $50 to get all the items that sell for gems, but I'm not 100% sure.
Click to expand...

Seriously?

Fuck.

I saw some screenshots and it looked like the more powerful spells like Oracle(turn the middle card into a joker) were premium currency. And I wasn't sure if you had to buy it every time you wanted to use it or if it was a 1 time purchase(UNLIKELY HUH?)

That's really disappointing because IMO, the proper and PAID versions of S&P can use CPU hax on your ass. I've had to play defensively and just throw down 1 pair on a row of diamonds because all I have are spades and clubs and the game just won't let me use a flush against my enemy.
It's annoying but the game seems to be balanced so that right before I smash my phone and scream Blue Shell hax, I get chances to get some good attacks in.

Now have the occasional CPU hax in a free game? Goddamn Candy Crush I do NOT need that crap in my S&P. So thanks Konami, for taking a steaming heap in one of my favorite gaming punch bowls.

Keep it real kids:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sword-poker/id348655690?mt=8
 
JMTHEFOX said:
According to the english site, its based on the NEOGEO version instead of Unlimited Match. Sounds interesting, since I believe that KOF 97 for mobile is also based on the NEOGEO version. Hope, it will have controller support.

Also, the Hori HORIPAD Wireless controller for iOS is releasing at the end of August.
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I'm fairly certain the Bluetooth that the Japanese site mentions is in regards to controller support.

Also, that Hori pad looks alright, though that white thing in the middle looks kinda gross. Just a controller so not such a big deal I suppose.
 
So the blurb says the infinite energy unlock for Swords & Poker is half off at the moment. So it will usually be $10?

That seems a bit steep considering there's also a premium currency.


Goddamn. I loved s&p
 
1 bag of cash---------$0.99
5 bags of cash-------$2.99
10 bags of cash-----$5.99
50 bags of cash-----$19.99
500 bags of cash----$49.99
1,000 bags of cash--$99.99

Games for casuals. The irony.
 
We would like to give a BIG THANK YOU for the feedbacks of Mad Bullets! Here are a few of them. Said by the players themselves.

"It is a very professional looking game and it is very polished. I like the humor in it and the graphic art is amazing." [Therealtrebitsch]

"Time Crisis/Virtua Cop for iOS! This is a well done shooter similar to the Time Crisis' of old." [WoolyNinja]

"This game has exceeded my expectation. The most fun I've had in ages on my iPhone. Really a well polished game with more depth than you think and some humor too." [TouchGamer1987]

"It's old school shoot em up arcade style action at its best, great music and a nonstop thrill ride through the most intense gunfight you'll experience in years." [dreadnok]


"Mad Bullets is fun above all else to offer finely crafted arcade shooting action, fitted nicely to iOS for a great pick-up." [Apple'N'Apps - Trevor Sheridan]
 
PittaGAF said:
No sexually explicit anything that I've come across yet :)
Don't worry, I always appreciate when I can improve my English.

I applied for testing after being invited and was lucky enough to be selected.
Game is not on the AppStore yet....I'm confident it will be out by the end of the year...but consider it's been in development since 2009 if I recall correctly.

For people that follow iOS since the beginning...it's like the unicorn of iOS games :)
I just wanted to let people know it's no vaporware...like many thought after all these years.
Click to expand...

This reads like paid advertising sorry
 
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