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[Toma]

It's on GoG as well, just grabbing it now myself - looks awesome;

http://www.gog.com/gamecard/reus

Please write some impressions. Might wait with a purchase if I know someone else got it and write something up.

 

[Weltall Zero]

Trying Clairvoyance. I guess there's absolutely no offline play (offline/hotseat versus or versus AI)? Well, I challenged two people with 1000 and set my robots, looking forward to being crushed. .

Searched for Toma, found a cyan/black player with a Pong screen for a logo and Space Invaders for robot faces, is that you (awesome choices if so )? Sent you/him a challenge anyway.

But that video doesnt show ANYTHING. I know Dungeons wasnt a Dungeon Keeper, but I guess I am just trying to say that what you see in the video is as far away from Dungeon Keepers as it is from Dungeons, other than the graphics maybe

Well, what you see in the video is classic DK dungeon assets, including imps, training rooms, heroes, etc. Even the wall mining mechanic is the same. Sure, it IS a tech demo, but with the game basically touting itself to be DK3, you already know how it's going to play, and you have the visuals right there. Of course, all manners of things can go wrong with any game in development, but there's not much else to know about where the game is going, is it?

Its a tech demo, and I dont get why so many people seem to be so hot for this game, because the tech demo doesnt prove anything. The only thing it shows was that those little gnomes can hack walls,but as far as gameplay goes, you could do the same thing in Dungeons. Again, I am not saying that Dungeons is a good DK clone (because it isnt), but I dont see how this game looks promising either

That I can understand, but isn't that the reality with 90% of Kickstarters out there? This has the huge advantage that the design document is already written and, well, it works.

 

[Toma]

Trying Clairvoyance. I guess there's absolutely no offline play (offline/hotseat versus or versus AI)? Well, I challenged two people with 1000 and set my robots, looking forward to being crushed. .

Searched for Toma, found a cyan/black player with a Pong screen for a logo and Space Invaders for robot faces, is that you (awesome choices if so )? Sent you/him a challenge anyway.

Yep. Havent fired it up in a long time, but I'll show you the power of the space invaders And nope, no offline.

Well, what you see in the video is classic DK dungeon assets, including imps, training rooms, heroes, etc. Even the wall mining mechanic is the same. Sure, it IS a tech demo, but with the game basically touting itself to be DK3, you already know how it's going to play, and you have the visuals right there. Of course, all manners of things can go wrong with any game in development, but there's not much else to know about where the game is going, is it?

That I can understand, but isn't that the reality with 90% of Kickstarters out there? This has the huge advantage that the design document is already written and, well, it works.

True, I guess I am just a bit ... reserved since there were many people who tried to cash in on the Dungeon Keeper-like promise, and none delivered so far. Dungeons tried to cash in on the Dungeon Keeper name during their PR for example, or the recent releases of Impire seemed very similar too, but apparently fell flat as well.

 

[British Monsoon]

Please write some impressions. Might wait with a purchase if I know someone else got it and write something up.

Haven't got time to play further than the 2nd tutorial tonight, but I'll give some quick impressions.

It doesn't seem quite so much a god game as it does a puzzler - the challenge seems to be in placing resources within limited boundaries to achieve the needed effect. The giants each have a basic terraforming ability - one creates oceans, one creates forests, one creates mountains and one (unlocked later) creates swamps. A mountain will create a desert and can be used to fill an ocean, but placing an ocean near a desert will cause it to turn into a forest. Similarly, forests need to be next to oceans otherwise they turn into deserts. By progressing through the game the giants gain more abilities, such as the ability to fill a single tile with rare minerals, or plants, or animals. Doing so encourages people to settle on the land and start a village.

To grow the village you need to provide resources within the village's limited boundary. The villagers will attempt to build projects which require specific resource goals and it's your task to juggle the resource tiles to get the desired effect. Also, resource tiles have synergy effects whereby placing a specific tile next to another will produce certain bonuses - two quartz tiles next to each other generate more wealth than two which are separated, while an animal tile will produce more food if next to a crop tile. This is pretty much the crux of the gameplay, you have to increase the prosperity of your village(s) and meet their needs through strategically placing resources. The final tutorial goes into combat between warring villages and the greed/awe system, whereby a resource-laden village becomes greedy and unproductive, but this is offset by awe, which is generated by certain resources and synergies.

Here's a few screenshots;

 

[Toma]

Haven't got time to play further than the 2nd tutorial tonight, but I'll give some quick impressions.

It doesn't seem quite so much a god game as it does a puzzler - the challenge seems to be in placing resources within limited boundaries to achieve the needed effect. The giants each have a basic terraforming ability - one creates oceans, one creates forests, one creates mountains and one (unlocked later) creates swamps. A mountain will create a desert and can be used to fill an ocean, but placing an ocean near a desert will cause it to turn into a forest. Similarly, forests need to be next to oceans otherwise they turn into deserts. By progressing through the game the giants gain more abilities, such as the ability to fill a single tile with rare minerals, or plants, or animals. Doing so encourages people to settle on the land and start a village.

To grow the village you need to provide resources within the village's limited boundary. The villagers will attempt to build projects which require specific resource goals and it's your task to juggle the resource tiles to get the desired effect. Also, resource tiles have synergy effects whereby placing a specific tile next to another will produce certain bonuses - two quartz tiles next to each other generate more wealth than two which are separated, while an animal tile will produce more food if next to a crop tile. This is pretty much the crux of the gameplay, you have to increase the prosperity of your village(s) and meet their needs through strategically placing resources. The final tutorial goes into combat between warring villages and the greed/awe system, whereby a resource-laden village becomes greedy and unproductive, but this is offset by awe, which is generated by certain resources and synergies.

Here's a few screenshots;

Thanks for the impressions. If no one else is faster, I'll probably throw up an OT later.

 

[Toma]

Thread up for Reus:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558684

And I can guarantee that this game is going to take a top spot in next months ranking. Its really good.

 

[SapientWolf]

But that video doesnt show ANYTHING. I know Dungeons wasnt a Dungeon Keeper, but I guess I am just trying to say that what you see in the video is as far away from Dungeon Keepers as it is from Dungeons, other than the graphics maybe

Its a tech demo, and I dont get why so many people seem to be so hot for this game, because the tech demo doesnt prove anything. The only thing it shows was that those little gnomes can hack walls,but as far as gameplay goes, you could do the same thing in Dungeons. Again, I am not saying that Dungeons is a good DK clone (because it isnt), but I dont see how this game looks promising either

(I am a huge FS fan, but I bought the game on iOS, knowing fully well I might never really play it because mouse is faster and move precise)

Edit: And yeah, I was buried in programming the tool, and some translating work for the company I work for, so that my game translation was on the low burner. Will try to make some progress this week.
Random tooltips for the enemies from the translation:

The War for the Overworld needs a lot more time in the oven, but it was clear from the KS campaign that they wanted to make the DK2 sequel that EA never made. It's an admirable goal, but whether they will succeed or not is a different matter altogether. The game is promising because that goal seems achievable on an indie budget.

Anything with a resemblance to Syndicate is going to get similar treatment.

 

[Vancha]

Wow that Reus really looks interesting, might give it a shot aswell. And while I'm at it I'll also participate in the testing of the program, will download and use it today.

 

[Toma]

Wow that Reus really looks interesting, might give it a shot aswell. And while I'm at it I'll also participate in the testing of the program, will download and use it today.

Yup, it certainly does look interesting. And thanks for trying the program I dont want to add more stuff until I worked out the kinks of the current version, since the potential bugs will only pile up.

 

[gabbo]

Yup, it certainly does look interesting. And thanks for trying the program I dont want to add more stuff until I worked out the kinks of the current version, since the potential bugs will only pile up.

Will give the app a shot over the long weekend.
I'm known for crashing anything [software related], so I'll see what I can do

 

[Nyx]

THOSE GRAPHICS.
Additionally:

Wow that looks and sounds very promising!

 

[Toma]

Wow that looks and sounds very promising!

It also plays really well. I recommend hopping over to the Reus thread and reading some impressions/replies I posted regarding some concerns:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558684

Its definitely a game that deserves more purchases.

 

[Weltall Zero]

The War for the Overworld needs a lot more time in the oven, but it was clear from the KS campaign that they wanted to make the DK2 sequel that EA never made. It's an admirable goal, but whether they will succeed or not is a different matter altogether. The game is promising because that goal seems achievable on an indie budget.

Anything with a resemblance to Syndicate is going to get similar treatment.

Exactly my thoughts on the matter, expressed way better than I could/did. Sapient indeed!

As for Reus, Toma, that first screenshot you posted? I was convinced it was concept art. Also, bonus points for this:

A mountain will create a desert

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rain_shadow&oldid=555264906
(Linking an old version of the Wikipedia article, as the current version seems to have been butchered/vandalized).

I would love to give it a try, but I can't justify buying another game right after being gifted three. I'll wait for a sale.

 

[Toma]

Exactly my thoughts on the matter, expressed way better than I could/did. Sapient indeed!

As for Reus, Toma, that first screenshot you posted? I was convinced it was concept art. Also, bonus points for this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rain_shadow&oldid=555264906
(Linking an old version of the Wikipedia article, as the current version seems to have been butchered/vandalized).

I would love to give it a try, but I can't justify buying another game right after being gifted three. I'll wait for a sale.

Yeah, not concept art. The game looks really great. I definitely hope more people pick it up, because the devs really deserve at least a small success for this game.

 

[Weltall Zero]

Yeah, not concept art. The game looks really great. I definitely hope more people pick it up, because the devs really deserve at least a small success for this game.

You know, I've noticed one of the few downsides of turning indie for one's gaming needs, is that you start feeling personally responsible each time you don't buy a game.

It's even translated into my philosophy for mainstream games, and now I feel guilty if I go a few months in GW2 without buying gems.

 

[Toma]

You know, I've noticed one of the few downsides of turning indie for one's gaming needs, is that you start feeling personally responsible each time you don't buy a game.

It's even translated into my philosophy for mainstream games, and now I feel guilty if I go a few months in GW2 without buying gems.

I am sure GW2 can do without your participation for a while I've ben there, and dan that too. They still survive without me. There are more people paying for big games than stars Inside a Star-filled Sky.

... but oh my Gish, those indies man. Delve deeper, Chime in with me and Don't Starve these up and coming GameDev stories before they even managed to prove their Everyday Genius. Indies are going to fight Future Wars, which they need more Recruits for, because for them we are the Blocks that matter.

In us, there lives an indie beat. Hazardous to the "AAA"-prevalence.

*stares into the setting sun*

 

[BomberMouse]

I am sure GW2 can do without your participation for a while I've ben there, and dan that too. They still survive without me. There are more people paying for big games than stars Inside a Star-filled Sky.

... but oh my Gish, those indies man. Delve deeper, Chime in with me and Don't Starve these up and coming GameDev stories before they even managed to prove their Everyday Genius. Indies are going to fight Future Wars, which they need more Recruits for, because for them we are the Blocks that matter.

In us, there lives an indie beat. Hazardous to the "AAA"-prevalence.

*stares into the setting sun*

All your posts from now on must follow this format.

 

[Weltall Zero]

I am sure GW2 can do without your participation for a while I've ben there, and dan that too. They still survive without me. There are more people paying for big games than stars Inside a Star-filled Sky.

... but oh my Gish, those indies man. Delve deeper, Chime in with me and Don't Starve these up and coming GameDev stories before they even managed to prove their Everyday Genius. Indies are going to fight Future Wars, which they need more Recruits for, because for them we are the Blocks that matter.

In us, there lives an indie beat. Hazardous to the "AAA"-prevalence.

*stares into the setting sun*

The funny thing is that that punny post totally remind me of Retro... GW2 GAFGuild officer extraordinarie.

 

[Toma]

Dungeon Gate looks interesting, but the actual gameplay could be really dull. Hard to judge from the video, but the shapeshifting and passages that can only be access by certain creatures you can transform into are certainly intriguing.

http://www.desura.com/games/dungeon-gate

Dungeon Gate is a new kind of RPG. You must drain the DNA of creatures to use their power or capacity. Why do you shapeshift? Because it will take you deep in the game. You're too weak to fight or you want infiltrate an enemy camp, drain the DNA of one of them and you turn them. Beings too tall to access a passage, drain the DNA of a small creature to pass. You must transform into different creatures through the adventure. You can drain the DNA of all living things in the game, even dungeon bosses. Open World, you can walk as you want in a large valley, visiting several houses and villages. You will pass through five dungeons in the game dungeons with five different environments and different gameplay. Key features RPG/Adventure with more than 30 characters to upgrade Huge open world to explore + 5 Dungeons with traps, puzzles and challengig fights 30 characters to drain, play with and upgrade and more 30 customizable leve

 

[One Foul Note]

Dungeon Gate looks interesting, but the actual gameplay could be really dull. Hard to judge from the video, but the shapeshifting and passages that can only be access by certain creatures you can transform into are certainly intriguing.

Hmm, agreed. The concept sounds interesting but the actual gameplay video does little to raise it above looking a little lackluster. Also given the focus on this shape shifting mechanic, the name is a little uninspired.

Might need to buy Reus though, that looks like it might be a bit amazing.

 

[Toma]

Hmm, agreed. The concept sounds interesting but the actual gameplay video does little to raise it above looking a little lackluster. Also given the focus on this shape shifting mechanic, the name is a little uninspired.

Might need to buy Reus though, that looks like it might be a bit amazing.

Reus is a gem of a game. I posted more impressions in the thread for it.

 

[Messofanego]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=559252

Tangiers game looks sick!

 

[Toma]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=559252

Tangiers game looks sick!

That looks indeed pretty cool. Still seems to be far off though.

 

[Toma]

Reminder for myself: Games from this month that I havent tried yet, but I still need to try before the month ends for my monthly voting:

Entropy (I own it already, durrrr)

Kairo (Xelios gifted it to me)

Katabasis (looks interesting, anyone else liked it?)

Kenshi (totally sounds like something I SHOULD like, but didnt get the hang of the first time around)

La-Mulana (got it gifted too)

Out there somewhere ( Free demo)

Pioneers (OMG, I already forgot about it again! Totally need to check it out)

Souvenier (Free artsy game, why not)

What say you GAF? Anything I should definitely get to before this months voting?

 

[Toma]

On another note, Frontiers could be amazing:

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/05/18/the-younger-scrolls-morblivion-frontiers/

“Frontiers blends the feel of first-person RPG classics like Daggerfall with the relaxing tempo and simplicity of a point-and-click adventure. Discover ancient mysteries, live off the land, and fight deadly creatures, all in a beautiful & massive open world.”

 

[Weltall Zero]

What say you GAF? Anything I should definitely get to before this months voting?

Considering La-Mulana is kind of one of the pillars and forefathers of modern indie gaming, alongside Cave Story and such, I'd say it's long overdue that you played it; it's also amazing and has a soundtrack that will blow your mind. From your list it seems you tend to postpone trying 3D games (much like I do), and La-Mulana allows you to continue that trend.

 

[Toma]

Considering La-Mulana is kind of one of the pillars and forefathers of modern indie gaming, alongside Cave Story and such, I'd say it's long overdue that you played it; it's also amazing and has a soundtrack that will blow your mind. From your list it seems you tend to postpone trying 3D games (much like I do), and La-Mulana allows you to continue that trend.

Figured someone would vote for La-Mulana. Oh well! Will see to try it tomorrow then. If I am reeeeally lucky, I might finish the translation of the first game before (which would be about... 10% of the overall work for the whole game series, but I am making good progress with the second game too.)

 

[Hofmann]

Reminder for myself: Games from this month that I havent tried yet, but I still need to try before the month ends for my monthly voting:

What say you GAF? Anything I should definitely get to before this months voting?

Souvenir and Katabasis are interesting bite-sized games, so I don't see a reason not to try them out.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

On another note, Frontiers could be amazing:

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/05/18/the-younger-scrolls-morblivion-frontiers/

This has got my attention so hard.

Hello Indie thread. I missed you.

 

[Toma]

This has got my attention so hard.

Hello Indie thread. I missed you.

Hello, poster. We all need more cheesecake as well.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

Hello, poster. We all need more cheesecake as well.

I should get back to Kairo soon now that you've brought it back up. Bunch of other stinky games got in the way and it got pushed to the backburner before its time. I could probably use some more reminders besides Hoff to stop ignoring the glorious indies.

 

[Toma]

I should get back to Kairo soon now that you've brought it back up. Bunch of other stinky games got in the way and it got pushed to the backburner before its time. I could probably use some more reminders besides Hoff to stop ignoring the glorious indies.

I consider this thread to be the nagging conscience of "I need to play more Indie Games"-Gaf whenever its bumped

Seemingly only works during the first few days of a new thread though. After that we are totally back to a core of regulars. Which I dont mind all that much generally(<3 you guys), but its a bit annoying if you are trying something on a bigger scale like the voting or the program testing.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

I consider this thread to be the nagging conscience of "I need to play more Indie Games"-Gaf whenever its bumped

Seemingly only works during the first few days of a new thread though. After that we are totally back to a core of regulars. Which I dont mind all that much generally(<3 you guys), but its a bit annoying if you are trying something on a bigger scale like the voting or the program testing.

Yeah I tried to use this thread as my anchor to the indies but sometimes I eyeball it when it comes up and go, "Oh yeah I should click on that thread!" and then I get distracted by steam card games and it's almost the end of the month every time I come back I gotta work on this. Devise a system. Tattoo INDIE-GAF on my chest backwards or something so I get a reminder every time I hit the head.

 

[Weltall Zero]

I consider this thread to be the nagging conscience of "I need to play more Indie Games"-Gaf whenever its bumped

Seemingly only works during the first few days of a new thread though. After that we are totally back to a core of regulars. Which I dont mind all that much generally(<3 you guys), but its a bit annoying if you are trying something on a bigger scale like the voting or the program testing.

Even for the regulars that have it subscribed like me, it works as a Jiminy Cricket that we need to try at least a few more indie games so that our votes are meaningful. I have this Sunday morning relatively free, so I'll try to catch up.

 

[Toma]

Sooo, Weltall asked me to make a list of games that I consider the games that people should look at for this months voting. Basically a shorthand of games you should consider trying if you have time and/or money to spare before giving this months voting.

7 Grand Steps - unfortunately a tad expensive, but certainly a worthwhile experience if you dont mind dropping $13 on it. I am glad I did.

2x0ng - sort of the odd one out on this list even though its free, but considering how much simple fun this game conveys, I am sure its going to end up on some lists at least.

Burn&Turn - Free as well, arcade nature, pure fun.

Draconian Wars - I fear not enough people have tried it, but its an inexpensive card game with NO additional costs and a deep combat system. More people should try and play it, seriously.

FEZ - Probably the best 2D platformer ever.

Kairo - Apparently loved by many, although its a bit on the expensive side.

La-Mulana - everyone who played it, loved it. So people (including me) should check it out.

Mayhem Triple - Looks stupid, but they really nailed the combat and action. And its free.

Memory of a broken Dimension - Free Demo, freaky, different. Brain ache inducing, but certainly awesome.

Pioneers - So much awesome potential if they manage to clean up the UI and controls. Real good sense of intrigue in this survival game.


Some other games that I really like but might not have general appeal:

TowerClimb - 2D platforming roguelike that really comes together well with a good sense of challenge, 5$ currently.

Freedom Fall - Another 2D tower platformer which is a little bit on the expensive side but I loved the style and way to tell the story. Platforming was surprisingly enjoyable as well

Shadow Spire - I dont think anyone has played it, but I think people should. The initial loading might take a while, but this 2D action game with Zelda style puzzles and Diablo style inventory management was really, really neat. I wished they'd finish the game.

Pioneers - So much awesome potential if they manage to clean up the UI and controls. Real good sense of intrigue in this survival game.

 

[Messofanego]

Ghost of a Tale got funded, yay!

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=58119268&postcount=249

 

[Toma]

Ghost of a Tale got funded, yay!

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=58119268&postcount=249

Really glad to see that. Although it certainly would have been nice if he had more budget to work with.

 

[gabbo]

Memory of a broken Dimension - Free Demo, freaky, different. Brain ache inducing, but certainly awesome.

I still don't know what exactly I'm suppose to do in this. All I ever seem to do is walk around a weird static hill.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

I still don't know what exactly I'm suppose to do in this. All I ever seem to do is walk around a weird static hill.

It's a perspective puzzler, so if you see something that looks shattered you have to find the right spot to stand in to solidify the object by clicking on it once it starts glowing. Then you can stand on it and use it to traverse like any normal terrain.

Spoiler

The demo build has little wireframe boxes that show you where to stand and a rough estimate of where to point your attention towards if you notice them

 

[gabbo]

It's a perspective puzzler, so if you see something that looks shattered you have to find the right spot to stand in to solidify the object by clicking on it once it starts glowing. Then you can stand on it and use it to traverse like any normal terrain.

Spoiler

The demo build has little wireframe boxes that show you where to stand and a rough estimate of where to point your attention towards if you notice them

Well now I feel like a fool

 

[Noogy]

Ugh, I've had even less time to play any of these than last month. I need a good few days to catch up.

 

[Hofmann]

The weekend is almost over, so it's time for Screenshot Saturday.

#1

The Wild Eternal – Don't need to wonder where the hell's the whiskey - the game should be mysterious enough.

Folk Tale – Launching on Steam Early Access on May 30.

Murias – Atmospheric sidescrolling adventure game.

MALEBOLGIA – Now it won't be mistaken with a candle.

Arcane Worlds – Inspired by Magic Carpet exploration game, where you play as a sorcerer discovering ancient secrets, learning spells and fighting other mages.

? - I hope he'll finish some of his visually stunning games one day.

 

[BomberMouse]

Is it ok to do some self promotion here?

I've been working on a game since I'm unemployed and I could use some help testing it. I'm using my own engine since I'm too lazy to go back to compiled languages and would love some feedback on how well/bad it runs on other computers. It's using ruby so I know it won't run very well but for the kind of game I'm aiming it should not be a problem.

I think I'll have a standalone mac version this week and possibly a Windows version on the future. A little teaser for Screenshot Saturday:

 

[Ledsen]

It's desert adventurer air hockey? lol that's awesome

 

[BomberMouse]

It's desert adventurer air hockey? lol that's awesome

Kind of, you travel this overworld and experience a lot of events and the battles are resolved in that manner. Different enemies and party members have different physical properties which adds a lot to the variety.

The whole idea is to make the game highly modable, for example the events are defined in simple text files like this:

So it's very easy to make custom events, custom maps, etc.

 

[Hofmann]

Screenshot Saturday

I think I'll have a standalone mac version this week and possibly a Windows version on the future. A little teaser for Screenshot Saturday:

I don't think I've seen your game on Twitter.

#2

Toryansé – We all know the pain.

Breeders: Sandbox – This reminds me I have to try out the dev build of the game.

Maia – ''Dungeon Keeper meets Dwarf Fortress on a primordial alien world.''

Frequency Domain – Procedurally generated synesthetic audio-visual experience.

Moon Rising – Turn-based strategy game – I'm not an expert, so if you are interested, there's more info in the link.

Sully: A Very Serious RPG – Money makes the virtual world go round.

And fuck, my PC has frozen for a fourth time today. Maybe because of the hot weather outside, if it's even possible to be the case.

 

[BomberMouse]

I don't think I've seen your game on Twitter.

I didn't know this was a twitter thing. I don't use twitter either.

 

[Hofmann]

I didn't know this was a twitter thing. I don't use twitter either.

It's just the easiest way to find those games - at least that's how I look for them.

 

[BomberMouse]

It's just the easiest way to find those games - at least that's how I look for them.

Thanks for the tip, I guess I'll start using it once I want to promote my game (outside this thread at least).

 

[Hofmann]

Screenshot Saturday

#3

Octodad: Dadliest Catch – I bet it's frutti di mare pizza inside the freezer.

Eufloria Adventures – Sequel to the minimalistic space exploration/strategy indie hit.

Skipping Stones – We call this activity ''letting the ducks'' and it's apparently what this game is about.

Go To Hell Dave – Classic Point & Click full of British humour and weird places to explore, like a stamp battling arena for example.

The Way of Yiji – It reminds me of Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP set in feudal Japan.

Chroma – Creating a shadow platform for your second self.