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[Alex Connolly]

About that... forgot it was my turn... (I've updated to 5.0.1 and lost my notification)

It's all quiet on my end. I fear a steamrolling enemy empire to appear on the scanners soon!

 

[DangerousDave]

Same issue on my 4S (works perfectly fine on my 4 using the same backup/restore). UI Elements scale normally but the screen area is 1/4th of the screen.

I bet that they hardcoded something like "device == 4G" for the resolution, assuming that 4G was the only device with retina display.

 

[Tunesmith]

It's all quiet on my end. I fear a steamrolling enemy empire to appear on the scanners soon!

I got butchered by dark matter in an attempt to expand my empire rapidly, now i'm brooding.

 

[Tunesmith]

double post, but about something else

Raised the iPhone 4S ChuChu Rocket! bug with Sega and just got a reply that the developers have been informed of the issue and that "an update will be released soon."

If that means soon™ or actually soon, that's another matter I suppose.

 

[Alex Connolly]

I got butchered by dark matter in an attempt to expand my empire rapidly, now i'm brooding.

I went in to meet a fleet of Darb's ships skirting my empire...doesn't look good upon the next turn. Go easy, Darb!

 

[RuneFactoryFanboy]

SHANTAE DAT PIXEL ART

Game controls very well! It's shocking since it uses a virtual stick but damn it controls way way better than, say, League of Evil on iPad. I don't miss the DSi buttons, sensitiviy is spot on, one in a million case where I'm ok with a virtual pad.

Yeah I'm playing it on my Touch. The pixel art is downright beautiful, the controls are good enough (pressing down is a bit iffy), the music is great, the story is charming so far as are the characters, and best of all it just plays great. I just got the monkey form last night and it was hard to put it down to get some sleep.

It was the only DSi game that ever interested me but the thought of buying it for $12 without having it tied to an account held me back.

 

[Gamecocks625]

Sweet. I've been enjoying this on the 3DS, it will be nice to have a portable copy.

Yeah, this is one of the 3DS launch games i was hoping for an iOS port. I know there is a campaign but is there any skirmish type modes?

 

[heringer]

So, how's Dungeon Defenders after the update? I'm really interested in the concept, but the game got a lot of hate when released.

 

[ced]

So Aquaria for iPad isn't too bad.

The controls work well enough, but I do think this game could have benefited from a control option like Mage Gauntlet, where you can use any part of the screen as a virtual stick (I really don't consider it a virtual stick, but that's the best I can come up with). As it is now, your always blocking your own view of the screen with a hand. It's also a bit uncomfortable to have to shoot with a button in a specific location on the screen.

Anyways, any metroidvania fans should check it out, it's one of the best.

 

[Jedeye Sniv]

So, thinking of jumping into Starbase Orion but I'm intimidated by what seems to be a very complex game. Is there anything I should read or watch to get me up to speed, or is it all self evident in the game and I'm a giant pussy?

 

[Dynoro]

So, thinking of jumping into Starbase Orion but I'm intimidated by what seems to be a very complex game. Is there anything I should read or watch to get me up to speed, or is it all self evident in the game and I'm a giant pussy?

Theres in game help and their forums have quite a lot of information. As an aside; I am rather crap at the game but find it immensely enjoyable.

 

[Tunesmith]

So, thinking of jumping into Starbase Orion but I'm intimidated by what seems to be a very complex game. Is there anything I should read or watch to get me up to speed, or is it all self evident in the game and I'm a giant pussy?

Understanding the intricacies of all the build orders and racial treats aside (not really needed to play a regular game), the game is very straightforward once you've gone over that initial "ooh lots of buttons" hurdle IMO.

Pasted this earlier in this thread in response to another post but it bears repeating, spotty English aside it drives home the point of how you can structure your initial builds in a game.

http://www.chimerasw.com/starbaseorion/forums/showthread.php?tid=18

Plus the game now has a fairly robust tutorial/wiki help database built in for reference.

 

[Alex Connolly]

Yeah, I'd say it's one of those games you just need to take at your own pace. Kick off a game against a single AI in a big universe, create a custom race that doesn't take a production or population hit when colonising worlds with high gravity and don't be afraid to shift your workforce between jobs to get things done.

I dunno, I'm still finding out new ways to play the game - undoubtedly tripping myself up doing it in various multiplayer sessions heh heh - but once you've got the basics down, you'll have even more fun. Population is the name of the game, so keep that in mind when you're choosing research...

...but at the same time, don't deny yourself military upgrades!

I dunno, if you're up for a one-vs-one, I'm keen to add another to the list and simply play as a quiet empire on the fringe of space with you.

---

Oh, and to the other Starbase Orion cats...what do you think about the focus mechanics for planetary protocols? I'd sure like to be able to make custom build orders.

 

[McBacon]

Sweet. I've been enjoying this on the 3DS, it will be nice to have a portable copy.

ICE BURN.

 

[Dynoro]

<snip>

Oh, and to the other Starbase Orion cats...what do you think about the focus mechanics for planetary protocols? I'd sure like to be able to make custom build orders.

I would really like custom build orders because I try and give different planets/systems certain jobs (one makes colony ships / one makes light fighters / one makes heavy planet bombardment ships) and I lose track after a ship is completed. I tend to also specialise different planets into different areas; so a planet with no farming opportunity goes full research if its far enough from the front line. I often forget what I have assigned to what though

 

[NervousXtian]

Sweet. I've been enjoying this on the 3DS, it will be nice to have a portable copy.

Ha.




Anyhow, my on topic.. having that game on iOS means I can hold off even longer on a 3DS.

 

[Alex Connolly]

I would really like custom build orders because I try and give different planets/systems certain jobs (one makes colony ships / one makes light fighters / one makes heavy planet bombardment ships) and I lose track after a ship is completed. I tend to also specialise different planets into different areas; so a planet with no farming opportunity goes full research if its far enough from the front line. I often forget what I have assigned to what though

I think that's a classic challenge element to the genre, although some more UI work wouldn't go astray. Just updated to 1.0.4, hopefully there's a way to shift between planets within a system - instead of going back to the star map.

I'd love to be able to control even more from the Empire screen!

I tell you what, though, those forum over at Chimera...Rocco and the rest of the crew are amazing. Talk about fantastic support and openness to suggestions. Really heartening to read and see.

EDIT: Holy moley, I hadn't read through the patch notes for 1.0.4...a great number of fixes and tweaks!

 

[Dynoro]

The level of support is truly exceptional for an iOS game (or for most games nowadays). Rocco really seems to value people's opinions and suggestions for improvements - will be buying any future iOS releases they do without question

 

[Alex Connolly]

The level of support is truly exceptional for an iOS game (or for most games nowadays). Rocco really seems to value people's opinions and suggestions for improvements - will be buying any future iOS releases they do without question

Absolutely. Me too.

 

[BOTEC]

iOS is driving me into the poor house Just grabbed Oh! Edo Towns. I've been burned out on Kairosoft games lately, but i really enjoyed Hot Springs Story, and this looks similar. Over the last few weeks I got Monster Hunter, Shantae, Wizardry, Aquaria, and now Edo Towns. I'm dreading my iTunes receipt from PayPal.

 

[Jedeye Sniv]

Bought Starbase Orion, holy moley it's complicated! I will definitely be going through that tutorial on the last page, thanks for the link! Looks like it will be a good bus game when I understand what's going on.

 

[Alex Connolly]

Bought Starbase Orion, holy moley it's complicated! I will definitely be going through that tutorial on the last page, thanks for the link! Looks like it will be a good bus game when I understand what's going on.

Great to hear! Let us know how it all goes.

 

[graywolf323]

For all the Kairosoft fans Edo Towns is now available in the app store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oh!-edo-towns/id474177077?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

must resist

 

[blahness]

Population is the name of the game, so keep that in mind when you're choosing research...

...but at the same time, don't deny yourself military upgrades!

This has been my problem I think.. I have only been playing singleplayer and have mostly ignored increasing population due to fears that I would have mass starvation. Instead I focused mostly on food production and military upgrades. I usually end up not expanding out fast enough and then not having the population to support building a large military without taking a huge penalty. It ends up with my empire just spinning its wheels while the CPU corners me and kicks my ass.

 

[Alex Connolly]

This has been my problem I think.. I have only been playing singleplayer and have mostly ignored increasing population due to fears that I would have mass starvation. Instead I focused mostly on food production and military upgrades. I usually end up not expanding out fast enough and then not having the population to support building a large military without taking a huge penalty. It ends up with my empire just spinning its wheels while the CPU corners me and kicks my ass.

There's a lot to consider in terms of population, that's for sure. Gravity, certain research elements like city planning and sanctioned sports (for morale and productivity! Go Deep Space Raiders!)...I'm no expert, but it's a fascinating balancing act! Decided to scrap my big single player campaign and run another one from scratch with this new update. Gonna try a few different strategies.

Definitely my favourite iOS game ever, that's for sure.

 

[Wrekt]

So what are the chances Infinity Blade will get a price drop when the sequel comes out? I'm curious but I have enough shit to keep me occupied for a month if I can save a few bucks.

 

[Jedeye Sniv]

So what are the chances Infinity Blade will get a price drop when the sequel comes out? I'm curious but I have enough shit to keep me occupied for a month if I can save a few bucks.

Why not just buy the sequel when it comes out instead?

 

[Shaneus]

double post, but about something else

Raised the iPhone 4S ChuChu Rocket! bug with Sega and just got a reply that the developers have been informed of the issue and that "an update will be released soon."

If that means soon™ or actually soon, that's another matter I suppose.

Glad to hear someone's doing the running around for me! I wasn't sure if it was only a Retina thing or if it was just 4S, but glad to know I'm not alone.

 

[Psy-Phi]

So what are the chances Infinity Blade will get a price drop when the sequel comes out? I'm curious but I have enough shit to keep me occupied for a month if I can save a few bucks.

Nobody can answer that question except for Chair. There's always a chance, but there's an equal chance that it won't. Dump it in your Appshopper list and wait that's all us mere mortals can do.

 

[Wario64]

So what are the chances Infinity Blade will get a price drop when the sequel comes out? I'm curious but I have enough shit to keep me occupied for a month if I can save a few bucks.

Likely, it's been on sale for 50% off a few times

 

[chickdigger802]

So what are the chances Infinity Blade will get a price drop when the sequel comes out? I'm curious but I have enough shit to keep me occupied for a month if I can save a few bucks.

Sounds likely. They tend to drop prices during some sales milestone or new content patch and I guess a sequel would be the 'biggest' content update yet

 

[joeyjoejoeshabadoo]

Does it have asynchronous play? Are the rule set changes OK?

It looks like local only which is fine with me because turns are really short. Here are some of the changes made to the base game:

Azathoth is the only GOO. So there's no "final battle" and no special ability of the GOO. I don't miss the final battle, really, but I do hope they'll add some other GOOs for variety and for their special abilities.

There are no Allies. Not a huge loss, but hopefully they'll return at some point.

When an investigator is insane or unconscious, they are not replaced. I'm also not sure that a doom token is added when an investigator dies. I think that's not the case anymore, although that would seem to make the game less difficult, not more.

Only 1-4 investigators per game, only (instead of 1-8). I'm completely fine with that, as I usually play with 3-4 for solo games.

Spells are cast after rolling, but don't hold over for other investigators. I understand that according to Richard Launius, the way the app works is how Spells were always intended to be used, but I actually much prefer how Spells work in the rules for the dice game, where you have to decide before rolling to use one, and then choose one of the dice you rolled, but you can also save dice on Spells for other players to use later. To me, the uncertainty of that is more akin to how Spells work in Arkham Horror, and the decision to use them is more difficult, and yet I still find the Spells to be very powerful. As it is in the app, it's essentially just another "focused" or "assisted" die, and it's not nearly as interesting to me that way. So I'll keep playing the way the rules are written for the dice game version.

There aren't any "at midnight" or "lingering" effects (other than for some adventures). Basically, when midnight hits, something happens (usually a doom token or monster is added) and that's that. There are no "Mythos Cards."

As mentioned above, there are now 2-3 doom token midnights. 2 is fine, but 3 is excessive, IMO.

There is a scoring system, but to me it doesn't really make sense, as it gives you points per the number of turns you take, and the number of tasks/adventures you complete, etc. I think you should get a higher score if you win the game and have fewer turns. But this rewards taking longer to complete the game (which may not happen by design, if you just suck), and it doesn't penalize you for failed adventures and such. I like the idea of there being a scoring system, I just don't think it's a good one the way it is.

When other investigators "assist" they are not penalized if you fail the adventure.

When other investigators "assist" you can focus/assist multiple dice at once. In the dice game rules, only one die per roll on a failed task can be used to either focus or assist. In this version, for example, if you have three investigators at the same location, and you fail a task, you can place three dice to focus/assist, one on each investigator.

The "wild" side of the red die can be used for "4 investigation" whereas in the dice game it can only be used as "1 investigation." That's a strange difference if they were trying to make this game more difficult, but it's possible that was the original intention and it's just another example of the screwy rules of the dice game.

Monsters are automatically added to the adventures... you don't get to choose where they go.

The Lost & Found risk/reward is a little different... I can't remember exactly how, but I recall that the details aren't the same. I actually found myself using that a couple times in desperation, and I don't think I've ever used that in the dice game.

There is a more comprehensive look at the link.
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/719818/elder-sign-omens-reviewimpressions-and-comparison


I only played it for a few minutes this morning and it's pretty slick. I would love for more GOO so hopefully they release more later on as updates.

 

[Lazy8s]

Beat Dark Meadow. A smartly written journey through purgatory. The ranged combat helped make up for a lack of parrying.

It was almost always a rock solid 60 fps on my iPad 2... so so nice. Phosphor Games has definitely impressed.

 

[Alexios]

Crimson: Steam Pirates seems nice but I'm not sure if it's good enough to buy the sold episode yet (yes it's super cheap but if I don't think I'll play it what's the point - though considering it's the only game from that developer maybe I should support them to get more games that try to have more depth than Angry Birds). It plays kinda like Steambirds: Survival I guess, but you navigate the environment also and do missions rather than just fight off enemies, while the available skills you can use are tied to the crewmates and how you assign them on each ship/vessel. How deep it gets remains to be seen, the first few missions are super short and make me wish it was more open like Sid Meier's Pirates! but they're all still part of the tutorial for now, teaching me how to navigate, use skills, board and take over enemy ships etc.

Edit: wait, it's from THE Bungie? I thought it's just a similar name and it's some small indie studio, lol, it has that sort of charm to it.
http://www.bungie.net/projects/aerospace/Crimson/content.aspx?link=crimson_about

 

[Pastry]

I'm really digging Aquaria right now. Someone here described it as Ecco meets Metroid and I agree, but I get Ocarina of Time vibes also (probably because you play songs). I really recommend it if someone is looking for a fantastic all around game. This has a ton of content.

 

[Alexios]

Aquaria is great, yes, but I think most people who would like it have it on PC already from Steam or elsewhere if little discussion is what worries you.

Although currently it's like half the price on iPad so that's the version to go for if you're a new customer I guess, assuming it's well ported.

But yeah it's quite old news for many people who would play that sort of thing is what I'm saying.

 

[Tunesmith]

Crimson: Steam Pirates

Edit: wait, it's from THE Bungie? I thought it's just a similar name and it's some small indie studio, lol, it has that sort of charm to it.
http://www.bungie.net/projects/aerospace/Crimson/content.aspx?link=crimson_about

It was developed by Harebrained Schemes (former FASA founder / Wizkids people among others) and published under Bungie's "Aerospace" umbrella.

 

[FlyinJ]

Sweet. I've been enjoying this on the 3DS, it will be nice to have a portable copy.

Nailed it.

 

[heringer]

Aquaria is great, yes, but I think most people who would like it have it on PC already from Steam or elsewhere if little discussion is what worries you.

Although currently it's like half the price on iPad so that's the version to go for if you're a new customer I guess, assuming it's well ported.

But yeah it's quite old news for many people who would play that sort of thing is what I'm saying.

I doubt most people here even heard of Aquaria before it's iPad announcement. It's not like it was a popular game.

I know I have the PC version and will definitly double dip when my iPad 2 arrives.

 

[Alexios]

I didn't say most people here on GAF. Just most people who would like it. Those who do look up indie games etc. I mean, it's on Steam too, and got lots of hype for its art before that, being from the TIGSource dude who later made Spelunky, etc. Not exactly the most obscure game, just very niche, mostly due to its slow pace than the genre.

Btw, since nobody responded to my questions earlier maybe not everyone knows, but it seems there's a sort of App Sharing allowed on these things. I authorised both my iPad2 and my sister's on iTunes on this PC and now it seems Apps transferred from either iPad2 to this PC can also be transfered back and function on both iPad2s. Yay!

Unless I'm missing something (someone tell me, it won't make the Apps I got stop working on her PC when she connects next, right?).

 

[Pastry]

I didn't say most people here on GAF. Just most people who would like it. Those who do look up indie games etc. I mean, it's on Steam too, and got lots of hype for its art before that, being from the TIGSource dude who later made Spelunky, etc. Not exactly the most obscure game, just very niche, mostly due to its slow pace than the genre.

Btw, since nobody responded to my questions earlier maybe not everyone knows, but it seems there's a sort of App Sharing allowed on these things. I authorised both my iPad2 and my sister's on iTunes on this PC and now it seems Apps transferred from either iPad2 to this PC can also be transfered back and function on both iPad2s. Yay!

I must have been their target then, I had never heard of Aquaria before it was announced for iOS. I'm also not much of a PC gamer so that probably explains why.

 

[infiniteloop]

Btw, since nobody responded to my questions earlier maybe not everyone knows, but it seems there's a sort of App Sharing allowed on these things. I authorised both my iPad2 and my sister's on iTunes on this PC and now it seems Apps transferred from either iPad2 to this PC can also be transfered back and function on both iPad2s. Yay!

Unless I'm missing something (someone tell me, it won't make the Apps I got stop working on her PC when she connects next, right?).

You can install the apps on your PC on to any iOS device that syncs with that PC.

 

[Fusebox]

Btw, since nobody responded to my questions earlier maybe not everyone knows, but it seems there's a sort of App Sharing allowed on these things.

I didn't answer because google can answer a question like that for you better than I can and because all you do is grumble about everything anyway.

And Ive never heard of Aquaria, thanks for the heads-up guys, getting it now.

 

[Fusebox]

I didn't realise 'The Graveyard' was out on iOS. Now I have a pocket misery-machine at my disposal.

Never heard of this but I love the fact they put this on the app page:

" a pretentious, ineffective waste of the interactive medium - destructoid"

Sold on that alone (even though it's free)

 

[Alexios]

I was totally wondering why you specifically didn't respond Fuse, thanks for shedding light on that for me and I'm so so sorry to have offended you with my grumbling about the things that imo suck. At least I can rest easy knowing you're happy whenever I'm not posting, which is most of the day. Sweet!

You can install the apps on your PC on to any iOS device that syncs with that PC.

Hey cool, someone who's not being an ass just because I've not been very kind about some of my experiences with the iPad2 so far. Thanks for confirming.

Real Racing 2 that I tried for myself since it works on both iPads now seems pretty neat after all. Not as pretty as some of the bullshots, and there's the occasional frame rate drop/hitch, but hey, damage modeling and 16 AI opponents with PS2-esque visuals in native resolution isn't bad at all. I wonder how it controls without the assists though (I just did a quick race), I can't imagine touch pedals feeling very good but maybe I'll be surprised again.

Edit: it controls fine without the assists too, though I guess that's because there's only AT transmission...

 

[Wrekt]

Why not just buy the sequel when it comes out instead?

For the rich, extensive Infinity Blade lore of course.

 

[Jedeye Sniv]

For the rich, extensive Infinity Blade lore of course.

Hahaha that is an awesome answer its not a bad game by any means, but I do think the sequel will be better. I trust you're going to check out the gripping novel??

WRT Aquaria, I'd never heard of it before,vdownloaded it tonight but not played it yet. I'd assume discussion is slow since its brand new and iPad only, so of the smaller audience that can play it most haven't had time to dive in yet. It'll come in time though, give it time people.

 

[Shaneus]

Never heard of this but I love the fact they put this on the app page:

" a pretentious, ineffective waste of the interactive medium - destructoid"

Sold on that alone (even though it's free)

It's not free where I am... you looking at the AU App Store, Fusion? $2 here.

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

Debating Zombie runner HD, how is it? I loved Mirror's Edge...

 

[Erudite]

Lttp here, but anyone who likes Super Meat Boy and hasn't picked it up already, grab League of Evil. So surprised how well it controls.