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‘Yakuza 7’ gameplay trailer reveals wacky features and job classes
We knew that Yakuza 7, or Yakuza: Like a Dragon, was going to shakeup gameplay with turn-based combat. Thanks to a trailer released at Tokyo Game Show, we have a better idea of what that will look like. The gameplay preview shows the new combat style, as well as some insane features and RPG silliness.
'Dota Underlords' has more people playing now than 'Artifact' ever did
Just a day after going live, the Dota Underlords beta is off to a great start. According to stats from SteamDB, as of Friday night it had over 84,000 players at once -- higher than Valve's troubled Dota 2 spinoff Artifact ever had. It topped out at around 60,000, while Underlords has already had over 179,000 simultaneous participants -- a number that the tracking site believes includes players on mobile devices.
Valve's 'Dota Underlords' open beta launches on Android, iOS and PC
Less than a month after it was announced and just a week after being properly revealed, Dota Underlords is available for play. Valve's take on the popular Dota 2 mod, Dota Auto Chess, is a turn-based strategic battle game where players try to dominate the city of White Spire. The last Dota 2 spinoff, Artifact, did not experience the warmest reception and is undergoing major changes, but Underlords is already topping that game's peak number of players, and seemingly with good reason. It's been stress testing with Dota 2 Battle Pass owners for the last week and now anyone can try it for free. The plan is for it to remain in early access for "a few months" before it launches fully with more Underlord characters, ranked play and seasonal changes. It's available now on Steam, Google Play and the iOS App Store, complete with cross-play so you can start a game on one platform and finish it on another.
PAX South 2015: Pox Nora is the coolest online card game you've never heard of
Pox Nora is a game that's hard to categorize. It's like Hearthstone, you see, because it's an online card game. But it's also like Civilization because it uses turn-based combat on a variety of maps with terrain that affects the battle. And maybe it's like Minecraft as well because it was built by a tiny team and developed incrementally through the feedback of a passionate fan base. Pox Nora was free-to-play before free-to-play was a thing. It's gone from tiny little indie to SOE-backed product and back again. And through its eight years, it's managed to fly quietly under the radar while its developers continually churn out content, implement community ideas, and expand its possibilities. At PAX South over the weekend, I sat down with Arthur Griffith, CEO of Desert Owl Games and co-creator of Pox Nora, to learn more about the game and its latest content additions.
Creative assassination in turn-based stealth game, Ronin
Ronin, a bloody action and stealth platformer from Tomasz Waclawek, is on its way to Steam for PC this year, courtesy of Devolver Digital. It's turn-based, fast-paced and deliciously violent, starring a "vengeful heroine determined to strike down five prominent figures of a powerful corporation." There's a free, early-build demo available here. Ronin has been lurking in the shadows of independent development lore since August 2014: Waclawek introduced it as "a Gunpoint ripoff" on Reddit, but Gunpoint developer Tom Francis kindly disagreed, calling Ronin "really fucking cool." Francis even uploaded a Let's Play of Ronin. "It's clearly not a Gunpoint ripoff, because the core mechanics are so different," Francis said. "A lot of what it does copy is superficial, and that stuff doesn't matter. But the jump is pretty central, and if that was directly taken from Gunpoint, I'm delighted. I wouldn't want anyone to reuse Gunpoint's artwork or music, but the ideas in it are absolutely there for the taking. Every non-standard thing about it, from the jumping controls to the saving system, I did because I wanted more games to be that way." [Image: Tomasz Waclawek]
A Pox (Nora) on Steam
Turn-based tactical online game Pox Nora resurfaced on Steam this week. The free-to-play title, originally released by Octopi Media in 2006 and at one time owned and operated by SOE, is now being published by Desert Owl Games. You can get an idea of Pox Nora's gameplay via the tutorial video embedded after the break.
Frozen Synapse primes itself for Vita on September 23
Turn-based tactical game Frozen Synapse Prime will reach Vita on September 23, PlayStation Blog revealed. Its soundtrack will also be available on PSN at that time, bundled with the game in the Prime Soundtrack Edition. The asynchronous strategy game allows players to tackle multiple matches at once, and also features a single-player campaign set in a dystopian future. Frozen Synapse Prime is the Vita port of Mode 7's strategy game, first revealed as Frozen Synapse Tactics in February 2013 before changing the game's name last month. The move from PC and Mac is being handled by LittleBigPlanet Vita developer Double Eleven, the same studio that brought PixelJunk Studio Ultimate to PS4 and Vita in June as well as PlayDead's Limbo to Vita last year. [Image: Double Eleven]
Threshold spiritual successor Stash seeks to 're-imagine the genre'
The team behind the classic MUD Threshold is back with Stash, a new MMO in the making that claims to "re-imagine the genre" with a growable base of operations, turn-based combat, and wide character customization. The inspiration for Stash comes from tabletop D&D, miniature gaming, D&D computer RPGs and Planescape: Torment. "We put a large emphasis on rewarding player skill in addition to character skill," the devs posted. "Your character's abilities and gear are very important, but the tactics and strategy of the actual players is equally important." Developer Frog Dice claims that this is a full-fledged MMO, although it remains to be seen how much of Stash is actually massively multiplayer (the site mentions clans, co-op play, and PvP). The team is looking to raise $50,000 on Kickstarter to fund development on the title. You can check out Stash's early development trailer after the break! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Loot dungeons, pay your village's debt in The Nightmare Cooperative
Surviving in monster-filled dungeons is stressful enough, but in Nightmare Cooperative for PC, Mac and Linux, perseverance is about more than just your own survival. You see, your village's leaders aren't exactly savvy with budgets. They've built monuments for previous Cooperative members, but there are hefty interest rates involved. You'll need to join the Cooperative and go find some gold to keep the village funded, since they're unfortunately also in charge of protecting everyone you care about. Nightmare Cooperative's tile-based dungeons are filled with beasts, potions and ever-important bars of gold, but all movement is shared between your party. If you'd like your archer to move up and to the right, that's fine, but your warrior will follow the same route, assuming there isn't an obstacle in the way. You can't always spend a dozen turns regrouping your team either, as fresh enemies will spawn after a set number of turns. Clearing a room is a balance of gathering as much treasure as possible and getting out before a party member is slain. Or guided into a pool of acid. You might also stumble across previous Cooperative members in your journey, who can be recruited to fight alongside you. Nightmare Cooperative is currently on sale for $8.99 on Steam, but you can buy a DRM-free copy directly from Lucky Frame for $9.99. [Image: Lucky Frame]
Now you can play XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Android, too
Android gamers who've been yearning for XCOM's deep, turn-based tactics just got their wish: 2K has released a version of XCOM: Enemy Unknown for Google's mobile platform. Much like last year's iOS edition, you'll get to fight off invading aliens and build your bases in an interface optimized for touch. This is one of the pricier Android games on the market at $10, but our pals at Joystiq are already fans of the mobile version. It's likely worth the cash if you're looking for something engrossing to play on your spring vacation -- especially if you can't get enough of it on your PC or console.
Hitman Go launches April 17 on iOS, Android 'shortly after'
Square Enix Montreal will launch mobile strategy game Hitman Go on iOS on Thursday, April 17. Based on the publisher's popular Hitman series, the diorama-style, turn-based game will cost $5 (£3 / 4.50 euros). Announced in February, the first game from the developer has players navigating fixed, grid-like spaces while using familiar tools from the series, such as Agent 47's Silverballers. Hitman Go will include eight special "Curtains Down" levels based on Hitman: Blood Money. While Square Enix didn't set a release date for it, the Android version of the game will arrive "shortly after" it launches on the App Store. [Image: Square Enix]
Roll your own adventure with the free Age of Wonders 3 level editor
Following the debut of the excellent turn-based strategy game Age of Wonders 3 on March 31, developer Triumph Studios has simultaneously announced and launched a map editor for those who prefer crafting their own worlds to relying on the game's random map generator. "The map making community has been super important to Age of Wonders, they have helped keep the series alive for over 10 years since the release of the previous title," wrote Triumph development director Lennart Sas in this morning's announcement. According to Triumph, the editor will allow players to craft new maps and scenarios using the deep well of content included with Age of Wonders 3. With a bit of extra effort, those more dedicated (or finicky) creators can customize the game even further by importing their own audio and art assets to customize story cutscenes, campaigns and individual heroes. Best of all, the Age of Wonders 3 map editor is now available at no charge. Those who own Age of Wonders 3 will now find a new option in the game's launcher which will fire up the gratis editor. [Image: Triumph Studios]
Invisible, Inc update comes in from the cold
Klei Entertainment's turn-based espionage game Invisible, Inc remains in alpha testing, but to whet players' appetites, the developer has cobbled together the above trailer to demonstrate the additions found in the game's latest update. Highlights of the update include a new 360-degree field of vision for agents, stronger guards and the addition of "augments." These special upgrades enhance an agent's abilities beyond normal human levels, but each occupies a permanent space in a player's augment cache, forcing tough decisions about which skills are most crucial for a virtual spy. On the other hand, this update also adds a tutorial to Invisible, Inc, which should make the spy game a bit less confusing. Full details on the update can be found on the Klei forums. Or, if you're totally sold on Invisible, Inc, you can join the game's ongoing alpha test by forking over $20. For that money, you'll be granted alpha access, the game's soundtrack and two copies of the final version of Invisible, Inc. [Image: Klei Entertainment]
Wakfu announces plans for crafting revamp
Ankama Games' quirky, cel-shaded, turn-based title Wakfu is tearing down its old crafting system and rebuilding it into something totally new. While the dev blog on the topic makes it clear that the final version of the crafting revamp is still subject to many changes, the basic idea behind it is to recreate crafting as a time-based system in which players assign crafting tasks to their (NPC) workers, with each task taking a variable amount of time to complete. Players can continue their adventures as usual while their workers complete a task, so there's no need to park your character and go make a sandwich while he crafts. Each crafting task occupies a craft slot, with each character beginning their crafting career with a single slot. Players can unlock additional task slots (allowing more crafting tasks to be completed simultaneously) by completing crafting achievements, up to a maximum of nine slots. In addition to this new crafting system, the revamp will also introduce a contract system that will allow buyers to place orders with their crafters of choice, complete with the tools for price negotiation and the ability for buyers to supply the required materials to the crafters. When a contract is completed, the item is delivered directly to the buyer's inventory upon its completion, making for a hassle-free shopping experience. All the finer details on Wakfu's proposed crafting revamp can be found in the full dev blog on the game's official site. [Thanks to Avaera for the tip!]
Square Enix announces mobile strategy game Hitman Go
The Hitman series will see its first entry on tablets and smartphones in Hitman Go, Square Enix Montreal announced today. The turn-based strategy game will have players navigating "fixed spaces on a grid" while using familiar tools from the stealth series, such as sniper rifles, Agent 47's Silverballers, disguises and distractions. Though it's not clear if the image accompanying the announcement is just concept art, the developer said Hitman Go will use "beautifully rendered diorama-style set pieces." While Square Enix Montreal did not hand out a release date or price for the game, it did note that Hitman Go is "almost ready for launch." Additionally, the developer is currently working on "something else" in addition to the mobile game, which seemingly "fits perfectly within the Hitman fantasy." [Image: Square Enix Montreal]
League of Angels goes live today
Youzu Interactive's hybrid turn-based fantasy MMO League of Angels will officially launch today, and co-publisher R2Games is celebrating with events rewarding in-game items and LoA merchandise. In addition, fans will get a peek at special event cosplay from "established names in the community" by signing up for the game's newsletter. League of Angels features a training system for your team of angels, massive PvP arenas, crafting, and character customization with mounts, cosmetics, and other accessories. Interested players can sign up and play straight from the game's official portal via GTArcade. [Source: R2 Games/Youzu Interactive press release]
The most-funded Kickstarter game, Torment, is now turn-based
Torment: Tides of Numenera will feature turn-based combat, rather than real-time with pause combat, following an audience poll from developer inXile. The poll itself was statistically a tie, with 7,267 voters for turn-based, 7,052 for real-time and 782 indifferent people (but who really like voting in polls). "We have decided to go with turn-based combat," Project Lead Kevin Saunders wrote in a Kickstarter update. "Ultimately, there are no losers here. This is all part of the process of making an RPG we are all passionate about and we think you'll like Torment's combat even if you voted for RTwP. While we have not been looking forward to disappointing half of our backers, we were happy to find that many of the reasons people gave for disliking TB and preferring RTwP can be addressed through the details of our combat system and encounter design." Torment: Tides of Numenera raised $4.19 million to become the most-funded game to ever hit Kickstarter. Details about the newly-decided combat system can be found right here.
League of Angels announces beta events, releases trailer
You've heard of League of Angels, a new browser-based game that starts closed beta this Wednesday, but what's the story behind it? GTArcade answers that with a new trailer that takes viewers on a brief tour of the history of the angels, from their betrayal to their triumphant return. See it play out in the video below. Additionally, the studio has announced a number of special events during the seven-day closed beta that players can participate in, each with prizes that will carry over even when all other player data is wiped. The various prizes include free VIP access for leveling, free diamonds for slaying select NPCs (as well as diamonds raining down from the sky twice a day!), and more items to level your angels with the more angels you collect. Specific events will also be held rewarding players for things such as bug hunting, guide writing, and helping other players. [Source: GTArcade press release]
League of Angels starts closed beta on December 4th
Who doesn't need a guardian angel watching over their party at times? In the upcoming turn-based League of Angels, players get just that -- a literal angel as a member of the party providing buffs as well as firepower. If that sounds intriguing, you don't have long to wait before you can check it out for yourself; today, GTArcade announced that closed beta testing will commence on Wednesday, December 4th. Additionally, the studio will be providing daily updates on the game's progress starting this week. Some of the features of this browser-based game include mounts with buffs, fishing (which provides soulstones that can enhance your heroes), a daily match-three game that can net you gems for gear enhancement, and dragon races. For a look at some artwork and screenshots of the game, check out the gallery below. Then for a chance to test out the dynamics, sign up for beta on the official site. [Source: GTArcade press release]
Turn-based League of Angels plans closed beta for late 2013
League of Angels, a turn-based browser MMO, will be going into closed beta by the end of the year, studio GTArcade announced. The title revolves around a group of angels fighting darkness and clothing (if the artwork is any indication). Players will guide a party of heroes with an angel at its core, and engage in turn-based combat in single-player and multi-player dungeons, as well as cross-server battles. A couple of interesting features include a rogue-like random dungeon mode and several mini-games (such as match-three) that will reward the player with extra goods. [Source: GTArcade press release]
