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iOS Gaming August 2016 | A sever-ly hot summer

I'm playing a puzzler in development, probably my favorite number-based puzzler since Threes. It's the next game from the developer of Shapist
TALLNUM
It hits all the right notes
1) Simple enough to be played with one finger
2) Enough depth that planning a few moves ahead is crucial for higher scores
3) Smart clever mechanics
4) A colorful minimalist design
tlnending3_looped.gif

The game is really early, but already really solid
 

Pachimari

Member
I wonder what "releasing soon after" the beta which launched on July 29 means for Fantasy Life 2? I'll give them September to release it to the masses, and even then, it might just be Japan. Hopefully I won't have to wait until next year to get this game on my mobile device.
 
I wonder what "releasing soon after" the beta which launched on July 29 means for Fantasy Life 2? I'll give them September to release it to the masses, and even then, it might just be Japan. Hopefully I won't have to wait until next year to get this game on my mobile device.
I hope it is available in India on iTunes. None of the yokai games are here :/
 

Pachimari

Member
Do we know if Lumines launches day and date on Android as well? I'm currently on an Android phone and would love to have that game with me when going out.
 

Unicorn

Member

Just started playing this. Almost got it on Steam, but was cheaper on mobile. IDK if there's any differences.

Is no one making an OT for it? Shit is the perfect game for people that are missing out on Dragon Warrior Monsters (specifically the first 2 GameBoy games).

I would make an OT for it, but I would not be able to do it justice in the slightest.

Maybe not that many people are/were fond of Dragon Warrior Monsters.
 
Solitairica! I was on the fence about getting it but it's really fun, I can tell I'll get a lot of play out of it.

My one issue is that it can end up being very luck based (I once died to the first creature because I had to keep drawing and didn't yet have a heal spell, and wasn't getting the resources for an attack or armor spell) but there's not much they could have done since it's just part of the solitaire concept.
 

Pachimari

Member
Inks and Charmeleon Run are both 50% off!
I would also imagine that Castle of Illusion is being removed on September 2, since that is the day the game is delisted on all other platforms. So if you want it, now is the time.

Fotonica, Limbo and Dust: An Elysian Tale are all on sale as well. They're each 99c.

Bought Lost in Harmony (also on sale) and Inks myself.
 

awp69

Member
Inks and Charmeleon Run are both 50% off!
I would also imagine that Castle of Illusion is being removed on September 2, since that is the day the game is delisted on all other platforms. So if you want it, now is the time.

Fotonica, Limbo and Dust: An Elysian Tale are all on sale as well. They're each 99c.

Bought Lost in Harmony (also on sale) and Inks myself.

Have Dust on 360 but for that price, think I'm double dipping!

Edit: still showing $5.99. Maybe it'll flip around 11 EST as they sometimes do.
 

okno

Member
I've seen and heard a lot of people complain that Solitairica just comes down to luck to beat it.

Has a single one of these people EVER played a game of Solitaire or Spider Solitaire? It can take days of non-stop playing to finally win a game! The game is bloody brilliant, and those people are just plain spoiled.

I once played a game of war with my brother that went on for six days. Sometimes, the cards just aren't in your favor.

People are also failing to grasp the fact that losing also grants you the ability to upgrade your decks. You'll eventually lose enough times that you'll be able to win easily.

Also, I'm playing as the Monk and kicking major, major ass.
 
Impressions of recent games:

Solitairica

From last page:
Solitairica is addicting. If you have ever played spider solitaire before this game is based around that but things like spells, Turn-based combat, rouge-like gameplay, magical items, and different deck types are thrown in to make it stand out above the crowd. It's probably my favorite rendition of the solitaire template that I've ever played. Definite recommend from me.

Dungeon Warfare

At any other angle this would be a TD game that would be added to the already huge pile of TD games on mobile. But the thing is, this really doesn't feel like a regular TD game. This game gives off the feeling of a dungeon trapper/builder more than anything. The pure satisfaction of using spike traps and boulders to kill the hordes of enemies on screen or using a push trap to push enemies into the abyss is nothing that I have felt playing past TD games. This game also has a plethora of levels to play, I'm 15 levels in and still haven't fully mastered the huge amount of trap strategies there are. Definite recommend from me!

Space Marshals 2

A huge improvement upon the first game. The added stealth takedown move in the game feels completely natural to the flow of gameplay and gives an added edge to us stealth gamers. I like that the layout of the levels in this sequel are more varied than the first game and are bigger and more complex also. The 3rd level for example has more than a few ways the player can go from the onset compared to the levels from the first game which I felt were a little more linear. I also like that the scoring of the missions now only factor in deaths and mission objectives instead of time scoring from the first game. Playing at my own pace feels great for stealthy players like me! Highly recommended for action gamers especially if you were a fan of the first game.
 

The_Kid

Member
I'm building up quite a library of games, so much so that I've started organizing ones I've "completed". I know this makes little sense in terms of constantly updating apple ecosystem, but do people use anything to bakc up game saves? Is there even anything? I don't have a mac fyi, just an Ipad.
 

PittaGAF

Member
I'm building up quite a library of games, so much so that I've started organizing ones I've "completed". I know this makes little sense in terms of constantly updating apple ecosystem, but do people use anything to bakc up game saves? Is there even anything? I don't have a mac fyi, just an Ipad.

Unless they support iCloud save there's little you can do to keep your completed games safe.
Many games save the game in a 'special' folder you can see via iTunes (not necessarily synced with the computer) so if you can borrow a PC or a Mac you can save those save games elsewhere (and put them back if you reinstall the game).
But not all do, and there is no way to tell which ones do and don't without checking unfortunately.

This is an area Apple can improve a LOT, especially since they keep files separated from the actual app since iOS8...I always thought it was to activate automagically iCloud save for everything but no.
Besides Apple, it's an area where devs can improve a lot too...too many devs don't see the appeal and make many universal apps without iCloud save (and device sync as a side effect). I know many says it's because it's difficult to do...but I do not know...I've talked with a ton of devs, especially minor ones...many say it's not rocket science but you have to plan accordingly from the start. The real problem is that a ton of middleware used by devs DOESN'T support iCloud save being made for various platforms...adding it it's difficult.

In an ideal world iOS 10 will bring iCloud sync for everyone...just give a special folder api to devs to use for save games and let the iOS do the rest, sync, put them safe, etc...
Ideally let me access those save games from the web so I can put it even on other platform if devs made them compatible.
Ideally.

But it won't happen...which is ridiculous on Apple part because they advertise a lot iPad, iPhone and now Apple TV interoperability and games....and without save sync it's pointless with the majority of the games.
 

Matt Frost

Member
For those who bought Space Grunts a while ago... do you still play it? was it worth it? Thinking about picking it up but worried about longevity...

What the hell, I'll get it too, even though I have it and will probably play it on steam.

I think I have it on Steam as well... hmm
 

Pachimari

Member
For those who bought Space Grunts a while ago... do you still play it? was it worth it? Thinking about picking it up but worried about longevity...



I think I have it on Steam as well... hmm
And it's much more beautiful on PC, which is why I'll play it through on there. But I thought it doesn't hurt having it on iPad if someday I'll be travelling.
 
Unless they support iCloud save there's little you can do to keep your completed games safe.
Many games save the game in a 'special' folder you can see via iTunes (not necessarily synced with the computer) so if you can borrow a PC or a Mac you can save those save games elsewhere (and put them back if you reinstall the game).
But not all do, and there is no way to tell which ones do and don't without checking unfortunately.

This is an area Apple can improve a LOT, especially since they keep files separated from the actual app since iOS8...I always thought it was to activate automagically iCloud save for everything but no.
Besides Apple, it's an area where devs can improve a lot too...too many devs don't see the appeal and make many universal apps without iCloud save (and device sync as a side effect). I know many says it's because it's difficult to do...but I do not know...I've talked with a ton of devs, especially minor ones...many say it's not rocket science but you have to plan accordingly from the start. The real problem is that a ton of middleware used by devs DOESN'T support iCloud save being made for various platforms...adding it it's difficult.

In an ideal world iOS 10 will bring iCloud sync for everyone...just give a special folder api to devs to use for save games and let the iOS do the rest, sync, put them safe, etc...
Ideally let me access those save games from the web so I can put it even on other platform if devs made them compatible.
Ideally.

But it won't happen...which is ridiculous on Apple part because they advertise a lot iPad, iPhone and now Apple TV interoperability and games....and without save sync it's pointless with the majority of the games.
As far as I know, and I used to work as a Technology Evangelist at Apple, there's nothing preventing developers from doing this now. The festure you're asking for already exists, but the developer needs to implement it. So I think this issue falls firmly and squarely with the developer.

Alternatively, try something like iExplorer to backup your save data. http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/iosapps/how-to-save-restore-iphone-ipad-game-progress-data-3534332/
 

Pachimari

Member
The freemium Final Fantasy XV pinball spin-off, Justice Monsters Five, is finally available in the US App Store. It's not out in the European App Store yet, as far as I can tell.
 

Matt Frost

Member
And it's much more beautiful on PC, which is why I'll play it through on there. But I thought it doesn't hurt having it on iPad if someday I'll be travelling.

To my surprise, it controls really well on mobile, and the story seems good, with lots of details and a living digital world. I will enjoy smashing some foes in this one... now... to decide on Space Grunts...
 

Pachimari

Member
In other Square Enix news, they have announced a spin-off to the fighting game, Dissidia Final Fantasy. Although, this Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia is not a fighting game, instead it's a F2P social RPG, with action reminiscent of the special moves from the main Dissidia games.

Here's a trailer for you.

And yes, it's a spin-off of a spin-off, coming out sometime this year.
 

Pachimari

Member
So what's exciting about this?

A little bit like Reigns I suppose. Just that this is about life itself, and the choices one makes in life. I'm gonna play through it today and experiment with it:

You start off with a randomly generated character with customisable traits (such as beauty, intelligence, charisma, etc.) inherited from your parents, and more choices will appear throughout the game, affecting how the rest of your life plays out. Once you die you'll receive points for upgrading your next embodiment and so on and so forth.

Obviously as you go through 'life' you're faced with a variety of different challenges, as you'd face in your own life, and each time you choose between two options. There's no right or wrong choice, just a choice that takes you closer or further away from the path you want to be on.
 

Pachimari

Member
Street Kart has finally entered Beta again! It'll be F2P by the way and have online multiplayer. You can also voice chat with those you are playing with.

For those who haven't seen it before.

I'm also really excited about Shadowgun Legends. I remember playing the original on the iPhone, and it was my favorite game back then, and now it is apparently going full scope with being a "MMO"-like experience.
 

KiDdYoNe

Member
Hello iOS GAF! I am lurking these threads from time to time but it's time to ask.

I was hardcorely playing Marvel: Contest of Champions for almost two years but those greedy bastards just doing everything to earn money. Since I like to invest time instead of money on the games, i've decided to part ways with the game and even sell my account since they are still selling like pies.

Now I need a new addiction. Pokemon GO is the one, but it's kinda on the go. Anyone can advice something like MCOC where you can play for ages and get some champs/gear/rpg_stuff?

I'm thinking of picking up Teeny Titans but it's not a F2P and looks like i'll finish it at some point.
 

Pachimari

Member
I'm playing A New Life right now, and is currently 49 years old. So far it doesn't seem all that special, and you are basically asked a question, where you have to choose if you want to do this or that. Buy a laptop or a console. Grow your beard or get another baby. And sometimes bigger events happens, like you getting your wallet stolen or your grown up kid wanting to go to college, and you then have to decide if you want to get him into college, thus it'll take a major hit on your economy. I haven't felt any consequences of my choices, other than the different stat bars going up and down, which is basically a visual representation of the consequences I assume. I'll play some more and see what happens when I eventually die.

Here's a screen I took:


[edit]
And with that I died. Seems like a high score game, rather than consequences being felt in new lives.




Im gonna try live another life. But I have an idea, that it'll just be about ranking higher, rather than the lives being connected. Would be cool if you would take over the life of your child after the death of yourself but it doesn't seem so.
 
Hello iOS GAF! I am lurking these threads from time to time but it's time to ask.

I was hardcorely playing Marvel: Contest of Champions for almost two years but those greedy bastards just doing everything to earn money. Since I like to invest time instead of money on the games, i've decided to part ways with the game and even sell my account since they are still selling like pies.

Now I need a new addiction. Pokemon GO is the one, but it's kinda on the go. Anyone can advice something like MCOC where you can play for ages and get some champs/gear/rpg_stuff?

I'm thinking of picking up Teeny Titans but it's not a F2P and looks like i'll finish it at some point.
Pick up Teeny Titans either way. The game will last you about 11-12 hours of play but it'll be a very satisfying ride and you will more than get your money's worth.

To your question, unfortunately I never played any of the marvel games and so I don't know what game would be most like MCoC. But if you don't mind roguelikes I would recommend Leap of Fate. It's a very fun action game with a huge amount of replayability. Might satisfy your action cravings. Otherwise matbe try Injustice or Future Fight I guess?
 
Hello iOS GAF! I am lurking these threads from time to time but it's time to ask.

I was hardcorely playing Marvel: Contest of Champions for almost two years but those greedy bastards just doing everything to earn money. Since I like to invest time instead of money on the games, i've decided to part ways with the game and even sell my account since they are still selling like pies.

Now I need a new addiction. Pokemon GO is the one, but it's kinda on the go. Anyone can advice something like MCOC where you can play for ages and get some champs/gear/rpg_stuff?

I'm thinking of picking up Teeny Titans but it's not a F2P and looks like i'll finish it at some point.
If you can look past the art, Dream Quest is an excellent CCG/roguelike with myriad classes and unlocks, that was praised by the creator of Magic and got the dev hired by Blizzard.
Siralim 2 is also supposed to be deep RPG/roguelike with tons of monsters, upgrades, unlocks, etc.
Teeny Titans and Leap of Fate are definitely good choices as well
 

Pachimari

Member
Hello iOS GAF! I am lurking these threads from time to time but it's time to ask.

I was hardcorely playing Marvel: Contest of Champions for almost two years but those greedy bastards just doing everything to earn money. Since I like to invest time instead of money on the games, i've decided to part ways with the game and even sell my account since they are still selling like pies.

Now I need a new addiction. Pokemon GO is the one, but it's kinda on the go. Anyone can advice something like MCOC where you can play for ages and get some champs/gear/rpg_stuff?

I'm thinking of picking up Teeny Titans but it's not a F2P and looks like i'll finish it at some point.
Ultimate Spider-Man is a great F2P game with daily log in bonuses if I remember correctly. But you have probably already tried it out since you played Contest of Champions; which is by the way a game I'm looking to get back into.
 
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