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E3 2014 - Rising Generals is Trying Something Completely Different with Freemium Timers

Posted by Rob Rich on June 12th, 2014

Rising Generals from Innogames is an empire-builder that's doing things a little different. Sure it's got base building and soldier training, raids and defensive scrambles, but the approach to some of these elements are downright refreshing.

First is the way that, unlike some of those games with clashing clans, you'll only lose a unit if it's actually destroyed. So if you spend hours building up an awesome army and use them in a battle, you won't necessarily have to agonize over whether or not you want to actually use everything. Second and most significant is the way in which the wait timers work.

Rather than forcing you to pick an option for resource production (for example) and wait minutes, hours, or days for it to complete, you pick what you want and it completes right away, then it goes on a cooldown. In other words if you want to build a new structure or something, you can build it immediately and then wait for your construction option to recharge before you build again. Time will tell what the iOS gamers think of such a method, but I personally think it's pretty fantastic.

You'll be able to decide for yourself when Rising Generals releases later this summer.

E3 2014 - Have a Look at GameInsight's X-Mercs: Invasion and The Running Shadow

Posted by Rob Rich on June 12th, 2014

GameInsight's X-Mercs: Invasion and The Running Shadow are both coming along rather nicely. They're still a ways off, but it was nice to get some hands-on time with the two titles yesterday and I came away mostly impressed.

X-Mercs: Invasion

It's difficult not to draw comparisons between X-Mercs and a certain other strategy game that involves aliens, and after messing around with the game a bit it's actually more difficult to avoid it. The game wears its inspiration on its sleeve, there's no doubt about that. However it does show promise.

Players act as a neutral party in the middle of a war between opposing factions. They'll be taking on missions for both sides, as well as unlocking more missions and more regions to fight in as they level-up their profile. Multiple soldier classes are available (Sniper, Scout, and Heavy Trooper), tech trees can be researches, all sorts of weapons and armors can be manufactured, and alongside the 200+ missions it will also be possible (and encouraged) to raid other player's bases.

Of course a few things are different, aside from the color palette. The initial squad of three can be upgraded to four or five, for a price. Wounded soldiers heal in real-time, with cooldown timers and everything. However the most interesting twist is how it's possible to turn deceased soldiers into cyborgs - complete with a special skill tree and everything. If nothing else, it might lessen the pain of loss.

We'll be sure to have a full review of X-Mercs: Invasion once it's available later this summer.

The Running Shadow

The Running Shadow is a very different beast. Rather than being a strategy game, it's actually a runner (not endless) with some RPG elements and character customization.

What truly struck me about it was the use of special parkour tricks and stealth kills (yes, stealth kills in a runner). Occasionally the main character will encounter special "pads" on the ground that will trigger a timed swiping QTE, which will see him nimbly leap over obstacles and run along walls if performed correctly. And if he manages to get close enough to an enemy that doesn't see him coming, a similar mini-game will trigger. If nothing else, it's nice to see a runner doing something a little different.

We'll also have a full review of The Running Shadow when it releases this summer.

E3 2014 - MECH is Back and Looking Mighty Nice

Posted by Rob Rich on June 11th, 2014

It feels like forever ago when I first had the chance to play MECH (it was called M3CH back then). Despite being pre-alpha, I was actually quite impressed. It's since been announced that the multiplayer mech combat/shooter has been picked up by Chillingo, and honestly I couldn't be happier. I really liked what I played over a year ago, and from what I can see it's only gotten better.

There's still some work to be done, of course, but the game has come a long way. The interface is a lot cleaner, there seems to be more map variety (and better looking maps), and you'll have a dozen different giant robots and weapons to choose from when you jump online to shame your friends in online combat with up to eight players.

MECH will be coming to the App Store later this summer.

E3 2014 - Plants vs. Zombies 2 Goes Medieval

Posted by Rob Rich on June 11th, 2014

The Dark Ages are come to Plants Vs. Zombies 2!

At E3 yesterday, EA and PopCap announced all-new content coming to the ever-popular tactical gardening game. Fan favorites like the Sun-shroom and Hypno-shroom are making a return, along with a new plant called the Sun Bean that makes any zombie that eats it toss out sun energy when struck. The Dark Ages update also includes a bunch of new medieval zombies like the Knight and a tricky Jester that actually chucks seeds back at your plants.

The Dark Ages update for Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be available later this summer.

E3 2014 - World of Tanks: Blitz Official Release Date Announced

Posted by Rob Rich on June 11th, 2014

World of Tanks Blitz has been a long time coming, but the wait is almost over. At E3 yesterday, Wargaming.net announced the iPad exclusive's official worldwide release date: June 26.

So in another two weeks, we'll all be able to blow each other up using a rather sizable collection of slow-moving death machines. No more waiting. And no more being jealous of Denmark!

Last Call for the Big Indie Pitch at E3 2014 - Pitch Your Game, get Feedback, Enjoy Free Food and Drink

Posted by Rob Rich on May 29th, 2014

Are you going to be in Los Angeles for E3 on June 10th? Do you have a game you're working on that you'd like to show off to a bunch of industry professionals in a fun environment? Interested in free food and booze? Then come meet us at The Big Indie Pitch!

On Tuesday, June 10th, from 5pm to 8pm, writerly folks from all over the mobile games industry (Pocket Gamer, 148Apps, Cult of Mac, etc) will be getting together to look at indie games, give feedback on indie games, and dole out some very excellent prizes to a select few indie games. It's all happening at Bottle Rock in LA and, thanks to our sponsors (ZQGame, GREE, Samsung US), tickets to the Big Indie Pitch are totally free. All you have to do is head over to PocketGamer.biz and register.

Just think about it; all that networking and all those eyes on your game, all for free. But if you want in you'll need to act fast. Registration for the Big Indie Pitch ends May 30th (tomorrow)!