:: TEXT ADVENTURE
:: BY THE NUMBERS :: Read Review »PictoQuest is a charming little puzzle game, but it left us a little disappointed. The game just didn’t seem to use screen space effectively, to the point that using the touch controls (as opposed to the default virtual d-pad) could lead to errant taps. This, combined with a somewhat unpredictable—and arguably unnecessary—layer of RPG mechanics made a game that would otherwise seem perfect for mobile hard to recommend.
Over the weekend following its release, though, there has been an update to PictoQuest that addresses some of these issues. Most notably, players can now solve puzzles in Zen Mode, which nullifies things like enemy attacks in levels. This allows you to sit an ponder out a puzzle without having to worry about time pressure.
:: BY THE NUMBERSSteam Link Spotlight is a feature where we look at PC games that play exceptionally well using the Steam Link. Our last entry was Sin Slayers. Read about how it’s a great mobile experience over here.
Much like the last entry, this week’s spotlight is on a combat-focused rpg I didn’t know much about going into. Might is Right has a really old-school feel. You have a main character that you use to wander over a map to complete quests, which usually revolve around fighting parties of enemies.
Gadgets Gaming's Lazara Battle Heroes has now launched into early access on Google Play. It's a fantastical and immersive tactical RPG which offers layered turn-based combat, a rich fantasy setting, and an extensive story campaign.
The game's outwardly peaceful world is now under threat from mysterious forces. To combat the incoming otherworldly evil, groups of heroes have banded together and are now ready to fight.It's an idle game at heart, which means you'll be able to train your heroes and make progress even when you're not actively playing. It's aiming to be a relatively stress-free experience, with accessible – though still layered – combat and an appealing comic book aesthetic.
Sometimes it’s hard to stick with a game, even if you enjoy playing it. Perhaps it’s just too stressful, perhaps it disturbs you, or—as is the case with Queen’s Wish: The Conqueror—you might not be down with its narrative conceit.
Queen’s Wish: The Conquerer is an open-world role-playing game from Spiderweb Software that’s been five years in the making. As soon as you boot it up, you can tell the love and craftmanship poured into the game, particularly via the game’s writing and attention-to-detail. My only problem with it is it’s asking me something I don’t really want to do: reclaim a colony as part of the queen’s empire.
Steam Link Spotlight is a feature where we look at PC games that play exceptionally well using the Steam Link app. Out last entry talked about Warsaw. Read about how it’s a great mobile experience over here.
There hasn’t been much news from Supergiant Games on mobile lately regarding new games, but there’s something going on with their first game. Bastion released on the App Store in 2012, and back then it was published by Warner Bros. This Warner published version of the game has been delisted, but Supergiant has gone ahead and re-released the game, for free... kind of.
This new version of Bastion may be free to download, but has an in-app purchase for unlocking the full game. From now until 2020 though, this purchase is being offered at no cost, so make sure you grab the game before then.
A couple other things to note about this new version. First, it is optimized for newer screens, meaning it can fill your iPhone X or iPad Pro screen. On the not-so-great end of things, you aren’t able to take your save game from the original mobile release of Bastion over to this new one, and this new version has some performance issues. Playing it on my iPad Pro, there was noticeable stutter and dropped frames that hopefully get fixed with an update soon.
Luckily, Bastion is really, really good, especially when you can play it for free. So grab this new version, but then maybe wait for a patch or two before playing it again.
It's a fantasic time to be a Brown Dust player right now. After a busy October which included the addition of two new Mercenaries and a crossover event with the popular manga That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Neowiz (the developer behind the game)has just introduced another massive update - the biggest so far.
The biggest of these changes without doubt is the introduction of the ‘Jump-start Quest’, which replaces ‘Run Seir Run’. The premise is simple: over the course of one week, new missions will unlock daily for you to complete. Clear the missions to reap Brown Dust’s most generous rewards to date.
:: RESURRECTTeeTINY Online is an upcoming anime-themed MMO which boasts striking visuals and an ambitious open world to explore. Following a successful CBT (closed beta test) on Android, developer TEENY.studio has now released a follow-up test which adds an intriguing roguelike mode. The second CBT will run from today through to November 3rd.
If you're yet to venture forth into the grand world of TeeTiny Online, the game sees you attempting to uncover the mysteries of a tower of trials. In order to survive your quest, you'll be required to hone your own unique playstyle by testing different weapon loadouts and skills.
You might be busy sending your hulking Dark Knight into the midst of battle in Webzen’s other recent release: the long-anticipated MU Origin 2. But for something a little different, the South Korean publisher has launched First Hero. Released today worldwide – except for China, the Middle East and Japan – this real-time strategy game for Android and iOS is all about collecting characters and winning wars.
The characters you collect, or rather ‘summon’ in the tried-and-true MMO fashion, are a mix of historical and folkloric figures from around the planet. There are more than 50 of these heroes up for grabs, and that number is sure to grow. Apart from these nods to the real world, everything takes place in a fantasy realm where there are monsters to be slayed, kingdoms to be conquered and alliances to be forged.
Dark Quest 2’s progression system is unique in that using characters doesn’t automatically make them stronger. Instead, you have to focus on competing missions with blue potions in tow in order to make your units the slightest bit stronger.
Considering this unique take on progression, it can be tricky to make forward progress in Dark Quest 2. Here are a few tips to help make your progression a bit easier:
:: PLUNDER TO PROGRESSWebzen’s acclaimed MU Origin 2 recently launched on iOS and Android, shaking up the MMORPG genre in the process. It’s a huge game with a lot of different systems and modes to learn, so we’ve put together a handy beginner’s guide to give you a head start on the competition.
After booting up the game for the first time, you’ll be presented with a choice of three different starter classes. First off, there’s the nimble, angelic Elf whose long-range attacks and assassination skills can devastate any enemy. The overwhelmingly powerful Dark Knight is a master of swordsmanship, though he still prefers to crush any demons with his immense strength. Then there’s the Dark Wizard, a mage of sorts, whose expert manipulation of the elements makes him a deadly force from afar.
If you just can’t make up your mind, and I don’t blame you, you could try them all out for a bit using any of the 4 character slots.
