iOS Games Thread

Tyjenks · 2013-04-30T06:37:27.000Z

Tom Chick:

Not only is there no Gamecenter, there’s no ingame score list. Huge fail. I’m always astonished at developers who know enough to put a score chase into their game design, but they can’t be arsed to put in any sort of score persistence.
-Tom

I don’t understand this either. It seems like the most simple of features to add. Shifts, for example, was a game that was screaming for something, anything to use as a reference point after you complete a game.

I’m enjoying Talisman, but a part of it is definitely out of nostalgia. I remember trying to play again several years ago with my cousins and we left it out overnight and then gave up. Doesn’t hold up, at all. I think the iOS implementation is good and squeezes more fun out of the game without being too tedious.

Gus_Smedstad1 · 2013-04-30T07:40:25.000Z

I was fascinated by Titan as a boardgame, but I don’t think I ever managed to finish a game. The iOS version is much, much faster since it deals with all the mechanical aspects rapidly, and the computer players are much faster than humans. What finishing many, many games on the iOS version taught me is that Titan just isn’t a very good game for a variety of reasons. It’s the Monopoly of Avalon Hill games, which far too much depending on a few movement die rolls at critical junctures. The turns 1 and 2 really stand out in that regard.

Charlatan · 2013-04-30T08:19:39.000Z

Gus_Smedstad:

I was fascinated by Titan as a boardgame, but I don’t think I ever managed to finish a game. The iOS version is much, much faster since it deals with all the mechanical aspects rapidly, and the computer players are much faster than humans. What finishing many, many games on the iOS version taught me is that Titan just isn’t a very good game for a variety of reasons. It’s the Monopoly of Avalon Hill games, which far too much depending on a few movement die rolls at critical junctures. The turns 1 and 2 really stand out in that regard.

I was always interested in boardgames when I was growing up. I recall vividly buying Titan and trying to get my group of friends to play it. I think we even got so far once as setting it up (and then inevitably someone had to go and that was it!). I don’t think I ever played a game of it. I’m glad to hear I wasn’t missing the best boardgame experience ever!

LordGek · 2013-04-30T08:52:45.000Z

Gus_Smedstad:

I was fascinated by Titan as a boardgame, but I don’t think I ever managed to finish a game. The iOS version is much, much faster since it deals with all the mechanical aspects rapidly, and the computer players are much faster than humans. What finishing many, many games on the iOS version taught me is that Titan just isn’t a very good game for a variety of reasons. It’s the Monopoly of Avalon Hill games, which far too much depending on a few movement die rolls at critical junctures. The turns 1 and 2 really stand out in that regard.

It’s games like this or now the just released Eclipse in which the setup/breakdown seemed almost as long as the game itself where iOS ports are a godsend.

LordGek · 2013-04-30T08:58:23.000Z

Tyjenks:

I don’t understand this either. It seems like the most simple of features to add. Shifts, for example, was a game that was screaming for something, anything to use as a reference point after you complete a game.

I’m enjoying Talisman, but a part of it is definitely out of nostalgia. I remember trying to play again several years ago with my cousins and we left it out overnight and then gave up. Doesn’t hold up, at all. I think the iOS implementation is good and squeezes more fun out of the game without being too tedious.

As I think I may have stated earlier here, I found the real game an unbalanced and dragging bore. I recall far too many games of a player clearly far in the lead just dragging things out as he made sure his final ascent was all but guaranteed. There was no incentive to just end it and put the other players out of their misery if they didn’t have to. On the other hand, with this as a scored solo game based ENTIRELY on your efficiency, the player is duly encouraged to take some risks to achieve their objective as quickly as possible. While safe and steady might still be a good policy if you just want to ensure you complete the quest in one piece, it won’t get you a coveted 3 star rating.

magnet · 2013-04-30T09:13:23.000Z

LordGek:

It’s games like this or now the just released Eclipse in which the setup/breakdown seemed almost as long as the game

Here’s a hint for the boardgame version of Eclipse: don’t sort or stack the ship components. Just leave them in a bag until they’re needed. That should reduce the setup time considerably.

Tom_Mc · 2013-04-30T09:20:51.000Z

Not on iOS but the last couple of comments in how digital versions aid bookkeeping had me thinking of how much Realm Speak has done for Magic Realm. I actually like the core game but if table top was my only option maybe not so much.

Tom M

Mysterio · 2013-05-01T04:32:09.000Z

Sales:

Amber Route ($1.99 -> Free)
The Kingpin ($1.99 -> Free)
Neuroshima Hex ($4.99 -> $2.99)
Caylus ($4.99 -> $2.99)

Clay · 2013-05-01T04:50:09.000Z

I’ve tried Caylus about 10 times, but I can’t get into it at all. It’s almost like its not even a game.

Charlatan · 2013-05-01T05:11:30.000Z

Don’t ask for my cool kids gamer card but this is also on sale for 0.99: BejeweledHD

Gus_Smedstad1 · 2013-05-01T05:18:27.000Z

I imagine Caylus may be a bit difficult to learn and understand if you only have the iOS version. It’s one of the better worker placement games, and it’s slightly different every time you play because of the randomization of the starter buildings. Yes, it’s only a randomization of order, but the ones near the end are dangerous due to the Provost.

Which brings me to something I don’t like about Caylus: the Provost. The screwage factor just seems a little too high if you’re playing with people who know what they’re doing. Worker placement games tend to have enough screwage inherently since you’re often moving as much to block other players as to take your own optimal moves.

Dave_Perkins · 2013-05-01T06:23:12.000Z

Mysterio:

Amber Route ($1.99 -> Free)

The path which you will defeat is however treacherous.

Be careful, everyone!

Mysterio · 2013-05-01T06:25:59.000Z

Dave Perkins:

The path which you will defeat is however treacherous.

Be careful, everyone!

I wrong see nothing grammar with this.

Tom_Mc · 2013-05-01T16:49:09.000Z

Well they did it I guess. Star Command is out and Owen on Pocket Tactics does a admirable job of trying to sort past the mess of internet furor. My takeaway is that it seems like the game is mediocre and I probably could get $3 of fun out if it but I would rather buy Sorcery tonight. That one looks interesting after watching the demo video. And, they haven’t threatened to face punch anyone I know of.

So if I end up really wanting to play in space does Wierd Worlds port well to IOS? I liked the PC game alright. I hope they succeed in taking the next game up a notch.

Tom M

Oh yea Frozen Synapse is about to get more time from me if that goes well and makes it out.

Gus_Smedstad1 · 2013-05-01T18:09:15.000Z

Tom Mc:

My takeaway is that it seems like the game is mediocre and I probably could get $3 of fun out if it but I would rather buy Sorcery tonight.

Yeah, he makes it sound like someone tried to copy FTL without understanding what makes FTL great. No differentiation between weapons? No driving need to balance keeping vital stations manned versus damage control and boarding? Bleah.

Mysterio:

I wrong see nothing grammar with this.

They have some prize… ok, what’s the term when the source language is Russian, not Japanese? Engvish?

Persecute traps! Protect ambers! Reach to your destination!

Dave_Perkins · 2013-05-01T18:40:18.000Z

Gus_Smedstad:

Persecute traps! Protect ambers! Reach to your destination!

Not only the language thing, but how can anyone still be writing game teaser copy that includes gems like, “Your path will be fraught with dangers!”

WHOA SIGN ME UP FOR THIS INNOVATIVE SHIT, BRA

Do I get to harvest wood in order to upgrade my troops?

FUCK YESSSSS

Charlatan · 2013-05-01T19:50:15.000Z

Space Agency is free today.

rowe33 · 2013-05-01T23:09:00.000Z

Tom Mc:

Well they did it I guess. Star Command is out and Owen on Pocket Tactics does a admirable job of trying to sort past the mess of internet furor. My takeaway is that it seems like the game is mediocre and I probably could get $3 of fun out if it but I would rather buy Sorcery tonight. That one looks interesting after watching the demo video. And, they haven’t threatened to face punch anyone I know of.

So if I end up really wanting to play in space does Wierd Worlds port well to IOS? I liked the PC game alright. I hope they succeed in taking the next game up a notch.

Tom M

Oh yea Frozen Synapse is about to get more time from me if that goes well and makes it out.

I had no idea Sorcery! was coming out this early in the month - nice! Really well done version of the old gamebook so far though it looks like the rest of the books won’t be out until later.

Ginger_Yellow · 2013-05-02T02:39:45.000Z

Well they did it I guess. Star Command is out and Owen on Pocket Tactics does a admirable job of trying to sort past the mess of internet furor. My takeaway is that it seems like the game is mediocre and I probably could get $3 of fun out if it but I would rather buy Sorcery tonight

I’ve played the first few missions and it is very much shaping up as FTL-lite. Which isn’t a wholly bad thing, except that FTL is coming to iOS at some point and will completely replace this game, it seems. That said, it looks like there are gameplay elements that will be added in later patches, so perhaps it will head in a somewhat different direction.

tylertoo · 2013-05-02T05:45:53.000Z

Anyone grab Sorcery! yet? Impressions?