Indie Game News: October 2013

Thursday, 31 October 2013

On the review list: Full Bore - The First Dig

Deep underground lies a reminder of Boarkind’s darkest hours.

All it takes is one little boar to dig it back up.

A block puzzler with an exploratory twist, Full Bore throws the player into an open world filled with crumbling mines, arcane ruins, and technological wonders with only curiosity to lead the way.

This world is packed to the brim with secrets and hidden rooms, because when everything is made of blocks, puzzles could be anywhere.

Official Website

Review coming soon...

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First Look - Kromaia

Had a chance to give the preview build of Kromaia a quick look - it features only the Score Attack mode, (which is a shame as I'm always more interested in the Story Mode than anything else, in pretty much any game) - but it did give me a chance to see the core game mechanics in action. It's billed as a "6 Degree of Freedom Shooter" - now my engineering is a little rusty but I think the 6 degrees of freedom are Longitudinal, Latitudinal, Vertical, Roll, Pitch and Yaw - and the chief aim of this mechanic is to give the player a complete freedom of movement and feeling of being totally in control of the craft. From playing the preview build, I can say that the developers seem to have pretty much nailed this - the controls are extremely responsive and, although my current system is not up to the job of displaying 3D graphics at anything like their full potential, the aesthetics are great.

I can't really comment too much on the actual gameplay at this stage, but the groundwork is certainly in place for a very good game here. This is definitely one to look out for - more news soon...

More about Kromaia

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Screenshots - "Woodle Tree Adventures"

Ahem... quite some time ago I was going to do a review of this game and took a bunch of screenshots. I never really got into the game and got sidetracked by other stuff, but I recently noticed the files in my screenshot folder, so... here they are.

Woodle Tree Adventures is a throwback to the 3D platformers of the N64 etc, so if you liked those games, you'll probably enjoy this more than I did. You can find out more on its Steam Greenlight page and, of course, support it if you like the look of it.

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Case and Bot are on the... um... Case.

Detective Case and Clown Bot in: Murder in the Hotel Lisbon looks cool - a point and click graphic adventure where you play the two eponymous characters in a search for clues to solve the (also eponymous) case. Nice. They also need your help over at Steam Greenlight...

Retro graphics and a good dollop of humour are two of the reasons this looks good - but I'm sure there are more reasons than that!

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Orc Attack Gets Greenlit on Steam

ORC ATTACK: FLATULENT REBELLION GETS GREENLIT ON STEAM

Recently Greenlit on Steam, Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion. Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion is a 1-4 player cooperative gas-and-slash action game that is available now on the Xbox Live® online entertainment network from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network in North America and Europe and is coming soon to Steam.

“We are thrilled about being Greenlit and couldn’t have done it without the help of our awesome fans,” said Nacho Sanchez, co-developer, Casual Brothers. “Being Greenlit on Steam is going to allow all players to enjoy the humorous and gassy world of Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion.”

Fart or die in this gas-and-slash action game, where fun-loving Orcs battle pollution spreading Humans in a humorous fantasy setting. Orcs have become victims of brutal Human expansion, as they are carelessly poisoning the environment. Now, four trained Orc heroes are retaliating with a not-so-silent yet very deadly plan. In either single-player or up to four-player co-op, gamers will take on the role of Orcs, each wielding a unique gaseous ability, and then take the fight to the Humans in a stinky, fart-filled romp.

Developed by Casual Brothers, Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion is rated T and is available now for download on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network and is coming soon to Steam. For more information on Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion, please follow them on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook or visit www.orcattack.com

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First Look at Dungeon of the Endless at Paris Games Week and Minecon

GET FIRST HANDS-ON WITH DUNGEON OF THE ENDLESS AT PARIS GAMES WEEK AND MINECON

Amplitude Studios Debuts First Playable Demos of its Rogue-like Tower-Defense Game at Two Key Indie Events This Week

Paris, France — October 30, 2013 — Best known for its popular 4X title Endless Space, the award-winning indie developer Amplitude Studios has revealed today it will debut its brand new Dungeon of the Endless in playable, hands-on form at the European game conference Paris Games Week, and the popular Florida-based Minecraft conference, Minecon.

Amplitude Studios will offer gamers the chance to play the PC title at both events to get a deeper understanding of its latest creation. Dungeon of the Endless can be found at Booth Jeux Made In France (Hall 2.2) at Paris Games Week in Paris, France, October 30 through November 3, and at the Indie Booth at Minecon in Orlando, Florida, November 2-3.

First revealed behind closed doors at this summer’s Gamescom, Dungeon of the Endless is a compelling, cooperative rogue-like tower-defense game that delivers a retro 2D look with modern 3D effects. Each time players start a new game, they will experience a totally new, randomly generated map, collect sources just like those found in Endless Space (Dust, Food, Industry, and Science), and battle an armada of alien enemies all in the attempt to escape the dungeon. The tough 1-4 player hybrid title plays entirely differently than the 4X gameEndless Space, but keen observers will notice ties between the two, as each is set in the Endless universe.

Amplitude Studios also has begun the “#BehindMyDoor” Video Competition, which offers a robust reward for the Funniest, Scariest and Weirdest Dungeon of the Endless videos. The winner of each category will receive the Dungeon of the Endless Founder Pack, which includes four Steam codes, a T-shirt, stickers, four badges, and a signed copy of Endless Space Gold. The contest, which players can enter here, is open now and ends December 4.

Amplitude Studios is the indie developer that created Endless Space, the fan-favorite 4X game that recently won the venerable 2013 Golden Globe and Community Choice Unity Awards.

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ABOUT AMPLITUDE STUDIOS

Amplitude Studios is an independent gathering of experienced video game lovers (and developers) with a single goal: create the best strategy games! Based in Paris, the studio boasts an international team that has worked all over the world. Developer credits include franchises such as Battlefield, Rayman, XIII, R.U.S.E., Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Call of Juarez, Might & Magic Heroes, Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, and others. Working closely for years with communities of players to share, discuss or compare ideas, the whole team has the dream of bringing the idea of GAMES 2 GETHER one step further. Help us accomplish our goal to bring a brand new way for players around the world to participate in the creation of a video game! Read more at www.amplitude-studios.com.

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Bionic Dues updated to v.1.005

Arcen Games have announced the first non-beta update for their most recent game release "Bionic Dues". You can find all the details in this blog post - mainly it's about the customisation interface, it seems.

More about Bionic Dues

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IndieBundle.org: Where $5 = 3 Games Every Day!

New York – October 31 2013 – Fall is in full swing, but the leaves aren’t the only things piling up as IndieBundle continues to introduce new bundles of gaming action!

For the 1st time, IndieBundle has partnered with Capsule Computers to introduce a “flash” bundle! The Capsule Computers IndieBundle is loaded with indie fun, featuring:

two tiers of a total of 8 games plus lots of bonus items.
PAY WHAT YOU WANT for this bundle, from as little as $2 for Tier 1 (3 games) or $5 for Tier 2 (minimum of 5 games, with up to 3 more unlockable games).
Unlockable bonus content, including 3 additional Tier 2 games.
The top two contributors will even win a PRIZE PACK from SteelSeries, known for their gaming products:

Top prize is a Black Flux gaming headset
Second prize is a Kinzu Mouse Orange bundle pack which includes a a Kinzu V2 gaming mouse and a QcK gaming mouse pad

Fans need to move fast to catch this special offer, because it’s only live for 2 weeks, and then will be gone in a flash!

In other news:

Our Horror Bundle launched earlier in October. Full of spooky titles!

Our SciFi2 Bundle continues to draw attention from the gaming community, as we continue to roll out exciting new bundles targeting every niche of gaming fun. Next up is a Retro Bundle, harking back to earlier styles of gaming!

Don’t forget:

More giveaways! To further encourage fans to sign up for our newsletter – which provides Early Access and/or other Subscriber Specials for EVERY bundle – we are now giving away a free bundle every week to a new randomly selected subscriber.

IndieBundle has made it easier for fans to support developers of our indie games and vote to Steam greenlight them, right on our site. We encourage even non-purchasers to vote for games they may have previously played and enjoyed.

IndieBundle’s Affiliate Program continues to grow; it’s a great way to support indie developers and make a few bucks in the process. Any sites that are interested should contact [email protected].

Our next bundle is already well underway, featuring retro-style games. We are now actively promoting our search for additional games to include in future bundles, including both alpha and beta stage games, as part of our ongoing commitment to support indie developers.

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Soccer Moves: Puzzle Mechanics Meet Soccer Strategy

October 31^st, 2013, South Africa. Award winning, indie games studio Fuzzy Logic is proud to announce the release of their newest game, Soccer Moves, on iOS and Android. Soccer Moves offers a new take on soccer games by combining puzzle mechanics and soccer tactics and bringing them to the playing field. Solve puzzles by outsmarting chess-like defenders and become a soccer legend!

You start off as an amateur player and build your way up to fame and the international scene, by solving tactical puzzles. Strategy is key, as you only get a limited number of moves for each challenge. Pass, run or shoot your way through the defenders to score the perfect goal. Plan out your moves, and spectate the whole trick in action!

The game is designed to appeal to puzzle games lovers and soccer fans alike. The first can enjoy the puzzle challenges of outsmarting chess-like defenders, while the latter can use clever soccer tactics to solve each puzzle on their way to the professional league.

Rendered in cool 3D graphics, Soccer Moves features defenders that provide not only unique challenges, but also a humorous take on legendary soccer players, introduced by quirky cinematics. There are also plenty of unlockable equipment kits, upgrades and special power-ups to aid you on your journey towards worldwide recognition.

Soccer Moves is now available free on the Apple App Store™ and Google Play™!

About Fuzzy Logic

With an average of 10 years worth of experience in the UK’s game industry, and having worked for multi-million pound titles such as Disney Universe, Championship Manager and Split/Second, the Fuzzy Logic core team decided one day to leave all that behind and concentrate on creating awesome iOS and Android apps and games from sunny South Africa. And they’re doing a good job at it, having won “Augmented Reality Developer 2013” at the European AR Awards and shortlisted for the Most Innovative Use of AR 2013.

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Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Steel & Steam Episode 1 - Steam Greenlight Campaign

Steel & Steam is a retro fantasy steampunk JRPG, currently seeking your help to be Greenlit.

So let's just go through that...

Retro
Fantasy
Steampunk
JRPG

I don't know about anyone else, but that's 4 boxes ticked for me right now. I've already voted for this game on Steam Greenlight - head over to this page if you want to do the same! Also check out the trailer and screenshots below.

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Avadon 2 Launches on Steam

Avadon 2: The Corruption Now Available

Rebellion, corruption, and an epic destiny.

Oct 30^th, 2013 –Spiderweb Software (http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com) is proud to announce that Avadon 2: The Corruption is now available for PC and Mac on Steam, GOG.com, and directly from the Spiderweb Software website. Avadon 2 is an epic, indie fantasy role-playing adventure. As your people come apart in rebellion and civil war, outsiders are eager to take advantage of your weakness. Unless you act quickly, your homeland will fall. Find it on Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/233310/ or GOG at http://www.gog.com/game/avadon_2_the_corruption

For centuries, your homeland was protected by Avadon. The Black Fortress. Home and training ground to the greatest warriors, mages, spies, and assassins the world had ever known. They brought safety, in return for freedom. Then Avadon was shattered in a deadly sneak attack, and the foes of the Pact are ready to invade. You have been conscripted by Avadon, and now, with chaos raging, it will be your destiny to see this maelstrom through. Will you help to restore Avadon to its glory, or will you betray it and help a new empire rise in its place? It is a time of chaos. What happens next will be up to you.

Avadon 2: The Corruption is an epic fantasy role-playing adventure in an enormous world. Choose from five different types of characters, including the new Tinkermage class, each with dozens of unique spells or skills. Explore a gigantic world filled with secrets, artifacts, and a rich story. Experience multiple different endings and dozens of world-influencing side quests, and ultimately choose between saving your homeland or allowing it to fall and make way for something greater. Find out more at the Avadon website and watch the trailer at http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com/avadon2/.

ABOUT SPIDERWEB SOFTWARE

Spiderweb Software, Inc., an independent game-design company based in Seattle, WA, is fanatically dedicated to creating fun, exciting fantasy role-playing games for Windows, Macintosh, and the iPad. Past titles include the award-winning Exile, Geneforge, Avernum, and Avadon series. More information on the company is available at www.spiderwebsoftware.com or find them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/spiderwebsoft.

Avadon 2: The Corruption Screenshots

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Don't get STEAMED up about it, but...

... digital distributor Steam now boats 65 million active users. No wonder getting your game on there is viewed as striking gold for indie devs!

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Cortex 1.0 released for iOS - A Puzzle to Push The Brain to Its Limit

Cambridge, United Kingdom - AppsVortex today is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of Cortex 1.0, their new puzzle game for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Cortex 1.0, a challenging game that guarantees to push the player's brain to its limit combines elements of memorisation and speed.

In Cortex, the year is 2025 and the player enacts the role of Dr. Max, a brilliant scientist who has created his greatest work to date in his special underground lab - the first truly powerful intelligent machine. His new kind of computer doesn't just "compute"; it is also capable of lightning fast and dynamic thinking that precisely mirrors that of a human. Dr. Max never suspected was that his creation was, in fact, much more intelligent than he thought possible. Soon, he realized that his machine could be much more intelligent than any human being!

Before he can act on his fears, the powerful Machine takes control of the subterranean lab and begins conducting its own experiment. The Machine's experiment is designed to determine if human intelligence is a superior adversary or if The Machine should opt to pursue a global domination strategy. Mankind's fate hangs in the balance.

Dr. Max is now subjected to a demanding experiment designed to tests his mental agility, reflexes, strategic thinking, and memorization skills. The Machine's Game in an intriguing and deadly one that is full of crazy mechanics and plenty of frenetic movement and colors. The Machine intends to find out whether the human mind superior to a silicon one. Players can rely upon speed, strategic thinking, or a masterful blend of both to face the dynamic and ever-changing synchronized movements of the boxes that will push their thinking to the limit.

Feature Highlights:

* Test how far you can go

* Compete with other players to establish the best "Brain Score" online

* Unlock Achievements and share them with friends

* Optimized graphics for Retina and iPhone 5 Retina display

With 30 difficulty rush and speed levels, Cortex is a challenging game. Players need to make progress from a rookie all the way up to insanely complicated stages and complete each level in time. The machine challenges the player to draw on all their mental skills in an unprecedented manner in the form of 20 explosive and ever-changing boxes that frenetically move on tracks. They need to use special magic powers wisely to help them stop, reveal, reset, and disable boxes before it's too late.

"Step forward and prepare your mind for a new kind of challenge, one where your speed, mental agility, strategy and memorization will all be pushed to the limit!," said Fryderyk Benigni of AppsVortex.

Device Requirements:

* iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, and iPod touch

* Requires iOS 6.0 or later

* Optimized for iPhone 5

Pricing and Availability:

Cortex 1.0 is $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. There is also a free version available with in-app purchase to convert to a full version. Promo codes are available on request.

Purchase and Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cortex/id689622872

Download from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cortex-lite/id716951133

AppsVortex is an independent UK-based studio, created to push the boundaries and explore the mobile and entertainment market. Their main objective is to craft innovative games and apps for everyone. The company was founded in 2010 by Fryderyk Benigni at the beginning of his MSc Course in Game Design and Development at Goldsmith's University of London. Fryderyk previously founded a series of tech-based companies in the UK and back in Brazil where he lived for 8 years. AppsVortex was the first company focused on Games development.

Cortex Screenshots: