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IOS Gaming February 2015 | Under New Management

Dark Echo.

I'm in love
What level are you up to? It's a surprising lengthy game. After Framed and MV and Kiwanuka all being great minimalist experiences clocking in around an hour or two, it's great to play something that has a cool unique gameplay hook and isn't so short. I'm on level 30 out of 80 and I've played for almost 3 hours in total so far
 

awp69

Member
Midnight Star is just okay. Even as far as rail shooters, you can do better on iOS IMO. I'll play some more but doubt I'll let it suck up a gig of space on my device for long.

Thanks to a friend gifting me Dark Echo, looking forward to playing it when I get to a place where I can play it with sound and truly enjoy it.
 

PittaGAF

Member
What level are you up to? It's a surprising lengthy game. After Framed and MV and Kiwanuka all being great minimalist experiences clocking in around an hour or two, it's great to play something that has a cool unique gameplay hook and isn't so short. I'm on level 30 out of 80 and I've played for almost 3 hours in total so far

I was super busy so I couldn't play as much as I wanted, I'm around level 20 (can't remeber exactly).
I loved every minute of it (played about an hour).
It's brilliant, very engaging and incredibly immersive (I've a soft spot for sounds heavy games but I'm really liking the visual feedback).
I really hope there is a mystery/story to discover...seems like it.

Great game.
 

JCho133

Member
That's why I was confused. Neither of those fit that description. Oh JCho...

Sorry, I'll remember to use the capitals next time.

And the Metroid connection is through its similar difficulty and visual style to VVVVVV, which has Metroidvania elements
 

JCho133

Member
Midnight Star is just okay. Even as far as rail shooters, you can do better on iOS IMO. I'll play some more but doubt I'll let it suck up a gig of space on my device for long.

Thanks to a friend gifting me Dark Echo, looking forward to playing it when I get to a place where I can play it with sound and truly enjoy it.

Really? At the moment I'd say it's the best rail shooter I've played on iOS. Might even go as far as to give it the Metroid Prime seal of approval
 

awp69

Member
Really? At the moment I'd say it's the best rail shooter I've played on iOS. Might even go as far as to give it the Metroid Prime seal of approval

Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance yet. I'll put some more time into it tonight.

It's old and a different type being in space and all, but still have Arc Squadron at the top of my list for rail shooters on iOS.
 

JCho133

Member
Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance yet. I'll put some more time into it tonight.

It's old and a different type being in space and all, but still have Arc Squadron at the top of my list for rail shooters on iOS.

Ohhh, yes of course that game is fantastic. Wasn't thinking of it bc it's a spaceship
 

JCho133

Member
Dreaming about what Midnight Star would be like if not freemium

And wow Bronxsta, way to kill my vibe on the Chatroom
 

JCho133

Member
I'm honestly speechless right now

8FoLSrf.png
 
Made it in the charger with 3% to spare!
I think what we're trying to say is, or at least me, would be that I'd prefer if you remove that image. The only purpose of posting of out–of-context comments like that is to stir up stuff, and it does nothing but disrupt and derail discussion here.
 

colinp

Banned
I think what we're trying to say is, or at least me, would be that I'd prefer if you remove that image. The only purpose of posting of out–of-context comments like that is to stir up stuff, and it doesn't nothing but disrupt and derail discussion here.

I agree. Please remove.
 
Speaking of Arc Squadron, where is it? I can't find it on the app store or my purchase history, and I don't have it anymore since I got a new iPad.
 

JCho133

Member
I think what we're trying to say is, or at least me, would be that I'd prefer if you remove that image. The only purpose of posting of out–of-context comments like that is to stir up stuff, and it does nothing but disrupt and derail discussion here.

Well, that was a funny way for Awp to say that.

And yeah, totally mucked that up. After I saw your comment I was like "well, hopefully he'll get a mod to remove that post." Just now realized I can because it's my post

Edit: Fixed it
 

awp69

Member
Speaking of Arc Squadron, where is it? I can't find it on the app store or my purchase history, and I don't have it anymore since I got a new iPad.

Holy crap! You're right. It was there just a few days ago because I thought about redownloading when going through my purchase history but now it's even gone from that.

That really blows when an app can't even be accessible via purchase history. Yeah, I know, back it up. But I literally have thousands of apps and a crappy PC so, no, that isn't happening.

It used to be that pretty much 100% of the time things were at least in purchase history but I've seen things vanishing completely more and more lately.
 
Excellence in Storytelling...Kim Kardashian: Hollywood? Wat? That's one of the most baffling things I've ever seen in one of these game awards
I wonder if this has anything to do with it?
http://techcrunch.com/2014/10/11/kim-kardashian-hollywood-now-recognizes-same-sex-marriage/

It's a fairly daring move. Maybe the app does a good job of presenting what little story there is? IDK I haven't touched it. Kim Kardashian scares me.

Ugh, that list has 2048. It's nice to see Threes! multiple times but 2048...mheh. I guess it is the Guilty Pleasure category.

More Backlo...ger...Badass, what are your favorites of the bunch?
 
I wonder if this has anything to do with it?
http://techcrunch.com/2014/10/11/kim-kardashian-hollywood-now-recognizes-same-sex-marriage/

It's a fairly daring move. Maybe the app does a good job of presenting what little story there is? IDK I haven't touched it. Kim Kardashian scares me.

Ugh, that list has 2048. It's nice to see Threes! multiple times but 2048...mheh. I guess it is the Guilty Pleasure category.

More Backlo...ger...Badass, what are your favorites of the bunch?
Well, besides the well known stuff like 80 Days, Framed, and Monument Valley, here are other quality games on that I'd recommend

- Sometimes You Die
- Pako
- ALONE...
- RETRY
- First Strike
- Smash Hit
- Chronology
 

Voidance

Member
Any impressions on Evoland? It looks quite interesting as a narrative on gaming, depending, of course, on how well that story is conveyed through the game.

Nonetheless, the concept greatly intrigues me.
 

JCho133

Member
Really liking the look of Sid Meiers Starships. It makes me ecstatic that Firaxis is developing a version of it specifically for iOS rather than just a port (though the XCOM ports are fantastic). I can't wait till we see the next XCOM game, would be fantastic if they develop a releass version for iOS as well, as they're doing for Starships.

I watched a majority of the PAX panel for Starships and I'm very excited for it now. The premise of it is extremely interesting (the colony from Beyond Earth has been thriving for centuries, and then receives a transmission from what they believe to be a colony on a planet that another human seeding ship landed on, then they figure out its a distress call. It's your mission to travel the Galaxy to the believed origin of the transmission). Looks to have a ton of strategic options with the designing of your ships, as well as your affinity and your leader. Along the way it seems as if you're supposed to spread your empire, as well as advance tech trees and such, so I guess it would be classified as a 4X. The art shown in the game at PAX is fantastic as well, and makes it feel like it has some gamebook elements in a way.

Definitely at the top of my list right now.
 
Any impressions on Evoland? It looks quite interesting as a narrative on gaming, depending, of course, on how well that story is conveyed through the game.

Nonetheless, the concept greatly intrigues me.
From what I read, the concept is great, but the actual gameplay is weak

Overall it got mostly mediocre scores
 

JCho133

Member
From what I read, the concept is great, but the actual gameplay is weak

Overall it got mostly mediocre scores

Another game that gives me a similar sort of vibe is Adventures of Pip. It was recently Kickstarted and is a sidescrolling RPG platforming thing I think with some Metroidvania elements IIRC.

You start out as like a single blocky pixel and slowly gain detail into the 8 bit era, then 16 bit, and so on.

Edit: Nevermind, you actually have 3 forms that you can actively change into: the block, the 8 bit guy, and the 16 bit guy, each with their own special move sets and abilities. Pretty cool stuff but not coming to iOS
 

k1t4j

Member
Hey gaf,

I just got a brand new iPhone 6 64gb and was downloading some apps, following some recommendations here, etc.

Anyways I found this game by accident in the app store, a moba called VainGlory and I actually liked it :0. I had no idea there were mobs for mobiles, colour me surprised :p

Any impressions from you guys here? Does anyone play it?
 

SteveWD40

Member
Hey gaf,

I just got a brand new iPhone 6 64gb and was downloading some apps, following some recommendations here, etc.

Anyways I found this game by accident in the app store, a moba called VainGlory and I actually liked it :0. I had no idea there were mobs for mobiles, colour me surprised :p

Any impressions from you guys here? Does anyone play it?

It's the best MOBA on mobile, Fates Forever is also good. VG just need a proper offline mode with bots.
 

pdk27

Member
So I discovered Active Soccer 2 last night, it's like the Amiga days of Sensible Soccer are back, awesome game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFx6dLxWW8w

I've been playing this one as well. Decided to give it a try since FIFA went Ultimate Team only in it's game.

Plays pretty well. I hope the dev comes up with a team editor to go along with the player editor. I'd like to make the Premier league teams the proper names.
 

Nyx

Member
I've been playing this one as well. Decided to give it a try since FIFA went Ultimate Team only in it's game.

Plays pretty well. I hope the dev comes up with a team editor to go along with the player editor. I'd like to make the Premier league teams the proper names.

Team editor is coming in the next update iirc. :)
 

awp69

Member
Dark Echo is really fantastic. The whole take on using sound is truly unique and fun mechanic. Also looking forward to seeing what mysteries lie ahead.

Midnight Star is also growing on me. Wish it had been a premium title, but certainly is one of the better rail shooters on iOS. It too had some nice twists on the usual tap to shoot found in similar titles.
 

Emarv

Member
If you like sleek async games, check out KINDO (formerly named Kingdoms).
It's going in open limited beta today.
I already tried some games and it's really really fun and very well done; surprisingly deep too.
I can easily see this as my new async addiction.



If you are interested, check this out.

http://www.pockettactics.com/news/ios-news/palace-coup-kingdoms-becomes-kindo-can-sign-beta-today/

Been following this game for almost a year now. Just signed up for the beta. Looks great.
 

okno

Member
If you like sleek async games, check out KINDO (formerly named Kingdoms).
It's going in open limited beta today.
I already tried some games and it's really really fun and very well done; surprisingly deep too.
I can easily see this as my new async addiction.



If you are interested, check this out.

http://www.pockettactics.com/news/ios-news/palace-coup-kingdoms-becomes-kindo-can-sign-beta-today/

Signed up! Haven't received the email yet, but I'm sure it'll come soon. Been waiting for this one!
 

Nyx

Member
That looks totally cool!

It definitely is, the controls work surprisingly well too even without a controller.

Tons of options, career mode, online play, player- and soon a team editor.

Best footy game I played on my phone for sure.
 

awp69

Member
Anyone having trouble with App updates lately? I've had two games saying it needs updating. But when I go to the update screen, it shows update then quickly switches to open. So it won't let me update and the little notification number in the corner stays at 2.

Tried restarting my mini but it just keeps doing the same thing.

Edit : I faked it out by pulling up each game, closing the app store then reopening it with the game popping up first. A pain in the ass but it worked.
 

awp69

Member
This is NOT to start anything about TA but man the thread on Shark Eaters over there is getting pretty wild.

Shawn Musgrave is probably the best reviewer on the site but he's getting eaten alive after giving the game a 2.5 star review.

I personally think the game is pretty cool. Not a five star game but a pretty impressive display of technology and I think the controls (what he complained about the most) are great for what is trying to do.

It has sparked a heated debate on reviews as opinions and scores. The dev is really upset and actually made the game free for the next few days to combat the review.

Interesting read in the thread.
 
This is NOT to start anything about TA but man the thread on Shark Eaters over there is getting pretty wild.

Shawn Musgrave is probably the best reviewer on the site but he's getting eaten alive after giving the game a 2.5 star review.

I personally think the game is pretty cool. Not a five star game but a pretty impressive display of technology and I think the controls (what he complained about the most) are great for what is trying to do.

It has sparked a heated debate on reviews as opinions and scores. The dev is really upset and actually made the game free for the next few days to combat the review.

Interesting read in the thread.
Interesting. There was a similar thing over here, since Eurogamer gave Sunless Sea a perfect 10/10, which had some people questioning the score. Reading the dev's comments about Shark Eaters, I find his notion that the App Store rating will prove Shaun's score wrong or right. It's his opinion. It doesn't matter if the game gets 5 stars on the App Store and every other site in the world gives the game perfect scores, his review and opinion would still be valid.

Personally I dislike scores for this very reason, because it leads to discussion focusing on the numerical value rather than the actual text of the review

And personally, I didn't like the game at all. It was boring and the controls felt unwieldy and inaccurate. The animations were nice, but everything else was mediocre
 

awp69

Member
Interesting. There was a similar thing over here, since Eurogamer gave Sunless Sea a perfect 10/10, which had some people questioning the score. Reading the dev's comments about Shark Eaters, I find his notion that the App Store rating will prove Shaun's score wrong or right. It's his opinion. It doesn't matter if the game gets 5 stars on the App Store and every other site in the world gives the game perfect scores, his review and opinion would still be valid.

Personally I dislike scores for this very reason, because it leads to discussion focusing on the numerical value rather than the actual text of the review

And personally, I didn't like the game at all. It was boring and the controls felt unwieldy and inaccurate. The animations were nice, but everything else was mediocre

I agree with you as far as the dev is concerned. I mean most reviewers would trash many of the casual F2P games but even as greedy as they are, you see a 4-5 star average on the App Store regardless.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the App Store reviews are what I am least likely to depend on.

As far as Shark Eaters itself, I look at it more as a cool little toy. Something I can play with for a few minutes but not a game I would play for hours on end. The controls work well for me but I can easily see that being a sore point for others. One of those things you either like or hate.

Also wanted to say though that no matter my opinion on TA, the game or reviewers in general that it is pretty unprofessional for a dev himself to go after the reviewer. The gamers, yeah, they can debate all they want about a game or review, but just because a dev doesn't like a review doesn't give them free license to attack the person who wrote it.
 

Wthermans

Banned
Hey gaf,

I just got a brand new iPhone 6 64gb and was downloading some apps, following some recommendations here, etc.

Anyways I found this game by accident in the app store, a moba called VainGlory and I actually liked it :0. I had no idea there were mobs for mobiles, colour me surprised :p

Any impressions from you guys here? Does anyone play it?

I play it nightly. Best MOBA on iOS by far. Vainglory > Fates Forever > Solstice Arena > Heroes of Order and Chaos.

Love me some Adagio and Petal.
 

PittaGAF

Member
The more I play Kindo beta, the more I'm in love.
Game is WAAAAAAAY deeper than it seems at first glace, some games are ultra tense.
I do suck badly at the game, but I can't wait to play with other GAFfers.

If you are interested in these kind of games, do check it out.
 
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