Among the best things in life is playing printed games in person with family and close friends. When those are not convenient we like iOS Board Games.
News, reviews, previews, and opinions about board gaming on iPhones, iPads, iPods and even Android devices. (iPhone board games, iPad board games, iPod board games, Android board games)
The Stats: Compatibility: Universal Current Price: $6.99 Developer/Publisher: Playdek/Look Out Games Version: 1.0 Size: 170 MB Multiplayer: Yes. AI: Yes. Itunes link:Agricola
Rating:5/5Will be challenging for casual players, but in terms of a sharp implementation and a great experience for core players Agricola is a success.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
App News
XCOM Arrives On Wednesday Night Brad announced from PAX East that a port of XCOM: Enemy Unknown was coming to iOS. It was later revealed by lead designer Jake Solomon that this would be a full port of the PC game with no IAP. As such, it would carry a premium price tag. Well, they've announced that XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be released this Thursday, which usually translates into Wednesday night at 11pm Eastern Time. The cost? $19.99USD, which, if this is really the complete game, will be a steal. Toucharcade has also posted that the game will run on iPad 2 and above, and iPhone 4S and above. We'll post links on Wednesday when it goes live.
Battle Academy Goes on Sale Worried that your iOS budget is tapped out after you pick up XCOM on Wednesday night? Slitherine Software must feel your pain, so they've decided to put Battle Academy on sale this week only. 50% off on all platforms means that the PC and Mac version is now $24.99USD and the iPad version is only $9.99USD. That's down from $19.99USD on iPad people! Battle Academy is for iPad only and can be found on the App Store.
GMT Digital Update GMT Games released their monthly update over the weekend, and it has some news regarding their upcoming PC port of Twilight Struggle as well as what's going on with the iOS version of Dominant Species and the upcoming Space Empires: 4X. Here's the whole thing for your reading pleasure:
GMT Games wrote:
Twilight Struggle (PC): Yay! Ryan (the AI programmer and all-around talented guy) is back in the States from a LONG time overseas and this has accelerated both final AI progress and our overall testing effort. We continue to test - and find a few bugs - the solo version of the game, but the effort is shifting now to getting the multi-player game (and the website to support finding opponents) up and running.
NightFighter (PC): We now have a testable version of this in-house. Next step is to get it to the test teams. Look for this one on the P500 list soon.
Dominant Species (iOS): Our programmer was on a big project at his day job for the past several months, so we have made almost no progress on the next update for our DS app. I just had an e-mail from him, though, that noted his project is winding down this week and he should be able to get back to the DS app shortly. We'll keep you updated, but we should be able to get this update project back on track now. Very sorry for all the delays. This is one downside to us working with independent contractors - sometimes their "real jobs" intervene and take precedence.
Space Empires (iOS + ): This project is still early in gestation, but they are making excellent progress. Nothing is final yet, but it looks like this is going to be a multi-platform release for us. More details on that as we know for certain.
I'll be seeing both the Dominant Species and Space Empires teams in a couple weeks (Our family is vacationing in their region and I'm taking a day to do some face-to-face updating), so hopefully will have more details to give you then.
You can currently pick up Dominant Species for $4.99USD for iPad only on the App Store.
Kickstarter For New Deckbuilder, Paperback, Underway Tim Fowers, designer of the cooperative game Wok Star, contacted us regarding his latest design. It's a game called Paperback which is described as Scrabble meets Dominion. Yes, it's a deckbuilding word game. The Kickstarter just launched and he's already more than 50% to the goal of $5,000USD. Sounds good all by itself, but the reason we're talking about it is that an Android and iOS version is already in the works. It looks like a pretty interesting project, so go check out the Kickstarter and see what you think.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
App News
Race for the Galaxy Beta Underway Thomas Lehmann's classic card game, Race for the Galaxy, has just entered beta. Before you get all excited, however, let me remind you that it's Goko that's doing this one. For those not familiar with Goko, let's just say the release of their Dominion product wasn't the smoothest launch in history. I guess we'll see how this turns out and if they learned anything from Dominion.
Leviathan: Warships Offers New Content in Update Paradox Interactive has released a new patch for Leviathan: Warships that adds more of the Jazz Boatman featured in the trailers before the game was launched. There's other stuff, too, but that's the feature Paradox is focusing on. Here's the list:
Paradox Interactive wrote:
-Added Jazz Mode featuring Jazzy Boatman! -The user interface now scales to properly support high-resolution screens. This should fix the issues Nexus 10 and Mac retina displays have with a tiny GUI. -UI -In-game typing sound effect removed -Ships are now re-selected after targeting orders have been placed -Post effects (PC/MAC only) -Anti-Aliasing added -Bloom effect added -Gameplay -Ship prices balance pass -Cost raised on Shortfin, Stingray & Spearhead -Cost lowered on Buzzer, Destroyer, Bullycruiser, Overlord, Atlas & Dreadnought -Existing player accounts might receive invalid fleet sizes on existing fleets because of this. New Accounts will not be affected by these changes. -Beam guns can now destroy mines -Artillery and Rocket splash damage fixed -Artillery and Rockets balanced -Railgun autofire removed from campaign ships -Added the ability to reorder the ships in the shipyard -Winner/Loser status in the battle bar removed during replays. Why ruin all the excitement? -Matchmaking now saves the latest setup -More symbols allowed in passwords -Leviathan 1 & Leviathan 2 servers now available for tablet versions -Increased server stability -Fixed so Campaign planning timer does not reset to default value between missions -Improved shipyard zoom scroll on tablets
Leviathan: Warships costs $4.99USD and can be picked up for iPad here and for Android here.
Eight-Minute Empire App in Development Ryan Laukat of Red Raven Games has let us know that an app for his civilization game, Eight-Minute Empire, is currently under development for iOS and Android by Tinderbox Entertainment.That's all we know right now, but we'll let you know if we get more info.
Forbidden Island Looking for Language Help Sean at Button Mash Games Inc. let us know that the German version of Forbidden Island should be live on the App Store today. They are looking to translate the game into other languages, but they have some stumbling blocks and they were looking for help. What better place to ask than BGG, we said! Here's Sean on their predicament:
Sean wrote:
Hey everyone,
We've just released an update to Forbidden Island that adds German localization to the game. For those who speak German, we hope you enjoy it!
We'd like to localize Forbidden Island into as many languages as possible, including French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and more! Unfortunately, we don't have the language skills or close friends that speak these other languages.
We were really touched by the positive reaction that Forbidden Island for iPad received here on BGG when we released it in 2011. So we thought we'd ask you, the board game community: would you like to contribute translations to Forbidden Island?
If you're interested in providing a translation, you can email us at forbiddenisland@buttonmashgames.com for more details.
As a thank-you to those people whose translations we use, we'll provide each person with promo codes for 3 free copies of Forbidden Island that you can use or share with your friends. Oh, and we'll put your name in the game credits too!
Thanks for reading, - Sean
Forbidden Island costs $4.99USD and is for iPad only. You can pick it up in the App Store.
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft CCG News We received a little more information about Hearthstone from Blizzard Entertainment this week, including some new features that have recently been added into their internal testing:
Blizzard wrote:
Complete Quests . . . Profit!: Hearthstone’s quest system changes daily, allowing players to complete quests and earn gold. All That Glitters: We’ve introduced gold as a currency players can earn and spend to purchase card packs or entry into The Forge. (Cards can still be disenchanted into Arcane Dust to craft cards.) Leveling System: Leveling up as a specific class will earn you basic class-specific cards, and eventually you’ll earn snazzy golden versions of those cards. Players will earn experience whether they win or lose. Huzzah! Battle Your Friends: Players can now challenge their friends to a duel by adding them to an in-game friends list.
They've also been updating cards as testing is moving along, and they sent us the new Onyxia card.
smartROLL Dice Bringing Real Dice to Digital? Here's a cool story Brad found on TouchArcade. If you're willing to drop $50USD on a pair of dice, these are equipped with Bluetooth so they can connect to your iPad or Android device. Not sure how practical this is, but it's still pretty cool.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
Agricola Released The Stats:
Compatibility: iOS Universal Current Price: $6.99USD Developer/Publisher:Playdek Version: 1.0.0 Size: 170 MB Multiplayer: Pass and Play and Asynchronous AI: Yes, also the Solitaire game and Solitaire Series iTunes Link:Agricola VGG Entry: Agricola
It's been a long time coming, but Agricola has finally arrived for our iOS devices.
Here's the lowdown from iTunes:
Playdek wrote:
Features: •4 Game play modes oFamily Game; Basic Game; Solo Play; Solo Series •1-5 players •Included AI opponents •Pass-and-play multiplayer (2-5 players) •Asynchronous or real-time online play (2-5 players) •Universal game application – buy once and play on all your devices •Game Center Achievements •Selectable Online game clocks •Rematch button for online and offline matches •“Next Game” button takes you to your next asynchronous online game •Matchmaking •Player Rankings •Multiple Player Profiles (for households) •Select your Family Token art for your profile •Game tutorials for interface, game play and strategy •Rule Book and Card Gallery to review game text and effects •Options for Music and SFX, game speed and animation speed, and confirmation pop-ups •Game overview, turn log and game event calendar to support asynchronous play •Retina support •iPhone / iPod 5 screen support •Localizations: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese Look for upcoming In-app purchases for the Interactive and Complex Decks
Look for Brad's review to come in the next couple days.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
App News
Playdek Reveals Agricola Details Well, that was quick. Turns out that Agricola has been approved by Apple and will be available on June 13. That's only 2 days for those of you without a calendar nearby. It will be $6.99USD and comes with the E deck (I assume...they don't mention it) with the I and K decks coming this fall for $0.99USD each. Here's their entire Facebook post:
Playdek wrote:
Farmers! We have been approved! Agricola will be available worldwide on 6/13 for $6.99 Here’s the list of game features you can look forward to: 4 Game play modes: Family Game; Basic Game; Solo Play; Solo Series 1-5 players Included AI opponents Pass-and-play multiplayer (2-5 players) Asynchronous or real-time online play (2-5 players) Universal game application – buy once and play on all your devices Game Center Achievements Selectable Online game clocks Rematch button for online and offline matches “Next Game” button takes you to your next asynchronous online game Matchmaking Player Ratings Multiple Player Profiles (for households) Select your Family Token art for your profile Game tutorials for interface, game play and strategy Rule Book and Card Gallery to review game text and effects Options for Music and SFX, game speed and animation speed, and confirmation pop-ups Game overview, turn log and game event calendar to support asynchronous play Retina support iPhone / iPod 5 screen support Localizations: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese
The I and K decks will be coming this Fall for an introductory price of $.99 each.
We appreciate how excited everyone has been and we sincerely hope you enjoy playing.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
App News
Agricola Delayed Again Playdek announced, via Facebook, news regarding their oft delayed port of Agricola.
Playdek wrote:
Hi all, another update: we needed to address something new, and worked through the weekend to get the game re-submitted. Its back in Apple's hands now, but we have every hope for a fast turnaround. We'll be letting you know as soon as we have further news.
So, we're waiting a little longer. At least we hope it's only a little longer.
Peloponnes Coming to iOS Devloper Jactalea should be releasing a port of the game Peloponnes for iPad within the next month or so. We don't know much else about the release at this point, but they did send along a pretty interesting video. From the video, it looks like Game Center is incorporated, so there's a good chance there is online multiplayer. There's also a button labeled Extensions, so possibly some (or all) of the game's 5 expansions are available for purchase? We're not really sure of anything at this point, other than it's about 1 month away from showing up on your iPad. Take a look.
Elemental Strife Released for iPad Game Designer and Developer Jaime Iscar Gallego has let us know that his chess-like, element-based head-to-head strategy game, Elemental Strife, has been released for iPad. Gameplay is on a 10x10 grid with players manipulating the elements found on each square as they try to wipe each other out. Elemental Strife is for iPad only (iOS 6.0 and beyond) and costs $0.99USD. You can download it from the App Store.
In life you have to do a lot of things you don't fucking want to do. Many times, that's what the fuck life is... one vile fucking task after another.
App News
Sid Meier's Ace Patrol Gets Update 2K Games has updated Sid Meier's Ace Patrol to version 1.3 this week. This update brings in unique powers for each of the nations and more:
2K Games wrote:
Added Special Nation Abilities: - British pilots can perform one extra high-G maneuver - German pilots earn their special ability after only two victories - French pilots avoid capture after forced landings - American pilots return from injuries one mission sooner
Access the 2K Ace Patrol Forums directly from the Options menu The “Copycat” ability now works properly across all pilots “Skip Mission” option is available from pilot selection screen Language option now retains user's setting Bug fixes and optimization
Sid Meier's Ace Patrol has gotten some great reviews since it's release a few weeks ago, and it's FREE. So, if you have an iPhone 4 or later, or iPad 2 or later go download it on the App Store.
It's Alive! Arrives on Amazon Appstore We mentioned last week that It's Alive! from designer Yehuda Berlinger and developer Jeremy Maher was heading to Android sometime this summer. Well, wait no more as it is now available on the Amazon Appstore.
Amazon Appstore wrote:
-Supports up to 5 Players, including Unique AI (Computer) Players -Pass and Play on a Single Device -Save and Resume Single and Multiplayer Games at Any Time -Local Leaderboard / Statistics -Illustrated In-Game Rules Manual and Tutorial
It's currently $1.99USD and you can pick it up here.
Dynasties Screenshots Arrive Designer Al Newman has let us know that work on Dynasties is nearing an end and to prove it he sent along a few screenshots to check out. Dynasties is being developed by Gourmet Gaming who is the same developer for the iOS version of Reiner Knizia's Battleline, which is a great port in my opinion. Al mentioned that the game will have online multiplayer (synchronous and asynchronous) as well as 3 levels of AI. It will also have tutorials, player ratings and chat. Take a look, and we'll let you know when we get more information.
New Armies Coming to Neuroshima Hex Owen at Pockettactics has posted a story indicating that work on Neuroshima Hex is progressing now that Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy has been released (it's also on sale right now for $4.99USD. Get it here). The new armies coming are Neuroshima Hex! Doomsday Machine, Neuroshima Hex! The Dancer, and the Neuroshima Hex! Sharrash. He also mentions that the update should be available for both iOS and Android at roughly the same time instead of the staggered releases we've seen in the past. You can get Neuroshima Hex for iOS here and for Android here.
Scrolls Enters Open Beta, Available for Purchase Developer Mojang is mostly known for a little game they make called Minecraft. Have you heard of it? Well, the follow-up to that monster is a CCG called Scrolls. Looks like pretty much every other digital CCG out there except that your cards actually turn into the things you're summoning on the battlefield instead of still looking like cards. Whatever. It's only for PC and Mac right now, but I don't think an iOS and Android port can be far behind, as Minecraft is available for both systems as well. If curious, you can buy Scrolls now for $20USD here.
Another Hearthstone Video Emerges Because the world needs more CCGs on digital platforms, Blizzard Entertainment is pushing their upcoming one, Hearthstone by releasing videos of matches every now and then. Today is a Rogue vs. Druid matchup. Here you go.
Agricola Not Released Yet Now, no more of those "Where's Agriola?" comments, m'kay?
Notes:Back in March, Days of Wonder asked Android users if there was enough interest in the platform to be willing to fund a Kickstarter to bring Small World to their screens. Today, Days of Wonder brings Android users another treat, as they release Ticket to Ride, by Alan Moon.
This app runs on Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher tablets with a minimum screen resolution of 1024x600 although 1280x800 or higher is recommended. Those resolutions allow the app to show menus and game interface in a similar graphic style to the game box showing those turn of the century travelers and train staff and map board The game's main screen shows the board, the cards available for draw, and your hand cards. Also present are indicators showing your avatar, the count of trains remaining, and your destination tickets. At the top of the screen is the same information for your opponents. If playing an online game, you also have a chat window off to the side as well. Most of the screens for the Android version have a similar look to ones of the Steam for PC version. The Android version does have a feature that the PC one does not, in that the board itself supports pinch and zoom, if you need to get a better look at playing surface. This can be handy especially if you are on a smaller tablet and need to zoom in to see city names, or the color blind friendly symbols that are present on the routes between cities, just as the actual game has on it.
As I mentioned above, there is either solo play against 1-4 bots, or online play against real humans playing on Days of Wonder's other apps they support such as Steam on PC & Mac, iOS, or the Days of Wonder website. There is a chat lobby where you can observe, join, or create games with other online players. Also available as in app purchases are the expansion maps of Asia, Europe, Switzerland, and USA 1910.
In the process of full disclosure, I wanted to update you on my new job.
Since helping found this blog on BGG, I have begun to shift my career from its origin to a focus on gaming. This has involved doing several freelance projects, additional writing gigs, and now it is taking a fulltime swing. BGG has really provided me with some great opportunities and I owe a lot to you the readers.
As of today I am starting as Marketing Director at Shenandoah studios. My work will involve doing PR work for them but I will also be focused on better serving existing users through community building activities. This is a great opportunity for me and a good first step into this industry.
My intention is to continue to work on the blog in my same capacity. Aldie has agreed to this. I love this blog and I love this effort. I also will not be reviewing any of the games from Shenandoah, but will pass those on to others on our staff. Otherwise our coverage of them will be the same as other companies.
With this, I am just now moving to Philadelphia and so you may see a few blips in coverage. I am excited to be a new area and I think all in all these changes in my life will actually give me more time to make the blog better.
Thank you for reading and I hope we can keep serving you the content you want.
