-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Oceans is Out!
North Star Digital Studios is back with Oceans. You can try this one for free and then pay for additional expansions.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Fury of Dracula Swoops In
This classic game of deduction and terror is now on Steam from the folks at Nomad. Be sure to give it a play.
Platforms: Steam
Root Gets the Clockwork Expansion
Root has added the Clockwork expansion. These new AI opponents will pack a challenge.
Platforms: PC
Tabletopia Additions
More games to check out: Flourish, Anansi, Brick and Mortar, Deadwood 1876, Pandemic Hot Zone North America, Shogun no Katana, Rulebenders, Kodama Forest, Gates of Mara, Momiji, Salvage Hidden Treasures, and more.
Platforms: PCSomething big is coming to the Tower this Thursday!! Stay tuned for more details!#WarhammerCommunity #warhammer #ageofsigmar #madewithunity #AppStore #GooglePlay #IndieGameDev #indiegame pic.twitter.com/52NNS10FAF
— Perchang (@PerchangAreUs) November 23, 2020
Perchang Teases New Silver Tower Info
Acram Digital has announced that their next title is Concardia: Digital Edition. Excited to see how this one shapes up.Mobile launch date for #TheCaptainIsDead confirmed as February the 1st - same as PC & Mac!
— Thunderbox Entertainment (@Thunderbox_ent) November 13, 2020
ššhttps://t.co/TAnKTHL9h9#boardgames #scifi #PocketGamerLP
The Captain is Dead Coming to Mobile, Console, and PC in February
Thunderbox Entertainment has announced that The Captain is Dead will be coming to mobile on the same day as console and PC. This is one to watch for next year.Save the date! Similo: Myths, the next downloadable deck for Similo: The Card Game, is coming as an in-app purchase on November 26th!
— Horrible Guild (@horribleguild) November 13, 2020
Join our #giveaway for a chance to win all of the previously released decks! š https://t.co/8D5gLBfGa9#horribleguild #similo #similocardgame pic.twitter.com/0AwVsnFl3W
Similo: Myths Coming on Nov 26th
This new deck looks like a ton of fun and adds a bunch of new cards to the game.
We posted a new update of our "Gaia Project" game. @FeuerlandSpiele @boardgames @boardgame @tabletop
— Digidiced (@digidiced) November 9, 2020
Have a look here:https://t.co/B4eVGHuwTL pic.twitter.com/3HS89bQyLJ
Gaia Project Update
More updates on this massive undertaking. Follow the tweet for more info.
Here's the latest design we'll be applying to the Automa in our app for #MaracaiboGame!
— Spiralburst Studio (@SpiralburstDev) November 11, 2020
We've programmed Jean's brains already and Medium/Hard modes are quite challenging...#boardgames #boardgame pic.twitter.com/BkGthYNTEB
Maracaibo Update
This latest update shows that they are adding the Automa mode to the game. It is great to have this option.
Gnomitaire from Tiny Touch Tales
A new game is out from Tiny Touch Tales who has delivered some amazing digital original board games in the pas (Card Thief, Card Crawl, and more).
Platforms: iOS, Android
Regular coverage of board game experiences on mobile, PC/MAC, Console and more.
Archive for Bradley Cummings, Editor
Oceans, Fury of Dracula, The Captain is Dead, and more - GEEK Digital Board Games Issue #6
24
Nov
2020
- [+] Dice rolls
One Deck Dungeon, Concordia, Descent, Evolution, and more - GEEK Digital Board Games Issue #5
06
Nov
2020
-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Paper Tales
This release seems like a bit of an early release that may be getting frequent updates.
Platforms: iOS, Android
One Deck Dungeon: Abyssal Depths
This expansion for One Deck Dungeon is now available. This is a great game and every expansion just adds more awesome.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam
Tabletopia Additions
A big batch this time: Fluttering Souls, The Night Cage, Space Park, Capital Lux 2, Pendulum, Calico, Godzilla Total War, Hoope Godz, Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers, Paleo, Winter Kingdom, Posthuman Saga, Sakura Arms, Silencio, and more.
Platforms: PC
Concordia is Next from Acram Digital
Acram Digital has announced that their next title is Concardia: Digital Edition. Excited to see how this one shapes up.
Learn More
Arkham Horror: Motherās Embrace Coming in 2021
Asmodee Digital announced that Arkham Horror: Motherās Embrace will be released next year. This is a more video-gamey take on this beloved property. Weāll have to see how this goes!
Learn More
Fury of Dracula Delayed
Meant to launch just before Halloween, Fury of Dracula has been delayed to mid-November. Based on my posting schedule, you donāt have that long to wait. Youāre welcome.
Learn More
Descent: Legends of the Dark Formally Announced
The new version of Descent looks great with a cool new art style. This version, like recent similar FFG games will be app driven. Iām a Journeyās in Middle Earth fan, so excited to see how this shakes out.
Learn More
Evolution is Coming to Switch
Evolution is making its way to Switch on 12/10. You can pre-order now and receive the Evolutionary Arms Race Promo Pack. This should be a fun new platform to play this on.
Learn More
Digidiced Asking for Tournament Feedback
My buddy Tysen is asking for feedback on the planned tournament structure for Gaia Project. Come share your opinion and feedback.
Learn More
Kurmitās Tale Addition
Varfa the Ranger has been added to Kurmitās Tale. Try this new character and see if you can be victorious.
Learn More
- [+] Dice rolls
-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Sorry for a missed week (or two)! I am back with all the latest. Tons of releases to report!
Squire for Hire
This interesting card placement game is now available! The art style looks great on a digital screen.
Platforms: iOS, Android
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game - Digital Edition
This mouthful of game is held up as one of the best to capture this series. As an outsider to this fandom, Iāll have to take their word for it.
Platforms: Steam
Tsuro Comes to Steam
Tsuro is out on Steam. Come check out this classic tile laying game now on your PC
Platforms: Steam
The Captain Dies Tomorrow
The Captain is Dead will release on Steam tomorrow. Check out this wacky space game.
Platforms: Steam
Root Now on Mobile
You can now play Root on your mobile device. Weāll have impressions soon.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam
Clever Cubed
The third Clever game is out. Try to see how long you can resist this puzzly good time.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Lorenzo il Magnifico
This Cranio Creations title is now fully released on Steam.
Platforms: Steam
Charterstone Comes to Switch
This legacy village builder is now on Switch. If you havenāt played this one yet, there are so many platforms to choose from.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam,
Switch[/size]
7 Wonders Duel is Now on Board Game Arena
You can now Duel on Board Game Arena
Platforms: Board Game Arena
Cartographers on Happy Meeple
You can now play Cartographers in your browser via Happy Meeple.
Platforms: Happe Meeple
Tabletopia Additions
A big batch this time: Levitation: Masters of Magic, Riga, Emporous, The Village Crone, Celtic, Night Parade of a Hundred Yokai, Nova Luna, Twinkle, Silver Dagger, The Pet Cemetery, Penny Dreadfun, Dungeon Decorators, Colorful Treasure, The Quacks of Quedlinburg, Village Pillage, Soulgivers, Thereās Been A Murder, Streets, Lawyer Up, Macaron
Platforms: PC
Wingspan
I came to Wingspan later than most but it was always on my radar. When I finally got it to the table, I honestly was surprised by the complexity of information. While the choices are relatively straightforward, there is a lot of information to keep track of when it comes to board state.
The digital version had a unique challenge to tackle by attempting to communicate all this info while being manageable on a digital screen. I would say largely, this is a task they succeeded at. Since this is a tableau style game, you do still swap through to see other playerās information, but it is all presented pretty clearly. It also does a good job of communicating quickly what other players did during their turns and interrupting when you need to take an action.
The game also looks fantastic. Each bird comes to life and the backgrounds have a real calming vibe. This is a big plus in our current turbulent times. All in all, Wingspan Digital Edition is an enjoyable take on this modern classic.
Platforms: Steam
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth - Shadowed Paths Expansion
This expansion has been one of my most anticipated titles. Journeys in Middle Earth is a system that uses digital connection very well. It is dependent but uses it to weave a richer story and add in more randomness.
This new expansion adds a lot of variety. There are tons of new enemy types, new heroes, and new tiles. Plus, all the new content can now appear in old adventures, adding more variety. The new roles are also very interesting and seem more reliant on player interaction than before. Iāve really been enjoying it.
The new campaign also seems to be going in a fun direction. Iām only a few missions in but there are branching paths now and very interesting exploration maps. I am really excited to dive in further.
Overall, I think this is a great addition and makes me hopeful for the future of this system. It really has the ability to continue to expand.
Platforms: BGG Listing
- [+] Dice rolls
-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Wingspan Out on Steam
The digital version of Wingspan is now available. This one has really tackled the complex information management. Check it out on Steam.
Platforms: Steam]
[size=12][b]Similo: The Card Game
Another blast from the past - Warhammer Quest is back with Silver Tower! Need time to dive in but this one is free-to-play so no reason not to jump in.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam
[b]Scythe Comes to Mobile
Scythe Digital Edition has been on PC for a while. You can now get it on your mobile device as well.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam
[b]Blood Rage Adds Mystic of Midgard
Expand your Blood Rage gameplay with this expansion.
Platforms: Steam]
[size=12][b]Tabletopia Additions
They just keep coming: NEXUS, Bonfire, Reckless Sloths, Damnation: The Gothic Game, Skeptics, Trust Me, Iām a Super Hero, Rurik, Battle Bears: The Board Game, The Umbrella Academy Card Game, Break the Code, and Isle of Cats
Platforms: PC
Cranio Creations is Back with Lorenzo il Magnifico on October 5th
Cranio Creations is back in digital with Lorenzo il Magnifico, coming to Steam on October 5th. It looks like you balance success and relations with the church in this Renaissance game.
Learn More
Charterstone Digital on the way to Switch
They wonāt reveal the release date, but Acram Digital posted that they do have approval from Nintendo. Should be coming sooN!
Learn More
Squire for Hire Available for Preorder
The art on this one looks really engaging and it is planned for release on September 29th. Follow the link for details on pre-ordering on iOS and Android
Learn More
Cascadia Browser Version
Cascadia is a game now on kickstarter and tried something pretty unique. You can play an online version for free now online to give it a try.
Learn More
Silver Bullet Roles Added to Silver
Bezier Games has added the roles from the Silver Bullet Expansion to their digital port of Silver. You can now mix and match and learn the ins and outs.
Learn More
Root comes to mobile on September 24th
The Root digital version on Steam has been a lot of fun. The fun is coming to mobile this week!
Learn More
A Trailer of Thrones
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game is coming out soon and is now up for pre-order. This latest trailer shows more of the game.
Casual Slay the Spire Tournament
Through the end of the week, follow this link to try your hand at a special seed and post your high score. This is being run by some amazing folks on board game Twitter. My highest score is only the 800s!
Learn More
SlacknSleuth
Thanks to a user tip on this one! This is a hybrid game that combines mystery boxes with an companion app to create a mansion exploration game. This one looks really interesting
Learn More
- [+] Dice rolls
Convoy, Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower, Wingspan, Gloomhaven - GEEK Digital Board Games Issue #2
08
Sep
2020
-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Neuroshima Convoy
The latest from Portal Games is here. It is fun to see another entry from the Neuroshima world on digital platforms.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower
Another blast from the past - Warhammer Quest is back with Silver Tower! Need time to dive in but this one is free-to-play so no reason not to jump in.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Tabletopia Additions
Trying this out and grouping this together as there are just so many. Since our last issue theyāve added officially: Rise of Tribes, Chameleo, Plantopia The Card Game, Rebel Nox, Coatl, Ishtar: Garden of Babylon, Philosophia Floating World, Riftforce, Lunar Base, Dargonscales, and Doomtown Reloaded.
Platforms: PC
Wingspan Coming September 17th
Coming to PC and Mac, you can wishlist now on Steam. Feedback from the beta has been positive.
Learn More
Tsuroctober is Coming
Competitions, new updates and more are coming to Tsuro in October. Check out the Thunderbox blog for more info.
Learn More
Gloomhaven Early Access Gets Online Co-Op Beta
The Gloomhaven Digital early access seems to keep progressing. Iām a bit outside on the Gloomhaven world so would love your impressions if you dive into this online co-op beta.
Learn More
Bloodbowl 3 Revealed
Maybe revealed at Gamescom(?), check out this trailer for Bloodbowl 3. These games are unique and can be good fun.
Roll for the Galaxy
Roll for the Galaxy, like Race for the Galaxy is a game about information and process. Luckily for us, Temple Gate Games continues to be masterful in communicating this all in a digital package.
Roll for the Galaxy is great at walking you through every step of the process to get through a phase, a turn, a game. It is easy to understand what you can and need to do at any given time. The tutorial also does a great job of going step by step.
Like Race of the Galaxy, apart from the UI, the AI is the star of the show here. If you are up for a challenge, the higher levels are here for you. Ultimately, Roll for the Galaxy is a great port for those who love this game or for those who want to explore it for the first time.
Platforms: iOS, Android, PC[/b]
Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower
I spent many hours on the previous Warhammer Quest titles. The graphics and dungeons hearkened back to dungeon crawl board games in a really unique way. Each character felt unique, singular, and grew with me.
With Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower, the series goes free to play. This has pluses and minuses. First, there is a ton of content in here and many events, characters, and items to unlock. The breadth here is much wider than previous. Think of it more akin to a hero-collecting mobile game. You are constantly leveling to take on new challenges and watch those numbers go up. The combat is also more interesting than ever before with more options and strategies.
On the flip side, this sort of endless play is at the cost of exploration and interesting dungeons. Dungeons are more split into skirmish rooms that do lose that sense of wonder. The increase in the number of characters also makes each individual one less impactful.
Ultimately it comes down to the experience you are looking for. This will be a different feel than the previous titles but has the potential to keep going on for a long time. The devs that make these titles we love are in a constant battle to stay stable. So rather than gripe about payment models, I say we try things out and decide if it is for us or not.
Platforms: iOS, Android
Here Be Dragons on Switch
This digital original board game has been released on Switch. Plan to check it out this week and will be back with thoughts!
Platforms: Switch, PC
Crusader Kings III: The Sims for History Nuts
Having bounced on CK2 and EUIV, I was wary to give Crusader Kings III a try. A combination of assurances from other outlets that onboarding was easier this time and a bit of free time to actually watch and learn a few things managed to get me in.
I think my past failures stemmed from thinking of this series as akin to the Civilization series. While there is a world map and conquering territory can be part of the game, it is not the point of the game. Early on the tutorial makes it clear that you are playing a character and their descendants. Like any roleplaying game, you pick your own character goals and try to pursue them. Sometimes you succeed and other times you will not.
For example, the tutorial starts you out in Ireland and after it ended I proceeded to attempt to become the King of Ireland. I died before succeeding but had left things in such a spot that my heir could take over and finish the job.
I am impressed by the wide berth of characters and nations you can start with. Iāve been listening to a history of Gengis Khan and am now interested in trying out a game as a step people. It really is about that type of story you want to experience.
While not a board game at its core, if you are a fan of medieval history and like a mix of strategy and roleplaying, it may be worth checking out.
Platforms: PC
- [+] Dice rolls
-
Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games. Tune in for digital board game news every two weeks. For more details about the changes and our goals check out this blog post.
Roll for the Galaxy
Temple Gate Games has returned to space with Roll for the Galaxy. This also features the great AI from Keldon Jones. Weāll have impressions for the next issue.
Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
Root Early Access
Root is out now on Steam in Early Access. Itās hard to deny the appeal of this art style. See the First Look section for my impressions.
Platforms: PC
Cartographers
This SDJ nomineed has made its way to digital platforms in a single player, leaderboard driven version.
Platforms: iOS, Android,
Finished! by Friedemann Friese
Not familiar with this title but worth an exploration on digital.
Platforms: iOS
Gloom: Digital Edition
This release is not super fresh it turns out. Released to mobile about a month ago and out on PC in 2018. Either way, if you enjoy Gloom, it is time to check this out.
Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
Maracaibo Coming to Mobile in Q4 2020
Capstone Games let us know that this digital project is in the works. Developed by Spiralburst studios, the game will feature Solo mode as well as local multiplayer. We will share as we learn more.
Neuroshima Convoy Coming to Mobile Sept 5th
Teased earlier this week, Convoy is coming to mobile devices from Portal. If you love the world of Neuroshima Hex, this is an interesting card game take on it.
Learn More
Feedback Wanted on Gaia Project Digital Plans
My friend Tysen Streib has taken to BGG to ask for feedback on plans he and Digidiced have for the digital version of Gaia Project. Come hop in and make your opinion known.
Learn More
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground Announced at Gamescom
During yesterday's Gamescom Opening Night Live, a trailer was shown for a new Warhammer title: Storm Ground. Not much is known about it so far. Is it a MOBA? Can you pain the minis? Who knows! Follow the link to see the trailer shown at Gamescom.
Learn More
A Game of Thrones Wish List-able on Steam
Not to rest on the laurels of Root, it appears A Game of Thrones the Board Game is coming to steam in Q3. This one is a bit new to me but appears to be in the grand strategy/area control space.
Learn More
Cartographers: Doing a Lot with a Little
While Roll Player had been vaguely on my radar, I had not heard of Cartographers until the SDJ nominations. That was a serious mistake.
Cartographers is a writing game that takes cues from King Domino and adds in variable scoring mechanics, players interaction and more. It is right at home on digital devices for quick solo matches. The game does not have multiplayer but adopts the single player variant available in the physical game. Games are quick but full of satisfying decisions.
The digital version does not have multiplayer but does have competition through leaderboards. Each week there are two categories: one completely fixed and one with some randomness that players can compete in. Players rank on the leaderboard with their highest score in each puzzle.
While not the most robust port, it gets the job done and seems perfect for pick up and play.
Platforms: iOS, Android,
Root: A Joy To Look At
Root is now in Early Access, so these are early impressions.
The first thing youāll notice is the distinctive art style that manages to pay homage to the art of the tabletop game while becoming something unique and āvideo-gamey.ā It is truly breathtaking.
I am new to Root so my experience thus far has been the tutorial but...why did I not play this game sooner? They tutorials do a great job of walking you through the async nature of each faction. What I also enjoyed is how the UI easily walked you through changes or opportunities in your faction. I need to play on the tabletop to see how this is handled but the digital version seems great in being clear about each step.
Weāll keep an eye on this one as Early Access continues.
Platforms: PC
Meteorfall: Krumitās Tale
The sequel to Meteorfall: Journeys is now on mobile! The developer has actually reached out with a guide they created on Medium if you want a place to get started. Android is coming soon.
Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
I am looking forward to getting back to this part of the BGG community. If you are interested in getting a newsletter sent to your email, sign up on MailChimp and Iāll let you know if we hit a critical mass.
- [+] Dice rolls
-
The last time I posted on this blog was September 26th, 2018. Due to a toxic work environment that spun into, frankly, mental illness, I took an extended hiatus. Dave did an amazing job of carrying on and really keeping this alive. Luckily, Iāve managed to switch jobs and am in a much better head space. I am ready to get started again!
Pre-Covid I started work on a video format to take over, but it was not quite hitting the mark and was difficult to produce with kids constantly at homeā¦
With all that in mind, I am ready to kick off a new format - Welcome to GEEK Digital Board Games.
The plan is to start covering digital board games here again with the following updates:
- The main content will be an every other week newsletter style blog post that covers the latest news and a variety of other categories.
- We wonāt often be breaking news as we will stick to the two week cadence. However, we will be using the BGG and iOS Board Games Twitters to do intermittent news hits between newsletters.
- It wonāt just be iOS anymore! We plan to fully cover all platforms and change names accordingly.
- Our main focus will be digital ports of existing tabletop games. However, we will have a category for news for adjacent items. These will have a clear heading.
- If there is enough interest, I will prepare this as an email newsletter, if youād like to have the content direct. Head to the BGG Mailchimp form to sign up if interested.
Categories of the Newsletter will include:
The Latest News - Pretty self explanatory, news bits as they come in.
New Releases - Links and listings of newly released titles.
First Looks - Previews of games in betas, etc.
Closer Looks - More images and a few thoughts on recently released titles.
Outside the Box - Anything about games that are adjacent but not based on physical games. Think Krumitās Tale that was released yesterday.
Lost in Translation - Weāll play a physical game that has been announced for digital and give thoughts on how it may translate to digital.
They Hybrid Model - A look at an app assisted board game.
Digitize Me - Weāll play a physical game that is not announced for digital and talk about why it should come to digital. This is basically a wish category.
Revisiting a Classic - Weāll give thoughts on coming back to an earlier released digital title after a while.
Developer Spotlight - Brief interviews or interactions with some of our favorite digital board game designers.
Not all of these categories will show up each week, but this is our current planned scope. What categories am I missing? What would you like to see?
What about Dave?
Dave is the heart and soul of this blog and it does not exist without him. For now, Dave intends to still stay on hiatus. He will be helping to feed me stories, etc, as he is better connected. As we start up again, we may discuss ways heād like to jump in more.
I am looking forward to getting back to this part of the BGG community. Again, if you are interested in getting a newsletter sent to your email, sign up on MailChimp and Iāll let you know if we hit a critical mass.
Any questions?
- [+] Dice rolls
-
Hey All,
Here is another look at Switch games that may be of interest to board gamers.
The game this time around are:
10.Hand of Fate 2
9. Banner Saga Trilogy
8. Frost
7. Light Fingers
6. Dead Cells
5. Sushi Strikers
4. Into the Breach
3. Octopath Traveler
2. Picross S2
1. The Warlock of Firetop Mountain
- [+] Dice rolls
-
Onitama
Availability: iOS, Android
Store Links: App Store, Google Play
Quick Summary:
- Really well done digital version that captures the game.
- Online system seems great.
- Free to start but IAP is reasonable.
- There are a few bugs that should be addressed soon.
A Challenge
Can you beat the hardest AI?
- [+] Dice rolls
-
The Lords of the Rings: Living Card Game
Availability: Steam
Store Links: Steam,
Quick Summary:
- Finally, this unique customizable game is on digital.
- This is a new take but seems to share the heart and soul of the original.
A Challenge
How many hard mode levels can you beat?
- [+] Dice rolls