10-27-2018, 10:20 AM
The Weekender: The Final Edition?
<div style="margin: 5px 5% 10px 5%;"><img src="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/the-weekender-the-final-edition.jpg" width="1920" height="1080" title="" alt="" /></div><div><div><img src="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/the-weekender-the-final-edition.jpg" class="ff-og-image-inserted" /></div>
<p>Welcome to the final installment of The Weekender. Yes, this is the very last edition and for those who have checked in weekly, and swung by for Out Now before that, thanks much for your interest and support! I’m going out with a bang, by which I mean a full slate of great new games and sales to check out. Let’s get to it. </p>
<h2>Out Now</h2>
<h3>STARDEW VALLEY (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stardew-valley/id1406710800?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p>Legendary Steam game <em>Stardew Valley</em> has made, what has to be, one of the bigger leaps to mobile this year. It’s a farming-simulation game where you step into the shoes of a disgruntled office worker who leaves their job in favor of managing their deceased grandfather’s farm in <em>Stardew Valley</em>. The farm has fallen into disrepair and your job is all about prioritizing the tasks necessary to bring it back to flourishing.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>There’s a ton to do, both on the farm and in terms of the town’s social scene, and the game is a big sandbox where you really can do whatever you desire. <em>Stardew Valley</em> does a great job of setting up that short/medium/long term goal cycle so that you’re always after the next thing and time flies while playing. </p>
<h3>DARKEST DUNGEON: THE COLOR OF MADNESS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/darkest-dungeon-tablet-edition/id1199831446?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IPAD</a>)</h3>
<p>Gothic-styled roguelike <em>Darkest Dungeon</em> is a compelling, party-based, combat-centric game with a focus on the toll that adventuring in Lovecraftian dungeons has on the adventurers. It’s layered, entertaining, and more than a little frustrating. A new expansion, <em>The Color of Madness</em>, was just released for iPad and adds a new region called the Farmstead.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Along with it comes a new enemy faction (The Miller and his workmen), three new bosses, new trinkets, new quirks your hirelings can become afflicted with, four new districts for your hamlet, and a new Endless Quest mode where you must face unending waves of enemies. As if things weren’t hard enough already! All this can be yours for a $5 in-app-purchase. </p>
<h3>LOVE LETTER (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-store/id1412772177?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nomadgames.loveletterdev" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>)</h3>
<p><em>Love Letter</em> is a game of bluffing and strategy where up to four players vie to get a letter to a princess shut in a high tower. It’s one of the most entertaining tabletop card games to play with a group, preferably over adult beverages. It’s also now a digital game on both mobile and Steam.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>I understand that everything is making its way to digital these days, and that’s all for the good, but so much of <em>Love Letter</em> is about reading the table that I can’t imagine it’ll be quite the same. Regardless, it’s available now and a great game. </p>
<h3>ELEMENT – RTS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/element-rts/id749488884?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p>If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games but don’t like getting snowed in by complex details or committing to hours to get a game in <em>Element – RTS</em> by Flightless Games is for you. With civilization’s home solar system increasingly unfit for life a battle for the resources necessary to travel beyond is on. You travel across the system looking to secure control of each planet’s primary element.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>You have competition each step of the way of course and… well, that’s what your attack and defense stations and missiles are for of course. Gameplay is straightforward and tactically compelling. You need a strong strategy and to maintain a good mix of resource generation, element mining, defense, and attack capabilities. <em>Element – RTS</em> is well worth a look for fans of the real-time gaming genre. </p>
<h3>EUCLIDEAN SKIES (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/euclidean-skies/id1404253683?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>) (<a href="https://www.pockettactics.com/reviews/review-euclidean-skies/" target="_blank">REVIEW</a>)</h3>
<p>Three-dimensional puzzle-combat gem <em>Euclidean Lands</em> got a <span><a href="https://www.pockettactics.com/reviews/review-euclidean-lands/">well-deserved five-star review</a></span> when it came out in 2017. This week the game has a successor, <em>Euclidean Skies</em>, which maintains the same great turn-based gameplay, spatial problem-solving, and interesting architecture. Your goal is help the protagonist proceed through level after level by twisting and turning the setting to create a path.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Obstacles and hazards appear and become progressively difficult as the game moves through its 40 levels. There’s no requirement to solve a level in a particular number of turns, though there are achievements for those who enjoy seeking the most efficient path. If you enjoyed <em>Euclidean Lands</em>, or like 3D puzzle games in general, <em>Euclidean Skies</em> is an easy buy. </p>
<h3>FIDEL DUNGEON RESCUE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fidel-dungeon-rescue/id1383006831?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p><em>Fidel Dungeon Rescue</em> is a clever pick-your-path puzzle/dungeon crawler freshly released on iOS after about a year on Steam. You lead Fidel, our puppy protagonist, through grid-based levels where you must squash bugs and monsters for XP, restore your health by grabbing med kits, grab gold and other loot, and earn enough XP to unlock the exit. You drag a path across the screen but can’t cross over where you’ve already been.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>There’s a brilliant undo feature where you can just retrace your steps to try again. <em>Fidel</em> is challenging and a great deal of fun for those that like to ponder the best way to proceed. </p>
<h3>SIRALIM 3 (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/siralim-3-monster-taming-rpg/id1439013454&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thylacinestudios.siralim3" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>)</h3>
<p>Another mobile conversion, <em>Siralim 3</em> is a dungeon-crawling light-RPG that focuses on taming and breeding over 700 different creatures to fight alongside you. There’s also a crafting system that makes use of the loot you find while adventuring. <em>Siralim 3</em> boasts a ton of end-game content, an asynchronous player-versus-player mode, and cross-platform play and support.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the game also makes use of an awkward, giant, on-screen D-pad and virtual A and B buttons right there on your nice touchscreen display. This turned me off immediately, but, if you’re less picky about controls the game does sound promising.</p>
<h2>Sales</h2>
<h3>DARKEST DUNGEON (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/darkest-dungeon-tablet-edition/id1199831446?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IPAD</a>): $.99</h3>
<p>Tied to release of <em>The Color of Madness</em> expansion on iPad, the <em>Darkest Dungeon</em> base game is on sale for just a buck. You can’t beat this price, so if you have any interest but haven’t gotten around to it, now’s a great time.</p>
<h3>SPACE GRUNTS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/space-grunts/id1018002876?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orangepixel.spacegrunts" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99/$2.49</h3>
<p>If you want to feel like you’re playing an action game—complete with camera-shaking explosions—within the safe confines of turn-based tactics <em>Space Grunts</em> is for you. It’s a must-own for any roguelike fan and is currently half price.</p>
<h3>SIR QUESTIONNAIRE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sir-questionnaire/id1371426606?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orangepixel.questionnaire" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99/.99</h3>
<p>The latest game from the maker of <em>Space Grunts</em>, <em>Sir Questionnaire</em>, is an entertaining roguelike with a lot to explore. It’s on sale for the first time ever.</p>
<h3>REBUILD 3: GANGS OF DEADSVILLE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rebuild-3-gangs-of-deadsville/id670109767?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.sarahnorthway.rebuild3" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99</h3>
<p><em>Rebuild 3</em> might be the best colony management and zombie survival game on mobile. You recruit, manage, and level up a team of survivors who must to do all the things needed to survive: grow food, scavenge supplies, kill zombies, and construct shelter. It’s normally $5.99 and is currently three bucks off. Get it.</p>
<h3>THE GAME – PLAY … AS LONG AS YOU CAN! (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-game-play-as-long-as-you-can/id1007177838?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.development.outline.thegame" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99</h3>
<p>Tabletop card game <em>The Game’s</em> digital version is a one-player affair and is a lot of fun. It’s worth picking up for fans of solo card games.</p>
<h3>ASMODEE DIGITAL SALE: $1.99</h3>
<p>In celebration of the SPIEL in Essen gaming convention a whole slew of Asmodee Digital board games are on sale for two bucks on both iOS and Android, making it a great time to expand your collection.</p>
<h3>D&D LORDS OF WATERDEEP (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/d-d-lords-of-waterdeep/id648019675?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playdekgames.waterdeep" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $3.99</h3>
<p>Dungeons & Dragons-based board game <em>D&D Lords of Waterdeep</em> is available for a solid discount on both the App and Google Play stores. You play as a masked Lord of the city and must out wrangle your opponents to recruit adventurers to complete quests and thus increase your political power.</p>
</div>
<div style="margin: 5px 5% 10px 5%;"><img src="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/the-weekender-the-final-edition.jpg" width="1920" height="1080" title="" alt="" /></div><div><div><img src="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/the-weekender-the-final-edition.jpg" class="ff-og-image-inserted" /></div>
<p>Welcome to the final installment of The Weekender. Yes, this is the very last edition and for those who have checked in weekly, and swung by for Out Now before that, thanks much for your interest and support! I’m going out with a bang, by which I mean a full slate of great new games and sales to check out. Let’s get to it. </p>
<h2>Out Now</h2>
<h3>STARDEW VALLEY (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stardew-valley/id1406710800?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p>Legendary Steam game <em>Stardew Valley</em> has made, what has to be, one of the bigger leaps to mobile this year. It’s a farming-simulation game where you step into the shoes of a disgruntled office worker who leaves their job in favor of managing their deceased grandfather’s farm in <em>Stardew Valley</em>. The farm has fallen into disrepair and your job is all about prioritizing the tasks necessary to bring it back to flourishing.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>There’s a ton to do, both on the farm and in terms of the town’s social scene, and the game is a big sandbox where you really can do whatever you desire. <em>Stardew Valley</em> does a great job of setting up that short/medium/long term goal cycle so that you’re always after the next thing and time flies while playing. </p>
<h3>DARKEST DUNGEON: THE COLOR OF MADNESS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/darkest-dungeon-tablet-edition/id1199831446?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IPAD</a>)</h3>
<p>Gothic-styled roguelike <em>Darkest Dungeon</em> is a compelling, party-based, combat-centric game with a focus on the toll that adventuring in Lovecraftian dungeons has on the adventurers. It’s layered, entertaining, and more than a little frustrating. A new expansion, <em>The Color of Madness</em>, was just released for iPad and adds a new region called the Farmstead.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Along with it comes a new enemy faction (The Miller and his workmen), three new bosses, new trinkets, new quirks your hirelings can become afflicted with, four new districts for your hamlet, and a new Endless Quest mode where you must face unending waves of enemies. As if things weren’t hard enough already! All this can be yours for a $5 in-app-purchase. </p>
<h3>LOVE LETTER (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-store/id1412772177?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nomadgames.loveletterdev" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>)</h3>
<p><em>Love Letter</em> is a game of bluffing and strategy where up to four players vie to get a letter to a princess shut in a high tower. It’s one of the most entertaining tabletop card games to play with a group, preferably over adult beverages. It’s also now a digital game on both mobile and Steam.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>I understand that everything is making its way to digital these days, and that’s all for the good, but so much of <em>Love Letter</em> is about reading the table that I can’t imagine it’ll be quite the same. Regardless, it’s available now and a great game. </p>
<h3>ELEMENT – RTS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/element-rts/id749488884?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p>If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games but don’t like getting snowed in by complex details or committing to hours to get a game in <em>Element – RTS</em> by Flightless Games is for you. With civilization’s home solar system increasingly unfit for life a battle for the resources necessary to travel beyond is on. You travel across the system looking to secure control of each planet’s primary element.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>You have competition each step of the way of course and… well, that’s what your attack and defense stations and missiles are for of course. Gameplay is straightforward and tactically compelling. You need a strong strategy and to maintain a good mix of resource generation, element mining, defense, and attack capabilities. <em>Element – RTS</em> is well worth a look for fans of the real-time gaming genre. </p>
<h3>EUCLIDEAN SKIES (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/euclidean-skies/id1404253683?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>) (<a href="https://www.pockettactics.com/reviews/review-euclidean-skies/" target="_blank">REVIEW</a>)</h3>
<p>Three-dimensional puzzle-combat gem <em>Euclidean Lands</em> got a <span><a href="https://www.pockettactics.com/reviews/review-euclidean-lands/">well-deserved five-star review</a></span> when it came out in 2017. This week the game has a successor, <em>Euclidean Skies</em>, which maintains the same great turn-based gameplay, spatial problem-solving, and interesting architecture. Your goal is help the protagonist proceed through level after level by twisting and turning the setting to create a path.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Obstacles and hazards appear and become progressively difficult as the game moves through its 40 levels. There’s no requirement to solve a level in a particular number of turns, though there are achievements for those who enjoy seeking the most efficient path. If you enjoyed <em>Euclidean Lands</em>, or like 3D puzzle games in general, <em>Euclidean Skies</em> is an easy buy. </p>
<h3>FIDEL DUNGEON RESCUE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fidel-dungeon-rescue/id1383006831?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a>)</h3>
<p><em>Fidel Dungeon Rescue</em> is a clever pick-your-path puzzle/dungeon crawler freshly released on iOS after about a year on Steam. You lead Fidel, our puppy protagonist, through grid-based levels where you must squash bugs and monsters for XP, restore your health by grabbing med kits, grab gold and other loot, and earn enough XP to unlock the exit. You drag a path across the screen but can’t cross over where you’ve already been.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>There’s a brilliant undo feature where you can just retrace your steps to try again. <em>Fidel</em> is challenging and a great deal of fun for those that like to ponder the best way to proceed. </p>
<h3>SIRALIM 3 (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/siralim-3-monster-taming-rpg/id1439013454&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thylacinestudios.siralim3" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>)</h3>
<p>Another mobile conversion, <em>Siralim 3</em> is a dungeon-crawling light-RPG that focuses on taming and breeding over 700 different creatures to fight alongside you. There’s also a crafting system that makes use of the loot you find while adventuring. <em>Siralim 3</em> boasts a ton of end-game content, an asynchronous player-versus-player mode, and cross-platform play and support.</p>
<p>[embedded content]</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the game also makes use of an awkward, giant, on-screen D-pad and virtual A and B buttons right there on your nice touchscreen display. This turned me off immediately, but, if you’re less picky about controls the game does sound promising.</p>
<h2>Sales</h2>
<h3>DARKEST DUNGEON (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/darkest-dungeon-tablet-edition/id1199831446?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IPAD</a>): $.99</h3>
<p>Tied to release of <em>The Color of Madness</em> expansion on iPad, the <em>Darkest Dungeon</em> base game is on sale for just a buck. You can’t beat this price, so if you have any interest but haven’t gotten around to it, now’s a great time.</p>
<h3>SPACE GRUNTS (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/space-grunts/id1018002876?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orangepixel.spacegrunts" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99/$2.49</h3>
<p>If you want to feel like you’re playing an action game—complete with camera-shaking explosions—within the safe confines of turn-based tactics <em>Space Grunts</em> is for you. It’s a must-own for any roguelike fan and is currently half price.</p>
<h3>SIR QUESTIONNAIRE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sir-questionnaire/id1371426606?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orangepixel.questionnaire" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99/.99</h3>
<p>The latest game from the maker of <em>Space Grunts</em>, <em>Sir Questionnaire</em>, is an entertaining roguelike with a lot to explore. It’s on sale for the first time ever.</p>
<h3>REBUILD 3: GANGS OF DEADSVILLE (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rebuild-3-gangs-of-deadsville/id670109767?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.sarahnorthway.rebuild3" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99</h3>
<p><em>Rebuild 3</em> might be the best colony management and zombie survival game on mobile. You recruit, manage, and level up a team of survivors who must to do all the things needed to survive: grow food, scavenge supplies, kill zombies, and construct shelter. It’s normally $5.99 and is currently three bucks off. Get it.</p>
<h3>THE GAME – PLAY … AS LONG AS YOU CAN! (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-game-play-as-long-as-you-can/id1007177838?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.development.outline.thegame" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $1.99</h3>
<p>Tabletop card game <em>The Game’s</em> digital version is a one-player affair and is a lot of fun. It’s worth picking up for fans of solo card games.</p>
<h3>ASMODEE DIGITAL SALE: $1.99</h3>
<p>In celebration of the SPIEL in Essen gaming convention a whole slew of Asmodee Digital board games are on sale for two bucks on both iOS and Android, making it a great time to expand your collection.</p>
<h3>D&D LORDS OF WATERDEEP (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/d-d-lords-of-waterdeep/id648019675?mt=8&at=11l7vY" target="_blank">IOS UNIVERSAL</a> AND <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playdekgames.waterdeep" target="_blank">ANDROID</a>): $3.99</h3>
<p>Dungeons & Dragons-based board game <em>D&D Lords of Waterdeep</em> is available for a solid discount on both the App and Google Play stores. You play as a masked Lord of the city and must out wrangle your opponents to recruit adventurers to complete quests and thus increase your political power.</p>
</div>