Magazines are more than just a bunch of writers – we’re also here to hype up developers! That’s why we interview them and give them love on social media. And in this little turnbasedlovers corner of mine, from time to time, I’m gonna be talking about one social media platform in particular: Twitter! If you’re short on time but still wanna stay in the loop with all the latest gaming news, then you gotta be on Elon Musk’s Social Media.
Twitter offers weekly events that allow the indie community to interact not only with itself but also with magazines, influencers and maybe publishers to give voice to as many projects as possible. For example, if you have a turn-based game you want to showcase, then you must join TurnbasedThursday and get your project out there!
In this new column, I will focus on the mentioned-above event, and every month I will offer space to some of the games that have impressed me. Because the indie world is not only made up of small projects in development; first of all, it is sharing, friendship, fear, dedication, and commitment. So get in touch with me @indie_Seeker and @turnbasedlovers on Twitter, but also on Discord and Youtube.
Rogue Voltage
@_RogueVoltage
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1494560/Rogue_Voltage/
Experience the ultimate fusion of 80s nostalgia, Commodore, and Amiga aesthetics in an electrifying roguelike deckbuilder, Rogue Voltage. Engage in combat where strategic synergy between modular actions reigns supreme. With energy management, time manipulation, and procedural battles, fight for the greater good: yours. Brace yourself for ever-changing challenges with each turn. Should you obliterate a monster or manipulate time to gain an advantage? Will you heal companions or reserve batteries for a devastating blow? The choices are yours to make, and they won’t be easy.
Immerse yourself in a sci-fi post-apocalyptic world where cause and effect intertwine, merging like cosmic lovers. Remember the mind-bending movie Gravity? That’s how time and space operate here. Embark on an extraordinary adventure through diverse biomes teeming with hostile foes eager for a showdown. Assemble and nurture a formidable team, honing their skills to confront increasingly perilous threats. These repulsive creatures have no clue who they’re up against. Prepare for a battle like no other.
Critias Empire
@JamesACoote
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1949260/Critias_Empire/
Embark on an extraordinary voyage as we venture into Atlantis’s mythical and legendary realm. In Critias Empire, an immersive 4X game, traverse a world where gods whimsically toy with an empire yearning to soar among the stars. Set your sights on expansion by either engaging in fierce battles or fulfilling the enigmatic desires of these divine beings.
Strategically maneuver across hexes, shaping the destiny of your empire. Nurturing your initial settlement holds diverse possibilities, from establishing efficient transportation networks to hosting grand festivals that captivate the gods’ attention. Delve into the realm of mysterious oracles, who stand ready to guide you in deciphering the desires of the celestial deities.
The compelling disaster mechanic takes center stage, as each calamity manifests differently based on the wrathful god seeking revenge for our actions. Brace yourself for cataclysmic events that reshape the very fabric of the map, as floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes threaten to engulf our empire.
While the game’s release has been rescheduled to 2024, the developer’s ambitious roadmap warrants serious attention from both strategy enthusiasts and avid 4X players. And let’s not forget the captivating hexes that weave this immersive tapestry. But shh, let’s keep this divine secret safe from the ever-watchful eyes of Zeus himself.
Upheaval
@AlexLeoneGames
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2253300/Upheaval/
Who says turn-based games are limited to strategy or role-playing? The beauty of the turn-based system extends to text adventures as well. Brace yourself for Upheaval, an open-world, text-based RPG set in a mesmerizing fantasy realm. Traverse untamed wilderness, verdant forests, and medieval cities as you navigate a path filled with opportunities to aid or disrupt locals and factions while pursuing treasures and wealth.
However, time is of the essence, as an enigmatic wizard’s impending arrival threatens to reset everything in just thirty days, forcing you to start anew. This indie game’s concept is truly captivating, as the passage of time shapes your actions, influencing gameplay in concise yet highly replayable experiences.
Picture this: dynamic NPCs who traverse the lands, diligently fulfilling their duties, with quests and their consequences culminating in over five thousand possible endings. Yes, you read that right—five thousand! But wait, there’s more. Alongside the charmingly nostalgic graphics-free version in an 80s style, Upheaval boasts customizable keyboard commands, joypad support, and even audio description and voice synthesis functionality for blind and visually impaired players, ensuring an inclusive gaming experience.
Prepare to lose yourself in a rich tapestry of lore, unveiling its secrets at every turn. Hats off to the developers for their attention to detail.
P.S. Looking for romance? Sometimes, even a fleeting hour can ignite unforgettable connections. Hehehehe.
Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role-Playing Game
@IronTowerStudio
https://store.steampowered.com/app/648410/Colony_Ship_A_PostEarth_Role_Playing_Game/
Iron Tower Studio, renowned creators of the captivating role-playing game The Age of Decadence, have now set their sights on the vast expanse of the cosmos. Welcome to Colony Ship, a turn-based RPG that takes place aboard a magnificent generational vessel bound for the distant Proxima Centauri. Immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted world, where party management is key, with each member possessing unique skills that shape the course of your journey.
Engage in quests that offer multiple resolutions, each leaving a distinctive mark on the gameplay, often yielding unforeseen consequences. Currently available in early access on Steam, Colony Ship receives regular updates, exemplifying the development team’s unwavering commitment to their vision and objectives, all delivered with exceptional punctuality.
Let’s be clear: if you’re not fond of immersive storytelling and Torment: Tides of Numenera isn’t among your cherished titles, Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game may not be your cup of tea. However, for those who relish a methodical, thought-provoking, and delightfully challenging gameplay experience, it deserves serious consideration. Prepare yourself for a voyage into uncharted territories where every decision carries weight, and the rewards of perseverance are immeasurable.
Sanctuary in Time
@SleepingLogsDie
https://novusoperandigames.itch.io/sanctuary-in-time
The indie gaming community extends far beyond Steam, with Itch.io serving as a prominent hub for small developers, consistently releasing exciting new ventures. One such gem is Sanctuary in Time, a captivating turn-based text adventure with a genuinely intriguing setting. Immersed in a fantasy realm, we assume the weighty mantle of the new God of Time, inheriting the position of our late father. However, our aspirations extend beyond merely maintaining the tranquil flow of the “river of creation” – we yearn to become heroes, particularly in the company of maidens. Thus, we embark on a noble quest to rescue and train a select group of courageous young women, molding them into formidable warriors, enchanting courtesans, or industrious workers, all while we fortify our town and elude the very assassins who tragically took our beloved father’s life.
An enthralling mechanic in this game is the use of procedurally generated content intertwined with the manipulation of time, allowing us to witness the reverberations of our choices. As we tread this path, we seek to build meaningful connections, cultivating friendships and kindling passionate romances with our loyal followers. Will we pursue a path of sheer strength, or shall we endeavor to navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy? As history has shown, the allure of the vestals has always been irresistible, a fact well-known to the legendary Conan himself.
Indeed, the world of indie gaming thrives on Itch.io, where Sanctuary in Time shines as a testament to the boundless creativity of small developers. Prepare to be enthralled by a captivating narrative, challenging gameplay, and the delicate balance between power, love, and destiny.
Untamed Tactics
@Play_Untamed
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1538900/Untamed_Tactics/
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Untamed Tactics, an enthralling turn-based RPG crafted by the talented creators of the acclaimed card game, Untamed Feral Factions. Assume the role of Greycoat, a once-disgraced soldier driven by a burning desire for redemption. Traverse a vibrant and captivating world adorned with truly unique and diverse biomes that promise to enchant your senses. Alongside trusted companions like Lynn the Fox and Mortimer the Chameleon, you will engage in exhilarating battles, employing a combination of magic, strategic prowess reminiscent of the beloved Final Fantasy Tactics, and an innovative deckbuilding mechanic.
The game unfolds through intricately designed chapters, seemingly independent yet seamlessly converging into a gripping sequential narrative. Immerse yourself in meticulously crafted lands brought to life with captivating two-dimensional cartoon-style graphics, offering a visual feast at every turn. As you navigate the challenging encounters, tactical choices will play a pivotal role, while the customization of your companions takes center stage. Witness their growth and development as they harness the power of magical runes, enhancing their unique abilities and bolstering your collective strength.
For those who may have felt disappointed by Tactics Ogre: Reborn, Untamed Tactics presents an intriguing alternative, revitalizing the genre with fresh ideas and an engaging gameplay experience. Prepare to lose yourself in a world brimming with charm, depth, and countless surprises. Let the untamed spirit within you guide your journey towards redemption and glory.
Soulash 2
@ArturSmiarowski
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2399160/Soulash_2/
The author of this remarkable piece had the privilege of delving into the captivating depths of the first installment of Soulash, a challenging yet highly rewarding classic-style roguelike, as chronicled on the esteemed pages of ilvideogioco.com. Brace yourself for Soulash 2, a thrilling sequel that transports us to a realm where ancient deities have fallen, and a new era steeped in bloodshed emerges. As we embark on this epic journey, we shape our own character, poised to seize the power that will elevate us to the divine throne. While Soulash embraced our rebirth as an evil god, this sequel presents us with a choice: shall we strive to become benevolent and just gods, or succumb to the allure of darkness and cruelty?
Prepare to be astounded by the vastness of the game world and the myriad choices that lie before us. From embarking on audacious punitive expeditions against seemingly insurmountable foes to unearthing extraordinary artifacts, amassing immeasurable fortunes, or even constructing a magnificent pyramid amidst the desert sands—the player is bestowed with unparalleled freedom. With dynamically generated lands and histories, interconnected settlements fostering trade routes, and characters with intricate life cycles, Soulash 2 aspires to ascend alongside the esteemed Caves of Qud to the lofty heights of Olympus. Will it succeed? Only time will tell. In the meantime, seize the opportunity to peruse the review of the first chapter, a testament to the captivating experience that awaits. https://www.ilvideogioco.com/2023/02/01/soulash-la-nostra-recensione/
Outerlands Guilds
@OuterlandsGuild
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2225020/Outerlands_Guilds/
A new legend is forged in the realm where hexagons and squares intertwine. Welcome to Outerlands Guilds, an enthralling turn-based tactical RPG where the fate of our mercenary guild lies in our capable hands. Step into a medieval-inspired realm, where the darkness of Wartales gives way to a brighter, yet no less captivating, stylistic approach. Developed by the talented team at GlareByte, this game unveils a remarkable feature—a procedurally generated open world beckoning us to embark on a journey of exploration, recruitment, and quests.
Venturing into towns and expanding our guild brings forth escalating rewards, while embarking on missions grants access to treasure-laden locations, leaving us with the choice of plundering or showing restraint. The management of our mercenary group transcends the confines of traditional class restrictions, empowering us to develop skills and abilities freely. Engage in combat across meticulously designed tactical maps, featuring square grid layouts, where the art of positioning and mastery of terrain wield profound influence over the final outcome.
Prepare to be captivated by a tapestry of strategic decisions, breathtaking adventures, and the camaraderie of a guild bonded by purpose. Outerlands Guilds beckons, inviting you to carve your own legacy in a world where hexagons and squares unite in harmony. Embark on a journey that transcends boundaries and emboldens your spirit as a leader.
Zoria: Age of Shattering
@ZoriaGame
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1159090/Zoria_Age_of_Shattering/
Zoria: Age of Shattering immerses players in a captivating world of tactical turn-based role-playing. This game revolves around a dynamic combat system known as “fluid,” complemented by meticulous party and outpost management. As we venture into the fantastical realm of Zoria, we shall guide a group of four heroes, each possessing unique abilities and captivating quirks. These extraordinary traits unlock access to previously concealed realms, brimming with enigmatic secrets yearning to be unveiled. By skillfully navigating financial decisions and strategically developing our settlement, we ensure an unceasing progression reminiscent of the remarkable journey in Neverwinter Nights 2.
Through the construction of new edifices, some of which can be further enhanced, or even entire wings, we unlock a plethora of fresh resources, missions, and coveted items. Embarking on quests akin to the engaging expeditions of Pathfinder: Kingmaker, our courageous men can secure these rewards. Zoria: Age of Shattering aspires to harmoniously amalgamate the finest elements of recent iconic titles, while introducing novel gameplay dynamics. Developed by the visionary team at Tiny Trinket Games and published by Anshar Publishing and Surefire.Games, this ambitious project has piqued our curiosity, leaving us eagerly anticipating its outcome.
Archrebel Tactics
@UBadler
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1889700/Archrebel_Tactics/
Nox Archaist, Skald: Against the Black Priory, Archrebel Tactics. These three games are genuinely remarkable, embracing the nostalgic graphics of the 80s era. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: you don’t need a €12,000 computer to immerse yourself in fantastic gaming experiences; you need exceptional games. Archrebel Tactics, a turn-based strategy game, draws strong inspiration from Rebelstar, an iconic title that debuted in 1986 on the ZX Spectrum. Embarking on a mission to establish a new life on the planet Kaprical (raise your hand if you immediately thought of Caprica 6; if you missed the Battlestar Galactica reference, don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you), we soon discover that the planet is far less hospitable than anticipated.
As we fight for survival against a formidable enemy faction, we’ll navigate treacherous terrain armed with blasters, capturing droids, and plundering enemy fortifications. Mission objectives encompass a range of tasks, including eliminating hostile forces, undertaking exploratory ventures, securing strategic positions, and retrieving futuristic equipment. The order in which we tackle these missions will significantly impact future endeavors. However, there’s more to contend with than just the enemy faction—this harsh world teems with untamed wildlife that is anything but peaceful, ready to make a meal out of our remains.
