“In the year 252525, the backwards time-machine still won’t have arrived
In all the world there’s only 1 technology, a rusty sword for practicing proctology.”
– In The year 252525 – Futurama
Have you ever seen that old movie, Sliding Doors, or even wondered about the possibility to manipulate the Time? Well, this is, for sure, one of the most fascinating and, yet, abused topic of all time.
In literature, the time travel or, more generally, the chance to change the past or the future has always been a suggestive and exciting exercise. Maybe one of the first modern novel focused on it was “A Descent into the Maelström” by Edgar Alan Poe (1833), but, after that, the number of works in this regard has become almost uncountable.
Over the years books, movies and, lastly, videogames tried to explain to us how fantastic and, sometimes, terrible is to play with the Time. Talking about what we like most, it’s almost impossible not to mention Bioshock Infinite, Crono Trigger or, if we want to consider something more recent, Iron Danger. But, in most cases, like in the aforementioned Bioshock Infinite, the manipulation of time remains in the background, influencing just the story behind the game, but not directly the gameplay.
This is not the case of Cris Tales, one of the most interesting releases of July. This is a game that focuses its gameplay all around the manipulations of the Time, giving the players even the possibility to see on the screen simultaneously the three versions (past, present and future) of the same situation.
In Cris Tales the power of the main character to “play” with the Time is very important and, not only during the combat phase, but also during the exploration sections of the game. The idea is quite neat, with the possibility to peer in the past or the future, the player can always watch dynamically how his actions change the flow of time.
Well, I know what you are thinking right now: how great would it be to have a power like that… but, if I have to be honest, I’m not so sure I would like to have the skill to predict the future. I like the uncertainty of the future, I like not knowing what will happen tomorrow, I like to be surprised. Unpredictability is what makes humans different from machines.
After all, like Theodore Hook once said: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it“.
Neon District: Season One – 1st July
Are you one of those people who didn’t like Cyberpunk 2077? Or one of those people who usually dream to cut their bread with a laser pistol? Or, lastly, have you ever desired to have a cybernetic wife with volume control?
Well, then this is your chance!
Try Neon District: Season One and all your wishes will be granted… or, maybe, not.
We are talking about a Free to play Cyberpunk RPG with procedural content, beautiful 2D hand-drawn environments, puzzles, exploration and a card-based fight system, all for free.
On Steam at the beginning of July.
Old World – 1st July
We already covered this game in many occasions, so if you want to know what we’re talking about, go read our previous articles here.
It’s sufficient to say that Old World is an historical, epic strategy game from Soren Johnson, Lead Designer of Civilization IV and Offworld Trading Company, where you have to create your own legacy because each turn is a year and your leaders are just mortals…
Not exactly my favorite genre, but interesting anyway. After more than one year in E.A. now finally the game is ready for a full release on Epic Store!
Space Wreck (E.A.) – 2nd July
Space Wreck is one of those games able to catch my attention since the first announcement. Maybe it’s because it clearly declares to take inspiration from games like Fallout or Arcanum, or maybe it’s because of it has a very nostalgic art style. I can’t say exactly, but one thing is sure, I have high hopes for this game.
Generally speaking, Space Wreck is an hardcore role-play game with many interesting features like: a ton of non-combat skills, a non-linear world where freedom is the keyword, a profound and well-developed system of choices & consequences and so on.
For sure, one of my favorites of the month!
On Steam
Entity Researchers (E.A.) – 9th July
Ok, to be honest I’ve never heard of it before, so, for once, forgive me if I limit myself for copying the Steam description: “Entity Researchers is a dark turn-based roguelike with themes of exploration and survival (…) and over 150 enemies and millions of items.”
Gameplay:
-Battle: Destroy entities to gain XP, currency and items.
-Explore: Explore procedurally generated maps for items and entities.
-Research: Research to discover and exploit the entities weaknesses.
-Refine: Craft/purchase/discover new items to improve your loadout.
-Advance: Defeat bosses to receive high rarity rewards.
Features:
-Millions of map combinations.
-90 basic entities, 10 rare entities and 50 bosses.
-180+ standard items, millions of random uniques.
-20+ moves with differing strengths and weaknesses.
-Hybrid timed turn-based battles.
-Sweet electro jams.
-Hardcore mode.
On Steam E.A. quite soon!
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin – 9th July
A new adventure awaits you in this second installment of the turn-based RPG series set in the world of Monster Hunter! Become a Rider and form bonds with friendly monsters known as Monsties to fight alongside them as you take part in an epic story.
Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector – 15th July
Here we are again with our monthly appointment with Warhammer (facepalm…).
This time we are in a very grim and dark future of 41st Millenium to fight a terrible war. Pick your force, develop your army, field mighty heroes and fight for victory using superior strategy, awesome abilities, and devastating weaponry.
The game offers a full single-player campaign with twelve epic missions, plus a skirmish mode and a (both live and asynchronous) multiplayer mode. If you are a fan, don’t miss your recurring appointment!
On Steam in the middle of the month.
Recon Control – 16th July
What to say about this game?
Well, first this is on my radar for quite some time now and the reason is rather evident. Recon Control try to propose something different from the usual fantasy setting.
It’s a turn-based strategy and 2D platformer hybrid with a very interesting approach on combat. Somehow it reminds me a masterpiece of the (not so distant) past: SteamWorld Heist!
You play as a commander of a small special operations unit and your goal is – clearly! – to kill the bad guys through 25 missions divided into 3 separate campaigns!
Key features:
– Hardcore turn-based battles with plenty of interconnected game mechanics.
– 25 missions which are divided into 3 separate campaigns.
– Skill tree with 50 abilities. Active, passive, and secret abilities can shape your fighters for your desired play style.
– 57 equipment items to choose from. Weapons, armor, explosives, picklocks, and more.
– Ironman mode for experienced players or additional challenge during the second playthrough.
On Steam in the middle of the month.
Cris Tales – 20th July
We talked about this game in many occasions and this is, for sure, one of the most anticipated JRPG of recent years. Finally, after a long wait, in a few weeks we will be able to put our hands on this interesting little gem.
What’s so special about it, are you wondering? Well, in my opinion there are a lot of reasons to like it, starting from the amazing and charming art style or, even, from the chance to “peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future”! The latter is, I think, one of those things easier done than said.
Anyway, among the key features of the game we can mention:
– A Love Letter to Classic JRPGs: inspired by timeless JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Valkyrie Profile, and modern classics like Bravely Default and Persona 5, meet and recruit a unique cast of teammates, challenge myriad enemies, and make your way through an expansive world.
– Experience the Past, Present, and Future Simultaneously: Peer into and learn from the past, decide on actions in the present, and alter the course of the future in ways that will reshape the world dynamically depending on the choices you make.
– Master Strategic Turn-Based Combat: Warp your enemies into the past or future, synchronize attacks for enhanced group abilities, and master the timing of attack and defense to go beyond your party’s limits in combat.
– Uncover a Fascinating Story & Characters: The Empress’ plot to destroy the world is complex and layered. Use your wits and recruit powerful allies throughout the world to uncover and undo her multi-faceted web and make your way to the True Ending of this enchanting tale.
– Discover a Beautiful World: Climb aboard an airship or boat and traverse this handcrafted, dark fairytale world. From the shining kingdom of Crystallis to the slums of Vinez, discover each unique location and shape its future.
On Steam!
Deepest Chamber – 22nd July
Deepest Chamber is a deck building game with roguelike elements set in a fantasy world where peril lurks at every step. Keep your cards close to your chest as you encounter droves of battle-hardened foes that will stop at nothing to turn your underground dwelling into a burial ground.
Dungeoneers – July
A simple story (about dragons attacking a human village and some heroes in search of revenge) combined with an old-fashioned tabletop gameplay style, this is Dungeoneers!
At its core, the game is described as a dungeon crawler with turn-based combat with a streamlined gameplay. In other words no long monologues or dialog trees, no complicated inventory management and boring cut-scenes!
Essentially in Dungeoneers you will have to beat a good number of dungeons, trying to get stronger, and, when you feel ready try to go into the dragon lair.
At your disposal the three heroes that represent, at the same time, the three classes the game has to offer, in other words: a Human Swordsman, a Dwarven Brawler and an Elven Huntress.
Sometime during July, on Steam.
And that’s all for this month!
As usual, thanks for your patience to read me.
Thanks for another interesting collection of tb games to keep an eye on this month.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you!