Side Scroller | GamesCheck https://spielecheck.gg/en-us Independent Gaming Magazine Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:39:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://spielecheck.gg/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/spielecheck-favicon-05-150x150.png Side Scroller | GamesCheck https://spielecheck.gg/en-us 32 32 Hoglands - Brave pigs against vampire wild boars https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/hoglands-brave-pigs-against-vampire-wild-boars/ Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:55:09 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=11950 Hoglands succeeds in transforming a seemingly simple principle into a versatile game. An important part of Hoglands is, of course, the combat. And where better to work up a sweat than on the battlefield, surrounded by fighting vampire boars?

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The rolling hills of Hoglands with their lush meadows and tranquil forests invite you to linger. But the idyll is deceptive! This beautiful landscape is the battlefield for an epic fight between brave pigs and dangerous vampire wild boars. The player does not enter the world as a mighty warrior or experienced magician. No, as a simple farmer - a simple pig farmer - you are thrown into this unexpected adventure.

In the role of the farmer or the farmer's wife the first task is toto build a home for the defenders of Hogland. The village may seem modest at first, but it grows with every wall that is built, every tree that is planted and every pig that is tamed. Strategies are discussed and alliances forged in the magnificent halls of the palace, while outside the pigs are busy tilling the land and preparing for the next battles.

Hoglands: Battlefields and pig noses

An important part of Hoglands is, of course, the fight. And where better to work up a sweat than on the battlefield, surrounded by fighting vampire boars? There's always something to do at the center of the action, whether it's forming a defensive line or leading an attack force.

Hoglands
Various "solvents" are used to beat up the opponents properly.

The game offers intuitive controls that make it easy to give orders in the middle of battle. Whether you want to Group of pigs storm into an enemy position or force the troops into a strategic retreat, the fate of the pig army is in the hands of the players. A dance on a knife's edge that requires strategy and quick decisions.

Lots of oink oink for the eye

But it's not just the battles that make Hoglands so remarkable. The detailed graphics and atmospheric music contribute significantly to the mood of the game. The landscapes are designed with great attention to detail and exude a fascinating depth that allows players to fully immerse themselves in the world.

But even away from the landscape, the artistic design of Hoglands first-class. The characters are portrayed with a mixture of humor and charm that will quickly grow on you. From the dorky but lovable pig farmer to the frightening yet somehow cute vampire boars, every character in Hoglands contributes to the game's unique atmosphere.

In Hoglands, a pig rarely comes alone

Although Hoglands is a single-player game at first glance, the real attraction lies in the multiplayer mode. Here, players can work together with their friends to defend the Pig Kingdom. The multiplayer mode not only offers a welcome change from the single-player mode, but also a strategic component.

Hoglands
Sword, shield and fat soldiers are the basis for defending the village.

Joint planning, sharing resources and coordinating attacks - all this makes every game in multiplayer mode a unique experience. But beware: many a friendship could be put to the test when it comes to defending the pig empire!

A peaceful excursion into the world of pigs

Hoglands succeeds in creating a Seemingly simple principle into a versatile game. It's more than just a strategy game - it's a mixture of Humor, Art, Society and combat. Hoglands offers an impressive package of a detailed world, a strategic combat system and a multiplayer mode that strengthens (or puts to the test) friendships. It's a game that lets you escape the daily grind for a few hours and immerse yourself in the bizarre but fascinating world of fighting pigs.

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Sons of Valhalla - A Viking life with ups and downs https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/sons-of-valhalla-a-viking-life-with-highs-and-lows/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:09:09 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=11131 In Sons of Valhalla, players slip into the muscular shell of Thorald Olavson, who is facing the ruins of his life. Having just returned from a successful campaign, the seasoned Viking finds his home village in flames.

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With Odin's blessing - The strategy game Sons of Valhalla from developer Pixel Chest takes players back to the times when the Vikings roamed the seven seas. In search of love and vengeance, players must fight their way through England in 2D pixel style. Other warriors, dangerous war machines and even the god of the dead Hel himself stand in their way.

Viking wedding

In Sons of Valhalla, players slip into the muscular shell of Thorald Olavson, who is facing the ruins of his life. Having just returned from a successful campaign, the seasoned Viking finds his home village in flames. His father is dead and Thorald's wife has been abducted by a hostile Jarl named Valgard. Thorald learns that the Jarl has escaped to England to plunder and pillage, and of course to use his kidnapped slave girls for more than just cuddling at night.

To free his wife from the butcher's clutches, Thorald sets off on a journey to England. However, his dragon boat is caught in a devastating storm. The ship is wrecked and Thorald's crew fall victim to the floods. Only his old master survives and together the two Vikings set about the arduous task of regaining their strength in unknown lands.

Sons of Valhalla
Only a few resources are available to you at the beginning. An intelligent distribution of tasks is essential to consolidate your village.

War drums in Sons of Valhalla

Before the players in Sons of Valhalla can move on from Publisher Hooded Horse can enter the deadly duel against Valgard, they must first fight their way through various henchmen. As the Jarl had a big head start, he was already able to build some fortifications in England and gather his troops.

Thorald also has to raise an army to support him in battle. To do this, the Viking needs resources in the form of gold, fish and wood. Thorald must also secure basic supplies in his bases by building a fishing hut, hiring wood collectors or having barracks built. These buildings also help to Strengthening the base and offer opportunities for improvement so that, for example, more raw materials can be collected.

Sons of Valhalla
It won't be long before your fighters have to prove what they can do. The opponent is not squeamish.

If the players have finally a troop of warriors recruited, they can rush into battle with the army. Thorald can cut a bloody swathe in close combat as well as command his armies from a distance. Successful battles bring booty. However, when Thorald is on the battlefield, he goes straight to the underworld.

Will to fight

Death is not the end in Sons of Valhalla. First it goes down into the realm of Hel. The goddess of the dead offers Thorald a fair chance. If the players are able to defeat Hel in a duel, they return to their last conquered base and can rejoin the battle. A second start offers opportunities to rethink your strategy, gather new resources or reorganize your troops to make better progress in the next battle.

However, if you lose against Hel, you go to the Underworld on. The game progress is reset and the players have to slash their way through England all over again. It therefore makes sense to use the opportunities in life to build siege weapons, for example, or to properly strengthen the team instead of rushing into battle unprepared. Otherwise, a bad battle can spell the end of the Viking adventure from Thorald!

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Recon Control - turn-based strategy from a 2D perspective https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/recon-control-turn-based-strategy-from-a-2d-perspective-2/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 20:53:42 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=6992 Recon Control is not a game for beginners looking for a quick and easy introduction to the strategy genre. Despite the cute-looking 2D graphics, this is challenging gameplay that will demand a lot from even experienced players.

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Recon Control is to a small extent 2D platformer and to a large extent turn-based tactics. However, if you're thinking of a mixture of XCOM and a platformer like Rayman, you're in the wrong place. In this case, platformer refers to the fact that the battles take place in buildings, with the individual floors connected by stairs and ladders. Sometimes obstacles have to be overcome in order to progress.

This is a a welcome change for all gamers who have been wanting a turn-based strategy game with fresh ideas for some time. The game is the brainchild of video game developer Dmitry Kozlov and is distributed by the publisher GrabTheGames responsible.

Hybrid of turn-based combat and platformer

In Recon Control, players take command of a four-man special forces unit that operates from an undisclosed headquarters in sent into enemy territory is used to achieve certain mission objectives, such as freeing hostages and eliminating enemy units.

Different soldiers with different specializations are available to choose from before each mission. They can be further trained after the missions to improve their skills or learn new ones. A total of 50 skills are on offer, which either have to be activated in battle or bring passive advantages. It is important to select characters with suitable talents for the respective mission.

The Equipment plays an equally important role. In addition to classic weapons and armor, there are also explosives and lock picks that are needed to open doors and clear obstacles out of the way. This encourages players to think tactically before a mission so that they are not outmatched in combat from the outset.

Recon Control Recon Control Recon Control Recon Control

Challenging turn-based battles

Recon Control is not a game for beginners who are looking for a quick and easy start to the game. Strategy genre are. Despite the cute-looking 2D graphics, this is challenging gameplay that will demand a lot from even experienced players. The first mission takes place in a single building, after which everything is still clearly laid out. But players soon have to fight their way through several buildings and deal with snipers, Guard dogs and clever opponent positions.

With a total of 25 missions spread across three campaigns, Recon Control Lots of fun and an Ironman mode provides further variety and an additional level of challenge.

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FAR: Changing Tides - A thought-provoking journey through a flooded land https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/far-changing-tides-a-thoughtful-journey-through-a-flooded-land/ Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:10:41 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=4617 In terms of graphics, the developers have also opted for a hand-painted steampunk look in FAR: Changing Tides. The ship, the tides and the mysterious ruins are imaginatively designed and invite you to be whisked away to an alien environment for a few hours.

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FAR: Changing Tides is the new adventure game from Swiss video game developer Okomotive, published by Frontier Foundry. It is based on the same idea as the studio's first work, FAR: Lone Sails. In that game, players traversed a dusty desert landscape in a post-apocalyptic vehicle.

In FAR: Changing Tides you now take over the ship of the lonely boy Toe, who is traveling through a flooded world. Okomotive again works with audiovisual methods here. Language and text are not used at all to tell the story of the game. Instead, huge, abandoned Machines of a destroyed world and sounds ranging from hopeful to gloomy underline the adventure.

FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides FAR: Changing Tides

Setting big sails to discover small wonders

As in FAR: Lone Sails, the star of the game is the vessel with which the game world can be explored in a side-scrolling manner. The ship must be steered and operated by retracting or setting sails and by taking Toe on short expeditions into abandoned Ruins to get fuel. Sometimes these lead to lofty heights, other times deep below the surface of the sea. The longer the journey lasts, the more players should experience and perceive their vehicle not only as an instrument, but also as a friend and companion with a soul and a life of its own.

Combat elements were also used in FAR: Changing Tides once again. The game is deliberately not as grueling as an action adventure or a shooter, but rather relaxing and contemplative. Nevertheless, tension arises when the calm sea voyage is interrupted by obstacles. Players then have to overcome simple platform passages and simple puzzles. In this case, simple and easy are not flaws, but features. This makes it possible for players to solve problems without having to rush, without having to forgo gameplay altogether.

A feast for the eyes and senses

In terms of graphics, the developers have also FAR: Changing Tides with a hand-painted steampunk look. The ship, the floods and the mysterious ruins are designed in a wondrously imaginative way and invite you to immerse yourself in an alien world for a few hours. Surroundings to be kidnapped. According to the publisher Frontier Foundry, there will also be no game instructions. Players should rely on their instincts so that they can enjoy the stunning atmosphere without distracting UI elements and tutorial messages.

If you would like to be inspired a little more, you are cordially invited to visit my current Lets Play for FAR: Changing Tides to look inside.

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Out of Line ★ A unique hand-drawn adventure game https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/out-of-line-a-hand-drawn-unique-adventure/ Sun, 27 Feb 2022 16:39:28 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=4520 Players looking for an unusual gaming experience that stands out from the usual genre should definitely find what they are looking for in Out of Line. The puzzle adventure was created by the Portuguese developers of Nerd Monkeys and was published in collaboration with Hatinh Interactive, a publisher specializing in indie productions. In Out of [...]

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Players who are on the lookout for an unusual and exciting Gaming experience If you are looking for a puzzle game that stands out from the rest of the genre, you will definitely find what you are looking for in Out of Line. The puzzle adventure was created by the Portuguese developers of Nerd Monkeys and was published in collaboration with Hatinh Interactive, a publisher specializing in indie productions.

In Out of Line the players' path leads them into a hand-drawn world that impresses both with its rich variety and its harmonious design. It tells the story of young San, who escapes the clutches of a deadly factory.

However, the factory's henchmen will not let the young protagonist go free without a fight. Instead, the corrupted machines of the facility are hot on his heels and mercilessly hunt San down.

An unusual way of storytelling

Just as is already the case with the Artstyle, the Out of Line also in the way in which the story of the Puzzle-Adventures is told in an unusual way. Instead of relying on direct storytelling with cutscenes or dialog, the developers responsible relied on murals that can be found in the backgrounds of the game world and tell the story of the adventure in fragments.

And what has the Indie-title have to offer in terms of gameplay? As is the case with most representatives of this genre, the focus of the game mechanics is on solving the varied puzzles. The spear with which young San is equipped is of essential importance here. The spear can be used in different ways to solve puzzles and open up new paths.

For example, San can throw the spear into the air to create new platforms or use it as a kind of lever or switch to open doors. However, players should not expect the spear to be used in battle.

Instead, the developers focus entirely on the narrative of the History and the varied puzzles. There will be no fights, however, as San is mercilessly inferior to the corrupted machines. To save his own skin, San therefore tries to escape and avoids direct confrontations with the machines.

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Kingdom: Two Crowns - Halved power, doubled strength https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/kingdom-two-crowns-halved-power-doubled-strength/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:50:29 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=3951 Sinister figures roam the area every night. They have only one goal: total destruction. They stop at nothing and no one and only death can stop them. If the young kings do not secure their kingdom accordingly, the creatures of the night will tear down the newly founded kingdom within minutes and the game is over.

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The country needs new walls - The publisher studio Raw Fury presents with Kingdom: Two Crowns another offshoot. To ensure that the kingdom can grow and prosper, the responsibility of ruling is shared. Because a king simply cannot rule properly on his own!

Castle of sand and fog

Kingdom: Two Crowns presents budding monarchs with a difficult task. They literally have to create a flourishing kingdom out of nothing. To do this, the players and their king must search for the scattered coins. Once the "starting capital" has been collected, they can place coins in certain positions. Construct buildingrecruit workers and soldiers or build defenses. These are also urgently needed, as the kingdom is in danger at night.

In the darkness of the night

Sinister figures roam the area every night. They have only one goal: total destruction. They stop at nothing and no one and only death can stop them. If the young kings do not secure their realm accordingly, the creatures of the Night the newly founded kingdom within a few minutes and the game is over.

However, if the players manage to survive a night, they receive new coins and can expand their kingdom. In this way, they can better defend themselves against the increasingly dangerous waves of enemies.

Common strength

A new function of Kingdom: Two Crowns is the multiplayer. Two players can join forces in co-op mode to build an empire of great strength together. In this way, the players can share the tasks and defend themselves more effectively against the threats of the night. However, the enemies also become stronger and attack the two kings even more resolutely. Only fate can decide who will be the successful victor at the end of the night! #kingdom_thegame

In my Lets Play Eddi and I have shaken up the islands a bit. Take a look and let me know what you think. Have you played Kingdom? How many hours did you spend in the game?

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Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX - classic celebrates comeback https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/alex-kidd-in-miracle-world-dx-classic-celebrates-comeback/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:29:41 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=2002 To make the classic game fit for the new hardware generation, Merge Games has given it various improvements. Of course, the new HD graphics style stands out, giving Alex's adventure a whole new shine. If you fancy a good dose of retro fare, you can switch back and forth between the updated graphics and the nostalgic 8-bit look of the original at the touch of a button.

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While Nintendo relied exclusively on the drawing power of Mario in the 1980s, competitor SEGA established several platform game icons at the same time. Alongside Sonic, one of the best known was the classic Alex Kidd in Miracle World, released in 1986, which was remade for current platforms in collaboration with British publisher Merge Games.

At the History has not changed in the new edition called Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX. As before, you take on the role of the eponymous martial artist who decides to take up the fight against the cunning villain Janken in order to free the kingdom of Radaxian from his clutches once and for all.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
End bosses with a difference: the aim here is to beat the opponent with "rock, scissors, paper"

HD graphics, a boss rush mode and other new features

In order to make the classic fit for the new hardware generation, it was given an upgrade by Merge Games various improvements. Of course, the new HD graphics style, which makes Alex's adventure shine in a whole new light, catches the eye. If you fancy a good dose of retro fare, you can switch between the updated graphics and the nostalgic 8-bit look of the original at any time at the touch of a button.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Old becomes new: The remake supports the old charm of the game, so fans of the classic will get their money's worth.

The iconic soundtrack of the platformer has also been completely reworked and still has a catchy tune or two. The optimized controls also ensure that you always have full control over Alex and can take on the numerous challenges without having to worry about the controls dropping out.

New content for connoisseurs of the original Alex Kidd

In the new edition, of course, the legendary Boss battles in rock-paper-scissors style. If you want to tackle these in one go, you will get your money's worth in the so-called Boss Rush mode, in which Gooseka, Parplin, Janken the Great or Chokkina confront you in one go and without pauses for breath.

Finally, we have thought of all those of you who played the original and are looking for new content. Miracle World DX not only includes the campaign of the original published in 1986. In addition, there are completely new levels on board, which provide for playful variety and small surprises.

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Until We Die - When the subway stops running https://spielecheck.gg/en-us/until-when-the-subway-stops-running/ Sat, 29 May 2021 20:25:34 +0000 https://spielecheck.gg/?p=1950 In contrast to tower defense games, it is not necessary to build numerous defensive structures for them to do all the work. Instead, it is necessary to manage the available resources and use them wisely.

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With Until We Die Pixeye Games has developed an innovative game that combines elements of different genres. The player takes on the role of Ivan, the leader of a small group of survivors who have barricaded themselves in a subway station after a devastating meteorite impact. This catastrophe has destroyed the majority of humanity and turned them into terrifying mutants. They want to kill the last survivors and are constantly attacking the survivors' base. The defense of the subway station is the top priority!

Associated elements are known from comparable games, such as Kingdom: Two Crowns. The player has to make sure that the waves of attacking enemies are all defeated before they can do too much damage to the base. The great innovation lies in the way in which this defense can be carried out. In contrast to tower defense games, it is not necessary to build numerous defensive structures for them to do all the work. Rather, it is necessary to manage the available resources and use them wisely. And when we talk about resources in this game, we mean the small group of survivors. They are frightened and will not carry out any actions without clear orders. As the leader, it is the player's job to assign tasks to the humans and fight together with them against the invading mutants.

Until We Die
Every minute counts in Until We Die. The days are short and building walls can sometimes be very tight.

The mutants are out to get you - Until We Die

At the start of the game, you are presented with a few Opponent confronted. The first encounters are therefore very straightforward and can be easily survived and therefore won. As the game progresses, of course, increasingly difficult opponents appear. The base is attacked by veritable hordes. Only those who have managed to assign meaningful tasks to all survivors will be able to survive. Subway station can successfully defend themselves. To win the game, it is necessary to survive for thirty days. But it is much more likely that you will fight until you die - Until We Die.

Until We Die
The longer your group survives, the harder it will be to maintain the base.

Despite the simple game principle surprisingly entertaining. The witty dialog in particular is a regular source of amusement. The graphics are lovingly designed in a comic style, but the blood can really splash around during the fights against the mutants. Anyone who loves witty dialogues with black humor and appreciates strategic challenges can pick up "Until We Die" without hesitation. However, if you want to get an eyeful (or other body parts) beforehand, you are invited to do so With the trolley to the next Until We Die Lets Play to drive.

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