Search for:

The Ultimate General: Civil War Demo Now Available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

Publisher Samustai is happy to announce that the demo version of acclaimed tactical strategy game, Ultimate General: Civil War, is available starting today on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Start today at 12 PM (your local time).

Your Feedback Matters

Samustai and the development team are committed to delivering the best possible strategy experience on consoles. As players dive into the demo, the team is actively seeking feedback regarding gameplay, controls, and technical performance.

Players are encouraged to share bug reports, suggestions, and general feedback — directly with the port developers on the official Samustai Discord server.

About Ultimate General: Civil War

Ultimate General: Civil War is a critically acclaimed tactical real-time strategy game that transports players to the bloodiest period of U.S. history. Experience over 50 historical battles & lead your army through a branching campaign, where every decision impacts the outcome of the war. Praised for its deep tactical gameplay and challenging AI, the game offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and intuitive command.

About Samustai:

We are a specialized studio focused on porting and publishing games across PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Nintendo Switch, and iOS. Our track record speaks for itself: we have a core portfolio of over 20 titles and have helped ship 50+ games across all major platforms (including Steam, Epic, and Mobile) by partnering with indie studios to bring their creations to new audiences.

Samustai and its products can be found at https://www.samustai.com/

Clash of the Kingdoms launches in Early Access on Steam

Indie studio New Horizons has released its turn-based strategy game Clash of the Kingdoms in Early Access on Steam.

Clash of the Kingdoms is a tactical turn-based strategy where every decision can change the course of battle. Players command armies of unique units on a compact 7×7 grid, competing to destroy enemy forces or capture the opponent’s base.

Early Access allows players to:

  • get acquainted with the core combat system
  • test key mechanics of tactical battles
  • play against AI, in local mode, or online via Steam
  • influence the game’s development through community feedback


“We are creating Clash of the Kingdoms as a fast yet deep tactical game where strategic thinking truly matters. This playtest is the first step, where we want to see player feedback and suggestions. We want to build our game together with the players,” say the developers at New Horizons.

Matches last an average of 5–10 minutes, making the game ideal both for short sessions and for serious tactical duels. The final version will feature expanded visuals, new factions, battlefields, titles, frames, a seasonal ranking system, and tournaments.

🔹 Platform: PC (Windows)
🔹 Interface languages: Ukrainian, English
🔹 Status: Early Access
🔹 Steam page

Strategos Launches January 20th

#Strategos, a #realtime tactics #wargame focused on simulating warfare across nearly a thousand years of the ancient world, will officially launch January 20th on #Steam

All gaming intel: chrisjonesgaming.net 🎮 Level up your feed!

#MicroProse #gaming #gamingnews

Star Trek Gaming in the 2000s

I did some mod work on 4 different Starfleet Command games, and never actually played the campaigns all the way through. There was ‘Starfleet Command’ ‘Starfleet Command II: Empires At War’ ‘Starfleet Command: Orion Pirates’, Starfleet Command 3′, and limited work on ‘Bridge Commander’.

For Starfleet Command I created a ‘TNG’ Mod. For ‘Empires at War’ there was a TOS and a TNG Mod. ‘Orion Pirates’ was the quite fun with the ‘Universe at War’, very popular. Starfleet Command 3 was TNG already, but we made it so much better. My Bridge Commander mod work was limited to lots of new maps to fly around in.

With Universe At War we had a ‘dynaverse’ that was quite popular. That was an ‘all eras’ mod covering all eras of Star Trek.

The 2000s were filled with Star Trek gaming.

This image is from The Ultimate Universe Mod for Star Trek: Legacy – our crown jewel.

Email me at chrisjones@chrisjonesgaming.net if you like.

Post image

Vagrus – the Riven Realms Console Versions Announced

Lost Pilgrims Studios, developer and publisher of Vagrus – the Riven Realms has announced the release for their critically acclaimed game on consoles, bringing it to PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Vagrus – The Riven Realms is a niche blend of strategy, RPG, and interactive novel set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world where the player takes on the role of a vagrus, a caravan leader trying to make a living in the bleak wasteland. To celebrate this event, Lost Pilgrims presents a trailer for the console releases.

These releases will incorporate both already existing free DLCs with players also being able to purchase all other existing and future DLCs separately, including the forthcoming At the Heart of Ruin, scheduled to release in 2025, and the already available Sunfire and Moonshadowas well as Old Acquaintances.
 

Described as a complex, difficult, well-written, and lore-rich game by the majority of its players, Vagrus is an absolute curio on today’s market, with nothing quite like it on the console platforms when it comes to the blending of genres and depth of content. The developer has also noted just how much impact those fans have had on the porting of the game to consoles, most of which concerned the UI and UX decisions the team had to make.
 

Vagrus – the Riven Realms and its attendant DLC content is available for purchase digitally on the 31st of March on their respective console digital marketplaces and stores, such as the  PlayStation StoreXbox Store. For Nintendo, please visit the respective store page of your country/region.

New Update for For The King II now available

London, July 5th, 2024 – Curve Games and IronOak Games have unveiled Dark Carnival, an infinite dungeon mode designed to push fans’ skills to their limits. In this mode players must uncover the secrets of the Ringmaster and face the many challenges the Dark Carnival presents. The deeper you go, the more twisted it becomes. For the King II is available on Steam. Download it today and see how many floors you can conquer before meeting your inevitable demise!

“We are passionately dedicated to making For the King II the best experience it can be for our community. The team has been listening to feedback and working hard to bring new content to players with the Dark Carnival update. We truly hope you enjoy the new mode, and the re-introduction of Bards”, said Sterling Anderson, the Studio Director at IronOak Games.
 

Watch the new For the King II Book of Lore video which delves into the mysteries of the Carnival and gives players a crash course in everything weird and wonderful that the Dark Carnival has to offer.
 

Inspired by tabletop adventures, For The King II builds on the hugely popular blend of strategy, turn-based combat and roguelite replayability and combines an epic new experience that includes the most requested fan feature by far: four-player co-op. For The King II delivers a continuation of the narrative arc for fans of the original and offers brand-new combat mechanics and features, a host of new biomes to explore and much more.
 

To learn more about For the King II please visit the official Steam product page here and follow us on Twitter, Reddit and Discord.

Build a Business

Building a Business?

From Concept to Launch: Stand Out with a Customized App

By Chris Jones Gaming contributor Micah Norris

In today’s digital-first world, creating an app for your business isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Embarking on this journey requires a clear vision, a deep understanding of your audience, and a strategic approach to stand out. This Chris Jones Gaming guide will navigate you through the essential steps to turn your app idea into a powerful business tool.

Identifying Goals and Who You’re Building For

Firstly, understand the core objectives behind your app. Are you looking to enhance customer service, provide a new service, or improve operational efficiency? Pinning down the exact purpose will guide your development process. Equally important is knowing your audience. A detailed user persona will inform your design, features, and marketing strategies, making your app resonate with its intended users.

Leveraging a Computer Science Foundation

Acquiring a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of application development is vital, particularly when taking charge of a project. Enrolling in a program to get your computer science degree online facilitates learning alongside your professional commitments. It provides an extensive understanding of data structures, programming languages, algorithms, and more.

These components are indispensable in the app development journey. Opting for the online route to attain your computer science degree empowers you with the essential expertise required for adept project leadership and proficient development.

Work with a Mentor

Working with a mentor when launching the first app for your business can provide invaluable insights and guidance, ensuring that common pitfalls are avoided and best practices are followed. A mentor brings a wealth of experience and can help refine your app’s concept, design, and functionality, making it more appealing to your target audience. They can also offer advice on marketing and user engagement, critical components for the success of your app.

Moreover, a mentor can introduce you to a network of potential investors, partners, and other resources that can be crucial in the early stages of your app’s launch. Their feedback can be instrumental in iterating and improving your app based on real user experiences, thereby enhancing its chances for success in a competitive market. Engaging with a mentor is not just about leveraging their knowledge but also about fostering a relationship that can support the growth and scalability of your business in the long term.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

Dive into market and competitor analysis to carve out your niche. This exploration reveals what’s already available and where your app can shine. Identifying unmet needs within your target market or offering a superior solution to existing problems can set your app apart from the competition.

Budgeting and Resource Planning

Every app’s journey from concept to launch is dictated by its budget and resources. Deciding whether to hire a dedicated team, outsource, or use a DIY app builder will significantly impact your project’s cost and timeline. A realistic budget aligns with your business goals, ensuring the project stays on track financially and operationally.

Ensuring a Seamless Launch with Rigorous Testing

Before unveiling your app to the world, thorough testing is imperative. This phase uncovers any technical issues, ensuring your app works flawlessly across different devices and operating systems. A bug-free, user-friendly app is more likely to garner positive reviews and retain users.

Crafting a Compelling Marketing Strategy

A well-thought-out marketing plan is essential for your app’s success. Utilizing social media, email campaigns, and influencer collaborations can elevate your app’s visibility. Tailor your marketing efforts to speak directly to your target audience, highlighting the unique benefits your app offers.

The Power of Analytics

Incorporating analytics tools from the start allows you to gather valuable data on user behavior and engagement. These metrics, such as session duration and feature usage, guide ongoing improvements by highlighting what works well and what doesn’t. By continuously refining features based on this data, you enhance user experience and drive business growth through informed decision-making.

Prioritizing the User Experience

The heart of your app’s success lies in its usability, which is paramount in retaining users and encouraging new downloads. Focusing on intuitive design ensures that users can navigate your app with ease, while fast load times prevent frustration and abandonment. Engaging content keeps users interested and returning for more, turning satisfied users into loyal customers who advocate for your app through word of mouth and social shares.

Wrapping Up

Creating an app for your business is a transformative journey that requires careful planning, dedication, and a user-centric approach. You can develop an app that meets and exceeds expectations by focusing on your goals, understanding your audience, and leveraging the right resources.

Remember, the goal is to launch an app and create a valuable tool that enhances your business and delights your users. Embrace the challenge, and let your app be the key to unlocking new opportunities for growth and engagement.

Chris Jones Gaming SciFi

We are going to make a game

I feel the beginning of a month is a good time to announce something like this.

We are going to make a game.

Chris Jones Gaming is going to make a game.

What kind of Game?

Science Fiction – or SciFi.

We got the look..

I have a short story that will be published soon – I’ve been saying that for a while – but it is happening.

It will for sure be a PC Game, and we’ll discuss Console versions.

Update Sept 19, 2022 – The Short Story has been released on Amazon – Click this!!!

Heading up The Ultimate Universe Mod starting in 2007 was a fantastic experience, and I believe it to be the time right to create something brand new.

There’ll be more on this as it progresses.

Excited for the Future!

A Blockchain Wargame – Faraland

Faraland has exquisitely digital collectibles created with blockchain technology. Each collectible is matchless, genuine and varies in rarity. The Faraland Universe has many different races – such as human, orc, angel, demon, dragonborn, elf and fairy which are waiting for you to discover and collect.

Faraland is also a multiplayer RPG NFT GAME that lets the user engage in the combat arena and profit from battles.

Kinda Kool, Huh?

Faraland

Check out this video voiced by Dee Alvis.

How to Create Factions: Part 1

Starting with…

The World ready!

The easiest way to determine factions would be to simply split them by location, or world history.

Then, the conflict could revolve around gaining or maintaining territory, and that could include groups being pushed out of their original territories and then trying to take them back.

You can also split it by the each of the area’s history, using previous conflicts to shape the factions, i.e. political ones.

The Characters ready!

Build your factions around your characters’ core beliefs.

What do your characters care about? What is their worldview? What about the opposite?

With a focus on the characters, the creation of the factions can become integral to your OC’s story. Will they need to grow out of the faction? Will the faction grow and change as the character does? Will they leave one for another as their story moves forward?

And conversely: what does being in that faction say about the character? What does a monster being in a Hunter’s faction, for example, say about the monster? Are they guilty? Do they doubt their identity, or are they a wolf in Sheep’s clothing waiting to strike?

by Abby Zarakovich