Best Of Steam Early Access: November 2016
Every month, Pop Geeks looks through the extensive entries to Steam Early Access – some of which we may have already reported on – and brings you some of the best indie games that are worthy of your attention, all in a listicle form counting down to our favorite. From horror games, to RPGs, and puzzle solvers to adventure games, these are some of the best indie entries to Steam Early Access. If you see one that tickles your fancy, why not head over to the games Steam Greenlight page and give it helpful hand? Not see some of you favorite entries? Let us know in the comments below!
State Of Extinction
State of Extinction is a mature story-driven hack-n-slash role playing game (RPG) for Windows, Mac and Linux set in a science-fantasy Antediluvian (Pre-Flood) world of early man. Mystical ancestral paintings on hidden rocks prophesy about humanity’s salvation. Man and Beast are both becoming bolder, fiercer and more organized with each waning moon. As a black shadow of corruptness and death blackens the land with the blood of many, you must evolve as a leader to stand against this threat. Passing from boy to man, you will train in the ancient skills of your calling while questioning your beliefs and the role of man during a state of extinction. The game is set to have a number of features, including:
- EXPERIENCE BRUTAL COMBAT – Savage battles lie ahead as you put yourself between the fiercest of threats and the dearest of kin. You will need to learn the ways of Instinct, Intuition or Intelligence to stand against your enemies.
- HUNT AND FORAGE – Hunt, gather and explore your way through a vast world of resources. Through a mastery of crafts, lead bands of people in creating resources for survival.
- LUSH WORLD – Interact with various bands of people with different religions and beliefs living in snow-kissed mountains, forests and luscious grasslands.
- FACE DEADLY ADVERSARIES – Learn when to stand and fight – and when to flee for your life – as you face the behemoths of the ancient world; Saber-Tooth Tigers, vengeful Mammoths and… other adversaries you may have thought the land forgot.
- CHOOSE FROM VARIOUS CHARACTER CLASSES – Pick carefully from 3 tribes with over 20 unique Skills which you will learn as you grow in intellect. Which tribe you choose could be the deciding factor between mankind’s Evolution and its Extinction.
- IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AN EPIC NARRATIVE – Cut your way through suspense, action, love and surprise in a mature science-fantasy story about what really happened to the early man. Even at our highest State of being, we are never truly safe from Extinction.
Life Of Rome
Life of Rome is a third and first-person massively multiplayer online action role playing game (MMORPG) set in the world of 320AD Rome. The game is played from the point of view of Roman allegiance and Rebels; designed to emphasise roleplay and community using a faction system and player-driven politics. The in-game world is a 50km2 representation of Rome and its surrounding areas, including small villages, Rebel camps and Roman forts. Players interact with each other in a series of locations spread across the area. Major roleplaying-based storylines, purely optional, will be started and run by Breakout Studio staff as well as players. Players in a position of power may also affect gameplay by setting a faction’s agenda, creating long-term political, economic, or military goals, which are broken up into missions handed down through a faction’s hierarchy in the form of player generated and driven missions.
Players can choose whether they give their allegiance to Rome or reject the rule of the Empire and live life as a Rebel. Romans gain prestige from engaging in trade with other Romans, practising devotion to Roman gods, obeying the laws of Rome and slaughtering those who resist Roman rule. Rebels, on the other hand, live in rebel camps outside the walls of Rome. They pay no taxes, and gain prestige from murdering Roman citizens, and destroying or looting their belongings, and from looting other rebels.
Ultimate General: Civil War
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history – the American Civil War of 1861-1865. Fight in the American Civil War campaign and participate in 50+ battles from small engagements to massive battles that can last several days over hundreds of square miles of terrain. Campaign fully depends on player actions and battle results. Historical battles can also be played separately.
You are the general. You have full control over the army composition. Based on your successes and reputation you might get access to more corps, divisions and brigades. Keep your soldiers alive and they will learn to fight better, turning from green rookies to crack veterans. Lose a lot of your soldiers and you might not have enough reinforcements to deliver victories. Your reputation will suffer, army morale will drop and you will be forced to resign. You decide which level of control you want. Command every unit individually or just give them a main goal with one button click and watch if they can take that hill. Army divisions commanders can make decisions on their own and help you control the largest army. Draw a defensive line and allocated brigades will defend it like lions. Or design a deep flanking maneuver by just drawing an arrow and send the whole army to the enemy flank or the rear. Your generals will try to fulfill your orders, although “no plan survives contact with the enemy.”
Realms Of Arkania: Star Trail
Star Trail is a faithful remake of Realms of Arkania’s classic sequel. This hardcore RPG features dozens of talents and spells, distinct races and character classes as well as a challenging isometric turn-based combat system. Obey your orders and succeed in your quest to retrieve the Salamander stone – the peace between elves and dwarves depends on it. The game is set to have a number of features, including:
- Hardcore RPG with isometric turn-based tactical fights
- Hand-crafted cities and dungeons to explore in first person view
- Master dozens of talents including fighting and magical skills
- Meet countless endearing characters within the lovingly detailed cities and villages
- Create your characters and manage your party
- Plan your extensive travels through the realm in detail
- Based on the TDE ruleset as a hybrid between v3 and v4
One Tower
One Tower is a fast-paced head-to-head MOBA. Players will unleash customized minion waves, command powerful Heroes, and cast potent spells to defend their stronghold against enemy marauders or invade new lands to take down their opponent’s tower. Summon your minions, pick your Hero, and enter the arena in One Tower – the first micro MOBA that’s quick to play, easy to learn and insanely fun to play against one another. One Tower combines popular design elements from the RTS and RPG genres in this all-new, free-to-play micro MOBA set in the fantastical world of Eternal Flame.