[iOS/MOBILE] Boardgame Adaptations Catch-all

Yeah, I just noticed that earlier today. Maybe if you optimize for tokens, you're more likely to get 2 Green bosses in a turn, versus a Red boss and some other Red card...

In other news, I've noticed that the Medium AI seems to pick a single strategy, and sticks to it until the end. If the crows are out, and there's cards to deal will PAX Pox, he'll always load up on those - to the detriment of a winning strategy.

HAGGIS is currently on sale for $1.99 (50%) off.

From the green hills of the Scottish highlands comes a card game stuffed full of fun. The goal is simply to play all of your cards first. But beware, hidden in the misty crags are subtle strategies that require mastery of tricky combinations, wild cards and... "bombs".

Sean Ross designed Haggis over a number of years, extensively testing over thousands of hands to create a very engaging and balanced game.

The iOS edition was tastefully crafted to allow you to play 2-3 player matches of Haggis against AI players, with automated scoring and built in reserve mechanics to allow you to sort and manage your hand. You can play a short game to 250 points, or a longer game to 350 points--whichever suits your mood. And the great thing is the ability to pick up and continue play wherever you left off if you need to take a break, or get back to work.

IMAGE(http://a366.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/106/Purple/v4/b3/17/80/b317805e-b8ca-b011-0cb6-a4e274a9058d/mza_74957452227070046.640x960-75.jpg)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hagg...

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

I like the 'role' mechanic, and that if nobody takes the builder role in one turn, nobody gets to build that turn. I had the wife d/l it as well, and she likes it too. She wouldn't play against me last night though, opting instead to kick my arse (twice) in the Penny Arcade game.

Teneman wrote:

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

I like the 'role' mechanic, and that if nobody takes the builder role in one turn, nobody gets to build that turn. I had the wife d/l it as well, and she likes it too. She wouldn't play against me last night though, opting instead to kick my arse (twice) in the Penny Arcade game.

My wife is enjoying the Penny Arcade game too. Last night she proudly showed me how badly she beat the medium AI. "I nearly got a hundred," she said.

Teneman wrote:

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

I like the 'role' mechanic, and that if nobody takes the builder role in one turn, nobody gets to build that turn. I had the wife d/l it as well, and she likes it too. She wouldn't play against me last night though, opting instead to kick my arse (twice) in the Penny Arcade game.

There's no app version of this yet, but if you like the role selection in SAN JUAN, you should check out the physical version of RACE FOR THE GALAXY. It's science fiction themed, and more complicated than SJ (I still don't quite understand how to play it well!), but has many fans. There's a free PC/Mac version you can download, too.

http://keldon.net/rftg/

Aristophan wrote:
Teneman wrote:

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

I like the 'role' mechanic, and that if nobody takes the builder role in one turn, nobody gets to build that turn. I had the wife d/l it as well, and she likes it too. She wouldn't play against me last night though, opting instead to kick my arse (twice) in the Penny Arcade game.

My wife is enjoying the Penny Arcade game too. Last night she proudly showed me how badly she beat the medium AI. "I nearly got a hundred," she said.

Because of MY "virtual pile" (great term), I still haven't picked this up yet. Resolve weakening...

My boss gifted me the Penny Arcade game, so if anyone would like to play, challenge away ( preferably 21 days )

Teneman wrote:

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

Also bought this recently when it was on sale, I'll learn the rules and then I'd love to get some games going!

il dottore wrote:
Teneman wrote:

Since this thread has caused me to buy so many new games, I figured I'd better clear some of the old virtual pile to make room. So I spent some time learning San Juan last night. That's a pretty cool game!

Also bought this recently when it was on sale, I'll learn the rules and then I'd love to get some games going!

Hit me up, I'm game for a game.

I also bit the bullet and bought Battle of the Bulge last night. I only made it through the tutorial last night, but am looking forward to playing a bit this evening.

HIVE is currently free (down from $0.99).

Be aware that this is iPhone only, with no retina updates. Looks pretty crappy, but works.

Hive is a board game with a difference. There is no board! The pieces are added to the playing area thus creating the board. As more and more pieces are added the game becomes a fight to see who can be the first to capture the opposing Queen Bee.

The soldier ants battle to keep control of the outside of the hive, whilst the Beetles climb up to dominate the top. Spiders moving into holding positions as the Grasshoppers jump in for the kill. Keeping one eye on the hive and the other on your opponents reserves, the tension builds as one wrong move will see your Queen Bee quickly engulfed; .... game over!

Hive's unique gameplay is suitable for players of all ages. The game is quickly learned but hard to master like other classic games of its genre. Interface elements clearly indicating where a player may move or place their pieces makes this version easier for the novice to learn than the tabletop version, and players without a partner will be challenged by the AI opponent.

IMAGE(http://a125.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/062/Purple/d0/72/1c/mzl.wfekfphp.640x960-75.jpg)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hive...

I've just installed Ascension a few days ago and played several games mostly versus the AI, and a friend convinced me to get the expansions and promo pack, which I've not really looked at much. So who is up for a 4-player, or 6-player, if iOS will handle it, Ascension game with everything? GC: Keithustus.

Keithustus wrote:

I've just installed Ascension a few days ago and played several games mostly versus the AI, and a friend convinced me to get the expansions and promo pack, which I've not really looked at much. So who is up for a 4-player, or 6-player, if iOS will handle it, Ascension game with everything? GC: Keithustus.

Friend me on Gamecenter - I'll play 2, 3, 4 ( I don't think it goes to 6 ). I'm Cragmyre there as everywhere.

edit: though if you invite me to a game, I prefer the longest time possible, I do try and take my turns, but sometimes on the weekends family life interferes.

I've actually never played this multiplayer, so I might as well give it a shot. I've played a bunch against the AI but maybe the multi will capture me more.

I'm in. Like Cragmyre, longer turns are better.

First, let me say that Ascension is a great game, and you should definitely all be playing it. That said, I would throw in my two cents and say that for asynch play (and maybe in general) it is much better as a two person game than as a four player game. When you have to get 4 people in a row to have time to take a turn, it is much harder to get any momentum in a game going, and you often get about a turn a day done. Stretching the game out that long and diluting it detracts a bit from the enjoyment (for me at least).

With two players you can usually get a game done in a couple days and I find that much more satisfying. It is best when you can get both players on at the same time and finish a game off in 15-20 minutes. I also think playing with 4 players makes it all a much more random experience. So much happens between turns that board control is very hard, and it becomes largely a question of which center row cards pop up when (this is arguably always true, but much more so with more players).

I'm up for games with anyone who wants to play (whatever player number, despite previous comments), gamecenter ID in sig.

Totally agree that Ascension is a better *game* with two players. Definitely.

Just playing against AIs, I'm leaning toward 3-players as my favorite. There's just not enough random screwage in 2-player modes, with too much control over the center row.

Everyone playing on iOS: great idea from the iPad games thread: please enter "GWJ" and your username into your status on GC so that friends don't only see your real name on their GC lists.

- - - - - - -

I've just created a 4-player game and invited Cragmyre, Teneman, and Pacman in. Everyone's got both expansions and the promo cards, right?

Dysplastic, I don't think you're on my friends' list. What's your GC username?

Fedaykin98, I've sent you a friend request.

I'm McIrishJihad out on GC.

Haven't played Ascension beyond 2p Medium AI, but willing to give it a try.

Also have PA: GvE and a few others that support async play.

Sending out friend requests momentarily.

Keithustus wrote:

Everyone playing on iOS: great idea from the iPad games thread: please enter "GWJ" and your username into your status on GC so that friends don't only see your real name on their GC lists.

- - - - - - -

I've just created a 4-player game and invited Cragmyre, Teneman, and Pacman in. Everyone's got both expansions and the promo cards, right?

Dysplastic, I don't think you're on my friends' list. What's your GC username?

Fedaykin98, I've sent you a friend request.

GC username is Dysplastic

From BGG:

TL;DR -- Days of Wonder is making a new SMALL WORLD app for iOS; holding a Kickstarter for some reason.

YAY for a new SMALL WORLD update... BOO for not really getting why I should Kickstart something I will receive as a free upgrade.

IMAGE(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/330/870/1a1d65a3893317df2d99cc80f895dc32_large.jpg?1357673062)

Brand New Small World App In the Works

Days of Wonder has announced a new Kickstarter project that begins today which involves a from-the-ground-up rewrite of the original Small World for iPad, creatively titled Small World 2.

Finally, you'll be able to play Small world on the 3-5 player maps and with asynchronous online multiplayer. If the Kickstarter reaches its goal of $190,000USD, all existing Small World for iPad owners would get these updates for FREE. Also, if the funding goal is surpassed, stretch goals would be added to generate funding for other platforms (PC and Android Tablets have been mentioned).

Days of Wonder is incorporating a bunch of goodies for the physical game to go along with certain pledge levels, as well. They are calling it a hybrid Kickstarter, meaning you can pledge because you love the app or because you want the sweet physical game swag, or both. Check out the Kickstarter for all the pledge levels and rewards.

Small World 2 development is already well underway, with an expected release date of July 2013.

Additional information from Brad from a chat with Eric and Mark of Days of Wonder:

In connection with the news Dave has just shared with you above, I was able to speak with Eric and Mark of Days of Wonder this evening. Much of what we discussed can be found on the Kickstarter page but I just wanted so hare some of the highlights:

1. They are calling this a hybrid Kickstarter as it mixes a goal for a video game (Small World 2) with goals that involve components for the physical game. These include wooden tokens as well as a full blown deluxe edition of the board game. If you are a fan of one or the other or both, there is a possibility one of the reward levels will interest you.

2. For iPad fans, one of the reward levels includes 3 new digital only races and powers for Small World. These will be unique to Kickstarter backers. They were not saying much, but they did mention some of the races would really only work in a digital format.

3. New features planned for Small World 2 include support for up to 5 players as well as online multiplayer. They ensured me that they have been working hard to create an online system that can work both synchronously and asynchronously. This is a feature that has been desired for a long time and it will be great to see it arrive. They have noted that with expansions, as long as the game creator has the expansions, any players who joins that game will have access to them in that game.

4. Stretch goals are certainly planned by will not be released until they see the initial results of the Kickstarter. I have been told that the first stretch goal will be a "Mystery Platform" which will be announced when the stretch goal target is announced. Could it be Android, PC, console? My money is on PC/Mac but that is just my guess.

5. Another stretch goal mentioned is additional expansions for the game. They would not confirm exactly which expansion(s) but Small World Underground seemed to be a likely candidate.

6. Small World 2 will launch with Be Not Afraid as a possible in app purchase.

7. Days of Wonder has great fans all over the world, but the cost of some rewards will make them only be available for shipping in the US. Also the deluxe Small World will be in English only. The rewards are marked on the Kickstarter page as to where they can be shipped.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

I'd probably back that for physical stuff, although I feel like they're making enough cash off the SW/TTR apps they probably dont' really need KS support. However, I'll withhold judgement until I look at the project page in full.

I'm so very tempted to get an iPad just for board game apps. Perfectly happy with my Android tablet but it gets very little board game love

Dreaded Gazebo wrote:

I'm so very tempted to get an iPad just for board game apps. Perfectly happy with my Android tablet but it gets very little board game love :(

As my subscribing post, I'll say I am super happy that I moved to iPad. I loved my Android tab for the email, RSS, web, and PDF reader that I wanted it for, but gaming on it was limited. I moved to iPad for music apps and being able to use it as a portable guitar FX and recorder, but immediately got hooked on the insane amount of awesome gaming. Do it, Gazebo! I think you're basically stuck buying a refurb from Apple now, but there are deals to be found on the iPad 3 which is plenty of power for board gaming and you're getting the Retina display.

Since this thread is happening. I want to throw my hat into the ring with Neuroshima Hex for Android. It's an absolutely fantastic implemnetion of a great game. I play it regularly on my Nexus 7. Totally worth the time and effort.

Dreaded Gazebo wrote:

I'm so very tempted to get an iPad just for board game apps. Perfectly happy with my Android tablet but it gets very little board game love :(

One of the stretch goals for the Kickstarter is development on other platforms-- the video hints at Android, Steam, Win8, and others.

Small World is one of the best pass and play games out on iPad. Honestly, i prefer it to playing with the physical copy if I'm hankering for 2 player.

Might be interested. The biggest thing that turned me off about Small World on iPad was the inability to double-check racial abilities after they've been selected. I hate not knowing what my opponent's race's abilities are. Hopefully this is fixed in the new version.

Hey, who's in for a cozy game of Knizia's Tigris & Euphrates via Gamecenter on iPad (or, I suppose, iPhone)? Need three players, and I am happy to teach/explain.

Natus wrote:

Hey, who's in for a cozy game of Knizia's Tigris & Euphrates via Gamecenter on iPad (or, I suppose, iPhone)? Need three players, and I am happy to teach/explain.

I'd be up for it.