Hooded Horse
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The Tide Is Turning As ENDLESS Legend 2 Launches In Full
ENDLESS Legend 2 has officially launched in Version 1.0 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, after over a year in Early Access. The turn-based 4X fantasy strategy game, published by Hooded Horse and developed by AMPLITUDE Studios, features a dynamic world with shifting oceans and introduces a new faction, The Sandshapers.
Endless Legend 2 version 1.0 review: This is why 4X fans love Amplitude
Endless Legend 2 is a magnificent example of why Amplitude Studios is so loved by 4X fans, delivering the studio's trademark creativity and standout visual design in a modernized package. The game excels in its science fantasy setting, asymmetrical factions, and dynamic map changes that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. While tactical combat could be richer, the overall experience is a standout in the strategy genre.
"15 years ago, people understood it was an unfinished game": As Endless Legend 2 hits 1.0, Amplitude reflect on how early access has changed
Amplitude Studios reflects on the evolution of early access game development over the past 15 years, noting shifts in player and media expectations. While the studio continues to use its Games2Gether program for feedback, the CEO acknowledges that players are less forgiving of unfinished games now compared to the early days of Endless Space.
Steam may have quietly improved its discoverability, and indie devs are feeling the benefit
Steam may have improved its discoverability features, benefiting indie developers who have struggled to gain visibility on the platform. Recent changes to the Discounts & Events banner, which now prioritizes personalized offers based on player interests, have led to significant increases in traffic, wishlists, and sales for smaller titles.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 14 to 18
Microsoft has announced a slate of new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between September 14 and 18. Titles include TCG Card Shop Simulator, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Aniimo, Train Sim World 7, and Dune: Awakening, among many others across various genres.
Rally Point: Strong simulation and team building can't carry Menace forever
Menace offers a compelling core of turn-based shooting, simulation, and character leveling, but its execution is often hampered by frustrating elements. While some annoyances are expected in early access, the game's premise and faction interactions feel underdeveloped, lacking personality and meaningful choices. Despite these flaws, the tactical combat and squad customization remain satisfying.
Substructure is a Stardew Valley-inspired factory sim that takes one of Factorio's hardest and best mods and turns it into a dizzying, planet-wide game of its own
Substructure is a PC factory simulation game inspired by Stardew Valley and Factorio's Ultracube mod. Developed by Dubious Design and published by Hooded Horse, it challenges players to manage complex automation across multiple planetary layers, with a focus on "friction" to create a sense of accomplishment.
"We all benefit from great games": How the 4X devs behind Endless Legend and Humankind went from Early Access…
Amplitude Studios, developers of Humankind and Endless Legend, discuss the evolution of the Early Access model and its impact on game development. They note how player expectations have shifted, making risk-taking more challenging. The studio also comments on the competitive 4X landscape, including the mixed reception of Civilization 7, and expresses optimism for the genre's future.
"Hopefully a meteor will strike the earth soon": Game devs talk genAI witchhunts and the importance of honing your visual literacy
Game developers are increasingly facing false accusations of using generative AI, leading to discussions about visual literacy and the difficulty of distinguishing AI-generated content. Studios like Failbetter Games and New Blood Interactive have publicly addressed these concerns, with some even replacing art to avoid suspicion. Experts suggest that while pure visual detection is becoming harder, context and understanding the nuances of AI versus human-made art are crucial.
Manor Lords celebrates 4 million copies sold with a new major update which gives players the chance to become 'a…
The medieval management sim Manor Lords has sold over 4 million copies across all platforms. A new major update, version 8, is set to introduce features like cider and mead production, oat cultivation for humans and livestock, and the ability to breed and import cattle. The update also includes new buildings for sheep and a new river map called Wide Valley.
Manor Lords drops new update, goes on sale, and reaches 4 million copies sold
Manor Lords has sold over four million copies across all platforms, with developer Slavic Magic and publisher Hooded Horse announcing the milestone alongside a new update. The update introduces expanded cow economy features, cider production from apples, and a new river map. To celebrate, the game is available at a 35% discount on Steam until September 10th.
Älskade strategi-klassikern Heroes of Might & Magic 3 får en remake
Ubisoft has announced a remake of the beloved strategy classic Heroes of Might and Magic 3, which will include all campaigns from the original game and its expansions. This follows the recent success of the prequel HoMM: Olden Era. The remake promises updated visuals and new cutscenes, aiming to combine the best of the original with modern enhancements.
I'm not a fan of Heroes of Might & Magic 3, but I can recognise that Ubisoft have done a faithful job of recreating the much-loved turn-based strategy RPG
Ubisoft's remake of Heroes of Might & Magic 3 faithfully recreates the beloved turn-based strategy RPG, including its original campaign and expansions. While the core gameplay remains unchanged, the remake introduces quality-of-life improvements such as build queues and enhanced combat range visibility, alongside a full 3D visual overhaul. Despite the reviewer's personal dislike for the series, they acknowledge the remake's respect for the original and its player base.
Älskade strategi-klassikern Heroes of Might & Magic 3 (1999) får en remake
Ubisoft has announced a remake of the beloved 1999 strategy classic, Heroes of Might and Magic 3. This new version will include all campaigns from the original game, including Shadow of Death, Restoration of Erathia, and Armageddon's Blade. The announcement follows the recent success of the prequel HoMM: Olden Era, developed by Hooded Horse.
Sandustry is the first factory simulation game I've played that gets heaps right
Sandustry is a factory simulation game that excels at representing the physicality of industrial waste, making players manage the accumulation of debris as a core mechanic. Developed by Lantto Games and published by Hooded Horse, the game challenges players to transform sand into gold while dealing with the resulting byproducts, which form dynamic, granular heaps that can impact factory operations. The game's unique approach to waste management and its visual representation of industrial landscapes set it apart from other titles in the genre.
All of the pirates in Hooded Horse city builder Corsair Cove hate me because I can't make them eyepatches fast enough
Corsair Cove, a city builder from Limbic Entertainment and Hooded Horse, focuses on complex logistics and resource management rather than direct pirate action. While initially engaging, the game's intricate production chains and tedious optimization processes can lead to player frustration, especially in the mid to late game. The game's unique verticality and visual style are notable, but the repetitive nature of its sea-based card game missions and the fiddly interface for managing the island's infrastructure detract from the overall experience.
I fabriksspelet Sandustry är varje pixel en individuellt simulerad resurs
The factory simulation game Sandustry, developed by Lantto and published by Hooded Horse, has been released in Early Access on Steam. The game features pixel-level simulation for resources and environmental interactions, with plans to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. It is also available on GoG and Xbox, and is included with Game Pass.
Sandustry fuses a Terraria-style world with Factorio's automation to build a dangerously compelling new sandbox game
Sandustry, a new sandbox game developed by Lantto Games and published by Hooded Horse, has launched in early access. The game combines Terraria-style exploration with Factorio-like automation, allowing players to mine, process, and build complex industrial systems in a fully destructible 2D world. It has received overwhelmingly positive early reviews and is available at a discounted price.
Sandustry on Game Pass Turns Every Pixel Into A Factory Floor
Sandustry, a factory simulation game where players build automated production lines on a destructible planet, has launched in Game Preview on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Developed by Lantto Games and published by Hooded Horse, the game treats individual grains of sand and other elements as physical resources with unique properties. Priced at £12.99, Sandustry is currently PC-only despite its Xbox Store listing and is considered a work in progress.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 10 to 14
This weekly feature highlights new games arriving on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between August 10 and 14. Titles include EA Sports Madden NFL 27, Sandustry, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, and many more across various genres.
