“Epitasis” was created by a single student developer with financial help from a community of Kickstarter backers. Image: Epitasis Games via AFP Relaxnews
In this week’s video game releases, casual stickman putter “Golf Blitz” embraces mobile multiplayer, sprawling adventure “Final Fantasy XII” finds new life on Switch and Xbox One and “Epitasis” lays out a strange planetary puzzle to decipher.
Meanwhile, “Tales of the Hidden Sea” bathes its pixelated point-and-click detective mystery in a cyberpunk glow, creepy abandoned ship exploration “Close to the Sun” braids sumptuous Art Deco designs, Nikolai Tesla’s ambitions and Ancient Greek myth and “Mordhau” ushers in a frenzy of medieval sword fighting.
“Golf Blitz”
For iOS and Android
Successful crazy golf franchise “Super Stickman Golf” has leveled up and is back under a new name with a steadfast multiplayer focus. Take customizable golfers out on wild two-dimensional courses and use power-ups for maximum gain, with team leaderboards, upgradable skills and a spectator mode also in play.
“Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age”
For Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Take the princess Ashe and wannabe sky pirate Vaan on an adventure across Ivalice in search of personal and national freedom. Though “Final Fantasy VII” is often said to be the franchise standout for its all-round excellence, “FF XII” has been winning more and more admiration after this 2007 “Zodiac Age” expansion and recalibration was re-released on PlayStation 4 (2017), PC (2018), and now Switch and Xbox One.
“Epitasis”
For Mac and PC
A puzzle game that takes place amid the ruins of an ancient alien civilization. Discover how the planet’s machines and technology work and gradually learn the reasons behind its inhabitants’ disappearance. Made by a solo developer over the course of three years. virtual reality (VR) plus PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions to follow.
“Tales of the Neon Sea”
For PC
As an ex-cop and occasional private investigator in the cyberpunk future, dig up the details of an unsolved murder case and turn to the city’s cats for help in unlocking hidden memories and tracking down the killer, still at large. PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch editions are on the way.
“Close to the Sun”
For PC
Taking place in an alternate timeline where Nikolai Tesla’s ambitious laboratory project was fulfilled as a floating haven for the world’s best and brightest, a non-combative adventure that leverages horror themes for tension and references the Greek legend of Icarus throughout.
“Mordhau”
For PC
Bloodsoaked and technically complex Middle Ages infantry combat already has an established and enthusiastic fanbase thanks to 2012’s “Chivalry: Medieval Warfare”. Here, “Mordhau” steps up to the challenge of providing a satisfactory successor that adds a new layer of combat prowess. CE/CC
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