NEW games to tickle the turn-based itch in December
Notable releases in the turn-based indie world
Hello Game Scientists!
The end of the year is almost upon us; and there are a few turn-based games that are releasing just in time for the holiday season. It is a bit slower than last month though so I had to do a bit of digging to find these games. Here’s hoping that we’ll have a lot more releases to look forward to in 2024.
Cross Blitz
Release date (early access): November 29, 2023
I know, I’m cheating because this game isn’t a December release, but you’ll forgive me because its close enough, right?
I normally stay away from card games because they all feel the same to me, but I the combination of the pixel art combined with the relative simplicity of the card battle portion of the game had me saying “just one more turn” until I lost the game.
The battle takes place in columns—4 to be exact—and you play up to 2 cards per column from your hand, paying the associated mana cost. Every card placement turn ends with combat and your cards attack the enemies in their column or the player directly if there are no enemies defending that column. As you expect, the combat continues until one of the heroes gets to 0 HP.
The game has rogue-like elements, meaning you’ll pick up your choice of cards as you complete battles. Add to that relics that your hero can equip for special effects (my first relic automatically resurrected defeated cards into weak zombies) and you have a whole world of strategic possibilities to choose from based on your cards and play style.
If you do get defeated, you can use some of the currency you pick up during your adventure to upgrade your hero, so that you can have an easier time the second time around. Or you can purchase new heroes with different abilities to try a different tactic.
Why you might want to play this game
There was enough for me to discover and sink my teeth into, even in its early access state, that got me playing until the wee hours of the morning. If you’re looking for a card battling game to keep you playing just one more turn, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Cross Blitz.
Born of Bread
Release date (1.0): December 5, 2023
This game is oozing with Paper Mario vibes: its vibrant and colourful environment, wacky character design, and light-hearted music all point to an adventure that’s easy to get hooked on. The main protagonist is a flour golem, who must gather his friends to fight the baddies in this world.
Combat is turn-based, but there is a twist as you’ll be tasked with real-time events that determine the effectiveness of your actions. The game also features a weakness and resistance system that should provide opportunities for strategic thinking.
Exploration looks like a lot of fun too as you get to interact with the game environment to progress in the game. From what I can tell from the trailer, you’ll be burning down doors and getting kneaded into shape to traverse various obstacles.
Why you might want to play this game
It’s been a while since I’ve come across a turn-based game that wasn’t set in one of the World Wars, aliens, or a dark fantasy setting. The change in pace and setting, as well as a curious “stream your fights to a fake audience” mechanic has piqued my interest. It also looks like it is a family friendly game, and might be a really great introduction to the world of games and turn-based games for anyone not familiar with the genre.
Wingspan: Oceania Expansion
Release date (DLC): December 12, 2023
I love nature themed games. Maybe it’s because I’ve been steeped in nature and science my whole life, but I have a soft spot for these kinds of games.
Wingspan is the digital adaptation of the award-winning board game, first released in 2019. Since then, the board game version has gotten a European expansion (released in 2019), the Oceania Expansion (released in 2020), and an Asia expansion (released in 2022). The second expansion has finally made it to digital platforms, allowing players to access the birds of Australia and New Zealand.
The game is described as an engine-building game, where you slowly build your flock of birds, playing the bird cards, getting food, laying eggs, and drawing more cards. The birds you play have different effects, which help you to get more food or lay more eggs, in a positive feedback cycle.
Why you might want to play this game
Although this is technically a competitive game, players have described the experience as one of the most positive competitive games they’ve ever played. So, no risk of losing friends or family like in Monopoly. The Oceania expansion doesn’t add any cutthroat birds or cards to break this experience, although there are some new mechanics (like Game End powers) that have been introduced.
I’ve seen some reviews online about imbalances that are introduced with this expansion, particularly the new food type called nectar, which acts as wild card for food resources. But there are players claiming that this new resource makes the game easier to play, potentially opening up the entire series for new players.
Ultimately, if you love the theme and are looking for a moderately cooperative competitive game, Wingspan and the Oceania expansion may be for you. I would honestly just get it for the art and facts in the game!
Keep an eye out for more great releases in the coming months! Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter for more reviews, lists, and thoughts on creating content in gaming. If you’re inclined, check out my YouTube channel to see videos of some of the games I am talking about!