Gamescom 2017 : Representing Rare & Sea Of Thieves

Gamescom 2017 : Representing Rare & Sea Of Thieves

I had the opportunity to go to Gamescom 2017, in Cologne, Germany, where I’ve been guiding and informing attendants about Sea Of Thieves.

Gamescom is extremely intense, mostly because it is so different from my day to day activities : you stay stand up most of the time, it is a very noisy environment, and you are in permanent contact with visitors and everyday gamer that sometimes don’t speak English. Actually, it’s the exact opposite of my current job!

Although, seeing the first smiles and laugh of non-developers playing the game for the first time is thrilling. The enthusiasm and the excitement in their voices cannot be faked and noticing their first time ever reactions to the game is extremely interesting. When you work a long time on a game you tend to forgot about the first time experience and sometime you end up focusing on things only you can see (or hear, in my case).

I answered countless questions, participated in live streams, took a picture of Angela Merkel with the Sea Of Thieves booth (!!) and globally had a blast, unforgettable experience.

See more and have a look at my Gamescom pictures here.

5 little games worth playing in 2017

What ‘s new in game’s world this year : 5 little games worth playing in 2017

Check out this selection of 5 great little games that are worth a play and won’t break the bank.

Deadbolt

Deadbolt is a sort of try and die / shooter 2D game. You play as a sort of noble undead and kill zombies, vampires and other mystical creatures in our contemporary world. The atmosphere is great and the game challenging (especially if you liked Hotline Miami).

Beat Cop

Beat Cop is a 2D point and click adventure game where you’re a cop during the 70’s.  The game is playing on cliches on purpose and is genuinely funny while the storyline is captivating as there are many different outcomes.

Turmoil

Turmoil is a 2D (once again) strategy game where you’ll have to dig oil during the 19th century. Although the story line is almost non-existent, it is a nice little game that can become challenging at time and will require you to make good decisions. Manage time, risks, costs and upgrades to get the most out of the soil.

Old Man’s Journey

I am not sure how to talk about Old Man’s Journey. It is a little 2D game with very little interactions, but the whole thing is simply charming. It seems more designed for kids and for tablets so don’t expect a challenging game, but it is, surely, a well made one.

Sheltered

Ok, Sheltered technically came out last year and I didn’t play the game until recently, but still. In Sheltered, a pixel art, survival game, you have to manage a family that took refuge into a bunker after a nuclear holocaust. All your characters (including your pet) have abilities and different stats and the game will require you to manage your electricity, water, supplies, food, radiation and so on. There are also combats in the wild lands, the ability to recruit new people (but can you afford to feed them?), and a strong crafting component.

Liked this list? You might want to have a look at my 2016 selection!

5 little games worth playing in 2016

In short : 5 little games worth playing in 2016

Not sure what’s new in game’s world this year? Check out this selection of 5 great little games that are worth a play and won’t make a hole in your wallet.

Firewatch

Firewatch is a sort of hiking simulator / narrative game (first person view). You play as Henry, and spend the most of your time speaking to Delilah (via your talkie) and running around a natural reserve. The atmosphere is great and the story captivating. Kudos for the music!

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Samorost 3

Samorost 3 is a puzzle / point and click journey made by Amanita Design (who also made Botanicula and the lovely Machinarium). It got its own peculiar atmosphere, it also sounds and feel great thanks to the extensive work on the music and sound design.

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Inside

Inside is a platformer / puzzle-game made by Playdead (creators of Limbo). Set in a grim and Orwellian type of world, the game is highly polished with its flat / minimalist design and definitively very pleasing to see, hear and play.

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Factorio

It is hard talking about Factorio as its still in development but the game is pretty much finished to me and highly enjoyable with friends. Most of the game is based around collecting and transforming resources. It is more of a simcity/minecraft type of game. Starting from scratch, you will have to build, improve, automate and maintain a factory in order to build yourself a rocket and leave the planet. There are also fights against aliens, military buildings and researches to complete.

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Crush your enemies

Crush your enemies is a small pixel art RTS. Everything happens on one screen, it is easy to learn but hard to master, and it’s wrapped around some sort of barbarian humor.

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