Month: December 2010

If you like Soulcaster, get Cthulhu Saves the World

Just released by Winter Uprising cohort Zeboyd Games. I spent some time with the playtest version and it has everything you want in a classic RPG. It is humorous, has great music, and pokes fun at the genre without losing any authenticity. And it’s long, I’m about 3 hours in and probably not half done yet. You’ll get your 240 MS Points’ worth.

I know I haven’t been putting in many shoutouts to the other IGWU games, so apologies to the rest of the crew… but this game is special because Robert spent a bunch of time promotion the event and his contribution (CSTW) was delayed as a result. Worth the wait! Download the demo!

Accolades and Awards!

Soulcaster II has been blessed with some prestigious awards!

“A great price for a very well made Indie title, Soulcaster 2 is definitely worth checking out. 9.0/10”

– GamersDailyNews Gold Award

“…if you’re looking for a retro-styled adventure game with plenty of strategy, you’ve found the motherload. It’s totally worth the price, totally worth your time and totally fantastic.”

– CrushFragDestroy Highly Recommended

“Glorious and heaps of fun, this is a breath of fresh air.”

– DIY Indie Game Top Pick

“Some people might question why I chose to call Magical Time Bean‘s Soulcaster II an “action/adventure” game, as it’s essentially a tower-defense game. To which I reply “Nah ah!” think about for a second then add “OK… Maybe a little.””

– HiddenAudioLog Genre Awards – Best Action/Adventure Game (also nominee for Best Sequel)

The critics love the Soulcaster II soundtrack!

My roots are in video game music.  It’s how I got into game development.  It’s always been the majority of my music collection.  (It’s also how I met my wife, but that’s another story.)  So I’m really proud that the soundtrack for this game has connected with players and critics to the point where they make special mention of it in their reviews.

“Outside of the graphics, the music stands out. Way out. It’s not nearly as retro as the rest of the aesthetic, but it is excellent all-round. High-quality audio and catchy melodies reminiscent equally of Amiga SID tracker tunes and classic NES titles.”

– DIYGamer

“The soundtrack delivers even better than it did in the first one, sounding like the love-child of Castlevania and Chrono Trigger.  Fans of the shopkeeper’s epic metal theme from the first game will not be disappointed.”

– IndieNerds.com

“… the music is fantastic.”

– Signed In Podcast (Soulcaster II discussed around 4:50)

“As a metal fan, I about fell out of my chair when I heard the opening theme, which happens to be one of the coolest epic metal songs I’ve ever heard. All of the music in Soulcaster II is incredibly well crafted, and seems to always be level appropriate.”

– Spawn Kill

If you feel the same way, purchase the soundtrack!

First SCII Reviews from the Interwebs

Though it’s only been out a few days, some critics have already bagged and tagged Soulcaster II.  Here’s what I’ve found so far:

“The game is hard, but not unfair, so you never want to throw your controller at the screen.”

– The XNA Roundup

“The soundtrack takes no prisoners.” (Google translated this one for me.) 12/12!

– Inside-360.de Indie Games (German)

“It’s a rare game that doesn’t allow me to say that it’s exactly like any other game at this point, and Soulcaster II is exactly that sort of game.”

– OMGJeremy.com

“MagicalTimeBean did well to return to the original, brush up what was lagging behind the gameplay, and present a more well-rounded and polished package in Soulcaster II. If you loved the first game, just go buy the sequel now. And if you have never played the game before, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most innovative gameplay around, with wondrous aesthetics and a great value at 240 MS points.”

– TechnologoDoom on GameSpot Player Reviews

“All of the technical aspects feel authentic and make give the impression that you’re playing an exquisitely crafted SNES game rather than a next-gen title that is trying to be retro.”

– Jonathan Maltz on pnosker.com