Ally
Apr 28, 2018
A few months ago for my Games and Digital writing module at university, I found myself sifting through hundreds of game art images to add to a Pinterest board which demonstrated the aesthetic of a hypothetical video game. As well as discovering lots of amazing concept art on Deviant Art, I stumbled across two games currently in development that I never knew existed. The first game was HK Project, a neat cyberpunk themed game where you explore a futuristic Hong Kong as a cat. The second was Eastward. I was captivated by the beautiful art style of Eastward, and really wanted to share my discovery with readers of My Potato Games. My only issue was that no matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t find a lot of information about the game. Aside from a website post by game developers Pixpil Games dating back to 2015, and a greenlight page for the game on Steam (which was last updated in 2016), the game remained rather elusive. I pondered over whether the project was even still active, and decided to put the game out of my mind.
I thought nothing more of the game. That is until I logged into Twitter two days ago. To my greatest surprise, Chucklefish had announced that they were partnering with Pixpil Games to complete Eastward! Since then, a lot more information regarding the game has become available. We have high hopes for Eastward, as Chucklefish are the masterminds behind popular farming sim Stardew Valley, as well as the highly anticipated magic school game, Witchbrook, which you can read more about here.
Chucklefish’s blog contains the following information about Eastward:
Eastward is an adventure game combining RPG elements, with a visual style inspired by 90s Japanese animation. The game was built around pixel artist Hong Moran’s original intricate post-apocalyptic pixel designs, and the team’s joint love of the Mother and The Legend of Zelda series, inspiring them to create a narrative-driven RPG with a soft sci-fi storyline.In the not-too-distant future, the world around is falling to ruin, as the human population shrinks to an all-time low. You play as a hardworking digger named John, who discovers a mysterious young girl in a secret facility underneath his digging site. After being exiled from his village, John must guide this girl through dangerous decaying cities, inhabited by hordes of monsters and a quirky cast of characters!
Eastward’s emotional story and beautifully rich and vibrant world has been brought to life using a combination of 3D lighting and retro-pixel style artwork, powered by a game engine of Pixpil’s own making. Development on the game started in 2015 with only 3 studio members, and since then has grown to match the game’s ambition, also bringing on board the talents of soundtrack composer Joel Corelitz (Hohokum, The Unfinished Swan & The Tomorrow Children, Gorogoa) and sound design from Irish studio, Hyperduck Soundworks.
Additionally, the game has a swanky new trailer!
Chucklefish have said that updates will be given on the game’s progress in due course. To stay updated, you can follow @Eastwardgame, @Pixpilgames, and @ChucklefishLTD and of course @myPotatoGames on Twitter.
For more games from Chucklefish, check out their upcoming magic school game, Spellbound aka Witchbrook here.
- Apr 28, 2018
Meowza games recently released a newsletter, updating fans on the game’s progress. In light of this, we have decided to post an update containing all the latest information we have about the game. For those who are unfamiliar, Mineko’s Night Market is an upcoming cat-themed PC game. For more information about it, click here.
Merchandise
Twitter user Kukubee has recently been teasing fans about Mineko’s Night Market merchandise.
All night sewing. Just like old times! 😀 pic.twitter.com/RwnksYioTT
— kukubee (@kukubee) April 13, 2018
Sneak peek of a surprise thing happening soon! :O pic.twitter.com/Ve6hBD82mV
— kukubee (@kukubee) April 27, 2018
Talented Kukubee expressed hope that the cute pouches will soon be available to purchase on the game’s Etsy store. She also hinted that other items may be up for sale as she attempts to ‘build up some inventory’.
Twitch Stream
Meowza games have announced that a Whole demo of the game will be streamed on Twitch. The stream will take place on May 10th at 2:00 pm (PST) and again at 9:00 pm (PST) here. There will also be a small giveaway held during the demo.
Game updates
Meowza have been busy ensuring the game is completed to an exceptional standard. Game updates include:
– A Quest system! The system is now in place and we are busy pumping out the remaining story content. Each quest is a handcrafted unique experience including: sneaking past guards to find missing artefacts, preparing a perfect meal for a special guest, and exploring a mysterious haunted lighthouse!
– Beginning work on implementing the Journal. You can now keep track of your Quest progress and Relationships in your Journal. Soon to add: Food, Discoveries and Collectibles!
– An overhaul of the Night Market/bartering system.
– Having re-written Item and NPC interactions for optimization and future-proofing it for localization work.
– Lots of bug fixes.
Free wallpaper
The newsletter also contained a free phone wallpaper, if you want to be part of those adorable giveaways make sure you sign up for the official newsletter here.
For an exclusive interview with Brent the creator of Mineko’s Night Market head over here. You can now also wishlist the game on steam.
- Apr 25, 2018
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]abo was successfully released in the US and Japan last week. Nintendo Labo has been praised for it’s back-to-basics concept that encourages children to use their imagination. Many schools have said that they would like to use Labo in the classroom. Even adults have commented on how fun assembling Labo is.
But Labo has also received approval from a rather more unintended audience. Cats.
It’s no secret that cats adore cardboard. Popular internet cat Maru has loads of videos of him playing in boxes. If your cats are anything like my grandmother’s 7 felines (yes, 7) you’ll probably relate to buying them a comfy new cat bed (which comes in a box), only for them to turn their noses up at the expensive bed and sleep inside the cardboard box instead. How rude right?
Given Labo’s popularity, it’s safe to assume many cardboard fishing rods, pianos, and robots now reside in homes across the globe. Cats worldwide must be rubbing their paws together in glee, thinking that Christmas has come early!
The internet loves cats. It’s therefore no surprise that numerous videos and photos are emerging of cats with Labo.
An example being Nintendo Labo V Cat
It’s kind of cute to see curious cats taking an interest in/being intrigued by Labo. ????
It’s admittedly a little anxiety-provoking to see cats sleeping on top of Labo and batting it playfully. ????
It is horrifying however, to watch videos that show the most fiendish of felines destroying Labo! Somebody save it! ????
ニンテンドーラボとりあえず作ったやつは隠して、残骸で楽しそうに遊ぶ猫氏w pic.twitter.com/crMkqeh88U
— AN (@AN84952239) April 21, 2018
Considering how unhelpful cats tend to be, it’s a safe bet your cats aren’t going to be helping assemble your Labo anytime soon.
Therefore, unless you like your Labo:
- Cat breath scented
- Soggy
- Punctured with teeth marks
It’s probably best to keep your kitty well away.
After all, Labo is most likely some of the priciest cardboard you’ll ever buy! If you want to learn more about Nintendo Labo, head over here.
- Apr 21, 2018
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 2017, fans of the fast-paced game RUNBOW were delighted to hear that the popular party game was to be released on Nintendo Switch. Initially, the game was set to be released on the 24th April 2018. Unfortunately, the game’s publisher (Headup Games) and developer (13AM Games), have pushed the release of the game back a few weeks. In a joint statement, they stated that this is to “further optimise the game’s performance”. A solid release date has not been revealed.
It is uncertain whether this delay may also push back the release of the retail version (RUNBOW Deluxe Edition), which had a release date of June 14th.
About Runbow
For those who haven’t’ heard of RUNBOW, it is a platform racing game, originally made for the WiiU back in 2015. Due to its success, the game was later ported to PC, New Nintendo 3DS, and Xbox, and will soon be available on Nintendo Switch and PS4 as well.
The RUNBOW world changes with each swipe of the background, meaning players are kept on their toes as colourful obstacles and platforms disappear.
The game can be played in single-player mode, or by up to 9 players (either locally or online) in the frantic multiplayer mode.
With a score of 82/100 on Metacritic, and rated 9/10 by Nintendo Life, Runbow has obtained mostly positive reviews since its release.
Runbow Features
RUNBOW’s Steam page describes the ability to:
- Save Poster District from the evil Satura in Adventure, and choose your own path through a massive map of over 140 single player levels.
- Take on The Bowhemoth, a single, ultra-difficult challenge in the belly of a colossal beast. On your own or with friends, its sure to test the skills of even the toughest platforming veterans.
- Go head to head with your friends, locally or online, in Run, Arena, or King of the Hill, for a colourful, crazy competition. Host a Private Game for you or your friends, or hop into an Open Party and take on the world!
- Challenge yourself with 68 Steam Achievements! Be the first on your friends list to unlock them all!
The page also talks of content such as:
- Tons of unlockable costumes and Indie Guest Characters, including Shovel Knight, CommanderVideo, Shantae, Lilac, and many more.
- Hundreds of pieces of unlockable Gallery content, from concept art to characters, as well as a few hidden gems.
Fans may be disappointed to hear of the game’s delay, but it’s important to remember that this is to ensure that the game is polished and of a high standard.
It’ll be worth the wait! ????
- Apr 16, 2018
April is shaping up to be quite a month for gamers. Tons of new games are hitting the market, and it’s hard to decide which ones to get, and which ones you actually want to play! We have made a list of the 5 Upcoming Games to Look Forward to in April. Check out the list below!
The Big Journey (Steam – 20/04/18)
The Big Journey is a cute adventure game for mobile and PC. In the game, you play as a cat who is ‘hungry for food and excitement’. Described as a game ‘designed for kids and adults alike’, this beautiful tilt game featuring a cat named Mr. Whiskers is sure to delight both cat lovers and casual game enthusiasts. You can purchase the game here on the 20th April.
The Swords of Ditto (Steam – 24/04/18)
The Swords of Ditto is a highly anticipated action RPG PC game with an art style reminiscent of popular Cartoon Network show Adventure Time. Experience unique adventures as different characters in an attempt to defeat the evil Mormo. With a vibrant village and dangerous dungeons to explore, as well as a plethora of cool characters, tempting treasure and brilliant battles, the game is perfect for wannabe heroes and heroines. The game will be released on 24/04/18, but can be pre-ordered (with a 20% discount) here.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Switch – 24/04/18)
South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a comedic RPG game based on the popular adult cartoon TV series South Park. The Fractured But Whole is a sequel to the popular 2014 game South Park: The Stick of Truth. The game has received mixed reviews on Steam mainly due to issues running it with 3rd party launcher Uplay. That aside, the game is considered to be very good, with many fans believing it lives up to (or surpasses) its highly acclaimed predecessor. South Park fans disappointed with the PC version of the game will be able to enjoy it on Nintendo Switch when it is released on April 24th. ( Get it here )
Hello Kitty Kruisers (Switch – 24/04/18)
Initially released for the WiiU back in 2014, Hello Kitty Kruisers is an upcoming 3D racing game for Nintendo Switch. The game features Hello Kitty, as well as other popular Sanrio characters. The game can be played in single player mode, or with up to three other players in multiplayer mode. As you progress through the game you can also unlock new outfits for Hello Kitty and her friends. The game will be released on the 24th April. ( Get it here )
Death Road to Canada (Switch – 25/04/18)
Death Road to Canada is a popular road trip simulator game with pixel graphics. It was first released on Steam in July 2016. Gameplay is randomly generated, giving players a unique story each time they play. Explore cities, recruit weirdos, rescue dogs and fight swarms of slow-moving zombies. The game will be released for Switch on the 25th of April where it can be purchased from the Nintendo eShop. Alternatively, you can purchase it on Steam here.
Check out our list of the 15 best 3DS games of all time here. And don’t miss out on the 15 cutest Nintendo 3DS games of all time here.
- Apr 11, 2018
Memories, pastries and even the fortune cookie, this is in update where you won’t want to play hookie!
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]intendo have recently announced that the next Pocket Camp update is going to be a big one. With the ability to obtain much-needed new furniture and clothing from fortune cookies, we here at MyPotatoGames can’t wait for the next big update!
Fortune cookies:
A fortune cookie shop will open in the Marketplace. When players eat the mysterious cookies, they will be awarded with furniture or clothing. The stars on a fortune cookie indicates the rarity of the prize contained inside them.
Some fortune cookies can be obtained with Leaf tickets or bells, whilst others can only be obtained with Leaf tickets.
There are a variety of fortune cookies available for purchase. Cookies will be changed occasionally, so make sure you check back.
You can also be gifted fortune cookies as a reward from animals.
Stamp cards:
For every cookie you buy with leaf tickets, you will earn one stamp. Once you’ve earned ten stamps, you will get a stamp card. You can trade stamp cards in for various items, depending on how many stamp cards you have.
You can also trade them for items you would normally only get from fortune cookies.
Memories:
New furniture with associated memories is also coming. Upon obtaining certain furniture, as well as fulfilling other necessary requirements (such as having certain animals come to visit), you will be able to view exclusive memories featuring those animals.
Cookie introduction:
Nintendo have said that more information on fortune cookies will be available over the next few days. For now though, they’ve given us the following information:
Marshal’s pastry cookie – Marshal’s pastry cookie will contain cute pastry-shop themed items that coincide nicely with spring. We think that a pastry-shop themed campsite is just what is ‘kneaded’.
Pastry shop kitchen – The pastry-shop kitchen will also be added, along with a corresponding memory. After fulfilling requirements, you can view a special memory that features both Marshal and Goldie.
Filbert’s rocket cookie – Filbert’s rocket cookies will contain space themed items. You can have an adventurous looking campsite and feel like a real astronaut by changing into the exclusive space outfit.
Rosie’s pop star cookie – Inside these fortune cookies you can get pop-star themed items, allowing you to reproduce a live-stage performance. Invite your favourite animals to your campsite and let them take to the stage.
More to follow!
In between updates, we recommend checking out the 15 cutest Nintendo 3DS Games here.
- Feb 27, 2018
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]ynseed is a sandbox RPG simulation with beautiful graphics. It is not dissimilar in appearance to Rakuen and Stardew Valley. The game allows you to make choices and therefore carve your own unique story. You even get to continue your legacy after your character’s death by stepping into the shoes of your descendants. The game is being developed by the creators of the Fable series, and is set to be released as an early access on Steam at some point in early 2018.
If you love RPG games with farming elements, as much as we do, check out Fantasy Farming: Orange Season. If you want to enjoy your farming sim with a side of some dark and interesting storytelling, check out Gleaner Heights. Chucklefish, Stardew Valleys publisher is also working on a new magic school game called Spellbound, get caught up here.
About Kynseed
Live your life in a quirky world where everyone ages and dies, including your pets! Take control of the mystical Kynseed and grow your family legacy over generations as you pass your skills and powers down to your children.
- Run a tavern, apothecary, goods store or blacksmith. Farm your land. Go adventuring and battle dark faery tale creatures. Or do them all. The choice is yours.
- Develop relationships with NPC’s who have their own lives and loves, and who will remember your deeds, actions and pranks!
- Find and use Proverbs to unlock the secrets of each ingredient, creature and inhabitant of a place where folk tales are all true.
- Gather the materials to create better items, craft beers or to mix cures for a range of bizarre maladies for the simple people of the land.
- Deal with the mysterious Fae gentleman, Mr Fairweather and buy strange artifacts from him that aid your chores, help you in combat or let you just mess with the world….but be aware of the life tax he extracts annually!
In Kynseed, live your lives the way you choose in a lovingly hand-crafted and huge 2D open world.
Kynseed main Features
An Aging World
The land is affected by your choices and deeds. Seasons come and go and affect the world both visually and in gameplay.Living Things Have Memory and Grow Old
Individuals and animals grow old and eventually die. Families remember your good deeds or wrongdoings for generations.Unique Life Mechanic
Pay the mysterious Mr Fairweather for powerful upgrades and revivals, at the cost of years from your life! Will you miss out on your child’s development to buy that music box that makes dragons dance? Will your business suffer because you bought a pet cat that turns people to stone?Real-time Combat
Wander from The Path and indulge in meaty combat against various nasty faery tale creatures that guard the materials and loot you need to become the greatest in the land.Meaningful Relationship System
Build friendship into romance and produce heirs to continue your legacy. Do favours for others and not only gain friendship but also juicy information and gifts.
Event Calendar
A calendar keeps you up to date of festivals and events. Learn where and when the best ingredients grow. Attend various competitions, annual fayres, and don’t you dare be late for a date!Monsters and Creatures
They’re more than just sword fodder. Each creature has a sim and their own traits that you can take advantage of. Remember, even dragons need to go to the bathroom now and then. (That wasn’t a pile of gold that Smaug sat on!)Run Your Business
Own a tavern and craft beers with bizarre effects. Be a blacksmith and forge weapons and tools to order. Manage your apothecary and mix cures for a variety of bizarre poxes and curses.A Land Where Superstitions Are True
Heed the advice of the Old Fishwife and the locals to find out everything from where the rarest items can be found to where and when the best places to conceive are! We’re not just a little stitious. We’re super stitious.
Olde Traditions
Every village has their own customs and quirks. Visit the annual cheese bowling rite and encounter Wiki Men, Fred Barleycorn and wear the Trousers of Fertility, as passed down through generations. (I really hope they wash them…)Recipes
Hunger dictates combat prowess so a proper breakfast before some monster slaying goes a long way. Discover and use proper recipes though, and you can take your fighting to the next level, or even use the Traits in food to distract, weaken or even scare away enemies!Item Traits
All items and materials, have unique traits. From medicinal to hallucinogenic, shrinking to fattening…Want to feed laxatives to herds of sheep and lead them through town? The creative possibilities for fun are endless.Be Friends with Animals
Domestic animals and critters have opinions of you based on your actions. If they like you enough they may just let you ride them!Lovely Music
No mythical world would be complete without music to go with it. The title music has been made by Russell Shaw but also helping us out with some beautiful world music is Matthijs den Daas. Here’s a couple of tracks you can expect to hear in our prototype. We’ll be adding much more music as development continues. - Feb 22, 2018
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]eleased on 21/02/18, Gleaner heights is a challenging yet charming Harvest Moon and Twin peaks inspired farming simulation game. Evoking a 90’s themed character art style and sharing similarities with SNES and Gameboy versions of Harvest Moon, the game is certainly nostalgic. That being said, it is also current and relevant, allowing players to have dyed hair and to be gay and bisexual.
The game has been likened to Stardew Valley, with many criticising the developer of copying Stardew Valley’s mining and character customisation features. However, the game has been in development since before the publication of Stardew Valley, and the developer claims to have purposely avoided playing Stardew Valley as to not copy from the popular game.
The game includes the elements of traditional farming games such as animal care and husbandry, crop growing, relationships with townsfolk etc.
Additionally, it caters for gamers who like a good mystery with a town full of:
– Residents living double lives. You can choose to help or sabotage their plottings and betrayals.
– Spooky happenings. Unravel the town’s supernatural history, from it’s founding, right up to present day.
– Mysterious powerful creatures that appear to be guarding lost treasures.
Gleaner Heights Main Features Include:
-Play as a male or female character.
-Over 30 villagers with their own schedules, habits, likes and dislikes.
-Extended farming mechanics with over 40 different crops.
-Animals like chickens and cows, as well as a horse. Extended sub-mechanics include growing mushrooms in a mysterious cave, or breeding silkworms.
-Extended crafting system with lots of recipes, from fences to explosive arrows to cheese makers.
-Cooking with over 110 recipes.
-Complete town upgrade projects. Have your very own boat and explore the river and waterfall, and even explore underwater with your diving suit!
-Romantic interests and marriage.
-Day/night cycle, seasons, and weather system.
-Skills, perks and equipment (clothing) with set bonuses.
-Tool upgrades and mining.
-Fishing! Over 40 fishes populate various water bodies around the town and in underground lakes.
-Town events and festivals.
-Main plot with different “endings”.
-Explore and discover hidden areas and dungeons.
-Surprisingly fluid combat for a game of this genre, with players being able to charge ther tool attacks while moving, roll, dash, perform power attacks etc.
-Multi-language support (in progress).
-Gamepad/mouse support.The game’s standard cost is $9.99 (£7.19), but it is currently on sale at $8.99 (£6.47).
For more farming games check out the upcoming Ooblets game, it features gardening and a crafting system as well, you can check it out here. We also can’t stop playing Lullaby Gardens in which you can roam a huge area to build, craft, farm and more. Yonder The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, in which players can farm, fish, explore, build relationships and more has recently been announced for Switch.
The latest Harvest Moon Lights of Hope on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Playstation 4 comes with an adorable pre-order bonus, have you seen it yet?
