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This thread has been linked to the game 'Ancient Trader'.
With the advent of XBOX Live Arcade, indie developers have swiftly risen to the forefront of the downloadable games market. There are hundreds of titles to choose from; some being superb demonstrations of talent; others being little more than wastes of time. Enter Ancient Trader, a visually stunning strategy game from a passionate team of only six people. Fresh, enticing and infinitely addictive, this is one indie game which floats straight to the top of the briny deep.
From the grid based backdrop of an antediluvian map, hidden treasures and untamed waters swell enchantingly before your trading ship. Your ultimate goal is to explore these oceans, find three hallowed artefacts, and defeat the Ancient Guardian. This forms the basis of an accessible yet astute strategy experience, somewhat reminiscent of the hugely popular Catan and Carcassonne. In a turn-based and easily navigable game-world, you will sail the seas from port to port; buying goods with hope of trading them for higher prices. It's a simple mechanic which works with an addictive charm; finding routes throughout the map to maximise trading with simple, menu-driven shops. After a while, you will be able to afford upgrades to your ship; choosing to increase your speed, capacity, and defence against enemies and disputant sea monsters. Such enemies inhabit and travel the map; blocking your route or otherwise emerging to interrupt your exploration.
Making contact with an enemy icon will take you away from the map and into a separate battle screen. Suitably minimalistic; a central image of your ship and it's foe is hung above a selection of coloured cards. Choosing a card will pit your attack; rock-paper-scisccors style; against whichever card the enemy selects. Here, a combination of your cards' number and a wheel determining the order of colours will decide upon who's attack is successful. It's every bit as luck driven as it sounds; with your first card choice oft deciding the outcome of the remaining battle. That said, the penalties for losing are usually forgiving; enemies take a scattering of coins, or a few of your items are lost to the oceans. It makes for an interesting yet never overbearing experience; with upgrades increasing your chances of winning without ridding the games' reliance on luck.
Frustration is never an option though; the game is submerged in a comfortable requiescence which creates a sincere, charming adventure. This of course is greatly helped by a unique and beautiful art style which fills the game with personality. In a world of sub-par, avatar themed indie efforts; Ancient Trader is a real breath of fresh (sea) air. It's faded and aged looking map design is filled with hand drawn, creative imaginings; it's simple look complimenting it's supposed time-frame with genuflection. Animations are subtle yet work well to it's advantage, and the wealth of imaginative images are testament to the staying power of rich 2D worlds.
This fusion of aesthetics and simple-to-grasp gameplay is sure to immerse you in the world of Ancient Trader. Thankfully, the game is rich with incentive; providing nearly infinite replay value. Straying from your main route gives the option to hunt for optional treasures, while fog can be cleared to discover new ports and hidden shipwrecks filled with loot. Also available are a number of differing game modes (such as beating an opponent to a set monetary figure), optional quests, and even an online multiplayer component. Couple this with the abundance of generated maps, different sizes and difficulties; and Ancient Trader is a game with a commendable wealth of content.
As a whole, Ancient Trader is a brilliant example of the indie games movement; a compelling yet simple adventure with a stand-out art style and original content. It may not be bursting with the affluent dazzle of many XBOX Live Arcade games, but it's unique character and quality design make it a title easy to recommended. For anyone browsing the murky depths of XBOX Live Indie Games, Ancient Trader is well worth fishing out.
9/10
From the grid based backdrop of an antediluvian map, hidden treasures and untamed waters swell enchantingly before your trading ship. Your ultimate goal is to explore these oceans, find three hallowed artefacts, and defeat the Ancient Guardian. This forms the basis of an accessible yet astute strategy experience, somewhat reminiscent of the hugely popular Catan and Carcassonne. In a turn-based and easily navigable game-world, you will sail the seas from port to port; buying goods with hope of trading them for higher prices. It's a simple mechanic which works with an addictive charm; finding routes throughout the map to maximise trading with simple, menu-driven shops. After a while, you will be able to afford upgrades to your ship; choosing to increase your speed, capacity, and defence against enemies and disputant sea monsters. Such enemies inhabit and travel the map; blocking your route or otherwise emerging to interrupt your exploration.
Making contact with an enemy icon will take you away from the map and into a separate battle screen. Suitably minimalistic; a central image of your ship and it's foe is hung above a selection of coloured cards. Choosing a card will pit your attack; rock-paper-scisccors style; against whichever card the enemy selects. Here, a combination of your cards' number and a wheel determining the order of colours will decide upon who's attack is successful. It's every bit as luck driven as it sounds; with your first card choice oft deciding the outcome of the remaining battle. That said, the penalties for losing are usually forgiving; enemies take a scattering of coins, or a few of your items are lost to the oceans. It makes for an interesting yet never overbearing experience; with upgrades increasing your chances of winning without ridding the games' reliance on luck.
Frustration is never an option though; the game is submerged in a comfortable requiescence which creates a sincere, charming adventure. This of course is greatly helped by a unique and beautiful art style which fills the game with personality. In a world of sub-par, avatar themed indie efforts; Ancient Trader is a real breath of fresh (sea) air. It's faded and aged looking map design is filled with hand drawn, creative imaginings; it's simple look complimenting it's supposed time-frame with genuflection. Animations are subtle yet work well to it's advantage, and the wealth of imaginative images are testament to the staying power of rich 2D worlds.
This fusion of aesthetics and simple-to-grasp gameplay is sure to immerse you in the world of Ancient Trader. Thankfully, the game is rich with incentive; providing nearly infinite replay value. Straying from your main route gives the option to hunt for optional treasures, while fog can be cleared to discover new ports and hidden shipwrecks filled with loot. Also available are a number of differing game modes (such as beating an opponent to a set monetary figure), optional quests, and even an online multiplayer component. Couple this with the abundance of generated maps, different sizes and difficulties; and Ancient Trader is a game with a commendable wealth of content.
As a whole, Ancient Trader is a brilliant example of the indie games movement; a compelling yet simple adventure with a stand-out art style and original content. It may not be bursting with the affluent dazzle of many XBOX Live Arcade games, but it's unique character and quality design make it a title easy to recommended. For anyone browsing the murky depths of XBOX Live Indie Games, Ancient Trader is well worth fishing out.
9/10
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With the advent of XBOX Live Arcade, indie developers have swiftly risen to the forefront of the downloadable games market. There are hundreds of titles to choose from; some being superb demonstrations of talent; others being little more than wastes of time. Enter Ancient Trader, a visually stunning strategy game from a passionate team of only six people. Fresh, enticing and infinitely addictive, this is one indie game which floats straight to the top of the briny deep.
From the grid based backdrop of an antediluvian map, hidden treasures and untamed waters swell enchantingly before your trading ship. Your ultimate goal is to explore these oceans, find three hallowed artefacts, and defeat the Ancient Guardian. This forms the basis of an accessible yet astute strategy experience, somewhat reminiscent of the hugely popular Catan and Carcassonne. In a turn-based and easily navigable game-world, you will sail the seas from port to port; buying goods with hope of trading them for higher prices. It's a simple mechanic which works with an addictive charm; finding routes throughout the map to maximise trading with simple, menu-driven shops. After a while, you will be able to afford upgrades to your ship; choosing to increase your speed, capacity, and defence against enemies and disputant sea monsters. Such enemies inhabit and travel the map; blocking your route or otherwise emerging to interrupt your exploration.
Making contact with an enemy icon will take you away from the map and into a separate battle screen. Suitably minimalistic; a central image of your ship and it's foe is hung above a selection of coloured cards. Choosing a card will pit your attack; rock-paper-scisccors style; against whichever card the enemy selects. Here, a combination of your cards' number and a wheel determining the order of colours will decide upon who's attack is successful. It's every bit as luck driven as it sounds; with your first card choice oft deciding the outcome of the remaining battle. That said, the penalties for losing are usually forgiving; enemies take a scattering of coins, or a few of your items are lost to the oceans. It makes for an interesting yet never overbearing experience; with upgrades increasing your chances of winning without ridding the games' reliance on luck.
Frustration is never an option though; the game is submerged in a comfortable requiescence which creates a sincere, charming adventure. This of course is greatly helped by a unique and beautiful art style which fills the game with personality. In a world of sub-par, avatar themed indie efforts; Ancient Trader is a real breath of fresh (sea) air. It's faded and aged looking map design is filled with hand drawn, creative imaginings; it's simple look complimenting it's supposed time-frame with genuflection. Animations are subtle yet work well to it's advantage, and the wealth of imaginative images are testament to the staying power of rich 2D worlds.
This fusion of aesthetics and simple-to-grasp gameplay is sure to immerse you in the world of Ancient Trader. Thankfully, the game is rich with incentive; providing nearly infinite replay value. Straying from your main route gives the option to hunt for optional treasures, while fog can be cleared to discover new ports and hidden shipwrecks filled with loot. Also available are a number of differing game modes (such as beating an opponent to a set monetary figure), optional quests, and even an online multiplayer component. Couple this with the abundance of generated maps, different sizes and difficulties; and Ancient Trader is a game with a commendable wealth of content.
As a whole, Ancient Trader is a brilliant example of the indie games movement; a compelling yet simple adventure with a stand-out art style and original content. It may not be bursting with the affluent dazzle of many XBOX Live Arcade games, but it's unique character and quality design make it a title easy to recommended. For anyone browsing the murky depths of XBOX Live Indie Games, Ancient Trader is well worth fishing out.
9/10
From the grid based backdrop of an antediluvian map, hidden treasures and untamed waters swell enchantingly before your trading ship. Your ultimate goal is to explore these oceans, find three hallowed artefacts, and defeat the Ancient Guardian. This forms the basis of an accessible yet astute strategy experience, somewhat reminiscent of the hugely popular Catan and Carcassonne. In a turn-based and easily navigable game-world, you will sail the seas from port to port; buying goods with hope of trading them for higher prices. It's a simple mechanic which works with an addictive charm; finding routes throughout the map to maximise trading with simple, menu-driven shops. After a while, you will be able to afford upgrades to your ship; choosing to increase your speed, capacity, and defence against enemies and disputant sea monsters. Such enemies inhabit and travel the map; blocking your route or otherwise emerging to interrupt your exploration.
Making contact with an enemy icon will take you away from the map and into a separate battle screen. Suitably minimalistic; a central image of your ship and it's foe is hung above a selection of coloured cards. Choosing a card will pit your attack; rock-paper-scisccors style; against whichever card the enemy selects. Here, a combination of your cards' number and a wheel determining the order of colours will decide upon who's attack is successful. It's every bit as luck driven as it sounds; with your first card choice oft deciding the outcome of the remaining battle. That said, the penalties for losing are usually forgiving; enemies take a scattering of coins, or a few of your items are lost to the oceans. It makes for an interesting yet never overbearing experience; with upgrades increasing your chances of winning without ridding the games' reliance on luck.
Frustration is never an option though; the game is submerged in a comfortable requiescence which creates a sincere, charming adventure. This of course is greatly helped by a unique and beautiful art style which fills the game with personality. In a world of sub-par, avatar themed indie efforts; Ancient Trader is a real breath of fresh (sea) air. It's faded and aged looking map design is filled with hand drawn, creative imaginings; it's simple look complimenting it's supposed time-frame with genuflection. Animations are subtle yet work well to it's advantage, and the wealth of imaginative images are testament to the staying power of rich 2D worlds.
This fusion of aesthetics and simple-to-grasp gameplay is sure to immerse you in the world of Ancient Trader. Thankfully, the game is rich with incentive; providing nearly infinite replay value. Straying from your main route gives the option to hunt for optional treasures, while fog can be cleared to discover new ports and hidden shipwrecks filled with loot. Also available are a number of differing game modes (such as beating an opponent to a set monetary figure), optional quests, and even an online multiplayer component. Couple this with the abundance of generated maps, different sizes and difficulties; and Ancient Trader is a game with a commendable wealth of content.
As a whole, Ancient Trader is a brilliant example of the indie games movement; a compelling yet simple adventure with a stand-out art style and original content. It may not be bursting with the affluent dazzle of many XBOX Live Arcade games, but it's unique character and quality design make it a title easy to recommended. For anyone browsing the murky depths of XBOX Live Indie Games, Ancient Trader is well worth fishing out.
9/10