Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (Adam Smith)
An entirely objective ranking of the 50 best PC strategy games ever made, now brought up to date with the riches of the last two years. From intricate wargames to soothing peacegames, the broad expanse of the genre contains something for everyone, and we’ve gathered the best of the best. The vast majority are available to buy digitally, a few are free to download and play forever. They’re all brilliant.
Any week where I get to write twice about Devil Daggers by Wednesday is a good week. On Monday, the lightning-paced 90 s-style arena shooter where you fire glowing magic knives at waves of hell-bound monsters added a nifty top-down replay mode via its version 3 update. Now, it s part of the latest Humble Bundle which is live from right now until October 4.
Alongside roguelike dungeon crawler Runestone Keeper, and the wonderful RollerCoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack, Devil Daggers features in the pay-what-want tier of the Humble Jumbo Bundle 7.
The familiar Humble setup applies in that paying above the average price which is a clean $5 (about 3.85), at the time of writing also nets you tinyBuild s retro boxer Punch Club, Stronghold Crusader 2 (which is currently 29.99/$49.99 on Steam), and Introversion s lovely prison-builder Prison Architect the latter of which recently launched its final update, granting players access to the game s dev tools and cheats.
Should you wish to get your hands on all of that and an Early Access key for survival em up Miscreated, it ll set you back $9.99 (approximately 7.69). As always, payments are split between developers, organisers and charity at your discretion. There's some goodies for free-to-play card game Duelyst up for grabs too.
In case you’ve not picked up on all the hints: Devil Daggers [official site] is my favourite new game of 2016, and I’d say the best-looking game in yonks too. Devil Daggers is Geometry Wars thrown against a satanic altar in a darkened room made of Quake [see me -metaphors ed.]>. I do recognise a leaderboard-climbing first-person shooter in skull-filled satanarena is a hard sell for some so here, look, it’s in the latest pay-what-you-want Humble Bundle along with Prison Architect and more games. Maybe that makes it cheap enough for you to give it a try?
Cos this stuff comes up in comments most every time I run one of these: these charts depict the top ten best-selling games on Steam as accumulated over the week leading up to Sunday just gone. They are not what are the top ten best-selling games at this moment in time, as seen on the front-page of Steam and which are invariably a little different. They come from this here Valve RSS feed. If there is any massaging of figures or weighing of e.g. revenue earned vs copies sold then I do not know of it, but neither can I say for certain that there is not. This is, however, pretty much all that Steam ever lets slip about what’s going on, though you can look to the guesstimates on Steam Spy if you want to try and drill down further into actual figures.
So: Steam’s ten biggest games last week. Well, nine and a half. Deus Ex has been dethroned already.
Cell-building sim Prison Architect [official site] has received its last update and the creators are taking a break before they come back to work on their next game, cave explorer Scanner Sombre. They ll still be doing the odd patch and providing bug support, they say, but this is the last batch of content to be added, resulting in version 2.0. And it s a bit of an old-fashioned addition, because it adds the ability to use cheats.
After several years of tinkering, tweaking, and video series updating, Prison Architect has finally launched its version 2.0 the 45th and final amendment to Introversion s jail management sim.
To mark the occasion, producer Mark Morris and designer Chris Delay recorded a typically jovial send-off diary and explained that, as this is their ultimate video, developer tools and cheats seen featured in a few of their alpha videos are now available to everyone.
The world found time to have two rounds of Olympics; Usain Bolt won six gold medals in the time it took us to do Prison Architect, says Delay in the dev diary below. Morris intervenes: But I reckon the International Olympic Committee probably look at us and go: Those Prison Architect guys, they made Prison Architect in the time it took us to host two games!
Once triggered, Prison Architect s cheat mode allows construction to occur immediately; it adds a new Spawn toolbar that permits instant creation of objects for zero cost; water can be placed like any other building material; and research in the bureaucracy screen can be sped up at the player s discretion, among a range of other unscrupulous undertakings. It s worth noting that cheat prisons can t qualify for achievement unlocks and also can t be sold on for profit.
Function keys can now perform debug services, behaviours settings can be altered, and the game s modding system has also been bolstered. All of that, plus an extensive list of bug fixes, can be found this-a-way.
Introversion will still be at hand to provide support moving forward, however instilling players with the ability to cheat feels like a fitting way for the studio to part ways its prison management sim.
While the previous update suggested the developer s next project will be either first-person cave explorer Scanner Sombre or bomb defusal game Wrong Wire the above video appears to point to the former.
TWO MILLION players have now enjoyed Prison Architect. We are flabbergasted. We would like to thank every single one of you from the bottom of our hearts, for making this such a dream project.
After six years of development including over 40 monthly updates, this is the final content update for Prison Architect and the final video. We will of course continue fixing bugs and providing support. We are going to take a break for a little while, but we will be back soon with our next game.
CHANGES
Developer Tools and Cheats Developer tools and cheats, seen in some of the alpha videos, are now available to everyone. A new option is shown when creating a new map, "Enable Cheats". This is prison specific and cannot be disabled later.
When enabled: - All construction occurs immediately - A new 'Spawn' toolbar button permits instant creation of any game object for zero cost - Water can be placed like any other material - Research in the bureaucracy screen can be sped up by holding down the right mouse button on the item
The Function keys now perform debug services: F1 Edit world properties (Very easy to crash/ruin the game) F2 Profiler F3 Script Debugger F4 Dialog Editor F5 Sound Editor F6 Sprite Bank Editor for Needs icons F7 Sprite Bank Editor for User Interface icons F8 Sprite Bank Editor for Game Sprites F9 Debug rendering options F11 Enlarge Map in All Directions
Nb. - Cheat prisons do not allow achievement unlocks - Cheat prisons cannot be sold for profit.
Policy Window (continued) You can now set which misbehaviours warrant an increase or decrease in prisoner security. For example, murder can be set to immediately make a prisoner Max-Sec.
You can now disable the cell quality checks that determine which cells a prisoner can be assigned to. When enabled, prisoners who misbehave will not be assigned to a nice cell, even if that nice cell is the only one available. When disabled, prisoners will always be assigned to free cells if that is all that is available.
Modding System (continued) - Added World.NumPrisoners and World.Capacity. These return tables containing the current number of prisoners and the total number of cells in each security rating respectively. - Added ability to use markers in object tooltip strings (via objectTable.Tooltip). See lua_function_list.txt
- Localisations: All languages updated.
BUG FIXES - Jobs to construct walls are now visible while designating rooms. - Fix for reliability of + button in Build Toolbar - Delivery Truck drivers no longer counted in Staff Reports - Utilities Room in Quick Build no longer uses the default sprite - Objects that can't be rotated are no longer rotated if part of a Quick Build - Staff inside gang controlled areas can now be sacked - 0010930: [AI & Behaviour] Death row prisoners show up as max security (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011077: [Other] Name in Game Tier issue (John) - resolved. - 0011091: [Control & User Interface] Clicking where the taskbar is located shows the taskbar in windows 10 anniversary update (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0011119: [Gameplay] The issue with taking Death row prisoners. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010968: [Performance] Random crash.Especially during the riot or taser fighting (John) - resolved. - 0011017: [Control & User Interface] [v2preview] crash when viewing "stolen from" (John) - resolved. - 0010921: [AI & Behaviour] Freetime broken (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011032: [Control & User Interface] wrong Japanese translation (John) - resolved. - 0011052: [Gameplay] Quickbuild "luxury cell" and common room not updated for v2.0 tv behavior. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010191: [AI & Behaviour] Dead armed guards will not stop moving when put in Hearse. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011060: [Control & User Interface] Ability to disable the automatic prisoner security change. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0007196: [Control & User Interface] Inmate Nutrition Research Grammar (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011170: [AI & Behaviour] Several security-restricted reception rooms do not work (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011168: [AI & Behaviour] Visitation does not satisfy family need. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010829: [Gameplay] Extension to automatic Security Risk re-assignment (Icepick) - resolved. - 0003491: [Control & User Interface] I need more intake in order to keep the Prison profitable (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011129: [Platform Specific Issues] Windows 10 Taskbar vs PA Toolbar (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0009331: [Gameplay] Execution Lockdown fails to complete (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011135: [Gameplay] Freedom need not satisfied by yard (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011150: [AI & Behaviour] Confidential Informants Get Stuck In Security Room (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011106: [Control & User Interface] Micromanagement bug - no teacher exists while he does. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011145: [Control & User Interface] Screen focus shifts while in Informants view mode (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011158: [Control & User Interface] Cannot switch from Dump to Dismantle in Context Menu (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011160: [Gameplay] National guard should cancel lockdown before entering the prison (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011105: [AI & Behaviour] Cell doors are open during Work/Lockup regime (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011120: [Mod System] [Bug] Using "Interface.RemoveComponent()" extends the menu window height instead of shortening (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0011068: [Control & User Interface] Nasty new problems with Interface Buttons on objects (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0011097: [Mod System] Make the amount of prisoners per Security Level and the amount available/total cells per Security level accessible for mods (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0010996: [AI & Behaviour] (Version 2 preview) Prisoners in solitary aren't using toilets/showers even though their needs are high (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011104: [Gameplay] Prisoners sniffed by dog and searched once deposited in solitary never start serving their punishment (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011136: [AI & Behaviour] Food tray redistribution (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011124: [Gameplay] The new suprise minsec legendary gangleader event didn't actually make the prisoner a gang leader (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011133: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners get stuck when sent to solitary (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011132: [Gameplay] Object duplication with high-priority jobs (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011014: [Save & Load] SectorSystem check keeps reverting changes (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011131: [Gameplay] Snipers bug. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011046: [Control & User Interface] Confidential informants screen misplaced (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010521: [AI & Behaviour] Families wont visit causing lots of fights (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011126: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners fail to satisfy "Literacy" need despite having library books (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011087: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners taken to medical beds are not healed or returned to cells (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010998: [Control & User Interface] "Total Prisoners" intake always selects maximum number of inmates regardless of number set (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0011071: [AI & Behaviour] Stacking babies in a single stack (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011075: [Gameplay] Mother visited by her 0yr. old child (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011092: [Gameplay] Certain events should not occour before the player has unlocked what (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011030: [Control & User Interface] v2 Reg Doors cannot be locked open (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011081: [AI & Behaviour] Snipers target same prisoner (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011058: [Gameplay] Mayor does not require large TV removal (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011079: [Gameplay] Cell Grading for Dormitories bugged with more than 1 Occupants. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011067: [Gameplay] Random items appearing on todo list. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011003: [Gameplay] Agitating radio broadcasts wont stop (Icepick) - resolved.
TWO MILLION players have now enjoyed Prison Architect. We are flabbergasted. We would like to thank every single one of you from the bottom of our hearts, for making this such a dream project.
After six years of development including over 40 monthly updates, this is the final content update for Prison Architect and the final video. We will of course continue fixing bugs and providing support. We are going to take a break for a little while, but we will be back soon with our next game.
CHANGES
Developer Tools and Cheats Developer tools and cheats, seen in some of the alpha videos, are now available to everyone. A new option is shown when creating a new map, "Enable Cheats". This is prison specific and cannot be disabled later.
When enabled: - All construction occurs immediately - A new 'Spawn' toolbar button permits instant creation of any game object for zero cost - Water can be placed like any other material - Research in the bureaucracy screen can be sped up by holding down the right mouse button on the item
The Function keys now perform debug services: F1 Edit world properties (Very easy to crash/ruin the game) F2 Profiler F3 Script Debugger F4 Dialog Editor F5 Sound Editor F6 Sprite Bank Editor for Needs icons F7 Sprite Bank Editor for User Interface icons F8 Sprite Bank Editor for Game Sprites F9 Debug rendering options F11 Enlarge Map in All Directions
Nb. - Cheat prisons do not allow achievement unlocks - Cheat prisons cannot be sold for profit.
Policy Window (continued) You can now set which misbehaviours warrant an increase or decrease in prisoner security. For example, murder can be set to immediately make a prisoner Max-Sec.
You can now disable the cell quality checks that determine which cells a prisoner can be assigned to. When enabled, prisoners who misbehave will not be assigned to a nice cell, even if that nice cell is the only one available. When disabled, prisoners will always be assigned to free cells if that is all that is available.
Modding System (continued) - Added World.NumPrisoners and World.Capacity. These return tables containing the current number of prisoners and the total number of cells in each security rating respectively. - Added ability to use markers in object tooltip strings (via objectTable.Tooltip). See lua_function_list.txt
- Localisations: All languages updated.
BUG FIXES - Jobs to construct walls are now visible while designating rooms. - Fix for reliability of + button in Build Toolbar - Delivery Truck drivers no longer counted in Staff Reports - Utilities Room in Quick Build no longer uses the default sprite - Objects that can't be rotated are no longer rotated if part of a Quick Build - Staff inside gang controlled areas can now be sacked - 0010930: [AI & Behaviour] Death row prisoners show up as max security (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011077: [Other] Name in Game Tier issue (John) - resolved. - 0011091: [Control & User Interface] Clicking where the taskbar is located shows the taskbar in windows 10 anniversary update (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0011119: [Gameplay] The issue with taking Death row prisoners. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010968: [Performance] Random crash.Especially during the riot or taser fighting (John) - resolved. - 0011017: [Control & User Interface] [v2preview] crash when viewing "stolen from" (John) - resolved. - 0010921: [AI & Behaviour] Freetime broken (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011032: [Control & User Interface] wrong Japanese translation (John) - resolved. - 0011052: [Gameplay] Quickbuild "luxury cell" and common room not updated for v2.0 tv behavior. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010191: [AI & Behaviour] Dead armed guards will not stop moving when put in Hearse. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011060: [Control & User Interface] Ability to disable the automatic prisoner security change. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0007196: [Control & User Interface] Inmate Nutrition Research Grammar (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011170: [AI & Behaviour] Several security-restricted reception rooms do not work (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011168: [AI & Behaviour] Visitation does not satisfy family need. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010829: [Gameplay] Extension to automatic Security Risk re-assignment (Icepick) - resolved. - 0003491: [Control & User Interface] I need more intake in order to keep the Prison profitable (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011129: [Platform Specific Issues] Windows 10 Taskbar vs PA Toolbar (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0009331: [Gameplay] Execution Lockdown fails to complete (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011135: [Gameplay] Freedom need not satisfied by yard (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011150: [AI & Behaviour] Confidential Informants Get Stuck In Security Room (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011106: [Control & User Interface] Micromanagement bug - no teacher exists while he does. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011145: [Control & User Interface] Screen focus shifts while in Informants view mode (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011158: [Control & User Interface] Cannot switch from Dump to Dismantle in Context Menu (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011160: [Gameplay] National guard should cancel lockdown before entering the prison (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011105: [AI & Behaviour] Cell doors are open during Work/Lockup regime (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011120: [Mod System] [Bug] Using "Interface.RemoveComponent()" extends the menu window height instead of shortening (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0011068: [Control & User Interface] Nasty new problems with Interface Buttons on objects (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0011097: [Mod System] Make the amount of prisoners per Security Level and the amount available/total cells per Security level accessible for mods (elDiablo) - resolved. - 0010996: [AI & Behaviour] (Version 2 preview) Prisoners in solitary aren't using toilets/showers even though their needs are high (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011104: [Gameplay] Prisoners sniffed by dog and searched once deposited in solitary never start serving their punishment (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011136: [AI & Behaviour] Food tray redistribution (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011124: [Gameplay] The new suprise minsec legendary gangleader event didn't actually make the prisoner a gang leader (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011133: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners get stuck when sent to solitary (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011132: [Gameplay] Object duplication with high-priority jobs (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011014: [Save & Load] SectorSystem check keeps reverting changes (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011131: [Gameplay] Snipers bug. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011046: [Control & User Interface] Confidential informants screen misplaced (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010521: [AI & Behaviour] Families wont visit causing lots of fights (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011126: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners fail to satisfy "Literacy" need despite having library books (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011087: [AI & Behaviour] Prisoners taken to medical beds are not healed or returned to cells (Icepick) - resolved. - 0010998: [Control & User Interface] "Total Prisoners" intake always selects maximum number of inmates regardless of number set (lim_ak) - resolved. - 0011071: [AI & Behaviour] Stacking babies in a single stack (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011075: [Gameplay] Mother visited by her 0yr. old child (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011092: [Gameplay] Certain events should not occour before the player has unlocked what (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011030: [Control & User Interface] v2 Reg Doors cannot be locked open (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011081: [AI & Behaviour] Snipers target same prisoner (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011058: [Gameplay] Mayor does not require large TV removal (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011079: [Gameplay] Cell Grading for Dormitories bugged with more than 1 Occupants. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011067: [Gameplay] Random items appearing on todo list. (Icepick) - resolved. - 0011003: [Gameplay] Agitating radio broadcasts wont stop (Icepick) - resolved.
Prison Architect [official site] technically left early access ten months ago but developers Introversion Software have kept updating their build-o-management game as before. Now they’re finally almost done. After the upcoming release of version 2.0, Introversion plan to call it a day and – aside from fixing bugs which pop up – focus on new things like their pretty cave-scanning game. V2.0 will properly launch next month but you can try a preview version today if you fancy playing with tricky events like food poisoning and mass tunnelling.
