ShadowWulfe: Too niche for GOG's blood.

CharlesGrey:

ShadowWulfe: I genuinely wonder if this pixel, procedurally generated, roguelike binge that they are on is working out well for them.

CharlesGrey: UPDATE: Felt like giving this old thread a little bump, because the game is currently discounted 50% off over at Humble. I've had my eye on it ever since I originally made this post, and finally decided to buy a copy.

So far I've only played for a few hours, but I feel it's worth the ~10 bucks they're currently asking for it. It's very nicely polished, and seems to have a lot of content. The game also has some included bonus content, such as a rather elaborate history of the Fighting Fantasy franchise, and it even has achievements/optional challenges directly built into the game. That's right, it's possible to provide such features without additional client programs -- who'd have thunk, huh?

For those wondering about Humble's DRM-free version: The game is provided as a direct download from Humble's servers. It comes in the form of a ZIP file of some ~700 MB, and the fully uncompressed folder is about twice as large. I'm not sure about the advantages or disadvantages compared to GOG's installers, but it works fine for me, and I guess it's more portable than conventional installations, and could quickly be moved to other devices. In fact, I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like it would work well on a tablet, due to the simple controls and fairly low hardware requirements.

Some critique: The combat system does its job, but is fairly minimalistic, compared to real tactical RPGs. Also, the expansion pack/DLC for the game isn't being offered on Humble. Currently the only legal way to obtain it for the DRM-free version is to contact the devs via e-mail, and purchase the unlock code directly from them.

For those who don't mind Steam, a Steam version of the game is included in the Humble purchase, and the DLC is available as a separate purchase there. ( For about 5 bucks. ) Personally I'll finish the main game content, and then decide whether I'm still interested in the DLC, and how to buy it.

The game should be discounted for about 3 more days!

CharlesGrey: ...In fact, I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like it would work well on a tablet, due to the simple controls and fairly low hardware requirements...

MadalinStroe: Unfortunately, lately it seems that they are focusing on the PC market, their last 3-4 games have been PC exclusives.

Leroux: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is available as mobile game, too, but only for iPad and iPhone ($5), not Android.

Leroux: Personally I'd be interested in the game but not for the regular price. Even with 50% off it still seems a little much to me for what it is, especially considering that you can get e.g. the Shadowrun games for less. And such high prices can also be an indicator of "too niche" games, suggesting that there wouldn't be enough interest in them in order for lower prices to be profitable, as it would mostly be bought by fans of the niche only who are already willing to pay more. Maybe that's what made GOG hesitate? Or maybe GOG would be interested in this game but not the simpler games based on text only and apparantly it was those that Tin Man Games offered to them before?

MadalinStroe: Never touched Apple, and at the prices of their products, I doubt I ever will.

MadalinStroe: GOG should take greater care explaining their reasons for rejections to the developers. They should never start burning bridges, or give that impression by sounding dismissive.

Leroux: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is available as mobile game, too, but only for iPad and iPhone ($5), not Android.

MadalinStroe: They should never start burning bridges, or give that impression by sounding dismissive.

CharlesGrey: Well, hey, mobile isn't limited to Android or Apple. If someone has a Windows or Linux based mobile device, it should work on those too. I have a Windows 7 tablet, and while it's not really meant for games, this one would probably work since it's entirely turn-based and doesn't require high FPS.
CharlesGrey: I'm afraid they're long past that point, with many Dev studios. You'd think it's in GOG's interest to maintain good business relationships with Devs and publishers. If they dismissed the older, more minimalistic games from this studio, it's arguably up to GOG to reach out to them, if they'd like this one on their store. Most Devs don't really need GOG, when the vast majority of their sales comes from Steam. And especially when they already have other options for offering DRM-free versions of their games.

But maybe GOG is at a point where they feel they don't need smaller Dev studios either. *shrug*

Personally I think this game would have been a great match for GOG and its audience, considering how popular most old-school RPGs are here.

nightcraw1er.488: It's not:
Rogue like
Crafting
Procedurally genearated
Pixelated
Requiring online connection
Hence too niche.

CharlesGrey: ...Linux based mobile device...

MadalinStroe: I had no idea such devices existed.

I know about Windows phones, however I've never thought about whether it was possible to play win games directly. Interesting idea, I''ll have to look into that.

I have only used Android phone/tablet devices for my "on the go gaming", which I fueled with HumbleBundle DRM-Free games. Initialy I tried some "free to pay" games, but I have always ended up being disappointed by the monetization model.

Fairfox: You just know 'Firetop Mountain' ain't full of unicorns, rainbows and free hugs. I bet it's full of none of these.