P
Peter Cohen
Now that we're almost into August it's time to take a look back at the best Mac games that were released this month. This month's releases include a great new Mickey Mouse game that's not just for kids, the Mac App Store release of Double Fine's resurrection of the classic point-and-click adventure game genre, and much more!
Broken Age
Double Fine Productions' pedigree is flawless — it's the game studio founded by Tim Schaefer, a LucasArts veteran who designed classics like Full Throttle, The Secret of Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle. Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure game designed in that tradition: two teenagers seemingly unconnected are bound together as they try to break tradition with their own lives and learn more about the world around them. There's a giant creature to slay, missions to complete and more.
- $24.99 - Download now
It's a new game based on the classic Sega Genesis/Mega Drive title. Mickey must rescue Minnie as he faces off against the evil witch Mizrabel and her minions, making his way through the Castle of Illusion. The game stays true to its 2D platform roots while being thoroughly updated with 3D gameplay elements and top-notch graphics and sound. Castle of Illusion features boss battles and other challenges.
- $14.99 - Download now
A turn-based strategy role playing game, Halfway puts you in charge of a small band of human survivors on board the colonial vessel Goliath. It's kill or be killed in this game which emphasizes tactical control: Using cover, your position, equipment and individual crew members' skills to clear each level. The gameplay is 2D, rendered in an overhead perspective that reminds me of classics like (the original) XCOM.
- $11.69 - Download now
Blizzard shook things up when they released Hearthstone, their free to play collectible card game (CCG). A company best known of its subscription-based World of Warcraft and hit commercial games like Diablo III and StarCraft II seemed like an unlikely candidate to do free to play, but they've done it well. Hearthstone, which trades on Warcraft lore, is a lot of fun to play, addictive, and doesn't require you to spend a dime if you just want to learn the ropes and have some fun. Curse of Naxxramas is Hearthstone's first adventure, a single game play mode that matches you against computer-controlled opponents. The adventure includes 30 new cards which can be acquired by completing various missions within the adventure. You can buy the game using gold — earned in-game via arena victories — or by paying outright if you don't have the in-game cash or the patience.
- $19.99 - Download now
This game originated on mobile, but it's translated very well to the MacBook and Magic Trackpad thanks to OS X's multi-touch gesture support. If you've ever played the original Touchgrind skateboarding game, you have an idea of what to expect, except this time it's BMX bikes. Pedal your way through challenging parks and do big stunts to run up your score. Earn medals and complete challenges on every level, unlock new bikes and new locations, upgrade your gear. The full game is unlocked with a $7.99 in-app purchase.
- Free - Download now
If you haven't yet played The Walking Dead game series from Telltale Games, you're missing one of the best graphic adventure games available for the Mac or any other platform. This is a terrific series, based on the popular television show and graphic novel, but focusing on new characters and situations. It's part action part choose your own adventure as you decide how characters will interact with each other during key sequences. The game unfolds through the eyes of Clementine, a young girl orphaned during the zombie apocalypse who's been forced through circumstance to fend for herself and survive. This is the second-to-last episode of this season, which is released every month or so. And yes, the game's coming back for Season 3.
Season 2 (all five episodes):
- $24.99 - Download now
(Also available for download via Steam and Macgamestore.com.)
Your picks?
I'm sure I missed a few that are great. If I've left any July releases out that you think are worthy of note, or if you have any questions, let me know in the comments!
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