The basic idea alone is strong enough to arouse curiosity: In a poisoned world where mysterious plants spread toxic spores, a group of survivors flee on the back of Onbu, a gigantic creature that looks like a cross between a dragon and a dinosaur. As they travel with him through different biomes, they build a functioning settlement, adapt to new dangers and eventually decide: do we live with him or just on him?

The Wandering Village is a balancing act between "little space" and "great responsibility"

Building on Onbus' back is a constant compromise. Space is limited, resources are scarce. I realized early on that you can't just build haphazardly here. Instead, it's about establishing sensible production chains and keeping distances short. If you build inefficiently, you will quickly be overtaken by hunger, thirst or disease. And Onbu is not a neutral area - it is a living being with needs. If I don't look after it, my settlement suffers. If I treat it badly, it can turn against me. And that's exactly what makes it so attractive: I'm not building a city. I'm building a relationship.

This becomes particularly clear in the later stages of the game. When I'm traveling through deserts, my water supplies are running low and I have to decide whether to lead Onbu through a poisonous zone or take a detour - then it becomes clear that it's not just Onbu that carries a lot of weight, but every decision I make. And yes, you can also consciously decide against the animal's welfare. But doing so not only has technical consequences, it also has moral consequences. I tried it out. And then quickly restarted. Very often, by the way... it's harder than it seems.

Graphics, music and a feeling all of its own

The Wandering Village lives not only from its gameplay, but also from its atmosphere. The style is a successful mixture of hand-drawn 2D elements and clear 3D models. Everything looks harmonious, never overloaded, but never too plain either. The colors change to match the biomes, sometimes warm and inviting, sometimes cold and threatening. Onbu also changes, sometimes appearing powerful, sometimes exhausted. I often just watched him breathe, move or rest.

The soundtrack is calm, driving, melancholic - it adapts to the way I play without ever being intrusive. There were moments when I simply enjoyed the flow of music while my settlement was running. Music that not only accompanies, but - attention linguist joke - carries.

The Wandering Village is a city builder that is second to none

The game offers more than just construction and administration. It lets me explore, research and tactic. I send out scouts, find old technologies that open up new possibilities. Progress is not an end in itself - some tools make life easier, others bring risks. If you automate your production, for example, you have to expend more energy, which in turn can affect Onbu's exhaustion. Everything is intertwined. And that's what keeps me going.

Who the creators behind Stray Fawn Studio knows that the ideas behind the game mechanics can be very profound and scientific.

There are also different game modes - from the classic build-up scenario to a story mode that adds an emotional charge to the journey. There are also regular challenges, random events, new biomes, flying traders and even changeable skins for Onbu. So it never gets boring.

Technically clean and lovingly cared for

I also noticed something positive: The Wandering Village runs stably, even on longer sessions - even from the beginning of the Early Access version. I myself have not been able to discover any serious bugs over the last few months. However, the development team at Stray Fawn Studio reacted quickly to feedback from the community and has implemented many improvements and fixed bugs over time. The community was actively involved and many suggestions found their way into the game.

I can only think of a few games off the top of my head that could be considered examples of very good Early Access... there are Grounded and just The Wandering Village. The game is therefore not only a showcase for creative game design, but also for good community management. And you can see that in every detail.

The Wandering Village - An indie gem for the coming years

For me The Wandering Village one of the best games of recent years. It's a small, wandering world in which I lose myself anew every time. It is construction and survival, relationships and morals, music and atmosphere. Who City-Builder will feel at home here - but anyone else who simply wants to experience something new should also pay Onbu a visit. I do it again and again. And will continue to do so - now more than ever for the full release on 17.07.2025.

The post A world between breathing and holding your breath - Why The Wandering Village is my favorite city builder of recent years first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

Welcome to the realm of merchants and rulers

In Cruiser, crown & cabal players take on the role of a Trading magnates who builds, expands and manages his own settlement. The economic simulation offers a mixture of strategic decisions and economic skill. But the challenge does not end with the pure management of resources. Players also have to face social and political events that can turn daily business upside down. Every step on the political stage, every decision in the economic structure can make the difference between success and failure.

The game allows interaction on three different levels: On the settlement view, buildings can be built and improved and tasks can be taken on, while the 3D overview map can be used for planning trade routes or discovering Robber camp serves. The world map, on the other hand, allows you to keep an eye on large-scale trade routes and economic data. This clear structure helps to master the numerous mechanics that the game has to offer.

Cruiser, crown & cabal - the perfect mix for power games

In addition to building and expanding your own settlement, the Cruiser, crown & cabal There is also plenty of room for power games and intrigue. The political dimension of the game gives players the opportunity not only to concentrate on trade, but also to influence the political structures of the counties and guilds. This is where the strategic part of the game comes into its own: players must join forces with other players to found guilds and win influential offices such as that of judge or Landvogts to obtain.

A special feature of the game is the interaction with the local counts and countesses, who act as NPCs but have a major influence on the game. Through clever intrigues, such as infiltrating agents into foreign settlements or fulfilling the count's tasks, players can gain valuable advantages - but only if their plans do not fail. Otherwise, they face the penalty of the Tower of Debt, which acts as a medieval game over. This interplay of risky decisions and rewarding rewards is what makes the game so appealing.

An economy that has it all

Trade in Cruiser, crown & cabal is profound and demanding. From the production of raw materials to refinement in various factories, everything is in the hands of the players. Trade routes must be planned, goods traded and production buildings expanded. But that's not all - players must also recognize the individual characteristics of their settlers and make the best use of them. Each production building can be expanded and efficiency can be increased through the skillful deployment of personnel.

It is also exciting to discover sneak and trade routes to transport goods across the land undisturbed. Terrain types such as forests, swamps or mountains play an important role here and must be integrated into the Route planning be included. It is also important to deal skillfully with customs duties and trade agreements in order to achieve maximum profits. If you plan cleverly and keep an eye on the economy, you will quickly become the most powerful trader in the region in this simulation.

A settlement avatar with style

The heart of Cruiser, crown & cabal is your own settlement. This acts as a kind of "avatar" for the player and can be individually designed and expanded. From the town hall to the Tavern to the forge, there are numerous buildings available that need to be placed strategically. Players have the freedom to choose the architectural style and building materials, which gives the settlement a personal touch.

Players will be particularly proud of the opportunity to unlock or purchase representative "skins" for their settlement. These cosmetic customizations are not only pleasing to the eye, but also bring tangible gameplay benefits. And if your own empire is not enough, you can also use the Settlements other players and work your way up the rankings. Because in Cruiser, crown & cabal it is important not only to be rich, but also to be respected.

Cruiser, crown & cabal: A real kingdom for strategists

In Cruiser, crown & cabal is not only about building and trading, but also scheming and ruling. The combination of economic simulation and MMO strategy makes the game an exciting adventure that is suitable for both solo players and groups. The social aspect of the game, which can be seen in the founding of trade guilds and participation in political votes, gives the simulation additional depth.

If you are a fan of medieval strategy and complex Economic simulations will enjoy this game. The freedom to design your own settlement, the variety of trade and production mechanics and the constant danger of being driven to ruin by intrigue provide plenty of excitement and entertainment. Cruiser, crown & cabal offers a game system that challenges, rewards and makes you think in all the right places. Here, power is not only measured in coins, but also in smart decisions - and that is probably one of the greatest challenges of this kingdom.

The post Cruiser, Crown & Cabal - A kingdom for clever merchants and unscrupulous intrigues first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

From Daedalus to Icarus

Daedalic Entertainmentonce a favorite of the German gaming scene, was known for its point-and-click adventures. But over time, the desire to be one of the big names in the industry grew. With "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum", this dream was to become reality. But instead of the longed-for flight of fancy, the company fell into a deep slump.

After the debacle surrounding Gollum, Daedalic withdrew from development and has since acted solely as a publisher. It is a sad ironythat a studio that was once praised for its creative and innovative games, such as the Deponia series, was brought down by a project that had so much potential.

The harsh reality behind the scenes of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum"

The YouTube channel Game Two has taken a closer look at the history of Daedalic Entertainment and in particular the development of "Gollum". The documentary shows a picture of a studiowhich was under pressure and where a climate of fear prevailed. Overtime, underpaid employees and a harsh tone were the order of the day.

Particularly telling: the letter of apology for the Gollum debacle, which most likely from an AI, ChatGPT, was written. This incident shows how much the trust between developer and publisher had eroded and how little respect was shown to the project and its creators.

Technical hurdles and budget problems

One of the main problems in the development of "Gollum" was the budget. At only 15 million euros, it was far below what is usual for AAA titles. Despite a team of experienced developers, resources were limited. This meant that many planned features and content could not be implemented. Scenes were not animated, characters were hidden and innovative mechanics were replaced by simple solutions.

It's a classic example of how too tight a budget and too high expectations can lead to a perfect storm that dooms a project to failure.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - The End of a Dream

"The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" was supposed to be the breakthrough for Daedalic Entertainment, but it turned out to be a nail in the coffin. The game was savaged by critics and gamers alike. Bugs, crashes and unfulfilled promises led to a storm of indignation.

The development team at Daedalic finally had to swallow the bitter pill and give up development. It is a painful reminder that even the most talented teams can fail when circumstances are against them.

You can watch Game Two's report on the failure of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" at on YouTube here.

And if you don't watch your feet, there's no telling where they'll take you...

The history of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a reminder for the entire industry, but especially for the German gaming industry. It shows how important it is to create realistic Goals to pay attention to the well-being of employees and to communicate transparently with the community. It is a reminder that not every risk pays off and that the road to success is often rocky.

But it is also a story of passion, ambition and the desire to create great things. It shows that even in the midst of failure, lessons can still be learned and experiences gained that are invaluable for future projects.

The post The Lord of the Rings: Gollum - The failure of an ambitious project first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

Saltu is rich in flora, fauna and resources that can be used to build a thriving base. The dense foliage, swamps and rivers make this jungle the perfect setting for exciting survival adventures. But be careful! From violent thunderstorms to vivid clouds of fog, players will have to cope with difficult conditions.

Sophisticated strategies are required to lead the group and master the challenges. The new "Work Area" feature makes it possible to organize the camp optimally. By setting up area flags, certain zones can be assigned for tasks, which leads to better organization and productivity. Recreational objects such as slot machines and weight benches can also be set up to improve well-being.

The update also introduces a new survivor, Melody Adeyemi. She is a respected healer with knowledge of herbal medicine who is a valuable aid in treating new diseases such as swarm fever, intestinal worms and blood infections.

The jungle update also introduces a vibrant selection of plants, recipes and resources that have never been shown before. Two new alien animal species make the jungle even more exotic. The gentle herbivore Noth and the spiky omnivore Shogu expand the fauna and provide additional excitement.

The post Stranded: Alien Dawn update brings new region and more first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

At the center of "Oxbow" is Piastova, the first location that players can enter either individually or cooperative will visit. New missions and numerous new characters await here. In addition, everyday life in the villages of Oxbow will be livelier, with additions such as new workplaces. For example Players chopping wood at the forest worker station or get involved in butter production, which makes the medieval hustle and bustle a lot more intense.

A trailer for the update can be seen here: YouTube

One highlight is that all new missions can be played both alone and in collaboration with friends can be completed. Damian Szymański, CEO of Render Cube, commented: "We want to give Medieval Dynasty fans more ways to play and expand the overall game experience. The co-op mode with the Oxbow map is one of the biggest and most exciting Extensions, that have been added to the game since launch."

In Medieval Dynasty, players begin as a young man living a simple life, learning and honing his skills as a farmer and hunter. It is his task to build his own home from the ground up, starting with a simple hut and ending with a sprawling farm. In addition, he must motivate people to settle near him and work for him in order to ensure the survival of his dynasty.

The game features a vast 3D open world that reflects life in the Middle Ages, including the challenges of a harsh winter and unpredictable events. Throughout the game, players hone their skills and create a legacy destined to secure their bloodline's place in history for generations to come.

The post Medieval Dynasty - Long-awaited feature within reach first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.