One game that crossed the ol’ TouchArcade news desk that caught my attention is one called Exospecies from developer Inductor Software. It’s a turn-based strategy game with an emphasis on online multiplayer as well as numerous unit types that can be combined to create various results similar to combining cards in a CCG, and Inductor even describes Exospecies as “Chess meets Magic: The Gathering." They are also hoping to create a game that’s highly conducive to mobile play. It’s currently iPhone-only and plays in portrait orientation, and they have a feature they’re calling “Simul-turn" which let’s both players take their turns at the same time, so it allows for a quicker pace while still being turn-based. There will also be an extensive level editor so you can create your own levels to play on. All of this is on display in the trailer for Exospecies.
As you can see, Exospecies has an art style that reminds me a lot of “sci-fi computer game from the ’90s" and I actually mean that as a compliment. It’s not quite as polished as the types of multiplayer-centric “strategy" games the big companies put out, but that also means it’s not that same generic free to play game art style that seems to be everywhere, which is quite refreshing. This game has a rad personality. If Exospecies looks like your cup of tea, it’s currently in open beta, so all you have to do is visit the official website to fill out your details and sign up for beta access. With its emphasis on mobile accessibility and online play, and sheer variety due to the many unit types, ability combining, and level creation, I think Exospecies has some real potential to be a hit.