Eon Altar (2016)

Overview

Eon Altar is a mobile-enhanced cooperative role-playing game designed for 1-4 players, offering a rich tactical and narrative experience. The game requires players to use the free Controller App, available on both the App Store and Google Play, to interact with the central Eon Altar platform. Local Wi-Fi is necessary to connect devices, though no internet access is required for gameplay. The game supports iOS devices including iPhone 4s or later, iPad Mini, and iPad 2 or newer, running iOS 8 or higher. Android devices need a minimum of 512 MB of RAM and must operate on Jellybean 4.1 or later.

Gameplay Structure

Eon Altar offers episodic content, allowing players to purchase the Season Pass to unlock Episode One, Episode Two, and Episode Three. For newcomers, the Prelude chapter is available to play for free, providing an introduction to the game's mechanics and story.

Episodes and Chapters

• Episode One: Chapter 1 - The Portal Obsinate, Chapter 2 - The Wolf of Yriel, Combat Arena - The Hall of Penitence
• Episode Two: Chapter 1 - Together We Fall, Chapter 2 - The Safehold, Combat Arena - The Cultist Rising
• Episode Three: Chapter 1 - The Paths of Madness, Chapter 2 - Hall of the Builders

Core Gameplay

Players explore extensive dungeons and tunnels beneath Tarnum Fortress, undertaking dozens of quests and challenges. Combat is tactical and turn-based, requiring strategic use of magic, martial skills, and cooperation or deception with fellow players. Each hero faces numerous defenders of the Eon Altar, each posing a deadly threat. Players can communicate through in-game dialogue to uncover secrets, myths, and hidden truths, ultimately shaping their character’s fate.

Smartphone Integration

• Your smartphone acts as a personal interface for your character, delivering private thoughts and information.
• Decide whether to share personal insights with other players or use them strategically.
• Upgrade and manage your character seamlessly without disrupting other players’ actions.
• Receive context-sensitive commands and options directly on your mobile device, enhancing tactical control.

Couch Co-op Experience

Connect mobile devices to a central game platform to coordinate tactics and movement. Play cooperatively with up to three friends or enjoy a solo adventure. Players must navigate the choice between collaboration and betrayal while racing to achieve their objectives and defeat legendary enemies.

Story and Narrative

The game presents a multi-episode epic of friendship, betrayal, and heroic destiny. Players engage in nine episodic installments filled with action, tactical combat, and narrative surprises. The world is a richly detailed sword-and-sorcery fantasy setting where every choice impacts the story. Interactions with allies, enemies, and friends are conducted through acting out character lines, offering an immersive role-playing experience.

Visual and Audio Design

• Intricately designed environments and atmospheric art create a fully immersive fantasy world.
• Non-player characters are fully voice acted, while players provide the voice for their own hero.
• An original soundtrack composed by Tom Salta, renowned for his work on the Halo series, enhances the game’s epic tone.

Challenges and Objectives

An ancient and malevolent presence rises from the depths of the Eon Altar, threatening the world. A small band of heroes must uncover the force behind it and confront its power. Players must answer the questions: what brought them together, and do they possess the strength to challenge the gods themselves?

Unique Features

• Mobile-enhanced co-op RPG with tactical turn-based combat.
• Full integration of smartphones as character controllers.
• Choice-driven narrative shaping character destiny.
• Episodes structured to deliver continuous story progression and replayability.
• Epic and original fantasy world with detailed dungeons, quests, and strategic combat challenges.

System Requirements

iOS: iPhone 4s or later, iPad Mini, iPad 2 or later. Requires iOS 8 or higher.
Android: 512 MB RAM minimum, Jellybean 4.1 or later.

If you're looking for a unique, co-op RPG experience, Eon Altar is worth a shot. The game uses a clever mobile integration system, where each player controls their character through a free app, which adds an interesting layer of strategy and secrecy. The tactical turn-based combat is solid, and the episodic structure keeps things fresh, offering new challenges and storylines over time.

However, it does have its downsides. The mobile app setup can be a bit cumbersome, especially if you're looking for a seamless experience. Also, while the game offers a great story and immersive world, it may not be for everyone—it's designed for couch co-op, so solo players may not find as much enjoyment. But, if you're into local multiplayer with friends and enjoy a bit of strategy and betrayal, Eon Altar is definitely worth considering.