I'm Zach Barth, the creative director of the game studio Zachtronics. I've been making "indie games" for a while now, including Infiniminer, SpaceChem, Ironclad Tactics, Infinifactory, TIS-100, SHENZHEN I/O, Opus Magnum, and the recently released EXAPUNKS.
Today I'm here with the Zachtronics team to answer your questions! We recently launched EXAPUNKS, our 90s-inspired, maybe-cyberpunk-maybe-not, hacking/programming/open-ended puzzle game, and would love to answer any questions you have about that, or any other game we've made, or anything else that has to do with Zachtronics.
EXAPUNKS: http://www.zachtronics.com/exapunks/
PROOF: http://www.zachtronics.com/proof.txt
EDIT: If you're going to post EXAPUNKS spoilers, put them in some spoiler tags! >!Like this!<
I'm Zach Barth, the creative director of the game studio Zachtronics. I've been making "indie games" for about 10 years now, including Infiniminer, SpaceChem, Ironclad Tactics, Infinifactory, TIS-100, SHENZHEN I/O, and the newly released Opus Magnum. Also, some dubious educational games that were 66% about pooping. We've arguably pioneered multiple genres of games, including Minecraft clones and design-based puzzles. Possibly also real-time, card-based tactics games, but we don't talk about that game much.
I guess there was also that time that I closed down Zachtronics for a year and worked at Valve on the SteamVR team, where I was one of a few people who worked on Xortex 26XX for The Lab. We can talk about that too, if you want, but try not to ask too many questions about working at Valve.
Today I'm here with most of the Zachtronics team to answer your questions! Our newest design-based puzzle game, Opus Magnum, was just released to Early Access on Steam last Thursday, which is ostensibly why we're here. It's very pretty. Despite that, I have no intention of making this a Rampart-style AMA, so please ask us about anything that interests you! We've been at this for a long time and have a lot to talk about!
PROOF: http://www.zachtronics.com/proof.txt
EDIT: Looks like we're done for now, thanks for all the questions everyone! If there's something you still want to know you can always email me at zach@zachtronics.com and I'll try to help you out!
Hello!
This is my very first post at Reddit, so please educate me if I did something wrong.
Does anyone could play Ironclad Tactics (https://store.steampowered.com/app/226960/Ironclad_Tactics/) on Debian Stretch?
For me, every time I start the game on Steam it crashes right after the splash screen. Any tips on how to fix this issue or, at least, how to troubleshoot it?
Thanks in advance!
I've heard of the game but never tried it. It is a civil war steam punk tactical CCG. Quite the mouthful. Listed as free with in app purchases, I'm installing now to give it a shot.
Link me:Ironclad Tactics
Hi, all. While Ironclad Tactics is on sale for $6 (in the US) for one more day, I thought I'd offer a review of this obscure little game.
First, the elephant in the review: a 66 metacritic. These professional reviews put me off from buying the game at the $15 price point. But once it was discounted 60%, I figured that since I liked collectible card games, and there weren't that many to choose from, I didn't have much to lose.
Overview Ironclad Tactics is a collectible card game played in realtime, which is a sometimes innovative, sometimes annoying twist. You only have a finite amount of time to examine your hand and decide which cards to play. Furthermore, you have to anticipate future turns, as you're basically setting up the board.
The cards and their effects aren't as complex as Yu-Gi-Oh or Magic: The Gathering. But, given the realtime constraints, that might be for the best. The finite turn lengths combined with the simple card mechanics result in a game that can be decently challenging, especially in the new game+ mode. For a frame of reference, I tried the Yu-Gi-Oh demo, found its mechanics more dense than I was in the mood for, and was pleasantly surprised by this with its more relaxed gameplay.
Furthermore, sub-tasks and variants help keep the basic gameplay from going stale. You can unlock new cards or card upgrades by performing certain tasks in a mission, which keeps things interesting and dangles a carrot constantly.
The campaign is probably 2 - 3 hours long, and filled with (intentionally?) cheesy comic book storylines, but after you finish there's a New Game+ mode that is considerably more challenging. There are also expansion campaigns included. One of the best features is that you can unlock card packs from the expansions, and use them to build a deck for use in New Game+.
The Good
- simple, tight mechanics
- lots of goals to drive you forward
- mission constraints introduce variety
- very, very cheap (right now)
The Bad
- turn-phases in realtime can be annoying
- 20 card deck size limits creativity
All in all, it was a pleasant surprise. I'm getting enough play out of it that I wouldn't have begrudged it the full $15 asking price, and I haven't even gotten to multiplayer, yet. (Which might be empty.) I think it's a 90%, but maybe I'm easily am
... keep reading on reddit ➡Although we may have released Ironclad Tactics a week ago, we’re not remotely finished with the game. Here’s a quick roadmap of what we’re planning to do over the next few weeks:
Now
- Finish the artbook and OST, and then deliver all of the digital items to digital bundle customers.
- Fix the remaining bugs, crashes, and balance issues.
Soon
- Assemble and ship the physical items to all Extra! Extra! Bundle purchasers.
- Create a pseudo “new game plus” mode that lets players replay the campaign against harder enemies with all the cards they unlocked the first time through.
- Reassign the card unlocks currently assigned to “friendly skirmish” to the new “new game plus” mode.
Later
- Create the first Ironclad Tactics add-on campaign.
- Expand the multiplayer experience based on community feedback. One idea that we had was a draft tournament mode, where you'd connect with a few other players, shuffle around some virtual "booster packs" to build a deck on the fly, and then battle it out in a quick tournament bracket to determine the winner. That's just one of the many possible things we could do, though.
What do you think of the "new game plus" mode? What kind of multiplayer experience would you like to see? Discuss it in the comments!
Ironclad Tactics is a real-time card-based strategy game by Zachtronics. I have the game from a HIB, and it doesn't run anymore (Ubuntu 17.04) – neither on Steam, nor the DRM-free version. I've already spent quite some time in debugging, and I'm in contact with the tech support of the game.
Here I'm just asking if anyone who has the game, can try running it and report back whether it works or not. Game version (DRM-free, Steam), OS version and architecture (x32/x64) are interesting. I don't think the problem is with the graphics card/drivers but you can include them as well. I think the issue is with Mono.
Does anyone know what happened to the Ironclad Tactics game for Android?
Where can I download/buy it again?
Trading almost any game on Steam
Let me know what game you want, I may give a quote.
Accepting TF2 Mann Co Keys and Dota2 Treasure Keys as payment.
If you have a fair offer make it here, I may accept it. But not guarantee I like it.
Some hot current deals below... don't hesitate to ask for any game you want.
And of coz if you find offers below acceptable, add me for quick trade.
Big List Starts Here
Special
Black Ink (art software) = 10 Keys (while 55% off)
NEW
How to Survive = 4 Keys
Wolf Among Us = 8 Keys
Might & Magic X - Legacy Deluxe Edition = 9 Keys
State of Decay = 7 Keys
[Daily Deal] - valid during corresponding Steam Sale. Do not be late!!!
Papers Please = 3 Keys
Space Hulk = 6 Keys
Daily Deal Capcom
Dead Rising 2 = 2 Keys
Dead Rising 2 Complete Pack = 3 Keys
Onimusha™ 3: Demon Siege = 3 Keys
Devil May Cry 4 = 1.5 Keys
Devil May Cry 3 and 4 Bundle = 2.5 Keys
Bionic Commando = 1.5 Keys
Bionic Commando: Rearmed = 1 Key
The Bionic Commando Pack = 2 Keys
Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition = 2.5 Keys
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition = 3.5 Keys
Lost Planet 2 = 2 Keys
Resident Evil™ 5 = 1.5 Keys
[Current Franchise/Sales] - valid only during corresponding sale
Crysis Wekend Deal - Offer ends 14 October
Crysis = 1.5 Keys
Crysis Warhead® = 1.5 Keys
Crysis® Maximum Edition = 2.5 Keys
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition = 3 Keys
Crysis Collection = 5 TF2 Keys
WEEK LONG DEAL! Offer ends 14 October
Betrayer = 4 Keys
Tower Wars = 1 Key
NecroVisioN + NecroVisioN: Lost Company = 1.5 Keys
Fieldrunners = 1 Key
Fieldrunners 2 = 2.5 Keys
FlatOut = 1 Key
FlatOut 2™ = 1 Key
Flatout 3: Chaos & Destruction = 2.5 Keys
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage = 1.5 Keys
Flatout Complete Pack = 3 Keys
Commander: Conquest of the Americas = 1 Key
Commander: Conquest of the Americas Complete Pack = 1.5 Keys
Cobra Complete Pack = 3 Keys
4 Elements = 1 Key
Worms Revolution = 3 Keys
Worms Revolution Gold Edition = 4.5 Keys
Teleglitch: Die More Edition = 1.5 Keys
Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood = 1 Key
MX vs ATV Reflex = 1.5 Keys
Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards: Reloaded = 5 Keys
[Post-Sale Discounts] - may be overridden by current deals see above
Poker Night 2 = 2 Keys
Receiver = 2 Keys
Counter Strike Series
... keep reading on reddit ➡
Have you ever wanted to design your own level for Ironclad Tactics? Well, now's your chance!
We're looking for player-submitted level ideas to be featured in the upcoming, Franco-Prussian-themed add-on campaign for Ironclad Tactics, Blood and Ironclads. Although we don't have a fancy level design tool, you should be able to describe your level easily in a comment below (they're not very large) or in an email (zach@zachtronics.com). Feel free to re-use existing victory mechanics (like flags or mortars) or to invent your own.
If we use your level design, or a substantial portion of it, you'll receive credit in the add-on campaign, a free copy of the digital deluxe edition of Ironclad Tactics, and an Ironclad Tactics t-shirt (if we have one in a size that is useful to you). We're looking forward to seeing what you create!
NOTE: On Reddit, lines that begin with four spaces are formatted with a fixed-width font, allowing textual representations of maps:
......... F = flag
...F.....
.....F...
.........
Edit: Thanks to everyone who submitted level designs! If something you designed ends up getting chosen I'll send you a PM and let you know and collect your shipping information.
There's two similar threads here but both are very old and didn't get any response.
I've seen the TB review and a couple of others and it looks cool, but I was wondering what people who have played the game since think about it. Will I be able to enjoy it if I never played another similar card game? Is it possible to get all cards in single player? Are the expansion DLCs worth it?
Trading almost any game on Steam
Let me know what game you want, I may give a quote.
Accepting TF2 Mann Co Keys and CS:GO Crate Keys as payment.
If you have a fair offer make it here, I may accept it. But not guarantee I like it.
Some hot current deals below... don't hesitate to ask for any game you want.
And of coz if you find offers below acceptable, add me for quick trade.
Big List Starts Here
[Daily Deal] - valid during corresponding Steam Sale. Do not be late!!!
SPORE = 1.5 Keys
SPORE™ + SPORE™ Galactic Adventures = 2 Keys
SPORE™ + SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack = 3 Keys
SPORE™ Complete Pack = 3.5 Keys
WEEKEND DEAL! Offer ends 9 June
Magic 2014 - Duels of the Planeswalkers = 1.5 Keys
Magic 2014 - Duels of the Planeswalkers Special Edition = 2 Keys
Magic 2014 - GOLD GAME = 2 Keys
Magic 2014 - GOLD COMPLETE = 3 Keys
[Post-Sale Discounts] - may be overridden by current deals see above
Poker Night at the Inventory = 2 Keys
Poker Night 2 = 2 Keys
The Orange Box = 6 Keys
Receiver = 2 Keys
Counter Strike Series
Counter-Strike 1 Anthology = 3 Keys
Counter-Strike: Source = 3 Keys
Counter-Strike: Source + Garry's Mod = 4 Keys
Counter-Strike Complete = 6 Keys
Garry's Mod = 3 Keys
Half Life Series
Half-Life = 2 Keys
Half-Life 1 Anthology = 3 Keys
Half-Life 1: Source = 2 Keys
Half-Life 2: Episode Two = 1.5 Keys
Half-Life 2: Episode One = 1.5 Keys
Half-Life 2 = 2 Keys
Half-Life Complete = 6 Keys
Left 4 Dead 2 = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Series
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto III = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Trilogy = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV + Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas = 5 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition = 6 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Complete Pack = 8 Keys
Need for Speed Series
Need for Speed Undercover = 3 Keys
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit = 3 Keys
Need for Speed: Shift = 3 Keys
Shift 2 Unleashed = 3 Keys
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box = 3 Keys
Alan Wake
Alan Wake = 2 Keys
Alan Wake Franchise = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed Series
Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition = 3 Keys
Assassin's Creed 2 Deluxe Edition = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed Revelations = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed III Season Pass = 5 Keys
Bat
... keep reading on reddit ➡Trading almost any game on Steam
Let me know what game you want, I may give a quote.
Accepting TF2 Mann Co Keys and Dota2 Treasure Keys as payment.
If you have a fair offer make it here, I may accept it. But not guarantee I like it.
Some hot current deals below... don't hesitate to ask for any game you want.
And of coz if you find offers below acceptable, add me for quick trade.
Big List Starts Here
Special
Black Ink (art software) = 10 Keys (while 55% off)
Pre-Purchase Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced Edition = 8 Keys
Pre-Purchase The Wolf Among Us = 7 TF2 Keys (while 10% off)
Pre-Purchase Goodbye Deponia (+free Chaos on Deponia) = 5 Keys
Pre-Purchase Goodbye Deponia Premium (+free Chaos on Deponia) = 7 Keys
Pre-Purchase Demonicon - The Dark Eye = 10 Keys
Audiosurf 2 = 6 Keys
Silent Storm Gold Edition = 3 Keys (while 25% off promo)
Air Conflicts: Vietnam = 9 Keys
Daikatana = 3 Keys
The Inner World = 4 TF2 Keys (while 25% off on Steam)
War of the Vikings = 6 TF2 Keys
War of the Vikings - Blood Eagle Edition = 8 TF2 Keys
War of the Vikings - Valhalla Edition = 29 TF2 Keys
Legends of Aethereus = 6 Keys (while 20% off on Steam)
State of Decay = 7 Keys
The Dead Linger = 7 TF2 Keys
Shadow Warrior = 9 TF2 Keys
Shadow Warrior: Special Edition = 12 TF2 Keys
Day One: Garry's Incident = 6 Keys
1953 - KGB Unleashed Steam Store and Retail Key = 4 Keys (while 15% off)
Omegalodon = 5 Keys
Castle of Illusion (aka Mickey Mouse Returns) = 5 Keys
Hot Wheels™ World's Best Driver™ = 8 Keys
InFlux = 4 Keys
Godus = 7 Keys
Ironclad Tactics = 6 Keys
Ironclad Tactics - Deluxe Edition = 11 Keys
Takedown: Red Sabre = 6 Keys - not recommended. the game barely works.
[Daily Deal] - valid during corresponding Steam Sale. Do not be late!!!
Omerta = 3 Keys
3DMark = 3 Keys
[Current Franchise/Sales] - valid only during corresponding sale
MIDWEEK MADNESS! Offer ends 11 October
Assassin's Creed 3 Standard Edition = 4.5 Keys
Assassin's Creed 3 Deluxe Edition = 9 Keys
Ace of Spades: Battle Builder = 2 Keys
Ace of Spades: Battle Builder 4-Pack = 5 Keys (still officially tradable)
WEEK LONG DEAL! Offer ends 15 October
NecroVisioN + NecroVisioN: Lost Company = 1.5 Keys
WEEK LONG DEAL! Offer ends 14 October
Betrayer = 4 Keys
Fieldrunners = 1 Key
Fieldrunners 2 = 2.5 Keys
FlatOut = 1 Key
FlatOut 2™ = 1 Key
Flatout 3: Chaos & Destr
Trading almost any game on Steam
Let me know what game you want, I may give a quote.
Accepting TF2 Mann Co Keys, Dota2 Keys and CS:GO Crate Keys as payment.
If you have a fair offer make it here, I may accept it. But not guarantee I like it.
Some hot current deals below... don't hesitate to ask for any game you want.
And of coz if you find offers below acceptable, add me for quick trade.
Big List Starts Here
[Daily Deal] - valid during corresponding Steam Sale. Do not be late!!!
WEEKEND DEAL!
[Post-Sale Discounts] - may be overridden by current deals see above
Poker Night at the Inventory = 2 Keys
Poker Night 2 = 2 Keys
The Orange Box = 6 Keys
Receiver = 2 Keys
Counter Strike Series
Counter-Strike 1 Anthology = 3 Keys
Counter-Strike: Source = 3 Keys
Counter-Strike: Source + Garry's Mod = 4 Keys
Counter-Strike Complete = 6 Keys
Garry's Mod = 3 Keys
Half Life Series
Half-Life = 2 Keys
Half-Life 1 Anthology = 3 Keys
Half-Life 1: Source = 2 Keys
Half-Life 2: Episode Two = 1.5 Keys
Half-Life 2: Episode One = 1.5 Keys
Half-Life 2 = 2 Keys
Half-Life Complete = 6 Keys
Left 4 Dead 2 = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Series
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto III = 2 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Trilogy = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV + Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas = 5 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City = 4 Keys
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition = 6 Keys
Grand Theft Auto Complete Pack = 8 Keys
Need for Speed Series
Need for Speed Undercover = 3 Keys
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit = 3 Keys
Need for Speed: Shift = 3 Keys
Shift 2 Unleashed = 3 Keys
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box = 3 Keys
Alan Wake
Alan Wake = 2 Keys
Alan Wake Franchise = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed Series
Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition = 3 Keys
Assassin's Creed 2 Deluxe Edition = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed Revelations = 4 Keys
Assassin's Creed III Season Pass = 5 Keys
Batman Series
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition = 3 Keys
Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition = 5 Keys
Bioshock Series
BioShock = 3 Keys
BioShock 2 = 3 Keys
BioShock 2: Minerva's Den = 1.5 Keys
Cities in Motion
Cities in Motion = 3 Keys
Cities in Motion Collection = 6 Keys
Cities in Motion 2 = 4 Keys
