Twilight Struggle coming to Android and getting expansion all at once

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#1

Originally published at: http://statelyplay.com/2016/12/16/twilight-struggle-coming-to-android-and-getting-expansion-all-at-once/

If a gaming website were to have some type of “Best of” at the end of the year (spoiler, we’re doing it the week between Xmas and New Years), I think you’d find at least one writer putting in a vote for Twilight Struggle. If not the best app of 2016, it’s near the top and yesterday we learned that it’s going to get better before 2016 ends. Playdek announced that not only is the game making its long-awaited debut on Android, but it’s bringing with it an expansion pack and more. Oh, and it all happens next Monday.

While coming to Android is huge news for Android users, it’s not a bad deal for Cold Warriors on other platforms, either. The game will launch on Android at 50% off (only $5) and that sale price will also go into effect for the iPad version. Like playing on your laptop? Don’t worry, the Steam version of Twilight Struggle will be discounted as part of the Steam Winter Sale.

All platforms will also be getting new content in the form of an expansion and more. The mini-expansion is called Turn Zero and allows alternate starting scenarios for both superpowers. No idea how it will work, but color me intrigued. There are also some promo cards being released, an alternate Space Race track, and the card art from the deluxe cardboard edition. All this content can be yours via a $4 IAP on iPad and Android, and $5 for PC/Mac.

If you were a Kickstarter backer, the expansion content should be gratis. You can head over here (login required) and check out how to get your juicy new content just for being you.

#2

If I had to pick one game of the year, it would be Twilight Struggle. The iOS implementation has been completely flawless, and it’s a really great game that has entertained me for longer than any other game I can recall this year.

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#3

App is updated with all the goodies. Discovered that if you’re a Kickstarter backer and the expansion isn’t showing up for you, login to the multiplayer portion and then go back to the main screen, and it should all be there.

#4

Finally bought it, now that I can play it on my phone. The UI’s a bit tiny but manageable on my LG G3. Up for a challenge online after I get a couple offline games against the AI under my belt.

#5

Got me excited for a second… then realized you had an Android… still waiting for the iPhone version. Let me know when you’re up for a game - I’m JS619 on there as well.

#6

I’ve so far lost within the first three rounds to the USSR in all three of my offline games. So I’m either god awful, or the game is seriously geared towards the USSR winning (I’m guessing the former).

Fire me a challenge though, I’m halfvoid on all Playdek games as well.

#7

Will do… I lost to the AI a ton too before I got the hang of things. Give me a bit to get some wifi going…

#8

You’ll probably find it easier to learn as the USSR as they have the stronger opening game. You’ll get yourself in a hole you cant get out of if you make early mistakes as the USA.

#9

I’m excited to play with new cards, but what’s up with First Lightning? I drew as the US and tried to space race it, but got the warning that would set DEFCON to nuclear war. I held onto it until JFK finally came up. Is that a bug or am I not getting something?

#10

I wonder if the end of the text is cut off, it seems to be cut off on the ‘who lost china’ card.

Perhaps the very specific wording of lightning causes you to drop defcon when you space race it, us you ‘used’ it for its operations points? Could just be a bug of course

#11

I think it is easier to learn as the US, as you are more reacting to the Soviets. Playing the first time as the Soviets, I had no idea how to apply any of the initial pressure and how to control DEFCON to your advantage.

#12

I checked the text on First Lightning, and it seems correct. It shouldn’t be triggering on Space Race. And yes, Who Lost China is missing “in effect” at the end of it.

#13

For those unfamiliar with the game and just getting into it (@halfvoid), https://twilightstrategy.com/ is a great resource. Older website, but it breaks down just about every card (if not every?) and discusses, in general, the best play for it. Also talks about general strategy, setup, etc…

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#14

While there’s a lot of valuable information to be gained there, I’d recommend taking a few games to figure it out on your own before turning to this resource. You’ll have a better appreciation of what they are trying to say, and a better understanding of the game than if you went straight in trying to execute what you read on twilightstrategy.

#15

Considering that @hardco has crushed me in our last three or four games, I’d go with what he said… :grinning:

#16

I did find the General Strategy chapter on Twilight Struggle to be very helpful when getting started, so I’d suggest reading that, then playing a few games before revisiting the site for the detailed breakdowns.

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