But as someone who gave it a shot: I fucking LOVE this game. Or at least, I used to- it's been four years since I played it, because well... It wasn't finished.

That's changing soon. The game is gearing up to leave early access.

From what I recall, this is one of the greats. A game that deserves a huge fandom writing endless fanfics, to be recognized as a great example of how to make a "mature" game that actually feels mature, and not just horny or edgy.

(Not that there's anything inherently wrong with "just horny or edgy", but I can get that anywhere. This game has actually good writing, and that's rare.)

IIRC though, the best part about it was actually the RPG mechanics. I remember it feeling quite deep, challenging, rewarding the player well, etc.

RELEASING OUR CLAIM ON THE PAST

"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?"  - Isaiah 43:18-19

This is a season of release from past pain and limitations that have held many in the Body of Christ back.

In Genesis 26, Isaac was on his own voyage of discovery. Isaac's servants discovered water in the land, only to have the wells contended for by locals (just as gold in the earth is limited, so is groundwater). Isaac could have camped in that place of dispute—he could have continued to contest for his rights—but he chose to release it and move on.

Isaac was able to release and move on because He trusted God: "And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, 'For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land'"  - Genesis 26:22

It's time to release the past! God has new wells of replenishment, favor and supply for us to discover. We will know, "God has made room for me here." He is opening new wells of occasion and provision.

As you begin, forgive and bless those who have wounded you. Be released from the unkindness of those who have not believed in you.

Declare: "My God, You are sufficient for me! You are my Father and You are also the Righteous Judge! I praise You now. Thank you for working on my behalf to bring restoration."

Anticipate that the areas which have frustrated you for a long period of time are being resolved. As you come around "the mountain" for the last time, you discover a horizon that wasn't available to you before. Trials of the past are bearing fruit. Your discernment and insight have been clarified and sharpened.

Jesus will be the only explanation for what people see taking place in and through you as you pursue the ascended life by helping and discipling others in their striving for a higher understanding of Jesus and their Christ identity.

Kingdom Builder (for 2-4 players) is one of those games that’s grown on me. I love it. It doesn’t have the flashiest looks. It plays pretty simply (at first). But it’s a puzzle that rewards careful thinking and luck mitigation. And there’s so much variety in it that no two games will be exactly the same.

The board is randomly set up with 4 tiles chosen from a from a big selection. Then three goal cards are dealt out. Those explain how you’ll score points this time. On your turn, you draw a card and play it. That’s it. The card tells you what kind of land you must place your three settlements on that turn. All new settlements must be placed adjacent to your existing ones if possible.

When you place a settlement next to a structure, you get a tile with a special power. Each board piece has a different power associated with it. Getting those powers is crucial to being able to move around the board. Some let you add extra pieces. Some let you move existing pieces. Some let you build on water, which is normally forbidden. And so on.

It’s a simple game that's easy for anyone to play. But getting good at it takes a little practice. I didn’t realize that until I got the app version and the AI routinely kicked my butt. Seeing the game unfold that way made me realize its potential and how much it really did rely on strategy. It seems lucky depending on what card you draw, and it is to a degree, but you have lots of options to handle that.

Expansions add new terrain and powers, new pieces, and new goals. It’s a game I never tired of. Check it out!

Watch for an ambush, Harrim.

You had one job.

9 Kings is a fast-paced roguelike kingdom builder game gets a roadmap, but runs like a dream on Steam Deck and Linux via Proton, with Windows PC. Thanks to the nonstop creativity of developer Sad Socket, the title just keeps getting better. Which you can find on Steam Early Access and Humble Store with 92% Very Positive reviews. If you haven’t heard of 9 Kings yet, where have you been? This slick fast-paced roguelike kingdom builder game from Brazilian dev Sad Socket and published by Hooded Horse has absolutely exploded, racking up over 400,000 sales in its first month of Early Access. That's not just good—that’s legendary, especially for an indie title built in Unity, fully playable on Steam Deck and even running smooth on Linux via Proton. That alone deserves a standing ovation. But what makes 9 Kings such a hit? It’s not just the deep strategy, crunchy card combos, or the way it rewards big-brain plays and chaotic risk-taking. It’s the vibe—every match feels like a battle of wits with fate itself. And now, after ten meaty patches that added content, fixed bugs, and polished quality-of-life bits, the devs are setting their sights on even bigger things. Let’s break it down, because the future of 9 Kings is looking stacked:

Perks, Reworked – Meta-Progression Gets Smarter

One of the most-requested features is finally on the way: a complete overhaul of the perk system. The devs are taking a hard look at how players grow stronger between runs, aiming for long-term balance without sacrificing creativity. Expect the first version of this rework to land this month—perfect time to dive back in.

Kings 8 and 9 – The Final Crowns Are Coming

There are still two Kings left to claim their thrones in the roadmap. King #8 is due to drop this summer, and the long-awaited 9th King will arrive in Q3, officially completing the “core” vision for the game. Think of it like the season finale of your favorite show—except you get to be the main character.

9 Kings: Release Trailer

New Game Mode & Endless Surprises

Later this year, 9 Kings will drop a brand-new game mode that builds on everything players have mastered so far. While the devs are still tight-lipped on the details, they’re hinting it’ll bring something fresh that deepens the strategic sandbox. And for you grind lovers? The Endless Mode is also getting an upgrade, alongside new cards (hello, Rainbow cards), decrees, perks, and even more achievements to flex. And don’t worry—they're not abandoning regular updates. Expect a steady drip of QoL tweaks, performance polish, and fun extras all through Early Access.

Built for Strategy Nerds, Loved by Everyone