Aground vs Dark Gnome
Aground
Aground is a 2D, side-scrolling, survival-themed adventure game where you'll be digging out the bowels of the earth for precious ores to turn into tools, weapons, and armor or to sell to gain coins. Similar to games like Kingdom: Classic or its sequel, Kingdom: New Lands, the game will have you venture out to explore new islands to discover more about the story behind the land, to meet new characters and to obtain better resources to craft superior items.The storyline in this game is pretty intriguing as well. It features a Bermuda Triangle-like area where people often get shipwrecked and are washed up to one of the shores of the small archipelago. The islands are filled with weird creatures and is rich with minerals and resources. As survivors starting from scratch, they do not have access to the technologies they used to enjoy that is until apparently a mysterious tribe, called the Mirrows, helped to set stuff up.
Aground offers players the sort of freedom that Minecraft is able to provide and yet, is not fully a sandbox game nor does it have a procedurally generated map. Of course, this game has a great storyline, along with quests to help drive those plot points forward, and that alone makes it a really fun game to play.
Dark Gnome
Dark Gnome is a fun, pixel-style 2D fantasy RPG that's fresh from the oven from Upjers. Currently available for players who know how to read German, the game will have you set up your ultimate team of warriors and send them to battle various creatures in the game's many dungeon-like locations for amazing loot. You can recruit new heroes from the tavern and equip them with the best gear you have. You can even help injured warriors recover by sending them over to the only medical tent in town.The old-school-styled combat system in this game, on the other hand, is mainly turn-based and allows you to choose which action to take, be it to attack or to stand your ground.
Dark Gnome is a game that gives off a strong 2D dungeon crawler vibe which, I believe many players would probably enjoy. The game is currently in its Open Beta phase and once it is officially released, hopefully, Upjers will provide an English version for their global players.