The recent arcade release Skulls of the Shogun was the first Xbox title with cross-platform play across XBLA, Windows Phone, and Windows 8/RT. Players are able to pick up the single player progress across devices or engage with multiplayer no matter the platform.
This week, Galactic Reign: Relentless does something very similar, albeit missing the XBLA component. When you purchase Galactic Reign on either of the available platforms, you have access to the other one at no additional costs. After purchasing one game, you can download the trial on the other device to access the entire game's content. Note: purchasing the full title is required to earn achievements, even if you've purchased the game on another platform.
Galactic Reign is a strategy title that features asynchronous multiplayer much like Skulls of the Shogun, and this is the primary focus of the game. You can check out the game in action in this launch trailer.
Galactic Reign (WP)/Galactic Reign (WP) $4.99/£3.49
Galactic Reign is a head-to-head game of tactical expansion and conquest. You and your opponent colonize planets, design ships, and build fleets as you fight for domination of the galaxy. Ship design is crucial, as you must predict what their opponent is building and construct ships to counter it. When opposing fleets meet, the battle is rendered on the cloud, showing the result in a stunning cinematic movie.
Galactic Reign is turn based. You and your opponent take your turns whenever you like, and the game advances when you both have submitted your actions. In addition to player vs. player strategy, Galactic Reign features an extensive collection of single player missions that challenge you to use clever ship design to defeat enemy fleets.
Features
Trial mode contains the entire game experience with a single species. Purchase the full version to unlock the other two.
Experience the thrill of cinematic cloud-rendered battles.
Play anywhere --battle your friends in online asynchronous multiplayer across Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7
Choose from three different species, each with a unique look and arsenal.
Scan your opponent's ships and research new technology to take advantage of any weaknesses.
Multiple win conditions bring depth to the strategy layer.
Hours of training missions and single-player scenarios to teach you the ropes and put your skills to the test.
Personalize the look of your fleet with color selections and decals.
Download it here for Windows 8
Download it here for Windows Phone 7.5 and up
As mentioned in the description, the trial features the full game experience but with just one of the game's species. Purchase the full game to gain access to the other two (and to unlock achievements).