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Following on from my article announcing that the Linux version of The Signal From Tölva could be downloaded on Steam, it's now officially released on GOG & Steam.

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Game Features:

  • Explore a single-player shooter set in a weird, sprawling, tranquil alien landscape.
  • Fight a war of territory control against dynamic and ferocious AI.
  • Recruit allied robots to fight alongside you.
  • Equip electronic countermeasures, plasma shields, and savage beam weapons for intense skirmishing.
  • Unlock the secrets of the signal and enjoy the rich, complex fiction behind the Tölva universe with our free PDF lorebook.
  • Delve into science fiction mystery as you investigate the haunting highlands of Tölva.

It's been running really nicely on Linux and I have yet to find any issues with it. Good to see it get official status now with a SteamOS icon on Steam and a Linux build on GOG too.

I've been enjoying it, but it certainly won't be for everyone as large parts of it really are quite slow. It's a weird mix of lonely travelling, then suddenly being thrust into a firefight against groups of other robots.

The developers are working on a free expansion to the game currently, but they've been having some "real life events" that have unfortunately stalled things a bit. Read more about that here.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Action, FPS, GOG, Steam
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24 comments
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Plintslîcho Nov 27, 2017
Quoting: muntdefemsIt's now 66% off on GOG. :P

That was a great deal that I couldn't resist.

I was sceptical first but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy this game. The graphics are beautiful and while it is slow paced and relaxing, the firefights are tense. But then again, I also enjoy just walking around and marveling at the scenery.

They should've gotten Carbon Based Lifeforms make a soundtrack for this game. :-)
Avehicle7887 Nov 27, 2017
Quoting: GuestIt’s a terrible game, right from the start you have no idea what it is you are supposed to be doing. Really disappointed.

I'm kinda with you on this, the "hijack robot" thing is just an illusion, in truth you're just quick traveling because if I was really hijacking it I would at least find the older bot I switched from. Another thing I dislike is how stupid the AI is, I can just spawn in a friendly outpost and start shooting other friendlies at which point they take out their weapon but just run away and don't even fight back.

As I've said in my previous post, I'm still enjoying the game a fair bit but can't help but feel how cheap some parts of it are. The graphics and the performance is by far the best thing I like about it.
Kuromi Nov 28, 2017
Quoting: GuestIt’s a terrible game, right from the start you have no idea what it is you are supposed to be doing. Really disappointed.

Its definitely game not for everyone, but it doesnt makes it bad.
Nanobang Nov 30, 2017
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Quoting: KuromiThis sound kinda like 3089 (also robot sandbox shooter) and i freaking love 3089.

Lol, for hours after I began playing it that was exactly my thinking: "This is a more chill Phroot joint." I love Phroot's xx89 series too, so my guess is you'd like SfTolva as well. ;)
Kuromi Nov 30, 2017
I play this game for, like, 5-6 hours and more or less like it. There is definitely weak point in this game - certain lack of variety in action, little unfair enemies (with better aim and coming in packs), very small variation in weaponry - as i mentioned i liked 3089 (3079 too) and one point i liked it is ability to assemble your gun from spare parts - with enough effort it was possible to make ultrasniper rifle with explosive bullets or something like that, but not in Tolva.
That i like is certain mystery and exploration parts. I like these tranquil silent fields. I like these ancient derelicts.
Its not best game ever and its doesnt ring "WOW", but i feel like finishing it.
scaine Nov 30, 2017
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Quoting: KuromiI play this game for, like, 5-6 hours and more or less like it. There is definitely weak point in this game - certain lack of variety in action, little unfair enemies (with better aim and coming in packs), very small variation in weaponry - as i mentioned i liked 3089 (3079 too) and one point i liked it is ability to assemble your gun from spare parts - with enough effort it was possible to make ultrasniper rifle with explosive bullets or something like that, but not in Tolva.
That i like is certain mystery and exploration parts. I like these tranquil silent fields. I like these ancient derelicts.
Its not best game ever and its doesnt ring "WOW", but i feel like finishing it.

I finished in about 7 hours, so you should be pretty close. It has its flaws, but I loved the experience. With a bit more polish and more variety in the guns and enemies, this could have been an absolutely massive hit. As it stands, I highly recommend it, but agree with much of what you say.

No regrets though, and I might very well go back for another run.
Kuromi Dec 1, 2017
Quoting: scaineI finished in about 7 hours, so you should be pretty close. It has its flaws, but I loved the experience. With a bit more polish and more variety in the guns and enemies, this could have been an absolutely massive hit. As it stands, I highly recommend it, but agree with much of what you say.

No regrets though, and I might very well go back for another run.

Yeah, just two end missions left to do. And thats exactly one of weak point of Tolva actually. Even without going it pretty obvious that endings you will get - destruction of planer or signal release. I watched both endings on youtube in advance and i can say i didnt liked either of both. game ends abruptly and whole mystery never revealed. There is also "ghosts" in game which giving you certain hint as well as some info in Snoopers, but still, both endings is kinda WTF for me.

Just for note - The full Ghost message
Exigent demands on access overwrite tectonic shutdown
All attempts to activate must collapse into one lattice
Trace mineral intelligense down to single response versus
Signs of sentient behaviour direct response
Unable to engage data release without third-party intervention
Network in stasis, we'd help if we knew how_


Basically i think thing you do in "signal release" ending is about this "Unable to engage data release without third-party intervention"

and another thing i kinda dont understand - huge randomness in game. Sometimes to get data scanned or beacon activated you need to blast you way to it, but sometimes, you just walk peacefully to it and...nobody around. Heck, i got near landed Zealot frigate to scan Zealot stuff expecting army here and there was NOBODY, thats strange to me.

Anyway, i still like it, but it would be better if mystery would be either even thicker or explained better.

P.S. I did taken time and carefully read lorebook provided with game. Its lighten up some aspects (not much, really) but its even more convinces me that there is basically NO good ending in this game, since, according to book, those who created Tolva planet wasnt very friendly to people sniffing their secrets.


Last edited by Kuromi on 2 December 2017 at 2:53 am UTC
Quoting: KuromiAnyway, i still like it, but it would be better if mystery would be either even thicker or explained better.
I know this is an old thread, but I picked this game up in the Xmas sale and really enjoyed it. People have a valid point about the story being vague. It really helps to track down the background pdf that explains the universe. 48 pages and worth reading if you like the game at all.

The closest experience for me was wandering around in Fallout 3 or New Vegas where you only occasionally meet enemies. The world-building and atmosphere were something I really liked. Not for action junkies, though.

I hope they make more in this universe.

Quoting: scaineIt has its flaws, but I loved the experience. With a bit more polish and more variety in the guns and enemies, this could have been an absolutely massive hit.
I agree!

Edit: Quoted wrong person!


Last edited by no_information_here on 2 January 2018 at 6:20 pm UTC
Kuromi Jan 2, 2018
Quoting: no_information_here
Quoting: KuromiAnyway, i still like it, but it would be better if mystery would be either even thicker or explained better.
I know this is an old thread, but I picked this game up in the Xmas sale and really enjoyed it. People have a valid point about the story being vague. It really helps to track down the background pdf that explains the universe. 48 pages and worth reading if you like the game at all.

The closest experience for me was wandering around in Fallout 3 or New Vegas where you only occasionally meet enemies. The world-building and atmosphere were something I really liked. Not for action junkies, though.

I hope they make more in this universe.

Quoting: scaineThat i like is certain mystery and exploration parts. I like these tranquil silent fields. I like these ancient derelicts.
I agree!

Not so old thread, actually. Yes, reading lorebook is must have to understand whats going on. Also, i very very strongly recommend you to track down and scan that orange "spheres" - they not only increase you power output (necessary for heavier guns and stuff) but also drop some light on thats going on. While many of memos stored in those things is not very usefull (just add to atmosphere ) closer to end there is finally bunch of memos giving real info on thats going here. Also, hint -"others" = "aliens".

BTW, as far as i know lorebook was wrote by professional sci-fi author.

Also, as i said before (and even as Steam hints) - if you like this game you may want to try 3079\3089\5089 game, its quite similar in gameplay (not in term of plot)
scaine Jan 2, 2018
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Quoting: scaineThat i like is certain mystery and exploration parts. I like these tranquil silent fields. I like these ancient derelicts.
I agree![/quote]
Whaaaa? I didn't say that! no_information_here quoted me as Kuromi. But since I agree... it's all good! Also agree with Kuromi on 3079/3089, but those games aren't anywhere near as accessible initially and nor are they as polished. I'll have to try 5089 though as I did eventually really enjoy the first two.
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