'StarSmasher' 1.1 Update Brings New Playmode
posted September 5th, 2008 8:25 AM EDT by Blake Patterson in News, iPhone games, iPod touch games
John Bowers of EspressoSoft has informed us that version 1.1 of StarSmasher [App Store] is now available for download. (At the time of this writing the App Store is still showing the available version as 1.0.3, but the new version is actually sent upon download.)
StarSmasher, which we reviewed earlier, is a 3D "on-rails" space shooter. The gameplay involves dodging asteroids, shooting enemies, and avoiding landmines, as you try to build up your score. Each game offers 3 space ships and a shield indicator. As you get bounced around by asteroids and enemy fire, your shields will weaken until your ship is ultimately destroyed.
The version 1.1 update brings significant enhancements:
- "Energy Monger" play mode added (pictured), featuring 30 levels of increasing difficulty, fewer asteroids, new enemy types, and two attainable bonus levels. Energy Monger mode runs at a higher framerate (thanks to a complete game engine rewrite) and features background music.
- More polished sound effects
- Improved memory management
- Original play mode preserved, untouched, as "Free Flight" mode
StarSmasher [App Store] is available for $2.99 through the iTunes App Store.
I greatly prefer Energy Monger mode. This update is great. Been playing all morning. Thanks, John!
Cool – Energy Monger mode was what I was hoping the game would be like in the first place. Now it feels like a real "game," rather than just endless avoiding asteroids.
So is this a paid update? Because it's not showing up in any of my update lists.
It's not worth buying again just to get this.
iTunes store says the latest version is available but doesn't show up for me..
Anyone else have this?
@Thelonious
Not a paid update. Not sure what is wrong–the app store seems to have a lot of problems (for example, for me, every app says that it has zero reviews). You can also safely delete the app and re-download it. Apple keeps track of your purchases and won't charge you again (it will pop up some message like, "You've already purchased this, would you like to download it again for free?".
@blakespot,Rojo
I'm really glad you like it. I've been trying to incorporate all the suggestions that I've received as well as that engine rewrite. =D
Hey this looks like StarFox
"Do a Barrel Roll"
Except for the occasional large space ships that appear, what is there to shoot at other than those brown asteroids?