Freeverse's Slotz Racer [App Store] has appeared within the App Store tonight. The game is a throwback to the slot car racers of the '70s and '80s but should provide a great experience for all comers.

The ultimate slot car racing game for your iPhone and iPod touch. Relive those great childhood memories of building tracks, burning rubber, and racing with your friends and family!

We've been tracking this game for some time and were able to get some hands on time with it at Macworld. The game offers a very full featured gaming experience complete with a track editor. The first thing I noted with my brief time with the game is how good a feel it had. See this gameplay video:

Track editor:

Early reactions in our forums are also very positive.

Freeverse is offering the game for only $0.99 for the first 72 hours and then it goes up to the regular price of $2.99. Even with our brief time with the game, we feel it's easily worth the initial $0.99 introductory price.

Other features:

• 4 person race on the same iPhone
• Track editor
• Unlockable circuits, cars, track locations and championship challenges

App Store Link: Slotz Racer, $0.99 for 72 hours

Retro overlord Peter Hirschberg of the indescribably awesome Luna City Arcade has dropped us a line to let us know that his 3D retro tank title Vector Tanks will soon be hitting the App Store.

Think Battlezone on steroids.  (Peter's friends are affectionately calling it BattlePhone...)

Peter talks a bit about the game's controls.

The control method for the game is, I think, a first. You use your fingers on the left and right of the screen to push up and down on the virtual "sticks". This gives you forwards, backwards, forwards and backwards turning, and turning in-place. You can see this in the video - the dots on the screen are where the iPhone simulator is interpreting my simulated finger presses. Hope that makes sense. It takes a minute to get used to but it's really fun once you get it.

He indicates that Vector Tanks will likely be submitted to the App Store sometime in the next few weeks.  Features to be found either in the initial 1.0 relelase or a near-term update follow.

• Land mines
• Helicopters
• Jeeps
• More powerups
• Multiple tank models with the graphics based on real-life tanks
• Different enemy capabilities and behaviors per tank model
• High score table
• Obstacles that you can interact with to your advantage or disadvantage (like stacked blocks that can topple on you)

Have a look at Peter's gameplay video:

As a big Battlezone fan and a bigger retro nut in general, I can't wait to get my hands on this one for review.  It looks fabulous.  Arnold: this one's mine!

Peter indcates that Vector Tanks will likely be priced at $0.99 or $1.99, but he hopes to release a free "lite" version as well.  Peter also brought us the retro Adventure for the iPhone and iPod touch.

UPDATE: I spent the last hour playing this game via Ad Hoc distro from Peter (thanks!) and I have to say, it beats the original Battlezone even in this pre-release form.  You folks are in for a real treat.  Ok, back to Vector Tanks now...

Xen Games has just released a version 1.1 update to their 3D space shooter Rebel Onslaught [App Store], which debuted in the App Store last week.

The update brings the following enhancements:

• Option to turn off auto-firing
• Barrel-roll ship maneuver
• Continue the game from last level reached

The developer has also placed a new demonstration gameplay video online.

Xen Games is currently running a 40% off sale on Rebel Onslaught, which puts it at $2.99 in the App Store [link].

Game developer Rake in Grass has released an iPhone version of their innovative puzzle platformer Archibald's Adventures [link] through the iTunes App Store.  We've recently spent some time with this title.  Have a look.

As the story goes,

Archibald and his friends were near a dump behind a mysterious mansion of inventor - professor Klumpfus. Accidently Archie fell down a pipe and ended up in professor's basement. In the same time some crazy experiment went wrong and all genetically engineered creatures escaped from their containment in laboratories, while paranoid central computer locked the whole complex up! Now both Archibald and professor got stuck in the mansion! It's up to you to help Archie to overcome all of the pitfalls of the mansion, and use your skills and wit to guide the heroes through more than 100 uncanny levels!

In Archibald's Adventures, the player controls Archibald, a boy on a skateboard.  Soon, he trades up to a robotic vehicle that can climb along walls and ceilings, and ultimately ends up with a flying jet-powered craft.  He can also summon a floating bubble and send it to do his bidding (transporting objects, pressing remote buttons, etc.).

The game features well done, detailed animation that makes utilizing the various vehicles and controlling the curious balloon a pleasure.  As for control, an onscreen D-pad is used for movement and a single balloon button summons and dispels the aforementioned balloon. The game exhibits an attention to detail scant found in the various platformers currently available in the App Store.  Roll down a wall and jump at the last minute to avoid an array of floor-mounted spikes.  Use the balloon to pick up crates in order to array them one-by-one across an area of water to gain dry passage.  That sort of thing.  It requires puzzle solving skill and provides a satisfying platform experience as reward.

Features listed by the developer:

• Go through 114 levels in this mind blowing action puzzle platform game
• Experience innovative gameplay with many unique features of the hero: transportation of objects, riding on walls and ceilings, flying with a jet armchair and more
• Use your wit and fast reaction to avoid nasty dangers of the mad scientist's mansion
• Use the professor's device pod to climb the walls or his artificial intelligence matter to solve riddles
• Encounter lots of weird and funny lifeforms running loose in the levels!

Archibald's Adventure on the desktop has met with positive reviews.  The iPhone version is no less enjoyable.  Anyone who longs for a platformer with a little more to offer than the typical jump-stomp-run experience would do well to have a look at Rake in Grass' iPhone offering.  But don't take our word for it.  Try out the Mac OS X or Windows demo version before taking the App Store plunge.

Have a look at our brief gameplay video to get a feel for the action early in the game.  Rake in Grass has posted their own video which provides additional footage.

[ Full HD version | Low Bandwidth version ]

Game Details Name: Archibald's Adventure (v1.1) Price: $7.99 [Buy] Developer: Rake in Grass Size: 6.4 MB Device: Tested on iPhone 3G Archibald's Adventures is a polished puzzle platformer that's a bit more than just jump-stomp-run.  This iPhone adaptation is just as playable as the desktop version and a solid App Store offering.

Although we know very little about this game, when the developer of Blue Defense! [App Store] previews a new game called Blue Attack!, it gets our attention.

For those who missed it, Blue Defense! is a wonderfully effective shooter for the iPhone that makes excellent use of the accelerometer. We looked at the game in November, and at only $0.99 it was a highly recommended for any fans of the genre.

Blue Attack! seems to put you on the offensive.

Blue Attack places you on the front lines of the intergalactic war between the Red and Blue forces. Use the scraps picked up from your enemies' wrecked hulls to turn your squadron into an unstoppable army!

Protect your carrier, upgrade your wingmen, and cut a path clean through to your target: the Red home planet!

This preview video was posted by the developer with a release date of January 23rd.

Features listed by the developer include:

• Fully customizable ships, from speed to weapon capabilities
• Clean, oldschool graphical style
• Global high scores
• Music and sound effects
• Save state ensures that you can quit and come back to your game at any time

Super Squawk Software's tower defense game The Creeps! [App Store] has already received a major update. We originally looked at the game a couple of weeks ago when it was first introduced.

The game is a fun Tower Defense game with a few nice twists. For example, many of the best map locations are occupied by physical objects (trees, gravestones). Like the Creeps themselves, these objects can also be destroyed by targeting your firepower against them. This, however, takes time and resources away from fighting the actual enemies, so compromises have to be made. As levels progress, new towers are introduced and at least one requires the use of the accelerometer to deploy.

The 1.1 update now offers sound effects as well as 3 new distinct levels (in both regular and unlimited versions). Other additions include:

• 2 Unique Mega Bosses
• Challenge adjustments (especially to endless levels!)
• Boomerang splash damage now shows the impact on everything it hits
• Some levels start with towers placed for you that you can't build yourself
• Short tutorials for super towers (UFO, Spider, Oil, Whirlwind)
• Added bonus for not selling anything in unlimited maps
• Boomerang splash damage does more damage
• Improved battery usage

For existing owners, unfortunately, the update will reset your current level progress and high score data. The developer explains why this is the case:

Basically, so much has changed that your old scores just don't apply anymore, and for endless mode you would never have been able to beat your old scores. Plus there were some technical issues with the save file format change that would have made it difficult. I'll try to avoid wiping your scores in the future!

App Store Link: The Creeps! (Price to go up to $4.99 with this update, but if you are quick you may be able to still get it at $1.99)

As promised, TransGaming has released the 1.1 update to Puzzle Quest [App Store]. The update lists "enhanced graphics, performance improvements, and minor bug fixes" amongst the new features.

Most notably, TransGaming has tweaked the gameplay graphics a bit to help readability of the text.

Version 1.0 Text:

Improved Version 1.1 Text:

Other fixes include performance and one potentially major bug in which players could lose their character. Overall, the changes are relatively small, but may be enough to sway those who were waiting.

The core of the game, however, remains true and has been enough to win over many Puzzle Quest newcomers, despite the minor issues. If you are unfamiliar with the game itself, be sure to check out our gameplay video from the 1.0 release.

App Store Link: Puzzle Quest, $9.99

As we reported a few weeks back, Apex Designs has been readying an iPhone version of its Grand Theft Auto-like, top-down title Payback for App Store release.  A recent post to Apex's website provides a detailed update concerning the game's status and indicates that Payback is set to launch worldwide on January 15th (tomorrow).

Apex's website provides recent screenshots of the game in action.

A bit about the history of the title and the upcoming iPhone version from Apex:

The original version was released for the Amiga in 2001 to rave reviews and was voted Game of Year in multiple polls. Mac, Intent and GBA versions followed, the GBA version being nominated in both IGN and GameSpot's "Best of E3 2004" awards.

In 2006, the game received a major overhaul for the powerful GP2X handheld - GamesTM awarded it 91%, describing it as "the best GTA clone you've never heard of". The lighting was made fully HDR (the paths of trillions of photons were calculated to produce some of the best looking lighting ever seen in a portable game), the menu system was completely redone, a complete vocal soundtrack was added and many other significant improvements were made. There's a full report on the changes made for the GP2X version here.

The iPhone/iPod Touch version builds on the strong foundations laid down by the GP2X version by adding an automatic save system, reengineered controls, HUD refinements and further gameplay improvements; read on for the details.

A GP2X demonstration video gives a feel for the gameplay.

We've been anxiously awaiting the release of this title and will be providing an in-depth look shortly after the game goes live.

[ via Loot Ninja ]

UPDATE: From the developers:

Unfortunately, a significant bug has come to light in the iPhone/iPod Touch version of Payback. Due to the way the iPhone SDK works we cannot test the final build of the game we send to Apple and the issue in question only occurs in an App Store build. After careful consideration, we have decided to temporarily withdraw the game from sale until an update is ready - hopefully this won't take long, depending mainly on how long it takes Apple to approve it. No one is more upset about this than we are, and we humbly apologise to those who were waiting on the game and hope you will stick with us as we work to resolve this issue. Please join our Mailing List if you want us to email you when the game is ready.

Late last month, Big Head Games released iPhone cave-flyer Retro through the iTunes App Store.  Retro debuted at $4.99 but has since dropped in price to 2.99 [link].

For those that want to try before they by, BHG has since released Retro LITE [App Store], a free version of Retro that features the full game's first three levels, playable in both Normal and Hard difficulty modes.

True to the traditions of classic Sci-fi, Retro is set in the near future, our experiments to harvest the Sun´s energy is about to send it supernova, your mission is to rescue scientists stranded on orbiting planets. Retro takes you...deep below the surface of orbiting planets, the super smooth control system allows you to tilt the iPhone to turn the craft, tapping the screen to apply thrust, gliding through the tightest caves to find stranded scientists, keeping one eye on the fuel and shield and the other on the rocky outcrops.

We reviewed Retro shortly after its release and found it to be the App Store's best cave-flyer and an excellent iPhone game in general.  Now there's no excuse not to give it a try.

App Store Link: Retro LITE, Free

Slotz Racer, developed by UK-based Strange Flavour and published by Freeverse, has recently been submitted to the App Store for review and should be available for download soon.  In anticipation of its debut, Aaron Fothergill of Strange Flavour has released an in-depth tutorial on how to create your own slot-car track using the game's integrated track editor.

Have a look at Aaron's video:

We recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Slotz Racer in the Freeverse booth on the floor of Macworld Expo last week.  We will be posting a full review of the game when it goes live.

As promised, Konami has released a Dance Dance Revolution title for the iPhone and iPod touch: Dance Dance Revolution S Lite [App Store].

As the name would imply, this 'Lite' (one song) version (which is free) is but a shadow of a full, paid version of the game...which is "currently in the works" and will be "packed with new songs and unique characters."

Have a look at our brief gameplay video of DDR S Lite.

Our forum members seem to like it.  We'll send out a heads-up when the paid version lands in the App Store.

App Store Link: DanceDanceRevolution S Light, Free

Back in 1988, John Calhoun released a simple 2D (of course) paper airplane flying game for the Macintosh known as Glider.  The goal was simply to fly from room to room in a house without hitting the walls or obstacles.  It was quite a bit of fun and gathered something of a cult following among Mac gamers.

Clever Coding has just released what's more or less a modern, 3D version of this classic.  Paper Pilot [App Store] puts the player in accelerometer-based control of a paper airplane moving from room to room across eight different environments.  Speed is controlled with a swipe to the screen.  The goal is to collect dangling paperclips strewn about the rooms in the best time possible.  Unlike in Glider, however, bumping into things doesn't cause a major hazard (which is unfortunate, actually).

Starting with only 2 courses unlocked, fly qualifying times to receive your Test Pilot, Fighter Pilot and Captain's rankings, while unlocking the next levels. Your flying skills will be squarely challenged as you unlock longer courses and qualify for more and more ranks.

The developer suggests that Paper Pilot, based on the Unity Engine, features unsurpassed graphics with a level of detail and richness unseen elsewhere in the App Store.  Whether or not that's in fact the case, the environments are indeed impressive with particularly well done lighting.  The game runs at a decent framerate on the iPhone 3G, but isn't glass smooth and a bit of chop crops up here and there.  Surely the title shines a bit brighter on the faster 2G iPod touch.

See the developer's Paper Pilot video page for several gameplay videos, including a higher quality version of the clip embedded below.

Flying a paper airplane from room to room in these realistic environments is a pretty fun diversion.  Darting behind an office desk, swirling around a ceiling fan, or just trying to locate that last floating paper clip isn't a bad way to spend a bit of the daily commute.  It's a unique, casual flyer that most iPhone gamers will probably find worth a spot on their app list.

UPDATE: Since the initial publishing of this story, the developer has informed us that the next version of Paper Pilot is currently in development and will include, among other things:

• Weapons, like spitball guns and pencil missles
• Enemies, like the stapler and tape dispenser
• Dogfighting other paper airplanes

Game Details Name: Paper Pilot (v1.0.1) Price: $2.99 [Buy] Developer: Clever Coding Size: 33.0 MB Device: Tested on iPhone 3G If feeling tiny and flying a paper airplane from room to (realistic) room sounds like your cup of tea, give Paper Pilot a try. It's a unique iPhone flyer that might just make you nostalgic for Mac classic Glider.

Makeshift Games has recently released maze game Chuck the Ball [App Store] for the iPhone and iPod touch through the App Store.

Chuck the Ball is a colorful maze game in which the player controls Chuck, a ball that's on a mission to collect lost stars across various playfields filled with obstacles.  Swiping a finger in Chuck's path lays down a  marker that causes him to change direction in accordance to the swipe.  An accurate series of swipes will get Chuck from star to star, but it's not as easy as it sounds--Chuck is in constant motion, obstacles are everywhere, and a timer is ticking down.

Features listed by the developer:

• 100 levels of mazes and puzzles
• Three difficulty levels, making it easy to learn but hard to master
• Multiple modes of play designed to appeal to puzzle addicts and casual gamers alike
• Various hazards and bonuses that make each level unique
• Easy touch-based controls that don't require pesky turning movements

See the developer's gameplay video for a look at the action:

Makeshift indicates they are currently experimenting with a puzzle-mode and various other enhancements that should make their way to the App Store in the form of an update soon.

App Store Link: Chuck the Ball, $2.99

Gameblend Studios has recently released WordJong Daily Challenge [App Store], an iPhone version of their popular Nintendo DS and Wii word puzzle franchise.

WordJong presents players with a Mahjong solitaire-style board covered with lettered tiles.  Players pick tiles to forms words which are then removed from the board, revealing tiles below.  The bigger the word, the higher the score.  Gold coins and bomb power-ups can be collected along the way.  A soothing, ethereal soundtrack plays throughout.

Features listed by the developer:

• Unlimited Play: Each day brings the fresh challenge of a new, unique puzzle! Completed today’s puzzle? Pick a previous day on the calendar to play or replay any of the hundreds of other puzzles available!
• Zodiac Characters: Try to beat the scores of the WordJong Masters! Each of the seven characters has his or her own personality and play style, representing a different difficulty level ranging from easy (the Rabbit) to hard (the Dragon).
• High Score Tracking: Compare your daily high scores with friends and family!
• Awards: Complete 9 challenges to earn a beautiful butterfly collection!
• Huge Dictionary: WordJong features a 100,000+ word dictionary!

Have a look at a demo video of the Nintendo DS version.

WordJong for the DS, which is similar to the iPhone version, has generally received high marks from review sites.

App Store Link: WordJong Daily Challenge, $4.99

Ethan Nicholas' iShoot [App Store, $2.99] has taken the #1 spot in the top 100 paid apps, overtaking the infamous iFart Mobile. What's surprising about the ascent to #1 is that iShoot is not even a new app, and even costs a whopping $2.99.

iShoot originally came out on October 19th at $4.99 and was met with some mixed reviews from our forum members. In December, the developer delivered a 1.1 version update and $2 price drop to $2.99. Not much happened in terms of App Store rankings, though, until the release of iShoot Lite [App Store, Free]. The Lite version of the app has since shot up the Free charts over the past 6 days and has been closely followed by the Paid app.

iShoot is a turn based artillery game that has been compared to Scorched Earth. The game allows you to set angle and power of your projectiles in order to destroy the enemy tanks. The Lite version limits you to only 6 (of 25) weapons and offers no tank driving.

The 1.1 version seemed to address many of the concerns of the original version, and the Lite version gives you a good taste of the game.

App Store Links: iShoot, $2.99, iShoot Lite, Free