'Touch Ski 3D' from Naquatic Is Cheap Fun on the Slopes
posted by Blake Patterson on April 10th, 2009 3:55 PM EDT in $0.99, Sports, iPhone games, iPod touch games
iPhone developer Naquatic has just released Touch Ski 3D [App Store], a touch-screen iPhone skiing game that's a good time on the slopes for $0.99.
Touch Ski 3D makes use of the iPhone's multitouch capabilities by providing individual ski control — one finger per ski. When the skis are held parallel (about one inch apart), the score counter glows green and it's full speed down the slope, but when they're held either together or apart, travel down the mountain slows.
Touch Ski 3D is really two games in one. A Race mode challenges the player to complete a downhill slalom course in the best time possible, darting to-and-fro amongst dual color markers that line the mountainside. The game offers a surprisingly realistic "feel" (if skiing down a slope with two fingers can be called "realistic") with a nice lean / sway to the motion, thanks to the game's well done physics and momentum system and high overall framerate. There are 16 courses across four levels of difficulty in slalom mode, most of which are locked initially.
The other side of the game is Ski Jump mode. In Ski Jump mode, the objective is to make it to the bottom of the ramp in as fast and straight a shot as possible in order to jump the greatest distance. Pulling both fingers off the screen at the moment the skis cross the red line at the bottom of the ramp adds a boost to the jump.
The game also features an online scoreboard as well as the ability to choose your preferred ski color for use in either game mode.
At $0.99, Touch Ski 3D is a good value, given it's varied gameplay and solid overall feel. I actually found it hard to put the game down in order to write this post (just one more run down the slopes…). We do recommend that players experiment with a variety of different finger combinations to find the best fit. (I find the index and middle finger of one hand to work very well, but have real trouble using two index fingers as shown in the video.)
See Naquatic's game trailer for a look at the action.
[ Full HD version | Low Bandwidth version ]
App Store Link: Touch Ski 3D, $0.99
I like the idea,but the trailer is so bad its completely put me off purchasing.
Really? I actually liked the trailer quite a bit.
The trailer is great. The game is relaxing and addictive.
Couldn't disagree more, and most others seem to agree with me. Keep reading!
The trailer is chill, and the game even better!
looks utter shite, sorry.
George, uh, WTF?!
I didn't think the trailer was bad. Just really long.
really? it is only a minute and a half. That isn't very long at all!
I might give this a go later.
it's a solid $0.99 game. feels nice. Agree with using one hand than two though.
arn
I like to the both thumbs in jump mode.
I downloaded it, it's not bad. Worth a dollar.
wtf? the trailer looks fine to me and it's only 1.5 min long..
Anyway my 1st instinct was "eh", but seeing the way the user can control each ski, it looks like it could be fun. And the price is correct IMO.
I'm a skier and I might get it. I say "might" ONLY because I have hit the limit on apps the iphone can handle, so apps now need to be good enough to bump something else off my phone..
Anybody know if the limit is going to be fixed with ver3.0??
Will we finally be able to create folders to categorize apps?
I have 3.0beta 2 and you can have up to 11 pages, so 2 more pages.
Thx ZZMitch!
Well at least that's something. It would definitely be in Apple's interest to allow more apps to be purchased!
Kinda funny that the limit is actually preventing me from buying more apps & games.
And copy&paste are coming!!!!! Woot!
I tried it out, this game rocks. So much content for a $0.99 app
without doubt a suprise from nowhere. if ya like racing games of anykind i really cant recommend this game enough .. superb controls and extremely addictive. thumbs up at the price to!
Hey Acidbottle, nice scores!
bought it and love it. keep your fingers at the bottom of the screen so it doesnt block the view. the video is crappy b/c he has his fingers halfway up the screen. i love it. super fast and looks good. this and freefallin are 2 killer apps for a buck. this is why iphone gaming is great, unique apps that cant be done anywhere else
I'm digging it. Online scoring isn't working for me, guess I need to reinstall it.
Instant download for me… In the last several months I haven't touched my PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii very often. The iPod Touch has become my platform of choice!
I'm glad to see people liking the game. Granted, when I saw the screenshots I wasn't sold, but after playing it I was quite pleasantly surprised. Arnold is of a similar opinion. This is a nice game.
This game has just had the privilege of sitting on my iPhone's dock. I really like the two-fingers-for-two-skis idea. Very easy to use and really innovative.
I love the trailer! The music is awesome too. And I really enjoy the game. I used to be addicted to the other Naquatic games, Turtle Bounce and Corners, but this is my new addiction!
Next best thing to being there, and the music makes it rock!
For sure!
Are you able to play your own music? I'm definately looking into this.