In celebration of their first update, Promo Ideas has made their game Wild Wild Train free for a limited time. We reviewed the game back in July and enjoyed it.
The goal of Wild Wild Train is to manage your trains and route them through the various switches on the tracks to pick up all kinds of different color-coded cargo which then needs to be delivered to the station with the corresponding color. Sounds simple enough, and the first few levels are pretty easy, but Wild Wild Train quickly adds multiple trains as well as bombs to be disarmed and damsels in distress to be saved by the special hero train.
If you missed it before or just never gave it a chance, here's your opportunity.
TouchArcade reported back in July that the classic adventure Beneath a Steel Sky was making its way to the iPhone. The 1994 classic received very high praise at the time of its release and is widely considered to be one of the best adventure games ever created.
OnSoftware published the first screenshots from the iPhone version of the game as well as some details about the iPhone-specific modifications.
The game features touch controls with the elimination of the traditional pointer found in other Scumm games.
There is no cursor on the screen, blue dots show points of interest instead. Although I played around with a beta version, the game certainly feels right. It translates well to the small screen and feels more effective than ScummVM’s interface on iPhone.
The game features enhanced cut scene artwork by Dave Gibbons, high quality music, and a new hint system.
OnSoftware reports the game should become available in about a month.
Critical Thought Games' geoDefense Swarm has finally arrived in the App Store [$0.99]. We previewed the game back in August and loved it.
Fans of the original will no doubt love geoDefense Swarm. It has the same excellent Geometry Wars-inspired graphics, massive particle effect explosions, and (at higher difficulty levels) will test the skill of even veterans of the tower defense genre. In my time with the game there has been many times where I've lost levels (or been close to losing) and just turned my phone off, decided I was finished with the game… and then five minutes later would be playing again. How much geoDefense Swarm has me coming back to it, even after punching me in the face with creeps, really is an excellent benchmark for how good the game is.
geoDefense Swarm is an open field tower defense (TD) followup to the original geoDefense which was a fixed path TD game. Beyond its beautifully implemented retro style, the original geoDefense received high praise for the franticly paced and challenging nature of its levels. geoDefense Swarm seems to carry this design philosophy forward into the open field format where you need to build the path for the enemies to traverse.
While some of the tower placements were obvious in the original, the sequel leaves you with wide open maps and many decisions to be made. Towers can be built on a hex grid which is constructed of several types of terrain. For instance, some hex tiles you can't build on but creeps can move through, and some tiles speed creeps or even heal them. The amount of variety in each level really tests your tower defending skill and how well you can utilize the included towers to survive. A strategy you discovered in a previous level can be rendered completely ineffective thanks to the next level's hex grid layout.
The game has 30 levels, 6 tower types with 7 levels each. geoDefense Swarm is available for only $0.99.
Schiau Studios' matching puzzler Alchemize has been generating interest since it's release back in August. While initially priced at $9.99, the game has since seen progressive discounts and is now sitting at $0.99 ahead of a 1.1 version update.
While the game resembles a Match-3 puzzler, the gameplay actually revolves around a progressive discovery of new elements. The game starts with two kinds of elements (yellow and green bottles). The green bottles when combined form a yellow bottle. The yellow bottles when combined form a new element altogether - a red bottle. Match 3 red bottles and you get purple bottle, and so on.
The goal of the game is to progressively unlock more elements until you reach the ultimate one... gold. There are 25 elements in all and the progressive unlocks add a nice strategic twist to the match 3 genre. The game offers a nice long term goal-directed challenge rather than the usual mindless mechanic of many other matching games.
The game contains a global high score list and currently a single game mode as described above. The pending 1.1 update will offer two modes including Action and Avalanche.
Seventeen year old iPhone developer Joshua Rosen of Axios, who brought us SciFly: Dogfight [App Store], has given us an update on his forthcoming iPhone title Above & Beyond Air Combat. We previewed the game at E3 back in June when it was called SciFly 2. Rosen indicates that it has evolved so significantly since then that it has really become something entirely new.
With an armada of customizable combat aircraft at your disposal, you are challenged to explore and conquer the fully 3D, open-world environments of Above & Beyond Air Combat.
Engage in action packed air-to-air and air-to-ground combat with enemy aircraft, battleships, and turrets as you battle for control of island strongholds.
Features as listed by the developer:
Customize 12 advanced combat aircraft
Upgrade your aircraft with over 15 different weapons and numerous thrusters, shields, and other enhancements.
Explore over 60 islands in a fully 3D, open-world environment.
Engage in 3 unique battle modes: Gauntlet, Survival, and Conquest.
Share highscores and achievements via the fully integrated OpenFeint 2.1 service.
Enjoy *your* music with in-game music library integration.
Several options to calibrate and tune controls to your personal preference
Initial loading times are very quick, and there are rarely any loading times during gameplay
A core element of the game is aircraft customization. Each aircraft has its own set of stats as well as a number of equipment sockets which can be filled with weapons, thrusters, or various other upgrades earned across any of the game's three play modes. Weapons include machine guns, lasers, flak cannons, missiles, ray guns, and more.
While the Conquest mode is really the heart of the game, Gauntlet and Survival modes add a bit of variety. Gauntlet sends the player down a route full of tight canyons, sharp turns, and fast straightaways, while Survival is a bid to stay alive as long as possible, fending off wave after wave of enemy targets while racking up points.
See the developer's new gameplay video for a look at the action. (The original trailer, that gives a different look at the game, can be seen here.)
Above & Beyond Air Combat has recently been submitted to the App Store and should be available for download in the next few weeks.
For those who haven’t closely followed Showtime’s Dexter, the series is based on novels written by Jeff Lindsay. I remember reading his first book “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” years ago, and the intelligent, yet macabre storyline has kept me reading the novels and watching the show.
Coincidentally, I had just finished the latest book “Dexter by Design” when Dexter arrived on the iPhone/iPod Touch platform. Happily, the intelligence and spirit found in the books and TV series carries through into the game. For fans of Dexter, the game will not be a disappointment with good variety, engaging play, and humor with an element of guilty morbidity. However, non-Dexter fans may find themselves disoriented and will want to first familiarize themselves with the TV show or books first.
Dexter is a psychopathic serial killer who was taught his policeman father Harry how to channel his killing urges. When Dexter was younger, his urges, also known as the Dark Passenger, were released by killing animals. Instilling his own special killing code, Harry decided to focus Dexter’s talents on criminals who had gotten away with murder in the eyes of the law. In Dexter the Game, you play through the eyes of Dexter and must collect enough evidence to ensure that Dexter is killing someone rightfully deserving. Of course, the catch is that Dexter must also maintain his cover as an unfeeling psychopath.
The game focuses on the first TV season consisting of 5 cases: Mike Donovan, Dear Dexter, Coke Head, Jamie Jaworski and Robert Marelli.
The cases are presented in a simultaneous fashion with Dexter moving back and forth between the different victims each with its own set of mission objectives. This type of format lengthens the game significantly because you’re managing several cases at once with each at different levels of progress.
The game incorporates voiceovers from Dexter actor Michael C. Hall, expertly used throughout to create that Dexter atmosphere. Unlike other games, Dexter follows a steady, slower pace as you identify and stalk your victim and incorporates a mix of timed and untimed mini-games, performing and meeting task-oriented activities, and interacting with other characters. This is where the game shines because the variety of challenges keep everything moving.
Through the use of 3D graphics which run smoothly on my iPod Touch 2G, the game makes liberal use of cut scenes that show Dexter performing his actions to give it an almost movie-like quality. The characters representations can look somewhat strange, however. Dexter’s sister, for example, is not nearly as sexy as she is on the show, although the character of Sergeant Dokes looks pretty good. The various locations, however, such as Metro Police Station or a victim’s home really do show the high production values that were put into this game.
The game offers three levels of difficulty—easy, medium and hard, and the level of difficulty primarily determines the amount of available of time to complete timed puzzles and activities. You can play either in third-person (behind Dexter’s back) or in first-person mode, and choose from several types of controls—double joystick, accelerometer/tilt, single joystick, and an on/off option for strafing.
This video shows some of the controls and environments, but does carry strong language so is not safe for work:
Contextual action buttons will appear in the appropriate situations such as Examine, Open, Talk and Climb among others. Items that Dexter can interact with are highlighted such as doors, tools, and files. Use of the Talk button brings up text-based dialogue boxes accompanied by voice acting. You are then presented with three response options. The responses range from aggressive to passive and each choice affects Dexter's "Dark Passenger" score and "Mask" score. You need to strike a balance to avoid exposing yourself, while still fulfilling Dexter's inner darkness. If the Mask white bar ever depletes down to zero, the game is over since Dexter will be no better than the criminals he stalks.
The game also provides several tools that help you complete missions. The Journal located at the top of the screen keeps track of case progress and also tells you want you need to do. And since Dexter needs to travel from place to place, accessing the GPS will show different locations. By tapping on a location, the game takes Dexter instantly there. In that, the 3D environments offered are discrete locations rather than one contiguous open world.
Overall, the developers did an admirable job creating a game incorporating a relatively engaging storyline tied together through a variety of different mini games. The initial task usually involves stalking the victim without being seen, and you maneuver Dexter in a game of hide and seek. As the story progresses, you also have the bigger task of investigating an unnamed serial killer who freezes victims before chopping them up. Other tasks involve picking locks, gathering evidence, and executing the final judgment on the victim.
While you can move Dexter in any direction you want, the goals can feel very pre-set rather than providing a free-roaming alternative choices. For example, entering someone’s house involves picking a lock, but then a dog prevents you from entering so you’re left with breaking through a window. Or in another, while stalking a victim, there is only one way to accomplish the recon rather than having several options.
Dexter the Game has high production values that incorporate a good variety of challenging tasks and mini-puzzles despite the point A to point B task progression. Understandably, with this type of game, the replay value is limited, but what is there should take a while to complete. If you’re a Dexter fan, the game is a solid adventure game that admirably captures the spirit of the series. For others, however, first watching the show or reading the books will go a long way in the actual enjoyment of the game.
Josh Presseisen from Crescent Moon Games has just released the first gameplay trailer for their upcoming 3D Action RPG Ravensword: The Fallen King. We first previewed the game back in August.
Ravensword is said to have an open environment with a main quest line that will take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete, along with a hefty amount of side quests to also keep you occupied. Presseisen reports they are close to completion of the game and estimate the submission date of September 30th. The game will have close to 50 different characters and is described as a "massive sandbox environment" so that you can explore it as you please.
The trailer includes both cinematics as well well as actual gameplay footage:
Presseisen also reports that they will announce an expansion pack shortly after the release of the game and will be soliciting feedback in our forums. We'll keep close tabs on this project while we wait for its release.
After having been in the works for over a year, the Dexter iPhone game has finally arrived in the App Store [$5.99].
In the game, help Dexter choose his next victims while always protecting his identity. Analyze crime scenes, uncover evidence and use stealth tactics to stalk your prey. Is the case best served by the courts or the Dark Passenger? The outcome of every choice and action revolves around the Code of Harry: only kill the guilty, maintain the mask, and above all, don’t get caught!
We've had hands on time with early versions of the game at GDC and E3. The game has been notable for its impressive 3D engine. This gameplay video is from a build back in March, so aspects of the game may have changed from that time, but it gives you an idea of the feel of the game:
Game may have changed since this video was shot
Also remarkable in our discussions with the developers has been the efforts to stay true to the Showtime TV series. The game features a storyline written by the series producer as well as voice acting from Dexter actor Michael C. Hall.
Early reactions are being collected in our forums and we'll provide a closer look after we spend some time with the title.
Ever since the video leak of an iPhone version of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, many have been hoping for a more fully featured iPhone skateboarding game to come long.
Mike V - Do or Die!promises one of the closest looking attempts so far. According to the developer:
The game will be featuring full 3D graphics with over 40 tricks to execute by using a cutting edge trick system. The users will be able to ride in 7 unique environments on top of a special driving mode that includes a full open city with many missions to complete.
This teaser video shows the gameplay and graphics:
The coolest part of the game seems to be the creative use of swipe controls to maneuver and perform tricks. Swiping down on the left side of the screen pushes you forward, swiping up brakes, and steering is with the accelerometer. Meanwhile, the 40 tricks are executed by specific gestures on a representation of the skateboard on the right side of the screen. A list of tricks is provided. Here's a small sample of the base moves:
An actual hands on video is provided here, showing the controls in action.
The weekend always seems to bring some deals for you bargain hunters. Here are a few apps that have gone to $0.99 or lower. Game titles link directly to app store.
Memovator ($0.99 -> Free) is nicely produced memory game where you act as the elevator operator and must remember the destination of everyone who gets in.
There are 6 different unlockable levels. The game starts with regular numbers, but them moves on to roman numerals, chinese numerals, animal graphics, japanese kamon and time. The game is really well done but seems to get impossibly hard pretty quickly. But, if you've got a great memory, here's a game for you. And it's Free this weekend.
Match 3D Flick Puzzle ($3.99 -> $0.99). Many people seem to be loving this Match-3 variant. Instead of the usual 2D grid, PlayScreen put their Match-3 on a rotating 3D cube. A Lite version remains available [App Store] to try.
KIL.A.TON ($2.99 -> $0.99). A solid artillery game we reviewed in August. The level of content and the organization of the different game modes including online multiplayer are very entertaining.
Fastlane Street Racing ($3.99 -> $0.99). One of the early iPhone racers that we really enjoyed. Fastlane has since been eclipsed by some of the big racing titles, but still remains a good value at only $0.99.
The iPhone or iPod Touch is certainly the device to own if you're into defending things. Whether you like defending using towers, flicking, or in the case of MonsterKill [App Store], gesture-based spell casting, the App Store has you covered.
The goal of the game is to defend your wall from an onslaught from zombies, wolf men, vampires, and frankenstein monsters, each with slightly different behaviors. Slaying these monsters involves casting spells. The simplest attack is executed by just swiping across enemies to cut them in half. The first spell you come across is a lightning bolt, and to cast it you just draw a lightning bolt on screen. Other spells include an ice block, cast by drawing a V and a fireball cast by drawing an upward arrow.
The gesture system actually works pretty well, and seems to be a cool way to handle multiple attacks without any kind of action bar to select them. It can be kind of hard to aim your spells, but after playing the game for a bit you get a hang of where you need to draw the various gestures to get their effects to end up where you want them.
The trailer by Origin8 shows the gestures and gameplay:
The meter at the top of the screen shows how much more mana you have to cast spells, and it slowly regenerates over time. Between levels, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your spells and repair your wall like most similar games.
If you haven't had fun playing castle defenders in the past, the gesture system likely isn't enough to make you like MonsterKill. Like most Castle Defense games, it can get a bit monotonous grinding through wave after wave of attackers in order to buy upgrades. But, clearly the genre has a big following, and if you're a fan, Monsterkill is certainly worth considering.
We first reported last month that Lumines was coming to the iPhone. Q Entertainment has since released new information and screenshots about the upcoming game.
The company reveals that the game will use touch controls. Tapping on the screen rotates the block 90 degrees while swiping left, right and down moves the block in that direction. The game comes with 3 different modes:
SINGLE LAP: Play through a single skin.
ENDLESS: Play through a selected set of skins.
TIME ATTACK: Aim for the highest score within the time limit.
Originally released to North America in 2005 for the PlayStation Portable, Lumines is a block dropping game with a twist. 2×2 blocks fall from the top of the screen which can then be rotated and dropped on the existing stack of blocks. The iPhone will have new specially-themed Skin Packs as well.
All in all, we are really impressed with Rolando 2 which does justice to one of the few classic iPhone originals. Like the original, the art, style and music come together in a wonderfully immersive package. And with the addition of Plus+, you'll find yourself working to perfect your scores on individual levels in order to challenge your friends.
Rolando 2 is expected to receive free level pack updates ahead of Rolando 3 which was also announced in March.
The number of Match-3 games in the App Store can make it really hard to stand out. In fact, these two Match-3 games have already been in the App Store for a couple of months, but both now come with lite versions. If you enjoy Match-3's, give these a try.
Rise of Atlantis
Like another Match-3 we recommended, the goal of Rise of Atlantis is not actually to Match 3. Instead, your are constantly trying to move specific pieces off the bottom of the screen. These can be the artifacts you need to collect or power-ups that will help you. Either way, the only way to get these pieces to fall off the bottom of the screen is to create matches.
It reminded me of Gemmed in it's goal directed matching. The game was originally a Flash game but there is also a Lite version to try. The main criticism of the iPhone version would be the relatively small size of the tiles.
Instead of the traditional swapping of tiles, in Adubble you are moving entire rows and columns Rubic's style. The rows and columns wrap and so by performing combinations of moves, you can get your pieces to the proper place. There have been other Match 3's like this, but Adubble stands out in its more puzzle-like nature. Each level has a specific goal and specific obstacles that must be overcome. Obstacles include immovable blocks, bombs, lasers, and more. These add a lot of variety over the endless humdrum of most Match-3's.
Everyone loves a freebie! If you don't already own these four games, their respective developers recently released lite versions for you to whet your appetite before jumping in to the full version:
Lion Pride Lite, Free (Lion Pride, 99¢) - A neat spin on line drawing games, Lion Pride has you taking control of lions and chowing down on the various prey of the African wild. Utilizing a Draw Race-like system where the speed of the line you're drawing determines how fast you move, Lion Pride is a great addition to the somewhat crowded line drawing genre. We enjoyed the full game in our review, and Lion Pride Lite is really worth checking out.
Uno Free, Free (Uno, $4.99) - What even needs to be said about this? If you've ever played the XBOX Live Arcade version of the game, the iPhone version is very similar. If you haven't, just imagine the classic game of Uno playable against AI opponents as well as friends or complete strangers online, all without needing to carry around a deck of Uno cards.
Dungeon Defense Lite, Free (Dungeon Defense, 99¢) - Dungeon Defense is similar to a tower defense game, except instead of building towers you position guards in a number of predetermined points on the map. You have a variety of units that can be placed such as swordsmen, archers, or axemen, and you need to fend off waves of attackers. The lite is worth checking out if you're a fan of the tower defense genre.
NFL 2010 Free, Free (NFL 2010, $2.99) - If you're looking to find out how a full-on football game works on the iPhone, give NFL 2010 Lite a try. We thought NFL 2010 was impressive in our review, but since then, Madden NFL 10 has also been released. Gameloft has attempted to make the decision between which game to get a little easier, recently dropping the price of the full version to $2.99.
In celebration of their first update, Promo Ideas has made their game Wild Wild Train free for a limited time. We reviewed the game back in July and enjoyed it. 
Seventeen year old iPhone developer Joshua Rosen of 
