Keep crossing your fingers: an iPad or a handset version of Botanicula is still in the cards, Czech developer Amanita Design has told TouchArcade. But before it can go forward with this version, it needs to go back. “We are still fully focused on the PC and Mac version of Botanicula," representative said. “First, we need to fix all of the bugs and update the game on all channels, and then we’ll start to port the game on tablets." The updates are basically ready, we’re told, so work should begin soon.
We last heard about a possible port of the gorgeous new adventure game in October 2011, well before its release on other platforms. At the time, Amanita said it needed to be able to experiment before it could take an iPad or iPhone port seriously. That phase of the development appears to be just beginning.
“I’m sure there will be many technological challenges and we’ll have to adjust also the design at some places so the experience on the tablets is perfect, but we are definitely excited about this version because I believe tablets are ideal devices for this kind of game," we’re told.
If you have a Mac or PC, definitely give Botanicula a spin. It’s a beautiful game with a well-realized world and a delicious premise. We’re thinking it has the potential to be the Next Big Thing on iOS, so here’s to some relatively smooth sailing as Amanita begins work on this version.
No IAP whatsoever!? Wow. Props for taking the high road and not letting people pay their way to victory. This game is now an instant purchase for me.
I do support 2 types of IAP, though. 1) Release all your software for free and add an IAP to purchase the product (unlock the rest of the features or time limit...whatever the "lite" restrictions are). 2) Anything cosmetic. You may (or may not be surprised) how much money is made of things that give you no gameplay advantage whatsoever. Plenty of games can survive on being completely free with only cosmetic IAP.
Awesome game, but the controls on ipad are a dealbreaker, I will put it aside for now so I dont get too aggravated with it and eagerly await the update that fixes the controls! This could easily be a 1.99+ game due to the lack of irritating IAP. I hope because its a dollar it will take over from god damned angry birds :)
The left-right controls are the worst. I can't really play the game for any significant duration due to the controls. Hopefully the next patch fixes the issue!
It does apparently have iCade support - so that's pretty awesome. I'm a fan of mission structure over pure endless arena too, though having both is nice. Going to have to check this out.
We need an Apple external controller before certain genres (like platform-jumping) can be done with excellent control on an iPad. Until then, these kinds of games will always be marred to some extent by the player struggling with clumsy control. The iCade is too bulky and too little-supported to be the ultimate answer. Besides, I think a cross-pad is preferable to the joystick controls which are featured by the iCade.
Well, the dev just downloaded the SDK for joypad and is looking into that. And there's alts coming up like 8-Bitty. I think an Apple branded controller is a bit out there, but never say never.
This game is fantastic and honestly it's the best controls I've used since Pizza Boy. Nothing compared to a controller obviously but I've been able to beat all the missions with them. Better controls would simply be the difference between a better score/time.
A tip for those who might be struggling a little: Perhaps this is a glitch, or an intended mechanic to compromise with touch controls, but you can jump an infinite amount of times as long as your body is pressing against any surface edge when you tap the jump button. Not sure if the area accepts the head for really close calls but i know the body and feet touching any surface edge gives me another jump.
My favourite game right now. Not expecting anything from it when I downloaded it last week (thanks to your wednesday new apps list) but dear god this is just so good. The thought of it being updated in the near future gives me goosebumps. I would like to see them take the "pokemon type" cards, they already have ice, fire, poison, dark, light, earth etc... it would be awesome to see grass type, dragon, flying cards haha also new arenas.. and achievements please, totally worth my 1 dollar!
Uh...why is no one else commenting on how awesome the music is?
I normally hate these sorts of games, but Spellsword's combination of loot, grinding, and mission based play (in addition to endless mode) has me hooked. I knew there was at least one game of its type out there for me, and Spellsword appears to be it. I just watched the last hour and a half evaporate like it was ten minutes.
The controls are a bit iffy, but they always are with iOS platformers - I didn't find Spellsword's any more problematic than Super Crate Box's, etc.
I don't normally get very excited about iOS titles (honestly, I find most to be incredibly sub-par), but Spellsword is definitely a keeper. It's also a game I could see myself buying multiple times were it to make its way to the Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store.
they REALLY need to work on the controls.
super crate box has perfect controls.
This game looks great and plays nice on the iPhone. Excited to have the time to delve into it more (work is stealing my gaming life). More games like this with devs this active with their community is a good future for iOS :).
I liked this game, but I"ve already unlocked everything and beat every level. Not too much replay value on it, but definitely worth the buck
Wow, a 4.5 star rating from ta. Is this the highest rated game ever or what?
Nice, iCloud support coming in the update, so it actually is fairly "full-featured". Haven't had a chance to check Retina support yet.
Getting tired of games who can't even manage SNES level graphics. What was once a unique retro look now seems more like an excuse at shorting your art department to make a money making game.