Last month we reported that a number of highly notable retro titles are on the way as DLC for Manomio / Kiloo's C64 for iPhone [App Store] emulator. We've just gotten an update from the developers, naming the first of the upcoming releases.

The first new games out of the gate will be Super Pipeline and Super Pipeline II from Taskset as well as Paperboy from Elite. The Super Pipeline games will cost $0.99, while Paperboy will go for $1.99 as in-game DLC. Following these first titles into the app will be several as yet unnamed free titles.

The developers previously indicated that the app's forthcoming v1.5 update will be focused on usability and playability, with some control and UI tweaks. Kiloo has just pointed further down the road to the v1.6 update that will follow, which they indicate will bring the notable update of customizable controls. We're glad the folks behind C64 for iPhone are keeping the ball rolling for retro fans like myself.

Last week we noted that an iPhone port of the PC classic Rise of the Triad, which we first caught wind of back back in July, had been made official and would soon be hitting the App Store. We're happy to report that the game has gone live [App Store] and those wanting to take on maniac cult leader El Oscuro and his minions on the iPhone are in luck.

Apogee / Mobila Interactive's iPhone port of ROTT brings all there is to like about 1994 PC original to our favorite mobile platform. The game features 32 levels, a choice of five characters to play (each with unique attributes), five different, customizable controls schemes, and the original game's full soundtrack. A notable feature of the original at the time, the player can look both up and down — up to 45 degrees in either direction — to better take in the surroundings. And the original's horde of minions, comprised of ten digitized enemies (Apogee employees at the time), is fully represented.

I've spent some time with the game and can say that, while the standard formula of mouse + keyboard is definitely the ideal control method for an FPS such as this, the variety of control options offered in the iPhone port of the game, which utilize combinations of both touch and accelerometer controls, should make it easy for most players to find a system that they are comfortable with. It's not perfect — I'd like to see a sensitivity setting for the left / right swipe view controls, for instance — but it works well enough. And it's great fun to get back to this title I enjoyed so many years ago.

Back in 1994, ROTT was a nice alternative to DOOM. And, just as there's certainly a place for DOOM on the iPhone today, so is there a place for Rise of the Triad. For fans of the original, this is an automatic buy, and for anyone else who still enjoys an occasional round of DOOM on the go, Rise of the Triad is a nice alternative that may well be worth a look.

App Store Link: Rise of the Triad, $4.99

If you're a long-time gamer, there's a good chance you've heard of David Crane.

Widely considered to be one of the most influential video game creators to have ever laid down code, Crane is responsible for some truly groundbreaking classics. Among his more notable creations are Pitfall! (the first platform game), Pitfall II: Lost Caverns, Ghostbusters and Little Computer People. Another of his creations you may have heard of is a little game publishing and development house known as Activision. Very recently, he was honored by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences who, later this month, will present him with its first Pioneer Award, which recognizes videogaming visionaries who paved the way in the industry's early days.

Last week, Crane issued a press release announcing the creation of a new game studio, AppStar Games, a joint venture with noted game developer Garry Kitchen. AppStar will focus on "small footprint" games for connected devices, the iPhone being among the studio's targeted platforms.

“Garry and I have worked together on a number of successful ventures over the years, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for investors and stakeholders. We’re very excited about the dramatic shift that is occurring in the game industry with the advent of direct-to- consumer distribution of our titles. AppStar Games is committed to taking a leadership role in that transition by delivering the highest quality product in the marketplace”, said Crane, CTO of AppStar.

Crane and Kitchen leave behind Skyworks Interactive, which they co-founded in 1995, that has been focused heavily on the iPhone platform since the App Store opened in 2008, with a notable number of releases including the very successful Arcade Bowling and Arcade Hoops Basketball.

AppStar Games expects to publish its first game titles in Q2 of this year, but is priming the pump with a few reference app releases that — while not actually games — may be of extreme interest to retro gaming fans.

AppStar has just released the second app in Crane's Technical Wizardry Series, entitled Dragster Magic [App Store]. It details the extremely obscure technical tricks that were used to make Activision's first game release, Dragster for the Atari 2600 / VCS, possible. This comes on the heels of the release of the initial volume of the series, 2600 Magic [App Store], which seeks to explain the highly bizarre (by today's standards) internal video circuitry of the Atari 2600 console. Both titles are comprised mainly of text and static graphics, but there are animations and interactive elements in some areas. Crane designed and programmed both iPhone releases himself, and more volumes are on the way.

We're quite anxious to see what the new studio has in store. Stay tuned.

Retro gaming fans can add another item to their "things in life to be excited for" list, as we just got word that Manomio, who brought us the C64 for iPhone [App Store] emulator, is currently working on bringing an Amiga emulator to the App Store.

Retro Gamer magazine recently talked with the developer and Manomio CTO Stuart Carnie, who indicates that games will likely be distributed as individual, packaged apps to keep the Amiga operating system hidden, allowing the player to focus only on the games themselves. There's not much information right now as to just which Amiga games we'll be seeing on the iPhone, but Retro Gamer indicates that, among the games on the way, is Archer MacLean's classic fighter International Karate +.

"We've ported an Amiga system and have secured some great games," says Stuart. "It runs at full speed on a 3GS and similar hardware and at a respectable frame rate for the 3G devices. IK+ plays very well."

For readers unfamiliar with the Amiga, it is a 16-bit computer released by Commodore in 1985. A far more complex system than the C64, the Amiga featured a powerful central processor, various custom co-processors, and a multitasking operating system that enabled audiovisual feats previously unseen in a consumer system at that point in time. While it did not see enormous popularity in the United States, it was wildly popular in Europe and is considered by many to be one of the very best game platforms ever created. (And it's a platform I happen to hold quite close to my own heart.)

The Amiga was so capable a game machine back in 1985 that even today's gamers without any particular retro inclination should enjoy the vast majority of titles with which Manomio is about to gift us.

Have a look at this nice sampling of 100 Amiga games in 10 minutes.

UPDATE: We sought further details of the upcoming Amiga emulator from Manomio upon hearing the initial report. Carnie kindly got back to us and, while not ready to discuss further IP at the moment, provided us with a few details about the emulation core they're using.

In order to get the speed we needed, I spent about 6 weeks and wrote a 68000 CPU core in about 60+% ARM assembly. Surprisingly, certain games (IK+) run respectively on a 3G device, which means it should do well on a 2nd gen touch device too, given the 25% faster clock speed. The 3GS has a far superior memory architecture to the older devices – it can really push bytes around and fast…

He indicates that they've been testing a number of scrollers, including Xenon II, Turrican, Ghosts 'n Goblins and R-Type (not that these are necessarily among the IP they have secured for release in the App Store), all of which "are just perfectly smooth."

You can be sure we will bring additional information on Manomio's latest as we receive it. I can't wait to see what's in store for iPhone gamers from the world of Amiga gaming.

Just a quick update here on one of my favorite iPhone developers, Peter Hirschberg, author of the retro-inspired Vector Tanks and Adventure [App Store], and owner of the Luna City Arcade which is, without a doubt, the most amazing arcade ever assembled (if his office isn't cool enough for you).

Peter has recently setup his own studio, BlipTime Studios, and through it has released an update to Vector Tanks known as Vector Tanks (Classic Version) [App Store] at $0.99.  As one might suspect, denoting the current game as "classic" indeed betokens the near-term arrival of a rather revamped take on the original, to be known as Vector Tanks Extreme. Peter is splitting the game into two versions to provide, as he tells it, a version that delivers the "retro-simplicity" of the original, along with a version that's "a Vector Tanks experience WAY over the top for those seeking a bit more of a challenge."

Vector Tanks (Classic Version) appeared in the App Store in mid-January, with a version 1.3.2 update that appeared last week.  The updated classic version delivers the following changes to the original Chillingo release, as Peter details:

• New enemy tank added! The H6 "Heavy Sixer". Capable of driving directly over obstacles and having a fully turret-mounted cannon, this is a much more deadly foe than the regular tanks!
• Big fixes in responsiveness of the controls!
• Removed in-game music
• Now publishing the game directly through my own game company, BlipTime Studios ™
• Price reduction to $.99 (was $2.99)
• Rebranded as Vector Tanks Classic

Unfortunately for owners of the original, published by Chillingo, the updated BlipTime Studios' classic version cannot be downloaded as a free update. As Peter explains,

…I apologize that there isn't a way to upgrade. I worked with Apple to try and establish and upgrade path for my current customers but the final answer from Apple was that once you change the account under which an app is published, it will always appear as a "new" app and upgrading is NOT possible. I sincerely apologize. I did try and I know it sort of stinks. My hope is that the reduced price will serve as a good-faith gesture to my current customers who wish to pick up this updated version of Vector Tanks.

…though Peter hints that, in celebration of the release of Vector Tanks Extreme (which is expected sometime this month), iPhone gamers might just get an opportunity to grab the classic version at a price that's a bit less than $0.99 for a week or so, to even the score on the Chillingo situation…

I've been playing a few early betas of Vector Tanks Extreme for some time now and, I must say, Peter's use of the term "bloodbath" to describe the gameplay of the new title is an apt one. This one demands some real dual-track savvy.

Peter indicates that both Vector Tanks (Classic Version) and Vector Tanks Extreme will run natively on the iPad when it makes its 1024×768-pixel debut. He's already got Extreme running in the Xcode iPad simulator and promises it looks "glowy gorgeous."

We plan to take a close look at Vector Tanks Extreme when it goes live in the App Store and share details of the formation of BlipTime Studios through an interview with Peter that will accompany the review. Stay tuned.

App Store Link: Vector Tanks (Classic Version), $0.99

If you would have asked me a few days ago what the best Missile Command game was on the App Store, I would have responded Earth vs Moon without hesitation. That is, before I downloaded Pangea Software's Warheads [App Store], a game that takes the standard Missile Command formula, and then smears a layer of explosions, particle effects, and other eye candy creating a totally over the top experience.

Radio chatter calls out which sector the current barrage of incoming missiles is coming from, the camera shifts to that direction, and you tap the screen to fire your own missiles. The gameplay isn't anything we haven't seen before, but the sound effects coupled with the camera shaking around and the constant change of direction really creates a surprisingly frantic atmosphere, especially when you advance in attack waves and difficulty.

Four different power-ups can be shot down which give you bonus ammo, bonus points, make the explosion radius of your missiles larger, or clear the whole screen. To see how this all ties together, check out the following gameplay video:

The truly unfortunate thing about Warheads is the lack of any kind of online scoring. This is a game that is practically begging for some kind of online leaderboard and achievement system. In its current state, there isn't much replay value to be found short of just beating your own scores locally. Regardless, I'm sure there are some Missile Command fans out there who will appreciate what Pangea has done with the classic 30 year old gameplay.

App Store Link: Warheads, 99¢

Early last week we reported that the C64 for iPhone emulator [App Store] would soon be getting global leaderboards and achievements for in-library games via the OpenFeint network. These features were rolled out yesterday as part of the v1.4 update.

The final list of these updates is as follows:

• Jupiter Lander: leaderboards and achievements
• Lemans: leaderboards and achievements
• Arctic Shipwreck: leaderboards
• Uridium: leaderboards
• Nebulus: leaderboards
• Paradroid: leaderboards and achievements when you own the 999 droid
• NOTE: High scores are recorded only when trainer is OFF

As the in-app games themselves were changed to facilitate these enhancements, they must be "purchased" again from within the application before the global network features can be utilized (at no additional cost to the user). The developer also indicates that the emulator environment received certain performance enhancements that allow iPhone 3GS and 3G iPod touch units to run all games at a solid 50fps for smoother gameplay.

Manomio indicates that the upcoming v1.5 update will be focused on usability and playability; controls and the UI will get some work. Details on these will be forthcoming on the developer's blog.

Another very interesting bit of news comes from forum reader killy billy who spotted seven new games listed in the C64 in-app shop yesterday but, as yet, unavailable for purchase. The list of games he saw follows.

• International Karate
• Microprose Soccer
• Jumpman
• Druid
• Wizball
• Trailblazer
• Elite

We grabbed the update and took at look at the app's game shop, but the indicated games were not listed, presumably pulled until available for actual purchase. Let's hope they reappear with full global network integreation — and soon. What a superb list of titles it seems Manomio has in store for us. All are highly playable, but Archer MacLean's International Karate, a C64 favorite, and David Braben and Ian Bell's seminal space trader Elite, considered the best game ever written by many critics, are particularly welcome.

We'll let readers know when these games appear for purchase within the app and will pass on further news and information surrounding this great emulator as we get it.

App Store Link: C64 for iPhone, $4.99

Taito has unleashed a free Lite version of their amazing Space Invaders Infinity Gene game which we reviewed back in July.

We described the game as an amazing effort by Taito to bring a fresh and modern version of Space Invaders to the iPhone. The loads of unlockables, varied gameplay and music-generated levels made it a strong recommendation and gave it a spot in our Best iPhone Games of 2009.

The iPhone version of the game is an expanded version of the Japanese mobile version and walks you down an evolutionary path of shooters starting with a brief glimpse of the original Space Invaders. Each stage adds new capabilities and weapons to your ship and can even unlock additional menu items and options for the game itself.

The Lite version is rather short and does not include the cool ability to create levels based on your music, but gives you a taste of the game.

App Store Link: Space Invaders Infinity Gene, $4.99 – Space Invaders Infinity Gene Lite, Free

It's no secret that the iPhone has a lot to offer retro gaming fans out there. One example is Manomio's C64 for iPhone [App Store], which lets gamers have some serious 8-bit fun on the go. But, while such games offer a great deal of white-knuckle action, they lack the online competitive aspect of modern XBLA and PSN titles.

Manomio is in the process of rectifying the situation.

Many of us remember playing C64 games, vying for the high score and undoubtedly reveling with our friends when we grabbed the top score in Uridium, Paradroid or whatever happened to be hot at the time. Perhaps you were the best at your school, club or even town….but, are you the best in the world? Now's your chance with Open Feint integration for select games.

In the forthcoming v1.4 update to C64 for iPhone, Manomio has begun integrating online leaderboards and achievements for the classic, C64 titles the emulator supports. To start, they're delivering the following enhancements to C64 favorites by way of OpenFeint integration:

Arctic Shipwreck

• Leaderboard for high scores

Lemans

• Leaderboard for high scores
• Achievements
  • Lemans Bronze Medal (5 OF points): Scores 10000+
  • Lemans Silver Medal (8 OF points): Scores 25000+
  • Lemans Gold Medal (10 OF points): Scores 50000+
  • Lemans Elite Driver (20 OF points): Scores 100000+

Jupiter Lander

• Leaderboard for high scores
• Achievements
  • Jupiter Lander Trainee (5 OF points); Scores 10000+
  • Jupiter Lander Astronaut (10 OF points): Scores 75000+

Nebulus

• Leaderboards for high scores
• Planning to support achievements as you complete each tower (future update)

Uridium

• Leaderboards for high scores

Paradroid

• Leaderboards for high scores
• Achievements
  • Command Cyborg 999 – Pwnd!
    Achieved when you transfer / take control of the 999 unit, most powerful droid on the ship.

These enhancements really take these classic games well beyond their original incarnations. What's more, Manomio CTO Stuart Carnie assures us that, for the iPhone 3GS and 3G iPod touch, all games will run at a "buttery smooth" 50fps.

This really is a superb turn of events for retro gamers, and we're anxious to see what other enhancements to the these classics the studio will bring down the road.

App Store Link: C64 for iPhone, $4.99

In the hills of western Wales there lives a man known to some as YAK. This man surrounds himself with sheep, goats, llamas, and the like. By his own description he is, like his four-legged friends, a bit of a "scruffy hairy beast," himself. He is incapable of turning down a quality curry, and, likewise, incapable of developing a game that does not break with tradition and bend the mind — to some extent, at least — of the player. And while the name YAK was spawned by necessity due to early arcade machines only recording three letters in the high score lists, he does have a real name. To normal folk — those perhaps outside the video game world — he is known as Jeff Minter. And to me, he has long been known as the king of indie game development. And Jeff "YAK " Minter has, at long last, found the iPhone.

Jeff began writing games on the Commodore PET in the late 70s. In 1982 he founded Llamasoft, developing games for the Commodore VIC-20 and 64. His games have always been known for their distinctive, often psychedelic style. Some of his more notable titles include Tempest 2000 for the Jaguar, Tempest 3000 for the VM Labs Nuon, Gridrunner, Space Giraffe and Space Invaders Extreme for the Xbox Live Arcade, and even the "light synthesizer," the Xbox 360's musical visualizer. Jeff is a bit of a legend who has recently embraced the iPhone.

Of our favorite platform, he says,

I enjoy working on the iPhone because it's capable and interesting and the ergonomics make you rethink things a bit. I really don't like games that just try to replicate analog thumbpads on the touch screen - although some of those controls are very well done nonetheless I always feel a bit awkward sliding my thumbs around with no accompanying tactile feedback. Plus there's the added and inevitable disadvantage of having to obscure the screen you're trying to play on. I'm interested in developing stuff that's playable with the accelerometers and uses touches appropriately but sparingly and in a way that doesn't upset the view too much.

Jeff's first iPhone title — currently in progress — is a Time Pilot-style multidirectional shooter utilizing accelerometer-based controls. He indicates that the game is a good testbed for the generalized iPhone game engine he is currently working on. Jeff indicates that once this game is released, future iPhone games should come at a much faster pace — a few weeks or a couple of months tops per title — and he's got a lot of ideas for iPhone games. Great news for iPhone gamers.

Jeff recently released Gridrunner Revolution for the PC, which was highly rated in the latest issue of Retro Gamer magazine and, when asked, indicates that there's a good chance that we'll see an iPhone take on that title. "Probably not a straight port, but something specifically created for the platform and incorporating elements of the PC game," says Jeff. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

The highly accessible iPhone platform has attracted many superb indie game developers. Jeff's decision to join these ranks only takes the platform that much further towards gaming nirvana. We'll keep a close eye on what Jeff's woking on and keep readers well informed. In the meantime, have a look at Jeff's Llamasoft blog.

Stay tuned — there's some real iPhone gaming goodness on the way.