News

Notable Game Updates – February 14-February 20

Across Age [App Store]
Current Version: 1.1
Our Review
Forum Thread

This update addresses several of the issues that those in our forum thread had with the game upon launch, mainly control-related problems. An expanded d-pad with visual feedback and reduced angles for diagonal movement should help with most of the control problems people were having before, and those who couldn’t quite figure out how to do team actions now have a separate control option that they can choose which utilizes two separate buttons for team moves. Various other balancing issues have been addressed, and dying three times in one room with now restore your character with full health–a much needed concession that will help prevent players from getting stuck in an area.

Battle Blasters [App Store]
Current Version: 1.1
Our Review
Forum Thread

This update seems insignificant since it’s only adding bluetooth multiplayer to the game, but in reality it’s a pretty huge deal. I asserted that multiplayer was the most crucial thing that Battle Blasters lacked when I reviewed the game shortly after its release, as the only option it offered at the time was a somewhat broken same-device multiplayer feature. Now that bluetooth multiplayer is out (and online multiplayer is still on the way, apparently) a lot of people will likely return to Battle Blasters to finally take on friends who also own the game. I know I will.

Chop Chop Ninja [App Store]
Current Version: 1.1
Our Review
Forum Thread

We really liked Chop Chop Ninja, so the addition of three new levels, eight new enemies to fight against, and two new powerups in this update will most certainly see us giving the game another go. OpenFeint has been added as well in this update, so fans of the game can look forward to trying to collect all 18 achievements and making a name for themselves on the seven new leaderboards.

Finger Physics: Finger Fun [App Store]
Current Version: 1.4
Our Coverage
Forum Thread

Finger Physics has been well-supported with content updates and fixes, and it’s good to see this trend continue in this newest update, which adds in 18 new levels. Aside from the two new stages which contain the new levels, a Doodle Jump cross-promotion has been integrated, for those interested. An often-requested retry button is now present after each level is completed, so perfectionists and high-score chasers will now have an easier time grinding for better times.

The Horrible Vikings [App Store]
Current Version: 1.1
Our Review
Forum Thread

Driving Range Island (essentially an open-ended survival mode) is now playable, and should provide some entertainment for those who have finished The Horrible Viking’s campaign. Also included in this update are new–and much more difficutl–levels. Random shark encounters add a new dimension to Viking’s gameplay, so if you’ve had your fill of Viking-launching the new levels, new modes, and slightly added element of gameplay variety with the addition of the sharks should be enough to convince you to come back for more.

Speed Forge Extreme [App Store]
Current Version: 1.2
Our Review
Forum Thread

This feels like several updates combined into one. Aside from a large variety of bug fixes, a new “inverted career" allows advanced players to take on races with an increased difficulty level and all weapons and powerups unlocked from the start, and Crystal integration now allow for online leaderboards and achievements. A mini-map now helps track navigation, and shorter loading times (along with the ability to skip arena fights) keep things moving at a fast pace.

Tiki Towers [App Store]
Current Version: 1.3.0
Our Review
Forum Thread

A new “underwater" world adds content to Tiki Towers in this update, and magnets have been added as a resource to aid in tower construction. The biggest news for those who love the game is undoubtedly the addition fo pinch-zooming during both building and playback, which will essentially allow for a much higher level of control to see what could be improved in your constructions.