Back in late October we posted an update on Elite Systems‘ coming Elite Collection (iPhone) and Elite Collection HD (iPad) apps, which will offer a bundled collection of classic Commodore 8-bit home computer games, as well as an in-app game store for purchasing additional singles and bundled arrangements of games. At that time, Elite indicated that these applications would be delayed due to a trademark complication. We’re now happy to report the studio has informed us that the titles will land in the App Store on Friday, December 16th, and at a one-week promotional launch price of $0.99 each. [ UPDATE: Apologies to readers in our overlooking the fact that the stated release date does not apply to the Americas. These titles will see release there in mid-to-late January. ]
As we detailed earlier in October, the Elite Collection apps will come bundled with the following titles:
- Elite Collection Vol. #1:
- featuring ALTERNATE REALITY: THE CITY and also including
- Black Magic
- Alternate Reality: The Dungeon
- Elite Collection Vol. #2:
- featuring URIDIUM and also including
- Buggy Boy (a.k.a. Speed Buggy)
- First Samurai
- Elite Collection Vol. #3:
- featuring BUNDESLIGA MANAGER and also including
- Denaris
- Enforcer: Fullmetal Megablaster
- Additional 8-bit “Singles":
- Battleships (a.k.a. Battleship)
- Frank Bruno’s Boxing
- Batty
In addition, at launch, there will be 16 more titles available for purchase through the in-app game store. We will provide full details of everything that’s available, as well as a closer look at the collection itself, when the apps land this weekend.
But, for now, know that some of the particular stand-outs include:
- Datasoft’s Bruce Lee
- Palace’s Cauldron
- Gremlin’s Monty on the Run
- Alternative Software’s Skool Daze
- Thalamus’ visually stunning Creatures 2: Torture Trouble
Elite mentions, in their release, that they are committed to improving and furthering the apps in the months ahead, as well as adding to the titles available in the in-app game store. A few of the titles they name as planned / hopeful additions are Archon II: Adept, Stunt Car Racer, Mercenary: Escape from Targ, and M.U.L.E. At the time of the October delay announcement, The Bards Tale (I, II & III), Wasteland, Dragon Wars, and Neuromancer were also named as titles likely to become available through the Elite Collection.
Many of the titles in the coming Elite Collection apps are also being released as stand-alone games. Their most recent round of releases consisted of Denaris, Paradroid, and Alternate Reality: The Dungeon. All of the Elite Collection games feature the studio’s customizable “iDaptive" control system, and iCade support is said to be on the way.
Elite Systems also offers the ZX Spectrum: Elite Collection for the iPhone as well as the iPad, which are collections of ZX Spectrum games along with an associated in-app game store.
