Okay, so we’re going to try a new weekly thing here at TouchArcade. Let’s face it, no matter how well you try to keep tabs on interesting new updates, whether it’s through the App Store itself, the TouchArcade forums, AppShopper Social (Free), or what have you, there’s always a lot of them you might miss. With that in mind, every Monday, I’m going to do my best to highlight interesting or noteworthy updates from the last week. I am just as human as the rest of you, so when I inevitably miss something cool, please feel free to point it out in the comments. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of updates from the last seven days, particularly since many updates are of the ‘bug fixes, etc.’ sort that are very important but generally not all that newsworthy. So, with the premise explained, let’s get on with it.
I’ll start with a brief mention of games whose updates you’ve surely noticed if you read TouchArcade regularly. Monument Valley ($3.99), the quirky “experience" game from ustwo, was updated with a paid expansion that doubles the playtime of the game should you choose to buy it. We really enjoyed the extra content, and if you want more information, you can check out our review. Monster Dash (Free) also got a hefty update, its first in years, and it brings a bevy of new changes. If you want more information, head on over to our story about it. Finally, Noodlecake’s been busy lately, updating many of their games for compatibility and adding a chunk of levels to Super Stickman Golf 2 ($0.99).
We’re starting to see more updates trickle out that take advantage of Apple’s new Metal API. Last week saw a couple of updates in that direction. First up, Reckless Racing 3 ($2.99) has been given an update with a bunch of content from the dearly departed first Reckless Racing game, with Metal support added in for good measure. The other big Metal update was for Atypical Games’s Battle Supremacy ($4.99). Not only does it help the game look and run better than ever, it also adds some new night missions and a new pair of tank destroyers, along with other tweaks.
Now, I mentioned in the opening paragraph that we’re generally not going to cover bug fix updates, but in certain cases where the fixes render a previously unplayable game playable, especially a popular title, I’m going to sometimes mention them. Such is the case with Square Enix’s Chaos Rings ($6.99) and Chaos Rings Omega ($6.99). Good old iOS 8 completely broke a whole bunch of the RPG giant’s games, and they’re slowly putting the pieces back together at their usual pace. If you were missing either of those great games, you should be all set now. As an added bonus, they’ve added support for larger screens, or rather, they’ve added borders to fill in the black spaces. Well, it’s something, anyway. Let’s hope the rest of the games get their updates soon.
Another big bug fix update is for 2K’s NHL 2K ($2.99), which wasn’t running properly for many iOS 8 users. It wasn’t the best way for the series to have its big comeback, but that bug, along with a few others, has been squashed. As an added bonus, they updated the rosters, too. We weren’t as thrilled with the game as we’d hoped when we wrote our review, but it’s still a pretty cool hockey game, and it’s even cooler now that it, you know, works for everyone. Toronto Maple Leafs fans using iOS 8 can now live out the far-flung fantasy of winning the Stanley Cup, without getting a black screen on start-up.
Say what you will about King, their consistent support of their titles through regular updates is pretty commendable. This last week was a big one, with Pet Rescue Saga (Free), Farm Heroes Saga (Free), Bubble Witch 2 Saga (Free), and Diamond Digger Saga (Free) all getting fresh batches of levels. In case you’re wondering why grandma hasn’t called you lately, that brings Pet Rescue and Farm Heroes up to over 740 levels each, with Bubble Witch 2 and Diamond Digger flying way over the 100-level mark. You’ll never run out of ways to tear out your hair at this pace. All of the games also received bug fixes and a bit of level tuning to keep the wheels greased, so to speak.
Speaking of developers who update their games frequently, the Trese Brothers have been as busy as usual, delivering updates for both Heroes Of Steel Elite ($3.99) and Star Traders 4X Empires Elite ($4.99). The new update for Star Traders 4X offers up numerous fixes to the UI and game balancing, coming hot on the heels of the update from two weeks ago that offered substantial new content. Meanwhile, Heroes Of Steel has received its third of four planned episodes, called Whispers Over Steel. It adds tons of new dungeons, monsters, and equipment pieces, along with advancing the story towards its intended conclusion. If you have the Elite version, this update is free, while owners of the regular version should be able to buy it soon via IAP for $0.99.
They’re not the only small developers working hard, though. Last week also saw updates for the recently-reviewed games Pixel Boat Rush, Duke Dashington, and Princess And Knight. Pixel Boat Rush ($0.99) has had a few immediate bugs fixed and the overall difficulty balancing smoothed out, making for a more friendly experience for all, hopefully. The charming Duke Dashington ($0.99) gets a new control method that makes use of virtual buttons, along with making it easier to unlock the Time Trial stages added in the last update. Princess And Knight ($4.99), meanwhile, addresses one of the main criticisms of the game by adding an option to increase the speed of the game. If you like tactical RPGs and you haven’t already bitten on that one, make sure you check it out. In the not-so-recent games department, the fantastic roguelike Cardinal Quest 2 (Free) received its first update in months, adding some new legendary items and rebalancing a few things.
Plants Vs. Zombies 2 (Free) received the latest of its near-monthly updates, adding new levels, new plants, new zombies, and new versuses. Okay, maybe not that last one. Still, by adding Octopus Zombies and Sweet Potatoes, we’re one step closer to an accurate picture of what a zombie apocalypse in Japan would really look like, thank you very much, Resident Evil. This update also prepares the game for the upcoming Food Fight event, which kicks off on November 26th. Would a John Belushi joke be in poor taste here? Yes, it probably would be. Too soon, too soon.
Finally, if you like free-to-play city builders, last week was a jackpot of new content. Game Of War: Fire Age (Free) got a huge update, adding tons of new events, PVE content, a new way to earn the game’s premium currency, and of course, new gear and gems. They’ve also smoothed out the tutorials, but in case you need a bit more help, make sure to check out our starter’s guide for the game. The popular Underworld Empire (Free) also saw a very big update with the release of version 2.0.0 last week. Not only has the game been updated for newer hardware, Empire Wars have been completely redone with a new first-person view, a whole slate of new legendary bosses have been added, and there are a ton of new language options.
From modern empires to ancient ones, Empire: Four Kingdoms (Free) also saw its alliance level cap raised, with new events and research added. I actually haven’t played this one yet, but it’s certainly become quite popular over the last couple of years since it released. Last but not least, if you’ve felt your Springfield life has been missing that certain something, and that certain something happens to be CHOW-dah, Simpsons: Tapped Out (Free) finally has what you’re looking for with the arrival of “Diamond" Joe Quimby’s favorite nephew, Freddy Quimby. Save up your Canadough and… wait, that’s another game. Save up your cash and add Springfield’s least-favorite son to your town. Hey, come back here! He’s not through demeaning you!
That about wraps it up for this week’s installment of Update Mondays. Let us know in the comments about any good updates we missed, or just fill us in on what you think about this new feature. Naturally, if big updates happen during the week, we’ll still be covering them on the spot, but for everything else, we’ll be back next week to fill in the blanks.
It's sooooo good. Seriously, this is a joy.
Playing on the ipad air 2, this runs seamless, theres no loading, just goes from screen to screen, plays beautifully. I really hope 2015 is the year of full console ports...especially now the tech is available to handle them with ease....fingers crossed
It's worth mentioning that I also didn't experience any of the loading problems mentioned in the review. Playing on an iPad Mini 2, I'm seeing a marked improvement over XCOM: EU in running the game.
Same here, my iPad mini 2 handles this game like a dream
The characters don't have shadows on the iPad air 2, but on my iPad mini 2 the characters have shadows. And it does look great; even better if they would use metal. Overall good game.
Wow what a bullshite statement to make, i think u should read up about the tech difference on the two devices, dont get buthurt over a device being more powerful then yours, i love all the ipads and the minis, got them myself and still use my ipad 2, but do you realise of how stupid you sound with what you said? (P.s i dont think you have an air 2 to make that statement, whilst we do have your device to compare the two)
Man you are pretty ignorant as you do not know what you are talking about. I have iPad air 2 and a iPad Mini retina display. On my iPad mini retina display shows the character with shadows during gameplay. On my iPad air two the characters do not have shadows during gameplay. It isn't a matter of comparing tech differences that is why I stated to you, that you are ignorant because I have both devices I don't need nothing to prove to you because you're ignorant when it comes to software difference, and you don't know what you're talking about. Next time try to understand what a person is saying before you just make stupid comments about things you know nothing about. Now if your iPad air two is showing the characters during gameplay with shadows then let me know.
Wow the king of bullshite statements don't want to let go of his crown easy does he lmfao go troll someone who is impressed with your verbal diahorea, ricardo. Peace out haha
Confirm to me that your copy of xcom enemy within, on your iPad air 2 has characters displaying shadows on the floor during gameplay. There is nothing wrong with a person stating there experience with a game from their two devices, rather that be pros or cons (it's just a video game). The purpose of me making my first statement was to see if anybody else was experiencing the same thing with there iPad air, air 2, or iPad 3. I still like the game, but I thought if was strange to see shadows on my mini version and not see them on my air 2 version (which can be patched.)
Wow. Thank you Sooooo Much for pointing this out. "I only buy games based on how well (or not well) shadows will render on my iPad mini retina" said nobody ever.
Really man, shadows? Shadows?
I'll take "Junk Nobody Cares About" for $500 please Alex.
~ end Troll
Confirm to me that your copy of xcom enemy within, on your iPad air 2 has characters displaying shadows on the floor during gameplay. There is nothing wrong with a person stating there experience with a game from their two devices, rather that be pros or cons (it's just a video game). The purpose of me making my first statement was to see if anybody else was experiencing the same thing with there iPad air, air 2, or iPad 3. I still like the game, but I thought if was strange to see shadows on my mini version and not see them on my air 2 version (which can be patched.)
Obviously I bought this game not conscious of seeking shadows or lack of. I have the first xcom eu game for iOS and that game doesn't have shadows for none of apples device, and yet I still enjoy that game. So to make a nonsensical comment, "I only buy games based on how well (or not well) shadows will render on my iPad mini retina." Puts you on the level of ignorance as Alexithymia. It's just a video game, I can make statements about my playing experience from my two devices, even if they are pros and cons.
Shit the bed guys, Ricardo was just asking if anybody noticed the shadow differences, it's a valid question.
Remind me to think twice before posting on touch arcades forum in the future, I've never seen such knee jerk shit smearing since I joined.
They added characters shadows on iPad Air 2 in their last update, on December 16th, but you may have already found out by this time.
And yes, Alexythimia is an ass, quick to jump to (wrong) conclusions and failing to understand yours was a mere statement, not a flaming complaint :/
Great review. I guess I was wrong about the types of games I thought Touch Arcade tended to give 4 or 5 stars.
This type of game is the reason I own an iPad. Turn based strategy games always feel at home on a touchscreen device, especially hardcore AAA games like XCOM: EW. 5 stars is an objective score in this case.
Yes! The most definitive way to play Final Fantasy Tactics is on iOS currently and now XCOM is completely owning turn-based along with it. Can't wait to see what the future holds for gaming on iOS, especially with all the great tRPGs out there! Looking at you Valkyria Chronicles and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
"Sequels get a bad rap" or "bum rap". Not a "bad wrap". I looked for a way to contact you, Sir. Andrew, with a correction through the mobile website but could find no way to do so.
Feel free to delete once seen if that's possible.
Huh? Why does it have to be one and not the other? You can say it either way.
Rap is what people think of you. Wrap is for wrapping like Christmas wrapping.
Oh I get it now!
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The score is deserving, and the reviewer explains mechanics that weren't featured in the previous game well. However, there are some grammatical/spelling issues, which I found distracting. Overall, it doesn't read as cleanly compared to other reviews a on TA.
Who cares? Stop reviewing reviews.
I care, because it shows that people actually know how to write and can communicate their ideas well.
I'm sorry, I realize now that the word YES only has 1 S.
Not even what I'm referring to, but sure.
Most of their reviews are full of grammatical errors, especially when it comes to the proper use of commas. I think most of the contributors are young, possibly teenagers.
PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE someone complain about the price so you can be thoroughly roasted by us who love paying money for premium games and loathe the Get2Play model...
I'm waiting.
So does this include all the content of Enemy Unknown as well? I just bought Enemy Unknown on iOS (had it on PC for ages) and feel a little bummed that this is out now. I could have just bought this.
I think that not all is included. Check the forum thread, first few pages. There, it explains what there is and there isn't through a 2K link.
I miss this info from the review too: core differences between EU and EW, as well as explaining what updates it includes.
I have both EU and EW, bought both full price on day 1 and I don't regret a single cent spent, even though I don't have too much time to play EW...
You need both. The main difference between the full versions and the ios versions is the number of maps. The only included a fraction of the full games mission maps in the original ios version to keep the file size down. In the original console/pc version EW was really only a set of DLC. However the iOS developers have taken the opportunity to include a different selection of the maps, so while all the storyline from the first is in the second, you get compleat lay different levels in each game. The second is certainly better than the first, but if you want to play the full range of ios maps, you need both. Even paying for both you are getting excellent value for money as, except for the odd issue with setting movement at different heights, the games are perfect for touch and well worth the money.
If I were you I'd play the first one through, enjoy the unique levels, then delete it and play the second, using that when you replay third and fourth times etc.
This game is destroying the battery of my 5S. And I regret nothing. I own the PC version too, but I play this one most of the time. Same thing about Frozen Synapse.
About the price. IT IS CHEAP. Cheaper than the original. Let's remember this is a full AAA PC game.
I REGRET NOTHING!!!!!!
Great review! A must have" gem for your mobile device! Happy to own XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within on my ipad!
Its a real bumner this wasnt released as an expansion like on other platforms - they even deleted the original game from the app store. As someone who actually bought that, 2K sure has made me feel like I've been scammed..
Woah, you're right. They removed Enemy Unknown from the App Store. It has to be a temporary thing, right? They wouldn't yank it forever without warning. What of all those who purchased it? I was thinking of trying it someday, since I'm one of the many who can run X:EU but can't run X:EW. I'm sure it's temporary. A new game in a series almost always results in increased sales for the earlier titles, so they'd be shooting themselves in the foot.
Interesting on PC it was just a addon for EU and needed the base game. For those that already bought the original you can always redownload it again under your purchases on app store even if its no longer being sold so I dont really see any scam there.
I guess they didn't want to add it as a IAP expansion cause that would mean much less sales and so just did away with EU or as least for the time being.
Yeah, I can still download X-com EU from my purchase history - the feeling of having been scammed is because pulling it from the app store basically says "haha, suckers! You spent your money on the inferior version of the game!" to everyone who did support the original game by buying it.
An easy solution would have been to make EW available both as a stand alone app and available as an IAP in the original app, catering both to old and new customers.
Completely agreed.
Woooooah. That sucks :-( do you know if I have an older version of it (1.4.0) will I still be able to update it (1.6.0) from purchase history ? I don't know, never needed to fall back to my purchase history before, it shows "open" instead of "update" though. Maybe if I removed it & re-downloaded it, I'll get the latest version. Have anybody dealt with that before?
Ok I'm in for 1!
One of the best games for ios devices and will go down in history as one of the top ten games ever. Too bad it still over heat my phone and drain battery like nothing.
Pssh, you think Enemy Within is grim just because it MENTIONS amputations? Anyone remember Quake 4, where your character gets assimilated by the aliens DURING actual gameplay? You're free to look around as your limbs get sawed off one by one in one of the most greusome parts of any alien invasion game ever.
Does anyone else feel pissed of by 2K's policy in regards to their old customers? Think about it: we who have bought Enemy Unknown the day it came out for 12 bucks to support developing full priced AAA titles on iOS and 2K, now have to pay the double amount of money compared to those who waited to see how well the first game will sell. We had to tolerate. the bugs, the freezes, the slow-downs, the glitches. And now that the full fleshed out thing is out, we don't even have a discount? Seems a bit unfair to me... We have to pay 25 bucks just to play the full experience, while those who jump on the train just now, will only have to play the price and get the full experience. Bit odd and unfriendly policy IMHO.
Never thought about that? You raise a very good point, i feel the same as you now that you brought it up, i tried to download enemy unknown from my purchased list but it was not downloading?? Dont know if it was a bad connection or what as i have not tried since, but now that you mention it is enemy unknown not playable anymore?? If so its a bit of a piss-take...
You can find It in the purchased apps - not on this iPad/iPhone section. Still I think it is a bit of a cop out. No more support for the players who bought the original... How to pay the same price again to play almost the same, but a bit enhanched game...
Yeah defo, im surprised noone else has mentioned that?? Im all for supporting premium games but the way this has been done just does not sit well with me.
Does anyone else feel pissed of by 2K's policy in regards to their old customers? Think about it: we who have bought Enemy Unknown the day it came out for 12 bucks to support developing full priced AAA titles on iOS and 2K, now have to pay the double amount of money compared to those who waited to see how well the first game will sell. We had to tolerate. the bugs, the freezes, the slow-downs, the glitches. And now that the full fleshed out thing is out, we don't even have a discount? Seems a bit unfair to me... We have to pay 25 bucks just to play the full experience, while those who jump on the train just now, will only have to play the price and get the full experience. Bit odd and unfriendly policy IMHO.
Does anyone else find it disconcerting that the original Xcom App has been removed from the App Store?
It would be nice (though not likely) if EU was re-released with EW's smoother engine. Being able to enjoy both versions of the game (like FTL) is the right thing to do and hopefully 2K will rectify it soon.
Don't play on Ironman. I got a corrupt save error 10 hours in :(
Get it for the multiplayer alone. Can anyway recommend any turn based multiplayer games that are nearly as much fun as this? I just enabled "family sharing" so I could game vs my kids and I'm hooked.
Guys any idea what happened to Enemy Unknown ? In the Hk store it's gone !!!!
I bought it the day after thanksgiving, and have been playing for hours every evening. On my iPad Air (1st gen) it's smooth. I deleted EU from my iPad -- there's definitely no need for both -- but EW is enough of a change/improvement that I don't mind having spent the money twice.
Seriously, I look up and hours have gone by. I don't think this is normal behavior for a 40-something mom...but I'm sure getting my money's worth.
Does this have a cross-save function? Can a start a game at home on my iPad, then continue it on my iPhone? ... and vice-versa.