For some reason I feel like it's going to be an early 2017 release now. Just in time for the 2nd half of WD.
Kepa has said on facebook that probably on january. Also that we should keep an eye here to open tests as soon as they bring in achievements.
Vaporware that you can at this very moment buy and play on Steam and which I have a build of on my iPhone. But yes, total vaporware. GG
"Death Road got its Halloween update last week. Now we're working on the big "AORTA" update. Cheevos are just about to go in. Once we have achievements in, the iOS version is mostly ready for more open testing. Keep an eye out on the Toucharcade forums for news on that! All that's missing is finishing the Apple Replay stuff we want to do. However, the launch date for Death Road iOS is likely January. Same reasons as Wayward Souls PC being in January, we're not big enough to launch right in the holiday season. Also, the Death Road update will have some extra surprises, like it always does. We should have a new testing branch tomorrow!" Kepa on facebook.
It isn't an acronym, it is literally aorta. It's the name of their next build. The current build is spleen. Kinda like android builds are: ice cream sandwich, jelly bean etc