Word puzzles have captivated millions throughout history and one company that is pushing the genre in a new direction is Outplay Entertainment with its Word Trick puzzle that rewards players through newly created green “Trick Tiles.” Sure, players can still score big with double word, double letter, triple word and triple letter bonus tiles, but the new green tiles offer even bigger points. For instance, if the user matches four green tiles their score is multiplied by three and if they match five it’s multiplied by four.
After they are used the green tiles turn into yellow tiles so opponents can’t steal points. The game is available now on Facebook for free and is coming to iOS soon. Players are also allowed to compete with up to three others and in as many as 21 games at a time. The game also includes chat features, move histories and reminders via email or Facebook.
Abvio, an iPhone fitness app developer, demonstrated its version 7.0 update for Runmeter, Cyclemeter and Walkmeter last week in San Francisco at Macworld 2012. The new update overhauls the stopwatch display to be completely configurable to display data from more than 150 different data items, from total mileage to average heart rate for the previous split. Users will be able to customize and swipe through additional pages of information, including stats, graphs, maps, a music player, and more.
The update also adds a new history navigation feature that provides detailed reports. In addition, all workout information is saved directly to the device so users do not have to navigate to a sister website. The company also demonstrated new app support for the Wahoo Fitness Blue HR Heart Rate Strap (for iPhone 4S) in the Mobile Apps Showcase making it the first to adopt the technology.
Canadian-based Incubator Games recently announced that its upcoming iOS match three puzzle Feeding Time will be available sometime in March for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices. Introducing cute and furry little critters such as kitties, doggies and bunnies, the game’s trailer reveals that the game is not a traditional match three puzzle. Instead of getting rid of like objects and more filling in from the top, Feeding Time allows players to attack from all sides. The video also seems to point towards huge bonuses since pets can eat bones or carrots from either side.
And instead of matching blue blocks with blue blocks, players must utilize the game’s intuitive eating mechanic where players match various animals with their favorite snacks. For example, dogs can only eat bones and cats can only eat fish. Players will also be able to challenge their friends on the global leaderboards and if they’re lucky, no pet will go hungry again.
Known as Death Sword in the US, the 1987 Commodore 64 classic is coming to PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad as early as February 15, 2012. Also previously known as Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior, the new title will be Barbarian – The Death Sword and is developed by Microids and published by Anuman Interactive. Gameplay will be similar to the original one-on-one fighting style as well as will integrate cross-platform multiplayer. It’s not clear as to if Mac warriors will be able to compete against PC warriors or if it will only be Mac versus iOS. I’m sure there would be a lot of happy fighters if one could fight against PC, Mac, iOS or Android. And it’s very nice to see that it will still feature the ability to sever opponent’s heads and celebrate the ensuing shower of blood. Of course, this time it will be in updated 3D graphics. And yes, there are still scantily clad women involved, if that’s something anyone cares about.
Jackthread, the members-only men’s online shopping club, is launching an app developed by Fueled Mobile Design and Development on Tuesday to make it a bit easier for its members and the 20 percent of them who already come through their mobile devices to shop. The online and now mobile shopping club features top-tier street, skate, surf and contemporary men’s fashion brands as well as offer daily sales of up to 80 percent off. The Jackthread app will be available as a free download in the iTunes App Store as well as the Android Marketplace.
The site had yet to be optimized for mobile device users despite their 8 million page views per month, but with the new apps the company anticipates a drastic increase in the number of mobile shoppers. The users who download the app are given the option to sing up for daily reminders for exclusive announcements about curated sales as soon as they go live as well as special sales available only for mobile users. New users will also be given instant access to the daily deals and will not have to wait for an invitation.
The award-winning KooZac game, which has racked up 15 million plays online and picked up a Channel 4 “Best International Interactive Viral” award, is coming to iOS and Android according to a recent statement from Square Enix. A cross between Tetris and Sudoku, KooZac is a puzzle game that has players position falling blocks on top of each other to hit the target number and complete the set amount of combinations to finish each level.
The mobile version will include new ways to play, including Puzzle, which brings the player through 60 levels of destroying silver blocks and cleaning the board by completing the targets, Endless for no level and no stage parameters and the ability to compete against the world as well as Blitz for completing targets and using boosts to achieve even higher scores within one minute. The game’s creator Ben Cusack was hired by Square Enix to head up its expanding mobile division.
Niko, a new game slinging its way onto the App Store on January 19, unleashes the fury of a new unlikely superhero that looks like a Mogwai and has the stealth of a ninja. The gamer’s mission is to help Niko rescue his friends who have been captured in a mysterious Otherworld. To do so, the player must use sling shot action through the platform design to race through challenging game levels, dodge traps, flip over monsters, and collect achievements on his way to saving all his friends.
Developed by Sulake, the parent company of Habbo Hotel, one of the largest social game and online community for teenagers at 10 million monthly unique users, Niko is a freemium game that is free to download and play for the first six levels. The full game, with three versatile worlds and 28 total levels can be unlocked for $1.99. The app will be available on iPhone (3GS, 4 and 4S), iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch.
Singaporean-based Zensorium is introducing a new device designed to let people track their health and wellness on their iOS device, with a new device called the Tinké.
The Tinké plugs directly into an iOS device, and users touch its sensor directly with their finger. By touching this, the device claims that it can measure heart rate, respiratory rate, and the oxygen level in a person’s blood, making it essentially a pulse oximeter for an iOS device. It measures these then rates the person on its “Vita Index”, which is based on the quality of the measured information. Tinké also can track this information over time, so people can see how their health is changing, and preferably for the better! People can share this information with friends and family, with the ability to comment on Vita Indices, to share tips and encouragement. As well, users can share their Vita Scores anonymously, with the ability to compare their scores with other people in their age group.
The Tinké will come in four colors: black, red, white and an aqua blue. Zensorium is currently taking reservations, with a target price of $99, although there is no planned release date for the hardware. As well, there is no indication if this will officially support the iPad. Will the information be cloud-based, or device-based, so users could potentially use the Tinké dongle on their other iOS devices, like iPod touch or iPad, and will the network be available through the web? Plus, will it work? Will all the measurements, especially oxygen measurement, really be accurate based on just using a dongle? Other pulse oximeters are intrusion free, but use a closed design; will the open ended design of Tinké negatively affect measurement? These are important questions to be answered as Tinké reaches its release date in the indefinite future.
Rebel and Bird AB and Springworks AB have announced an upcoming application that will try to help Spotify users — or at least those with Spotify Premium — discover new music while on the go. Their app, SpotON Radio, will allow users to log in to their Spotify accounts and have custom radio stations built for them based on their Spotify data. According to Rebel and Bird’s Peter Blom, “We’re all passionate music fans and love discovering new music which can often be a challenge. Even though you now have access to an endless library thanks to Spotify, it’s hard to seek out new songs and you often end up listening to the same playlists over and over again. We wanted to change that and that’s where the idea for SpotON Radio started.”
It will work similarly to Pandora, where users enter in a starting point like their favorite artist, and then the app will find similar tracks based on that. This is all based on Spotify’s API, using their library of music (accessible through the user’s premium subscription which offers the access to the tracks) to supply the tracks for the service. SpotON Radio launches on January 9th as a free app with no ads at all, though the developers tease that it may not stay that way always. The app will be available from this link, so Spotify Premium users will want to keep an eye out for this.
Kickstarter is increasingly being used to help finance the development of apps; the latest attempt at financing an app through the crowdsourced funding site is an interactive story app called The Last Sleeper. This app will feature the work of Halo 4 producer and designer Kendall Davis, Lord of the Rings sound designer (and Oscar winner) Ethan Van Der Wyn, composer Steve Jablonsky (known for Gears of War 3 and Transformers), among other veterans of the gaming industry working on this app. The story is described as a hybrid of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance, featuring characters Adam and Fera, who develop their relationship as they try to restore their planet of Ephos. However, hurdles arise, and an evil entity named The Shadow must be dealt with along with their personal issues. User input will help to guide and direct the story along, which tries to integrate the sound and visual design along with the user interactions. The app is currently in the funding stage, and is planned for release in the summer of 2012. For more details and concept art, check out The Last Sleeper‘s Kickstarter page.
In a move that’s not entirely unexpected, another popular Facebook title is being brought over to iOS devices. Bulkypix, in collaboration with Kobojo, are adapting PyramidVille for Apple devices. Dubbed PyramidVille Adventure this time around.
This is looking to be more than a mere straight port, however. While the developers have indeed carried the Ancient Egyptian city-building and citizen-gathering mechanics over, they’ve gone and added some new stuff as well. Players will be able to find special items that allow them to build special structures such as the Great Sphinx, as well as take part in a new collection of mini-games that can actually reduce the amount of real-time waiting required for various actions. And, of course, the entire interface has been redesigned for iOS with touch controls and the like.
Those looking to become the next Ramses (or Cleopatra!) will still have to wait a bit before they can experience the 6 million player strong Facebook phenomena on the go. PyramidVille Adventure isn’t set to come out for another month or so, towards the tail end of January. It’ll be free-to-play, and universal, so once it does come out there won’t be much of a reason to avoid it. Aside from the obvious ones like “free time” and “loved ones” anyway.
Robot Entertainment, developers of titles like Age of Empires Online and Orcs Must Die!, are making their debut on iOS with Hero Academy. Despite their name, this game appears to be attempting to entertain humans as well as machines. This is a turn-based strategy game, pitting teams like the good Council versus the evil Dark Elves. They look dark and evil, so they must be evil! Combat is grid-based, where players send units to attack enemy units head on, and use abilities and spells to attack across multiple squares. The ultimate goal is to destroy the opponent’s crystal to win the game. Hero Academy will feature asynchronous online multiplayer, so players can take on their friends and frenemies whenever they darn well feel like. Robot Entertainment will be unveiling more teams, characters, and abilities, many of which will be available as in-app purchass, in the lead up to the game’s release, set for this winter.
Touted as a Holiday Season release, LostWinds promises innovative platform-adventuring fun that sets to embrace touch screen controls in a similar way in that the Wii version embraced motion controls.
Players wield the impressive elemental based powers of Enril the Wind Spirit, from subtle breezes to fearsome tornados. All this forms some thrilling puzzles and exploration while guiding young Toku whose mission is to release a curse placed upon the world.
LostWinds was a critical hit for the Wii and understandably so. It’s certainly one to watch for iOS owners in the near future.
Telltale Games has announced their latest series based on a well-known license: Law & Order: Legacies. This episodic series will feature characters from both the classic long-running original Law & Order TV series, as well as from the still-running Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The likenesses of Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt, Sam Waterston, Mariska Hargitay, and other actors from both series will be featured in the upcoming episodes. Players will act in both investigator and prosecutor roles, making decisions along the way that will affect the outcomes of cases. The games will debut on iOS first, making their appearance as universal apps starting this month, with 2 ‘cases’ set to release. 5 more cases will be released in the next few months, along with PC and Mac versions of the games. Telltale Games has released a behind-the-scenes video discussing the storyline of the series and how they’re bringing the characters from across the franchise together.
Austin-based White Whale Games has announced their first game for iOS, God of Blades. While the game is in an early state at this point, the developers have launched a Kickstarter page to help fund continued development of the game. The page has already met its goal, though donations are still accepted, with rewards such as original artwork for those who donate funds. The game itself will be a 2.5D action-platformer, featuring weapon-based combat.
The studio claims to be drawing inspiration from 70′s fantasy themes that inspired the sword-and-sorcery (not Sworcery) stories and artwork that also had an influence on the burgeoning rock and metal of that era (which still has an influence on bands like The Sword to this day). The concept artwork shows off this influence rather clearly, as if they were plucked straight out of the 1970′s, either by way of time travel or wizard’s spell to bring them to the present. Lost artwork and books are also part of the story, as fictional fantasy novels will play a part in the game’s world-building and internal fiction. There are also some ambiguous details on the use of geolocation to tie users in to the experience, although this should become more clear as the game enters further into development.
White Whale Games is comprised of 3 primary employees, working with outside programmers and musicians to help work on the game. Of particular note is the studio’s Creative Director, Jason Rosenstock. He most recently worked on Star Wars: The Old Republic for BioWare, and some of his work designing planets in that game will be seen when the game releases. God of Blades is still a long way out, as work continues on the gameplay and artwork to make it look as close to their vision as possible. We’ll have more on this title as it nears its completion, as White Whale offers up a general release date of pre-Summer 2012. Want to check out a very, very early taste of what the game has to offer? Try this “First stage preview build” of an “interactive environment” in the Unity Web Player.
Speeding onto an iOS device this Winter is Need For Speed: The Run, the iOS version of the popular console racing game.
As expected, players will find themselves in a race from San Francisco to New York across five distinctive parts of the US. There’ll be speed races through the desert alongside careful drifting around tight corners. Numerous real-world stock cars will be on offer with upgrades to speed, acceleration and handling all possible.
Healthy competition between friends will be encouraged with Autolog support keeping track of how each player performs. As a fan of the system on consoles, it’s an immensely addictive service. Who can resist challenging their friends after all? There will also be Origin support, a common trend with recent EA titles.
Take a look at the screenshots and gameplay trailer below. Need For Speed: The Run is looking pretty luscious indeed. It’s out sometime this Winter.
Technology is improving in in leaps and bounds. It’s an immensely exciting time to be alive. Just a glance at the growing prevelance of Augmented Reality games aptly demonstrates that. How about a game that relies on augmented sound though? Now, that’s a bit different.
Dimensions looks extremely interesting in that respect. It uses augmented sound to turn the world into a game. Designed to be played in parallel with normal life, the game manipulates and enhances sound nearby changing the things we hear as a matter of course over the day. Players enter and exit different dimensions within the game as they go about their life. Missions can then be completed by collecting artifacts and fighting enemies.
It’s a pretty fascinating concept and with music from Inception composer Hans Zimmer, Dimensions looks all the more compelling.
Dimensions is set for release sometime this month. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on its development. For now, check out the video below that explains a bit more.
On a regular basis, I’m wowed by the impressive graphics we’re seeing on the latest iOS games. None more so than in the case of Battlefield 3 Aftershock from EA. It’s only in an early alpha state but already it’s looking pretty amazing for an iPhone or iPad game.
Scant details have been released so far but there will be a single player mode as well as multiplayer fun to be had. EA promises ragdoll physics and a combat engine built around facing up against hordes of enemies in wave formations, hopefully providing an experience ideal for the brief game sessions many get with their iOS devices.
Intriguingly there will also be connectivity with Battlefield 3 on other platforms with achievements and weapon unlocks suggested to be the result of this. As a fan of the BattleLog available for PC and console gamers, I’ve got my fingers crossed that the iOS version has some kind of connection to this.
No release date has been announced other than sometime this Winter. For now, take in the delights of these screenshots that look darn impressive for any iOS device.
Fans of popular EA franchise The Sims have never failed to find delights on the App Store. With four different varieties encompassing the original, Ambitions, World Adventures and Medieval, there’s plenty of fun to be had. However, there’s nothing replicating Facebook game The Sims Social. That is until now.
Coming to the App Store next month will be The Sims Freeplay, an entirely new game that bears a lot of similarities to other freemium games. It’ll be the kind of title that players can check in on throughout the day with The Sims world running constantly in the background. Players will get the chance to create up to 16 customized Sims, design their dream homes, care for pets, grow gardens and even find some time for baking too. A goals system which will presumably tie in with the career potentials of the Sims means that there’ll always be something new to do. There will also be the near obligatory in-app purchases we’ve all come to expect from freemium titles.
The Sims Freeplay is set for release next month. For now, check out the screenshots below for a taste of what’s to come.
Grow tired of the same old Tetris on iPhone? The current version dates back to 2008 (fun fact: the game used to cost $9.99), so it may just be proper time for a new version of the game. Well, EA is hard at work on a new Tetris that will help mix things up. First, a brand new visual look offers a glowing design that colorizes each individual piece. A new rank feature appears to be in place, to allow players to reach the tile of “Tetrismaster.” The ability to earn coins to spend on in-game poweruos is also now available, potentially keying in on this being a free-to-play release, or even just a premium release supported by in-app purchases as well. Details are very scant at this moment, as no release date, potential iPad availability, or anything beyond these screenshots is currently available, but we will have more on this new Tetris release as they come in.
Having never played either the iOS game Gibbets or the flash game Gibbets 2, I thought I’d best see what all the fuss is about before I announce that Gibbets 2 is set to hit the app store during Q2 next year.
I quickly learnt why the franchise has been played over 250 million times. It sucks up time in a manner that’s a sign of something truly special.
It’s a simple enough game. Each level comprises of a few people hanging from nooses and it’s the player’s job to cut them down by shooting arrows in their direction. Underneath that surface is a compelling game thanks to the keen physics engine within that means it’s vital to line up the shot and speed just right. Players are also provided with a limited number of arrows per level and are punished accordingly for taking too long or hitting the poor victims.
It’s great fun on the PC and I suspect it’ll be an ideal game for iOS with easy touch based controls and 30 levels promised.
Gibbets 2 is set for release sometime in Q2 2012. We’ll be sure to keep up to date on any developments.
I feel a little under pressure to come up with the most fantastic egg based puns I can possibly imagine. Unfortunately, I’m no puns eggs-pert…ohh, there we are.
That pun out of the way, it pleases me very much to state that Dizzy, the famous egg adventurer of the 1980s, is back and will soon be splatting his way onto an iOS device. On 9th December in fact or Egg-mergence Day as Codemasters have decided to call it.
Dizzy, for the too young/inexperienced to know about, was the hero of many adventure games of old back on the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. I’ll admit it now. Having owned most of the titles, my 7 year old brain never quite managed to complete any of them but they were fantastic fun.
Coming to iOS will be Dizzy: Prince of the Yolkfolk, a remake of the classic 1991 adventure. Plenty of puzzles will need to be solved along with a healthy dash of platforming fun too.
We’ll be sure to have a review of it in time for its release. For now, enjoy the teaser trailer and plethora of screenshots below. It promises to be an egg-cellent time. I’m sorry.
The game that Apple used to show off the iPhone 4S and iOS5 capabilities when it was released, Infinity Blade 2, is nearing its release, and developer ChAIR Entertainment has posted a pair of videos to talk about the game and hype people up for its release. The first video covers the game’s visuals with commentary from ChAIR staff on how the game’s visuals aren’t just designed to look stunning, but also to help create the atmosphere of the world. The second video covers the story elements of Infinity Blade 2, and what the developers, along with the author of the interquel novella Infinity Blade: Awakening, Brandon Sanderson, wanted to do to help expand the universe with this game. Both of these videos are embedded below.
Infinity Blade 2 will make its way into gamers’ hands starting next Thursday, as ChAIR Entertainment has confirmed the December 1st release date, and a price of $6.99 for the universal app. Those looking to get into the series before the highly-anticipated sequel releases can check out the original Infinity Blade at a sale price of $2.99, and read Infinity Blade: Awakening for $2.99 on the iBooks Store.
Square Enix sure knows how to keep iOS device owning RPG fans happy. Whether it’s by releasing new games like Chaos Rings or resurrecting old classics like Final Fantasy 1, 2 and 3, JRPG fans are guaranteed a good time.
Why am I explaining all this? Because Square Enix has just announced that one of the greatest RPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger, is heading to the iPhone and iPod Touch sometime before the end of the year!
For the uninformed, Chrono Trigger was a fantastic collaborative effort by the creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and creator of Dragon Quest, Yuji Horii. Originally released on the SNES, it’s a lengthy tale of time travel to all sorts of places from the Middle Ages to a post-apocalyptic future and boasts 15 different endings.
No price details or exact release date have been announced just yet but we have got some pretty screenshots to stare at in preparation.
For now, be very excited by the forthcoming release of Chrono Trigger. It’s a true classic of the genre.
Navigation apps in the app store are a plenty. But one developer that continues to push the bar is NAVIGON, who’s first app was published two years ago and has received almost 10,000 four star reviews. Their newest app, an overhaul of their first app published two years ago that has seen eight major updates packed with new features, is available as of today as a free update to current NAVIGON users. For those new to the service, NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone North America, USA, Canada, East, Central or West costs between $19.99 and $49.99 depending on the location.
NAVIGON 2.0 received a complete overhaul to its user interface with pull down menus and an easier to use POI menu. It is the first onboard iPhone navigation app that solves the issue of having to save large amounts of map data on the phone to be independent of a data connection because it allows the user to download maps by state, leaving more room for media files and other apps. Also included in NAVIGON 2.0 is an in app purchase option for quarterly map updates, which is key as every road around seems to be under construction.
There are very few details available at this time, what with it being just announced and all, but it’s going to be a Gamebook Adventure. Only set in the Judge Dredd universe and all that. So plenty of choices, equipment, branching paths, dice-oriented combat and so on. About the only specific things I do know is that it’s set to release in “Q2 2012″ for both the iPad and iPhone, and it’ll cost $4.99. There might be some kind of sale at launch if the recent release of Temple of the Spider God is any indication, but that’s pure speculation at this point.
Regardless, this is exciting news! I know I’m looking forward to a tabletop-styled quest through Mega City One. Anyone else?
There’s something heart warming about the companionship between two dogs, even if those dogs happen to be attached by the tongue such as Mick & Ralph in Mojo Bones’ first iOS title: Tongue Tied.
Arriving in early December, Tongue Tied follows the exploits of Mick & Ralph as they traverse their way through 50 levels, hoping to eventually retrieve the WonderBone. As the names and concept suggests, it’s going to be a pretty zany ride with an entertaining combination of platforming and physics puzzling.
It promises to include numerous tricks and bonuses to keep things interesting as well as a form of levelling up system, leading to many unlockables. Besides the 50 story levels, there’s also the promise of 30 separate DogHouse levels boosting the replayability of the title.
With a graphical style that clearly takes a few ideas from classic cartoons, I reckon Tongue Tied will be ideal for young and old alike.
Tongue Tied will be out next month. For now, gaze at the gameplay trailer and screenshots below.
Fans of Tap Tap Revenge and The Muppets rejoice as Disney Mobile announced the availability of Tap Tap Muppets. The app is free and features music from Disney’s “The Muppets” soundtrack, in addition to the Muppets tribute compilation, “The Green Album.” How fitting, since it’s not easy being green. Well, in this case, it’s very easy since we all love The Muppets and music so this is a great combination to have in a game.
Tap Tap Muppets features all the usual cast of characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and a few more to help celebrate everyone’s favorite Muppet music. The game features six full tracks including three songs from the “The Muppets” soundtrack, which will be released by Walt Disney Records on November 21. A few of the songs include “Life’s A Happy Song” which is performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter along with “The Muppet Show Theme” performed by OK Go.
The launch of Tap Tap Muppets coincides with the theatrical release, which hits theaters November 23. The Tap Tap Muppets app is available for free in the App Store.
Cave has released a number of shooters on the App Store, and virtually all of them have been very well-received. In the interest of preserving that tradition, they’ve just announced an iOS port of Bug Princess (also known as Mushihimesama). I’m hoping that I have all my facts straight, but bear with me here.
Mushihimesama was a big hit in Japanese arcades when it was released in 2004. Thanks in no small part to its “Manic” and “Ultra” modes, I’m sure. After all that success, Cave released a sequel – Mushihimesama Futari – in 2006, followed by a 2010 spin-off most iOS users should be familiar with at this point: Mushihimesama Bug Panic. Still with me? Good.
So, Cave is getting ready to release the original vertical-scrolling shooter Mushihimesama, now under the name Bug Princess on the App Store for our enjoyment. My head hurts a little now… Anyway, the original arcade title that led to the creation and release of Mushihimesama Bug Panic is headed our way. According to the developer, it’s going to be compatible with the iPhone4, 3GS, iPod Touch 3rd Gen and up, the iPad and iPad2, and will require OS 4.2 or higher.
There’s no specific release info yet aside from “winter 2011,” but there isn’t a whole lot of 2011 left so it won’t be too long a wait. As for pricing… Well, that’s still unannounced, but it’s a Cave game so I’d imagine it’ll range from $5 to $10 or so. Best get those App Store funds ready.
Dolphin Browser version 2.0 was released for iOS and is now available for download on the App Store. Similar to the company’s recent Android update, the mobile browser for the iPhone and iPad now features Dolphin Connect, which enables the user to sync all of their important bookmarks across platforms. For instance, iPad owners who have an Android mobile phone are good to go with the latest update. This should make for a consistent user experience regardless of mobile platform.
The app’s Webzine received several enhancements, including bringing 16 of the most popular channels directly to the home screen for easy, one-touch access. The company also announced that they’ve surpassed 10 million users and in celebration are giving away a trip to Disneyland for one lucky Dolphin user. This also includes a guest. The prize is five nights at the Walt Disney Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Find out all the details on the company’s blog.
Word puzzles have captivated millions throughout history and one company that is pushing the genre in a new direction is Outplay Entertainment with its Word Trick puzzle that rewards players through newly created green “Trick Tiles.” Sure, players can still score big with double word, double letter, triple word and triple letter bonus tiles, but the new green tiles offer even bigger points. For instance, if the user matches four green tiles their score is multiplied by three and if they match five it’s multiplied by four.
:: GOOD RUN
Canadian-based Incubator Games recently announced that its upcoming iOS match three puzzle Feeding Time will be available sometime in March for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices. Introducing cute and furry little critters such as kitties, doggies and bunnies, the game’s trailer reveals that the game is not a traditional match three puzzle. Instead of getting rid of like objects and more filling in from the top, Feeding Time allows players to attack from all sides. The video also seems to point towards huge bonuses since pets can eat bones or carrots from either side.
Known as Death Sword in the US, the 1987 Commodore 64 classic is coming to PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad as early as February 15, 2012. Also previously known as Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior, the new title will be Barbarian – The Death Sword and is developed by Microids and published by Anuman Interactive. Gameplay will be similar to the original one-on-one fighting style as well as will integrate cross-platform multiplayer. It’s not clear as to if Mac warriors will be able to compete against PC warriors or if it will only be Mac versus iOS. I’m sure there would be a lot of happy fighters if one could fight against PC, Mac, iOS or Android. And it’s very nice to see that it will still feature the ability to sever opponent’s heads and celebrate the ensuing shower of blood. Of course, this time it will be in updated 3D graphics. And yes, there are still scantily clad women involved, if that’s something anyone cares about.
Jackthread, the members-only men’s online shopping club, is launching an app developed by 
The award-winning 
Singaporean-based Zensorium is introducing a new device designed to let people track their health and wellness on their iOS device, 
Rebel and Bird AB and Springworks AB have announced an upcoming application that will try to help Spotify users — or at least those with Spotify Premium — discover new music while on the go. Their app, SpotON Radio, will allow users to log in to their Spotify accounts and have custom radio stations built for them based on their Spotify data. According to Rebel and Bird’s Peter Blom, “We’re all passionate music fans and love discovering new music which can often be a challenge. Even though you now have access to an endless library thanks to Spotify, it’s hard to seek out new songs and you often end up listening to the same playlists over and over again. We wanted to change that and that’s where the idea for SpotON Radio started.”
Kickstarter is increasingly being used to help finance the development of apps; the latest attempt at financing an app through the crowdsourced funding site is an interactive story app called The Last Sleeper. This app will feature the work of Halo 4 producer and designer Kendall Davis, Lord of the Rings sound designer (and Oscar winner) Ethan Van Der Wyn, composer Steve Jablonsky (known for Gears of War 3 and Transformers), among other veterans of the gaming industry working on this app. The story is described as a hybrid of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance, featuring characters Adam and Fera, who develop their relationship as they try to restore their planet of Ephos. However, hurdles arise, and an evil entity named The Shadow must be dealt with along with their personal issues. User input will help to guide and direct the story along, which tries to integrate the sound and visual design along with the user interactions. The app is currently in the funding stage, and is planned for release in the summer of 2012. For more details and concept art, 
In a move that’s not entirely unexpected, another popular Facebook title is being brought over to iOS devices. 
Back in July, we reported that 
Telltale Games has announced their latest series based on a well-known license: Law & Order: Legacies. This episodic series will feature characters from both the classic long-running original Law & Order TV series, as well as from the still-running Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The likenesses of Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt, Sam Waterston, Mariska Hargitay, and other actors from both series will be featured in the upcoming episodes. Players will act in both investigator and prosecutor roles, making decisions along the way that will affect the outcomes of cases. The games will debut on iOS first, making their appearance as universal apps starting this month, with 2 ‘cases’ set to release. 5 more cases will be released in the next few months, along with PC and Mac versions of the games. Telltale Games has released a behind-the-scenes video discussing the storyline of the series and how they’re bringing the characters from across the franchise together.
The studio claims to be drawing inspiration from 70′s fantasy themes that inspired the sword-and-sorcery (not Sworcery) stories and artwork that also had an influence on the burgeoning rock and metal of that era (which still has an influence on bands like The Sword to this day). The concept artwork shows off this influence rather clearly, as if they were plucked straight out of the 1970′s, either by way of time travel or wizard’s spell to bring them to the present. Lost artwork and books are also part of the story, as fictional fantasy novels will play a part in the game’s world-building and internal fiction. There are also some ambiguous details on the use of geolocation to tie users in to the experience, although this should become more clear as the game enters further into development.
Speeding onto an iOS device this Winter is Need For Speed: The Run, the iOS version of the popular console racing game. 
On a regular basis, I’m wowed by the impressive graphics we’re seeing on the latest iOS games. None more so than in the case of Battlefield 3 Aftershock from EA. It’s only in an early alpha state but already it’s looking pretty amazing for an iPhone or iPad game.
Fans of popular EA franchise The Sims have never failed to find delights on the App Store. With four different varieties encompassing the 
Grow tired of the same old Tetris on iPhone? The current version dates back to 2008 (fun fact: the game used to cost $9.99), so it may just be proper time for a new version of the game. Well, EA is hard at work on a new Tetris that will help mix things up. First, a brand new visual look offers a glowing design that colorizes each individual piece. A new rank feature appears to be in place, to allow players to reach the tile of “Tetrismaster.” The ability to earn coins to spend on in-game poweruos is also now available, potentially keying in on this being a free-to-play release, or even just a premium release supported by in-app purchases as well. Details are very scant at this moment, as no release date, potential iPad availability, or anything beyond these screenshots is currently available, but we will have more on this new Tetris release as they come in.
Having never played either the iOS game 
I feel a little under pressure to come up with the most fantastic egg based puns I can possibly imagine. Unfortunately, I’m no puns eggs-pert…ohh, there we are. 
The game that Apple used to show off the iPhone 4S and iOS5 capabilities when it was released, Infinity Blade 2, is nearing its release, and developer ChAIR Entertainment has posted a pair of videos to talk about the game and hype people up for its release. The first video covers the game’s visuals with commentary from ChAIR staff on how the game’s visuals aren’t just designed to look stunning, but also to help create the atmosphere of the world. The second video covers the story elements of Infinity Blade 2, and what the developers, along with the author of the interquel novella Infinity Blade: Awakening, Brandon Sanderson, wanted to do to help expand the universe with this game. Both of these videos are embedded below. 
Square Enix sure knows how to keep iOS device owning RPG fans happy. Whether it’s by releasing new games like 
Navigation apps in the app store are a plenty. But one developer that continues to push the bar is NAVIGON, who’s first app was published two years ago and has received almost 10,000 four star reviews. Their newest app, an overhaul of their first app published two years ago that has seen eight major updates packed with new features, is available as of today as a free update to current NAVIGON users. For those new to the service, NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone North America, USA, Canada, East, Central or West costs between $19.99 and $49.99 depending on the location.
Not so long ago, 
Arriving in early December, Tongue Tied follows the exploits of Mick & Ralph as they traverse their way through 50 levels, hoping to eventually retrieve the WonderBone. As the names and concept suggests, it’s going to be a pretty zany ride with an entertaining combination of platforming and physics puzzling. 
Fans of Tap Tap Revenge and The Muppets rejoice as Disney Mobile announced the availability of Tap Tap Muppets. The app is free and features music from Disney’s “The Muppets” soundtrack, in addition to the Muppets tribute compilation, “The Green Album.” How fitting, since it’s not easy being green. Well, in this case, it’s very easy since we all love The Muppets and music so this is a great combination to have in a game.
:: MUPPETATIONAL CELEBRATIONAL
Cave has released a number of shooters on the App Store, and virtually all of them have been very well-received. In the interest of preserving that tradition, they’ve just announced an iOS port of Bug Princess (also known as Mushihimesama). I’m hoping that I have all my facts straight, but bear with me here.
Dolphin Browser version 2.0 was released for iOS and is now available for download on the App Store. Similar to the company’s recent Android update, the mobile browser for the iPhone and iPad now features Dolphin Connect, which enables the user to sync all of their important bookmarks across platforms. For instance, iPad owners who have an Android mobile phone are good to go with the latest update. This should make for a consistent user experience regardless of mobile platform.
