Pocket Gamer reports that War Balloon has revealed plans for future updates to it’s space sim, Star Command. There will be a new hull indicator that keeps the player aware of the possibility of their ship exploding, should it take too much damage. Also, if fires go unattended, they will spread out and cause even more damage to your ship. Players will even get away teams to explore planets and invade enemy ships.
The original Sonic the Hedgehog has been remastered for iOS, a la Sonic CD. Under the care of Christian Whitehead and his Retro Engine, the team at Sega who helped guide the port along, and Simon Thomley, aka “Stealth,” who helped put Knuckles into a Sonic 1 ROM, the original Sonic game is now even better, with tons of new extras for long-time fans. Oh, and it’s not a new app, though it certainly could have been – this is a free update to the original Sonic 1 release for iOS, which was just an emulated version of the Genesis original.
The game itself is a faithful port, with some tweaks added. It’s now friendly to multiple aspect ratios, including widescreen, which may still come to Sonic CD. The spin dash has been added as an option, which does make the game a bit easier. Spike behavior has changed to be more player-friendly and more like the later games in the series.
But it’s the extras, both big and small, that are worth getting excited about. Because the game has been rebuilt in the Retro Engine to the specifics of the original title, it’s possible to add new things in. Tails and Knuckles are unlockable by beating the game and getting all the Chaos Emeralds. This is one of the harder Sonic games, so good luck.
It’s the even more deeply buried tweaks that are more fun. iCade support is in the game, which comes recommended for two reasons: physical controls make this game a lot better, though the virtual controls are better than the emulated version and have plenty of options to configure them. But more importantly, iCade usage helps unveil one of the game’s coolest secrets that may be inaccessible otherwise. Don’t read any further if you don’t want to find out. SPOILERS!
Start up a new game in “No Save Mode” and input Up-Down-Left-Right on the controller. You’ll hear a chime. Tap Start, and you’ll see a level select screen. Initially, it’s a bit of sacrilege as it’s different from the Sonic 1 level select, but it lists plenty of neat options. All the characters can be played immediately. Individual game behaviors can be changed. Items from Sonic 2 and/or 3 can be added. The game can be played with 7 Chaos Emeralds instead of the original’s 6. Plus, there’s a sound test. Pretty much the only missing thing is the debug mode!
This might not be the end to the secrets: Tails’ name can be displayed as Miles “Tails” Prower when starting a game as him by tapping the letters in the famous SEGA logo to spell AGES. The developers have been in the Sonic Retro forums teasing out other secrets, so there’s plenty of options here.
That this all has been presented as an update to the emulated version, when Sega could have easily justified it as a new purchase – and I’d have defended it too – is a killer deal for Sonic fans. Casual fans will love getting a better version of this game. The hardcore fans will love all the additional goodies. Much like Sonic CD, this is how a port should be done. Of course, there’s two other main series Sonic games to potentially be ported, and don’t forget Knuckles Chaotix!
Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 14th, 2013 + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Star Command received an update today adding new tutorials and a beginner difficulty level for those who need a more easygoing approach to the gameplay. However, for players who like the challenge, they can now unlock larger ships and heavy difficulty. There are 15 total tokens available at the start of a new game and the max crew has been increased to match the number of rooms.
- Engineering lagging devices fixed
- Tips for Minigames
- Added missing countdown for a few random “yellow” missions
- Grol split period reduced, but increases 2x with every split
- Allow touch larger area to grab token
- Ammo button now disabled if no more tokens allowed
- Assign buttons disabled if room is full
- Weapon UI improvements
Posted May 13th, 2013 by Andrew Stevens Our Rating: :: LIGHT THE WAY
Shiny The Firefly is a nice, easygoing game with lovely background art that provides players with obstacles and challenges that most people can appreciate.
Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 7th, 2013 + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
KEMCO releases the English version of End of Aspiration, a fantasy RPG title that features five characters with their own beliefs that drive the story forward. To celebrate the release and for a limited time only, you can purchase the game for $2.99 until it returns to its original price of $8.99.
- Simple controls and tremendous battles!
- Beautiful 2D graphics with a friendly warmth
- Features an auto-save function! Enjoy adventure even if you only have a small amount of time, without worrying about saving!
- Aim for dramatic reversals in battles, by using powerful ‘Familiar Spirits’!
- Gain rare items and enjoy extra dungeons by making additional purchases
- Freely mix and match a wide range of skills
- Five characters, each with their own personality
Posted by Andrew Stevens on April 29th, 2013 iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
Reeder, an RSS reader, received an update that enables Feedbin. Google Reader will be closed on July 1st and Feedbin offers an alternative option for those who use the app. The update also allows for users to use Reeder as a standalone reader, without the need to sync.
Angry Birds Seasons looks to be visiting the circus in the nearing update, reports Pocket Gamer. An image has released (below) that shows one of the new levels, including piggies dressed up as magicians and clowns.
Posted by Andrew Stevens on April 19th, 2013 + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Joe Danger adds new features in the latest update, including three new characters to unlock and iCloud save support. Also, every time you pull off a trick, you’ll now earn coins for that. Hello Games has mentioned that it’s been working on new game mechanics that could lead to something far bigger in a future update.
Posted April 16th, 2013 by Jennifer Allen Our Rating: :: WHODUNNIT FUN
Classically British in appearance and humor, Blue Toad Murder Files is a highly enjoyable whodunnit mystery with plenty of puzzles to entertain gamers.
Posted by Andrew Stevens on April 11th, 2013 + Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Rayman Jungle Run receives 20 new levels in the latest update, all for free. There is a new Pirate Ship section that will have you dodging cannon balls and jumping around falling rocks. There’s even a Boss Plant chapter where you’ll need to escape a giant flower. Lastly, there are two new Land of the Livid Dead levels. So get to it!
Posted April 8th, 2013 by Rob Rich Our Rating: :: SCARE TACTICS
The Spookening is the first game about scaring hapless townspeople for the sake of resurrecting a suicidal klutz I've ever played. Hopefully it becomes a genre.
Evernote now comes with reminders to ensure that you never forget an important note. You can pin a note to the top of the list and add a due date to receive in-app and email notifications. It will also mark a note as done when you complete your task. Now we shall never forget to [...]