Pocket God is still going strong, blasting right through update number forty-three (43!). The newest episode, “Killing Time,” deals with the kind of stuff that turned Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Deloreans and use of the word “paradox” into national phenomena. In other words, it has to do with futzing around with time. Like time, time. Not wasting a few minutes at the bus stop, time. Players will be able to visit the new Apocalypse Island, home of a multi-roomed temple that includes a time-shifting chamber. It also houses a creepy Aztec calendar that’s counting down to 11:11am, December 21st, 2012.

This is just the first of many apocalypse-themed updates, according to Bolt. Each of the temple’s many rooms features some sort of Armageddon-like power, each to be opened with future updates, but at the moment no other specifics have been revealed. Bolt will be continuing to release more doomsday content over the course of the next 10 months. Hopefully they’ll be able to move on to a new theme after that, assuming the world still exists.

Pocket God in all its dark-humored glory can, as usual, be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99. The other 95% of iOS users who already own it can simply update it like they normally would to get the new stuff.

[Via VerticalWire]

$0.99

Pocket God

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

Our Rating: :: A GOD AMONG APPS
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2009-01-09 :: Category: Entertainment

It’s a series that may not be as insanely popular as other Capcom franchises, but it’s certainly no less loved by its fans. The Ace Attorney series is about to get its fifth title – only in Japan thus far and no confirmed platform, no other details are available at present – but it seems like the developer is also interested in giving the series’ roots some love. Andriasang has reported that they’ve also announced Ace Attorney 123HD, an HD remake of the first three Ace Attorney games (back when they were called Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) for iOS and other platforms.

The original has already been brought to iOS, but it was pretty much a straight port. Once this Turnabout HD is released (sorry, couldn’t resist) anyone who owns this port can upgrade to the HD version. For everyone else, they can download the first two episodes/turnabouts for free then unlock more via in-app purchases. The prospect of digging into HD renditions of some of my favorite Nintendo DS games (all conveniently located in one place no less) has me very, very excited.

There’s no confirmed release date yet, but Capcom says Ace Attorney 123HD should be available “shortly.” Gotta love that intentionally obscure information.

[Via: Andriasang]

Pro adventure game developers Telltale Games have released the newest chapter of their popular Sam & Max games on iOS. These classically styled adventure games that follow the zany exploits of the sleuthing dog and rabbit duo are generally split up into shorter, episodic titles, and the same is true for this release. Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space – Episode 1 ‘Ice Station Santa’ is the first of five episodes in this new adventure and in this episode, Sam and Max take on none other than the big jolly man himself.

This game will include a core story mode as well as a “Whack da Ratz” mini-game and a soundboard where players can craft their own quotes using character voices from the game. Sam & Max: Beyond Space and Time: Episode 1 is currently available in the iOS app store for $6.99, and is a universal app that can be played on iPhone, iPod, or iPad.

$4.99

$6.99

Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space Ep 1

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-01-25 :: Category: Games

Telltale Games has just released the latest episode in the seven episode season of Law & Order: Legacies.

Episode Four, entitled Nobody’s Child, focuses on an event from New Year’s Eve 1999. The battered body of a boy is discovered in an alley and the investigation that follows unearths a case of shocking abuse along with criminal indifference in high places.

As before, the player take the roles of both investigators and district attorneys alongside the likenesses of characters such as Lennie Briscoe, Rey Curtis, Olivia Benson and Jack McCoy.

Multiple endings are offered depending on moral decisions and the seven episodes will eventually piece together to form a season-wide mystery.

Unlike other Telltale Games titles, episodes are available by purchasing the first episode for $2.99 then paying $2.99 for future episodes or $12.99 to unlock the full season. No doubt a bargain for many fans of the iconic TV show.

Episode Four is out now.

FREE!

$2.99

Law & Order: Legacies

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: OPEN AND SHUT CASE
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-22 :: Category: Games

It’s been a month since Episode 2 of Jurassic Park was released. I have good news for fans of the previous two episodes. The third instalment has just hit the App Store!

Episode 3, otherwise known as The Depths, brings players one step nearer to the conclusion of the series and it’s certainly upping the ante when it comes to action.

The player will find themselves making their escape, from Isla Nublar, through dark maintenance tunnels that connect the park with plenty of carnivorous dinosaurs in their path to freedom. Worst of all, the stress is becoming too much for the survivors as they begin to turn on each other.

As has been the case with earlier episodes, iPad 2 owners can opt to use AirPlay mirroring as they play to ensure fun for everyone watching.

Jurassic Park: Episode 3 – The Depths is out now priced at $6.99.

Let us know how you’re finding the season so far.

$6.99

Jurassic Park: The Game 3 HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-01-22 :: Category: Games

It isn’t much of a surprise to see that Galaxy on Fire 2, one of the App Store’s most notable space adventures, is going to be getting a second in-game add-on pack. Let’s face it, the game is excellent and the added content from Valkyrie was more than welcome. FishLabs deciding to follow it up with a second batch of new things was only natural. Thus we have (or will have, really) Supernova.

Supernova is set to pick up right after the events of Valkyrie. Keith is taking it easy at the Deep Science space station, but it’s not long before another galactic peril makes itself known. The entire Mido sector suddenly finds itself threatened with annihilation as a supernova “of unknown origin” appears. Keith being Keith, he decides to get involved. The entire adventure is said to last “at least twice as long” as the previous add-on, with promises of 10 hours of gameplay, new mission types, more ships and more story.

Dates and pricing aren’t available at the moment, but it’s probably safe to assume it’ll cost about as much as Valkyrie ($4.99) and will be out sometime in the second quarter of this year. Be sure to keep a look out for release blurbs.

$9.99

Galaxy on Fire 2™

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: IMPRESSIVE
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-10-27 :: Category: Games

Rob like-a-the point-and-click adventure games. He’s also rather fond of hyphens. Only one of those things is on SkyGoblin‘s agenda right now, but it’s the more important of the two by far.

The Journey Down is (surprise, surprise) an adventure game that looks like it would fit right in with any of those classic Lucasarts titles. Seriously, Bwana there looks like he’d fit right in with the likes of Guybrush Threepwood and Manny Calavera. In fact, the use of African masks as artistic inspiration (coupled with the use of some reggae and jazz music) isn’t all that different from Grim Fandango‘s incorporation of the Dia de los Muertos motif.

Episode one, which is slated for a Q1 2012 release, sees Bwana and his sidekick Kito getting torn from the drudgery of their down-and-out gas station and thrust into a web of intrigue and corruption. No word yet on pricing or a more solid date (or high resolution in-game footage), but The Journey Down definitely seems like a game worth looking out for.

There’s always been something magical about text-based adventure games. I attribute it to the lack of graphics forcing us to use our imaginations, coupled with the absolute freedom the lack of visuals provides. As someone who used to mess around with my fair share of interactive reading, it’s refreshing to see that people are still making stuff like The Things That Go Bump in the Night.

Players assume the role of a night shift security guard, wandering through the “compound” without a care until things take a turn. The usually quiet but still very active building has become completely still. No radio chatter. No people. Then it’s time to fight monsters and solve puzzles in a desperate bid for survival. Things That Go Bump in the Night utilizes the Quest text adventure creation software, which allows for an input-less interface (i.e. clicking on “links” instead of typing) in addition to the ability to easily create custom games.

The Things That Go Bump in the Night is on the App Store right now and it won’t cost a thing. Incidentally the software used to create it is also free, just in case anyone reading this is feeling particularly adventurous.

FREE!

The Things That Go Bump In The Night

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-12-05 :: Category: Games

The Oregon Trail has long been both a favorite video game – recently ported by Gameloft to iOS – and an educational tool. The game takes players on a problem-solving adventure across the 2,000-mile historic and dangerous east-west wagon route that spanned the Missouri River.

Now the giant game publishers have released a freemium sequel: The Oregon Trail: American Settler that picks up where the classic leaves off. The journey is over and it’s time to build and manitain a homestead on this new frontier.

Much like Zynga’s FrontierVille, gamers create and customize their own villages, collect resources, keep the villagers safe from everything from weather to predators and for the educational spin, meet up with historical figures. The title has mini-games that stick with the theme challenging gamers with fishing and hunting. As always the goal is survival in a place where the buffalo don’t just roam, they stampede.

FREE!

The Oregon Trail: American Settler

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-11-17 :: Category: Games

In just a few short days, Telltale Games’ second “adventure game that’s practically a sequel for the movie it’s based on” will be unleashed. On less mobile devices, anyway. The iPad 2 version is set to follow soon after the November 15th release date, but nothing specific has been stated as of yet. That’s okay though, because we have these new morsels of information to tide us over.

Jurassic Park: The Game takes us back to Isla Nublar shortly after the events of the first film, following a new cast of characters simply trying to escape the island with their lives intact. However, it’s not just about the new faces: this time around we’re going to be seeing more of the park itself. Sure there will be familiar areas (i.e. Dennis Nedry’s “ditched” vehicle), but we’ve also learned of some new locations players will get to explore that weren’t covered in the movie.

Locations such as the still under-construction Bone Shaker Roller Coaster, the Geothermal Power Plant, Dr. Laura Sorkin’s Field Lab used for observational studies (as well as some unsanctioned and dangerous experiments, the North Docks which are a stone’s throw away from the iconic Visitor’s Center, and finally the Marine Facility (video featured below), which I’m personally terrified to experience. Wait until the end of the clip to see what I mean.

iPad 2 owners, keep an eye on that App Store after the 15th. There might not be an official release date for the iOS version, but I’d imagine it might only be a week or two longer. Heck, since the 15th is a Tuesday it’s also not out of the question to consider it might be available on the 17th (Thursday). So… Anyone have an iPad 2 they don’t want anymore..?

Girl With a Heart of (that’s the full title, best make peace with it) tells the story of Raven, a young girl living in the dark city of Underfoot. A young girl with an artificial heart. When Underfoot is attacked by the Light’s army, Raven will have to make use of her special “condition” to play a vital role in this war. What that means is a mystery (for now). How it all ends will depend on the player.

The concept behind Girl With a Heart of‘s world is what really caught my attention. I find the idea of a world where the presumed roles of light and darkness are reversed to be fascinating. I also enjoy a good interactive narrative, and I’m curious to see some of these choices and experience some of these “life-altering consequences” for myself. But to do that, I have to wait.

Girl With a Heart of is due out in the App Store next month (November 17th) and will carry a $2.99 price tag.

I can’t help but wonder; once mankind has branched out into space and begun to colonize new worlds and so on, would they really call them “Space Pirates?” I mean, they’re already in space. Space is kind of where everyone goes now. Why not just call them “Pirates?” But I’m getting (way) off-subject here. I’m not supposed to be discussing possible semantics for situations I’ll never encounter in the far future, I’m supposed to be talking about e3D: SpaceShip, a new “Escape” game from Bored.com.

After getting boarded and captured by these pirates who frequent space, players have to escape (duh) and take the ship back. The game follows the expected formula of finding objects, occasionally combining these objects and using them to solve all manner of puzzles. In space. Additionally, extra collectibles can be found and completion times are posted to Game Center. And who doesn’t love a good speed run or collectible hunt?

Anyone with even an ounce of interest in puzzle-solving or Escape-themed games can download e3D: SpaceShip right this very moment. It’s even free!

FREE!

e3D: SpaceShip

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-10-07 :: Category: Games

Coming to the iPad later this year is the adorable looking Happily Ever After that sets to offer a bit of bite to the fairytelling experience alongside the cutesiness.

Happily Ever After is a puzzle adventure game with a sharp sense of humor as players explore the Kingdom of Unbelievaville. Offering a Shrek style take on fairytales, players will encounter creatures like BB Wolff the local, smarmy, estate agent, Goldilocks and a particularly lazy and oafish prince who’s far from charming despite his name. The game will conclude with the annual Unbelievaville Know Talent contest, presumably throwing in a hefty dose of spoof and parody.

Over 100 different puzzles should keep players happy across the 24 levels with a pleasant mix of logic puzzles, hidden object challenges and even a few riddles for good measures.

Sounds rather good fun to me! Happily Ever After is set for release later this month priced at $4.99.

Check out the PC screenshots below for a hint of what to expect.

In my youth, back when I was still in a school that ranked students’ progress through the educational system with numbers and our “top of the line” computer was a 256 color Macintosh (not Mac, a Macintosh), I played a lot of adventure games. Mostly because they were all that was available for our non-PC machine, but also because I really enjoyed them. A good many of them were old Sierra titles but I also dabbled quite a bit in text-based games. I still fondly remember getting my hands on a boxed collection of a lot of these things, including titles like Zork and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I never beat any of them, but I would sit there and try for hours.

Now, I know there are some text-based adventure games and collections of text-based adventures games on the App Store already, but WibbleQuest is something different. It does allow users to partake in plenty of interactive reading, but it’s real purpose is to create said experiences using a pre-constructed framework. Designed by Orta Therox, a developer with perhaps the most awesome name in existence, it’s meant to be a pain-free (relatively speaking) tool for adventure manufacturing.

Users can craft their own tales with the aid of a couple of pre-built examples, and eventually work their way up to more extensive endeavors. They probably won’t be creating a masterpiece right out of the gate, but with some practice (and some handy tutorials) they could presumably make a piece of interactive fiction about anything. As a former adventure-hound, this both pleases and excites me.

WibbleQuest isn’t an app in the technical (or literal) sense, however. It’s a prefab framework meant to be used on a computer. Games can be transferred to an iOS device for testing or just plain playing, but the actual creation takes place on either a laptop or desktop. Not an unexpected way of doing things, as I can only imagine how irritating it would be to try programming with a given device’s keyboard.

The curious, anxious or even bored can check out WibbleQuest on its official website for free.

It’s amazing to think that it’s been almost 20 years since gamers were first tossed into the supremely unfortunate shoes of Lester Knight Chaykin. The brilliant young scientist went and got himself stranded in what might very well be the most hostile alien world ever, and boy was it ever tough to get him to relative safety. Learn from Lester, kids: Don’t mess around with nuclear energy.

For those unfamiliar with the title, Another World (a.k.a Out of the World to US folks) was one heck of a tough adventure game. In fact, it was entirely possible to die (horribly) within seconds of gaining control of the main character. And it didn’t let up much until the credits finally rolled. Poor old Lester seemed to be on everyone and everything’s list.

This month, iOS users will finally be able to experience one of the most beloved (and bemoaned) trial-and-error adventures ever thanks to DotEmu and BulkyPix. However, this isn’t just a straight port. Even long-time fans would do well to check this out once it’s released as there have been a number of interesting additions.

First, there’s the at this point by-the-numbers HD upgrade. Worry not, purists, the visuals can be changed back to their original look at any time. Second, a new “intuitive” touch control system has been developed, but a digital pad option is also available. Third, the music and sound effects have been totally remastered. A bullet point in the press release that admittedly has me a little nervous. Achievements make an appearance as well, naturally. Lastly, and most importantly, there are now three difficulty settings: Normal, Difficult and Hardcore. Difficult is what we old-timers experienced “back in the day,” while Normal is a bit easier and Hardcore is even harder somehow. As someone who has to this day never been able to fight my way to those credits, I’m anxious to try out this so-called Normal mode. Hardcore not so much.

Another World is set to release September 22nd (9/22) for $4.99. That’s $5 I’ll gladly toss into the ether for the chance to play this classic whenever and wherever I want.