Rovio’s got a “new” game coming out this Thursday, as announced in another short teaser trailer (below). Here’s what we know about Amazing Alex so far.

We know that the game is based on Casey’s Contraptions, developed by Snappy Touch and Mystery Coconut. Rovio officially licensed the game from the developers, and it is no longer available on the App Store. Also, Rovio renamed the game to Amazing Alex and added a new art style. It should play similarly to Casey’s Contraptions, where players try to build Rube Goldberg contraptions to complete a goal and collect stars. There will be 100 levels in 4 different environments with 35 different types of objects in total. The video below also mentions free updates.

The level creation and sharing aspect is going to return to Amazing Alex – and it’s likely that the sharing will be more integrated than it was in Casey’s Contraptions, where it was a browser-based solution. Will the sharing be cross-platform, though? We do know that the game will be multiplatform, with a launch on iOS and Android worldwide on July 12.

May the App Store deities have mercy on anyone who decides to release a game of their own on Thursday, as we also know that Tiny Wings 2.0 comes out on that day.

The biggest thing to speculate on is if this will launch as a paid game, or if Rovio will try to go the free-to-play route. Angry Birds Space launched a free ad-supported version alongside premium versions for Android, though the iOS releases were solely paid versions at launch. Truly, the biggest speculation is what will Rovio change in the game? Will it still be as enjoyable as Casey’s Contraptions? Possibly even better when given the Rovio touch? That is the one thing that cannot be answered until the game is finally in players’ hands.

Steel Media has worn many hats in the iOS world. They are an iOS ad publisher, publish the website pocketgamer.co.uk, and AppSpy video reviews. They also run The Free App Alliance, the iPhone Alliance and the iPhone and iPad Quality Indexes – meta-review sites dedicated to iOS apps. Who better then, to put out an all iOS magazine than this group? And, they have done just that with Swipe, an HTML 5 built, interactive magazine that will help you decide which apps and accessories you want or even need.

The first issue hit the App Store earlier this week and the launch issue covers some killer iPhone and iPad gear, a top-ten list of best RPGs and it even has a world-exclusive interview with Rovio covering their next game Amazing Alex.

The magazine gets it content from members of the iPhone Alliance community (which includes 148Apps Network sites), which is comprised of the best and most highly vetted global iOS review sites. This gives the magazine breadth and diversity of opinion not found elsewhere. The app really focuses on interactivity, and while it is only available on iPad right now, Steel Media is at work on an iPhone build that will use the smaller screen real estate to maximum advantage.

Swipe is completely free, no subscription or IAPs, so if you grab a copy, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

FREE!

swipe magazine

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-06-12 :: Category: Lifestyle