Love is in the air and so is block-busting retro fun thanks to Breakout: Boost‘s Valentine’s Day level pack that’s just been released.
Priced at $0.99, the Valentine’s Day pack adds 50 new romance-themed levels to the existing package, along with candy heart sayings and cute pictures to add that sweet touch. Alongside that is the addition of a Cupid’s Arrow power up. This sets out to make breaking up bricks much quicker. For the competitive gamer, new leaderboards and an original set of achievements continues the romantic theme.
Here at 148apps, we rated Breakout: Boost and Breakout: Boost+ quite highly at launch so this themed pack is bound to extend the fun for fans. After all, what better way to celebrate the time of romance than through this arcade classic? Couples can compete via the leaderboards and singletons can focus on the achievements.
The Valentine’s Day themed pack is available through Breakout: Boost and Breakout: Boost+, priced at $0.99.
Remember April Fool’s day 2010? ThinkGeek showcased a retro-fied iPad cabinet, complete with 70’s Mork-suspender’s striping as a gag. Well, the laugh was short-lived, as the product took hold and became a top seller. At CES 2012, as we reported, ION AUDIO, who make the real product, announced a new line-up of iOS gear including a line of streamlined iPad controllers with the same arcade style 8-point joystick and 8 buttons, and for the small iOS screens, a controller-case that most resembles the PSP.
But, as 148apps writer Jenifer Allen pointed out in her coverage of the Gametel Controller: There’s “no use [for add-on controllers] without good software support.”
Like many, I’ve been holding out for one very special arcade classic that screams joystick like no other: NAMCO BANDAI’s PAC-MAN for iPad. Actually I’m lying, I really want Ms PAC-MAN, which if the product shot from ION’s press release is any indication is coming soon, but I’ll more likely consider ponying up for just the little male yellow chomper. And now he and his ghostly nemeses are officially iCade compatible.
In the press release Fred Galpern, Brand Manager, at ION says. “It’s thrilling to add Pac-Man to the list of iCADE compatible games … adding this beloved classic is truly exciting.” Thrilling may be overstatement, but if this signals a general alliance with NAMCO BANDAI, and other old-school gamehouses, the exuberance on ION’s part, and mine, is well founded.
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.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted October 24th, 2011 by Rob Rich Our Rating: :: A BIT TOO FAMILIAR
Slicing up produce is always a good time, but owners of the original Fruit Ninja don't have much reason to invest in this all-too-similar spin-off. Unless they REALLY like Antonio Banderas.
Recently at the Eurogamer Expo in London, I had the opportunity to check out some upcoming titles from the casual gaming maestros at Chillingo.
First up was Super Crossfire, originally an Xbox Live Indie and PC game that’s now making its way to the iPhone and iPad. It’s a space shooter with a very retro style appearance and one very neat trick up its sleeve. The player can warp their ship from one side of the screen to the other, effectively flicking the action upside down and round again.
Having played it, it adds a great tactical element to things as besides just shooting at everything that moves, it’s important to remember to flip round to avoid being shot at. It’s clearly going to take a bit of practice to master but I think arcade shooter fans are going to lap this up as it offers a great, unique element to the genre. Hopefully other players will find themselves not quite as shockingly bad at it as I was!
Developers Radian Games state that there’ll be over 150 different enemy waves across five different chapters with a plentiful supply of upgrades to keep things interesting. In the final build, there’ll be three different control methods with virtual buttons, slide and tilt based controls to hopefully keep every gamer happy.
Super Crossfire is set for release this coming Thursday, October 13th and will be priced at $0.99 for the iPhone version and $2.99 for the HD iPad edition.
Following a more familiar line of gaming for Chillingo is Little Lost Chick. It’s an amalgamation of a number of different types of casual games. There’s Cut the Rope style elements with the need to cut rope that keeps the chick from his goal. It’s not just cutting and swinging though with bounce pads and blocks also helping along the way and adding an ever enjoyable original touch to the action.
I only played a few levels of Little Lost Chick but what I saw was enjoyable. While players can choose to just get to the end of the level, there’s also the prospect of collecting up three eggs scattered around each level and adding some longevity to the game. Each brief stage was consistently interesting, throwing different obstacles at poor Bruce the chick. It made for a puzzle adventure type experience than just the usual physics puzzle challenge. The full version promises 100 levels in all which should ensure an enjoyable time for puzzle fans.
Little Lost Chick is set to launch this month for all iOS devices.
Last but most definitely not least was Hank Hazard, my personal favorite of the three. Hank Hazard is the name of an adorable stunt hamster. Players must guide Hank around numerous levels whilst collecting stars and secret coins. Gameplay is a little similar to Little Lost Chick but considerable charm oozes from the title. Again, there are 100 levels on offer, each combining a mixture of physics based puzzling, fast reactions and a hint of racing.
As the screenshots below show, Hank is a daring hamster, not just falling through each stage but by flying across the air thanks to boxing gloves and bouncey pads. As a stunt hamster, fire and other obstacles like bombs must be avoided. It’s a simple concept but one that I think will be quite a hit if the preview I had is anything to go by.
Hank Hazard will be released for all iOS devices in November.
We’ll be sure to keep track of each game’s development.
For iOS gaming fans, one of the most exciting things about new operating system releases is how the new features will be implemented by upcoming games. A classic example of this is with Mini Motor Racing, set for release this year and with a bunch of iOS5 based features thrown in.
Mini Motor Racing promises a heck load of different options. There will be 20 different tracks plus day and night races to make for a lengthy single player campaign encompassing a series of race-circuit cups. 4 different vehicle types – sports, hatch, big-rig and pick-up – will be available. Multiplayer support for up to 4 players will also be included with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Game Center and Open Feint support for leaderboard racing. Plus, for those after the flexible touch, a variety of control settings are also possible.
For devices running iOS5, there’s the most exciting side of things: iCloud and AirPlay connectivity.
All race data from the game will be stored online through iCloud, meaning users can pick up where they left off regardless of what device they choose to play Mini Motor Racing on. This information includes racing stats, race circuit progress status, unlocks, achievements and best lap times.
The AirPlay functionality means that players will be able to mirror races from the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 to the TV screen for an even more exciting experience.
Mini Motor Racing is already shaping up to be something special with some fantastic looking visuals so hopefully these new iOS5 based features will cement the game’s position as an enjoyable Micro Machines style experience.
We’ll be sure to keep up to date on Mini Motor Racing‘s progress. For now, check out the screenshots and trailer below.
Getting bored of cutting up fruit? Tired of butchering berries, lacerating lemons, puncturing pineapples, whacking watermelons, slicing strawberries and nicking nectarines? Yeah, I didn’t think so. But it is nice to change things up every now and again, if even for a little while. That’s why we have games like Monster Warrior.
Bunnies are in trouble and the only way to protect them from the horrible (yet also cute and fuzzy) monsters is by cutting said monsters into little bits with a swipe of a finger. In four different game modes, including Arcade, Freestyle, Survival and Task. With Game Center achievements and leaderboards. Yessir, that’s the best way to save those bunnies. Cutting up fuzzy things and achievement-mongering.
This little slicing gem is available in the App Store for $0.99 right now. Just in time for Halloween. Well okay, maybe it’s a little early for Halloween, but it’s never a bad time for monster slicing.
A very good question. I suppose it would have to be in order to face-off against the evil Shogun Youhatsu and avenge my master. Problem is, the crafty son-of-a-gun has positioned an entire armada of battle fortresses along the way. On the one hand it means a lot of work in order to reach the badguy. On the other, it means a string of boss battles. And who doesn’t love a good boss battle?
Battlefortress uses an interesting arcade-inspired freemium model, allowing users to purchase Continues with real money. Of course, they can also be earned in-game through achievements and high scores. So skilled space samurai fighter pilots can take down the nasty Shogun without paying a cent, whereas anyone lacking reflexes (but not the drive to win) can even the scales with cash. Yup, sounds about right.
Battlefortress is out now and it’s free. What’s the harm in giving it a look-see?
Holmade Games, creators of Hurdle Turtle and preservers of all things retro, have recently unleashed their newest creation on the App Store. Pixel Whirled is an arcade shooter in which players have to constantly flip back and forth between the ninja and pirate sides of the screen while shooting down encroaching waves of enemies. Isn’t it nice when two mortal enemies can put aside their differences in the name of self-preservation?
Pixel Whirled has received a few new additions in its transition from an Xbox Live Indie Game to iOS. Mostly the expected Game Center Achievements and touch controls, but it looks as though a few “super cool” power-ups have also been thrown in. This is all in addition to the retro arcade goodness already contained within, of course.
If Pixel Whirled sounds interesting (and really, why wouldn’t it?), why not do a quick search for it on the App Store? It’s available right now for the low cost of one dollar.
Mixing shooting and match three fun? Sounds quirky doesn’t it? That’s exactly what Brick Bow is. Essentially it has the appearance of a classic like Arkanoid with arcade shooting goodness and the ever crucial Match Three side of things. It’s an interesting idea but one that works pretty well.
Available in both iPhone and iPad varieties, Brick Bow is free for the iPhone and a mere $0.99 for the iPad version. Typical elements such as a series of power ups, combo bonuses and even boss battles are on offer. There’s also the prospect of two bonus modes with Brick A Mole and Coin Wave greatly extending longevity. Plus there’s the ever challenging Endless mode as well.
Brick Bow looks set to be an ideal game to play in short bursts and priced at nothing for the iPhone version, this is an ideal time to give it a shot.
Check out the gameplay video below to see it in action.
Is it just me or is World War I a rather forgotten war in terms of games based upon it? While we’re overwhelmed by so many games focused on World War II, the Great War of 1914-1918 gets left behind. Probably nobody wants to experience trench warfare on the scale that was seen back then though so I guess that’s why the main safe ground for World War I games is that of aerial combat, which is where Namco Bandai’s latest title plays a prominant role.
Sky Gamblers: Rise of Glory is set for release later this month for both iPhone and iPad. It’s an attractive looking air combat simulator that looks like an entertaining mix of authenticity and arcade-like combat maneuvers.
To add the authentic touch, players will be able to choose from 10 World War I planes while participating in 12 single player missions that promise realism and plenty of detail in keeping with the reality behind the conflict. Namco Bandai also promise that missions will be varied with the likes of attack runs and reconnaissance playing equally important roles while continually testing the player’s skill at manouevring and attacking the enemy. Besides the single player campaign, there should be plenty to do with 100 Dogfight missions as well as a custom game feature. 18 different landscapes will keep appearances looking fresh and exciting.
Comprehensive multiplayer functionality will also be provided with online 8 player multiplayer and numerous game modes. Free for all combat is on offer as well as Team Deathmatch, Defend the Base and Capture the Flag all with a mixture of competitive and co-operative play available.
Sky Gamblers: Rise of Glory is set for release later this September priced at $4.99 for an Universal app. For now, take a look at the impressive screenshots below. We’ll be sure to keep up to date on all the latest developments for the game.
As a gamer of 20 odd years, it excites me to see the release of a reimagining of a timeless classic. That’s one of the reasons why my iPhone houses Arkanoid and Space Invaders: Infinity Gene – some titles just don’t get old.
While Frogger is quite a classic, it has aged just a bit in recent years. So the prospect of it being revitalised is very cool indeed, which is fortunate as this is exactly what’s happened with Frogger Decades.
Graphics and animations have been brought up to date in time for Frogger‘s 30th birthday and there’s even a hint of a storyline. Frogger comes back home to find a map to his birthday party pinned on his front door, and thus starts a wild and wacky adventure to make it to the party on time. Five different environments are available with the memorable frog having to jump, hop, swing and dodge his way around obstacles.
It’s the same classic gameplay that made players fall in love with Frogger the first time, just spruced up with a modern paintbrush to enthral once more.
Frogger Decades is out now priced at $1.99. Oh and it’s an universal app which will keep iPhone and iPad owners happy!
Coming this fall will be a game that’s all about stacking bricks and fast. Yup, it’s a concept we’ve all seen before but SEGA’s Brick People does look like it’s going to be a heck of a lot of fun!
Previously hitting the arcades, Brick People has been quite a hit already. Now on its way to iOS screens, it’s all about stacking blocks in front of a screen in order to help the aforementioned brick people reach food. Predictably, it’s not all smooth sailing with players having to keep an eye out for the Brick Monster who makes demands such as the building of specific structures in exchange for more time.
Brick People sounds like it’s going to be a pretty frantic yet exciting affair. Multi touch will definitely be playing a useful role here and there’ll be head to head multiplayer via Wi-Fi as well as on one device when it comes to the iPad version. There will also be the ever fun online leaderboards courtesy of GameCenter.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Brick People‘s progress. In the mean time, check out the gameplay video and screenshots below.
Love is in the air and so is block-busting retro fun thanks to Breakout: Boost‘s Valentine’s Day level pack that’s just been released.
:: NEEDS A BOOST
Remember April Fool’s day 2010? 
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.
Having played it, it adds a great tactical element to things as besides just shooting at everything that moves, it’s important to remember to flip round to avoid being shot at. It’s clearly going to take a bit of practice to master but I think arcade shooter fans are going to lap this up as it offers a great, unique element to the genre. Hopefully other players will find themselves not quite as shockingly bad at it as I was!
Following a more familiar line of gaming for Chillingo is Little Lost Chick. It’s an amalgamation of a number of different types of casual games. There’s 
Last but most definitely not least was Hank Hazard, my personal favorite of the three. Hank Hazard is the name of an adorable stunt hamster. Players must guide Hank around numerous levels whilst collecting stars and secret coins. Gameplay is a little similar to Little Lost Chick but considerable charm oozes from the title. Again, there are 100 levels on offer, each combining a mixture of physics based puzzling, fast reactions and a hint of racing. 
The title has been in development for much of this year with a 
Getting bored of cutting up fruit? Tired of butchering berries, lacerating lemons, puncturing pineapples, whacking watermelons, slicing strawberries and nicking nectarines? Yeah, I didn’t think so. But it is nice to change things up every now and again, if even for a little while. That’s why we have games like 
“Is your space-jiutsu up to the challenge?”
Mixing shooting and match three fun? Sounds quirky doesn’t it? That’s exactly what Brick Bow is. Essentially it has the appearance of a classic like 
To add the authentic touch, players will be able to choose from 10 World War I planes while participating in 12 single player missions that promise realism and plenty of detail in keeping with the reality behind the conflict. Namco Bandai also promise that missions will be varied with the likes of attack runs and reconnaissance playing equally important roles while continually testing the player’s skill at manouevring and attacking the enemy. Besides the single player campaign, there should be plenty to do with 100 Dogfight missions as well as a custom game feature. 18 different landscapes will keep appearances looking fresh and exciting.
While Frogger is quite a classic, it has aged just a bit in recent years. So the prospect of it being revitalised is very cool indeed, which is fortunate as this is exactly what’s happened with Frogger Decades.
Coming this fall will be a game that’s all about stacking bricks and fast. Yup, it’s a concept we’ve all seen before but SEGA’s Brick People does look like it’s going to be a heck of a lot of fun!
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