When I first played Terra Noctis, I came away with an incredibly positive opinion. Sure it had its share of problems. In fact, it had a ton of small ones. However it was still a cool platformer that was well worth the somewhat hefty (comparably) price of $2.99 at the time. The cost has dropped down to $0.99 since then, but even that might be “too much” some some frugal shoppers. Which is why BulkyPix has brought in Everyplay Interactive to adapt a special free-to-play edition they’re calling Terra Noctis: Free Dreaming.

Free Dreaming is more or less the exact same game, albeit with a few noticeable adjustments (and a lot that aren’t so noticeable). It is, of course, free. Players can enjoy the same level of content found in the original, purchase power-ups in the shop, unlock levels with red fairies, etc… The freemium content is there, mostly in the form of purchasable fairies, but refusing to pay doesn’t gate off content so much as evenly pace its distribution. With the exception of a “Fairy Cloner” that permanently doubles the amount of fairies earned, it can all be acquired normally with a bit of patience.

In addition to the new payment (or lack thereof) model, as well as some stylish hats, there have been a number of small improvements that add up to make this the version to own. The Pumpkin Shop is accessible from anywhere, even mid-level. The shop’s interface is much easier to navigate. Virtually all of the tiny bugs and crashes have been squashed.

This definitive edition of one of the App Store’s best (and prettiest) platformers is available right now. And as I’ve already said it’s completely free. No more excuses, people.

FREE!

Terra Noctis: Free Dreaming

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Games

Remember how Spacetime Studios announced Dark Legends, and how we had zero information to go on except the title and some imagination? Well things are different now. Or rather, we know a bit more about it.

Dark Legends is set in a world ripe with conflict. The existence of vampires has only recently been acknowledged and the vast majority of humanity is rather… displeased upon hearing the news. This isn’t one of those “trying to find a peaceful coexistence” kind of scenarios; the non-vampire population is aiming to wipe out the blood-sucking “menace.” It’s kind of like True Blood, only if the majority of the human population was as quick to judge as that weirdo church/cult.

Players take control of a newly raised child of the night as they attempt to survive in this hostile new world and unravel its mysteries. And when I say “unravel its mysteries,” I mean exactly that. Dark Legends will be much more story-focused than Spacetime’s previous offerings, allowing players a more personal look into the narrative along with some Quick-Time Events during some cutscenes. That’s not to say that the combat hasn’t been tweaked as well. Fighting is definitely action-oriented, giving players some new abilities such as draining enemies (a given) and charge attacks.

Dark Legends is still missing a concrete release date, but it’s penned for the “first quarter of 2012.” So soon. Soon-ish, anyway. It’s also going to be available for Android, Google Chrome and (of course) iOS users right from the get-go.

I’m obviously excited about Legendary Heroes. It’s got me all in a tizzy, so to speak. But why is it so noteworthy? Read on for a better explanation than “it’s looking freaking awesome!”

First of all, it does indeed look awesome. It’s another iOS strategy game, which tend to fit the platform quite well. It features some pretty impressive-looking graphics. It takes the typical 2D castle defense genre and adds a third dimension, so there will be multiple paths to take in order to reach the enemy’s tower. Lots of power-ups can be used to bolster the team’s stats. And then there are the heroes.

Eight different heroes, each with their own abilities. Smaller units are still around, but it’s the direct control of the hero unit that really sets Legendary Heroes apart. Plus it sort of fits with the name. Anyway, it’s looking like an iOS mash-up of castle defense strategies, the fodder-pounding available in games like Dynasty Warriors and the inclusion of unique player-controlled hero classes that has been all the rage lately thanks to League of Legends.

Really now, how could someone not get excited about that combination? Oh but don’t just take my word for it. There’s a cleverly placed trailer sitting down there that should close the deal. Legendary Heroes will be out sometime in early 2012 and will be free-to-play.

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.

Korean mobile game publisher turned global iOS publishing dynamo Gamevil has unveiled their latest title for iOS, Arel Wars. This title has players leading units in battles against their opponents, by summoning units to defend their tower, and to capture their enemy’s tower, all on a multi-plane two-dimensional battlefield. The game boasts content in large numbers, from over 50 units to use in battle, to over 120 levels to fight in over three separate campaigns. Are 120 levels not pleasing enough? Demand far more from the game? Well, consumer, Gamevil offers asynchronous head-to-head online multiplayer against other users around the globe. Arel Wars also comes with the colorful anime-inspired art style that Gamevil is known for. Arel Wars is currently available for the iPhone and iPod touch (no iPad native support yet), and is available as a free to play title, with the ability to purchase both cash and gold through in-app purchases to go toward items, skills, and boosters.

FREE!

AREL WARS™

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

Our Rating: :: COSTLY WAR
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-11 :: Category: Games

Namco has brought Load Inc.’s arcade-style racer Mad Tracks to iOS. Initially released for PC in 2006 and Xbox Live Arcade in 2007, this racer has players controlling miniaturized cars through environments like mini-golf courses, and those Hot Wheels tracks with the crazy loops in them. As well, players can use powerups like turbo boosts, shields, and missiles to help outrace their opponents most effectively. The game also supports live multiplayer for up to 4 players simultaneously, either through local wifi or over the internet. As is all the rage in mobile gaming business models these days, the game is now a free to play title. Players earn “Mad Points” for succeeding in races and for completing challenges. These points can then be spent on unlocking new tracks, cars, and race powerups. Of course, the Mad Points can be purchased with real-world money outright as well. Mad Tracks is now available as a universal app.

FREE!

Mad Tracks

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-15 :: Category: Games

A long time ago, in a podcast far, far, away…

On This Episode:

Who We Are:

Music:

“Beatnes7 (Theme to The Portable Podcast)” by The Eternal – Download on iTunes here:

How to Listen:

I have two very notable things to mention here. First thing: Spacetime Studios, as previously indicated up there in rather large letters, has indeed released their two popular free-to-play iPhone/iPad MMORPGs on Chrome. I’m of course referring to Pocket Legends (desktop client found here) and Star Legends (client is this-a-way). iOS, Android, Mac, PC – they’re up there for pretty much anyone to play now. And they’re still as free as they ever were. This is no doubt an interesting bit of news for non mobile device-owning MMO enthusiasts, but there’s a little more to the story. Hence the “Makes Gaming History” bit.

Second thing: What makes this even more awesome and worthy of the H-word is that either game can be played cross-platform with each and every device they’re available for, thanks in no small part to the incorporation of Google’s Chrome Native Client (NaCl) with the Spacetime Engine. What all this means is that someone on an iPhone can play simultaneously with others who are using an Android phone, tablet or home computer. It’s all handled by one lone global server. Not only is this extremely cool, it also opens up all manner of possibilities for the future. At least I hope it does.

Color me impressed. Of course, this is just one guy’s opinion. I’m curious to see what the rest of the community (148apps and beyond) makes of all this.

FREE!

Pocket Legends (3D MMO)

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: AWESOME
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-04-08 :: Category: Games

FREE!

Star Legends (3D MMO)

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: IT'S A STAR
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-08-25 :: Category: Games

Diamond Dash, the puzzle game that combines the mechanics of a game like Collapse, where 3 or more adjacent gems can be tapped and removed from the board, and the speedy pace of Bejeweled Blitz, is now available as a free download for iOS. The game has been popular on Facebook with over 10 million players per month. This iOS version features the same gameplay, and can synchronize with the Facebook game through Facebook Connect. Users can compare their high scores with their Facebook friends, and compete in tournaments with other Facebook users and friends to try and earn medals for their performance. Each player session uses up a life, which recharge every 8 minutes, or can be purchased through spending gold acquired through in-app purchases. While the App Store lacks not for match-3 games at all, this kind of synchronization between platforms is something that is not seen very often on the the App Store.

FREE!

Diamond Dash

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-06 :: Category: Games

Girls: Don’t feel confined to the likes of Farmville, Cityville or numerous other ‘ville’ type titles. There’s a fantasy based freemium game aimed specifically at the female gender: Fantasy Town.

OK, admittedly there’s nothing to stop girls from playing any game they so choose to (I should know) but Gameloft reckons that Fantasy Town is perfect for girls.

Focusing on a magical world in which players can raise magical plants, build a village and explore mysterious lands, much of the experience is centered around decorating homes and socializing with friends within the game through Facebook Connect. Plenty of creatures can be encountered and players can complete collections of magical items as they progress.

It sounds a little similar to other freemium titles but there’s no denying that it does look pretty cute. Check out the gameplay trailer below. The game is out now and is free to download.

FREE!

Fantasy Town

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-08 :: Category: Games

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

Zombie Invasion HD, previously known as Defense Craft, has just seen an update for the iPad. Why any of this required a name change, which subsequently led to a bunch of time wasted trying to figure out why the heck the game I was trying to link to didn’t exist, is completely beyond me. However, it’s a thing and it exists now. Best to talk about it.

Whatever it’s official name is at this point, the game is primarily about tower defense. Players fend off hordes of weird floating zombies using even weirder towers. The original release offered up close to 25 levels, multiple enemy and tower types as well as a handful of themes. This update increases the amount of stages on hand, giving players even more zombie-fighting goodness.

As some added incentive, Zombie Invasion HD will be free for the next few days. Why not take a look? Try out some of those new levels perhaps?

FREE!

Zombie Invasion HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2011-12-01 :: Category: Games