Mobile app developer GAMEVIL has released the 2012 edition of its annualized Baseball Superstars series, and this edition includes some significant updates. For one, the franchise has made a move to high-resolution graphics, taking full advantage of Retina display capabilities. For the first time, Baseball Superstars will also be a universal app, allowing players to play at full screen resolutions on their iPhone, iPod, or iPad.
Aside from its visual updates, Baseball Superstars 2012 also includes a few gameplay updates. New customization features let players design their team’s uniforms and logo just to their liking. The My Pitcher and My Batter modes have been enhanced to allow players to build their team’s stats and earn skill points. New tilt and gesture controls have been added, but the classic controls are still available. Rosters have also been updated with new Super Players and there are new missions and Game Center achievements.
Baseball Superstars 2012 is available now and free to play with additional content available via in-app purchase.
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.
It may not be a huge trend, but it appears that a growing number of companies are offering funds to assist developers to create and/or promote their apps in the Apple and Android markets. These companies foresee that the number of mobile phones and tablets purchased is only going to keep on rising for the foreseeable future along with the number of apps for these users. It’s a good time to get into the marketplace. Case in point: Gamevil recently announced a $10 million partnership fund for external developers who have smartphone gaming ideas.
Cornering the market on animal hybrids with head-mounted lasers!
On This Episode:
Carter speaks to Retro Dreamer’s Gavin Bowman about his studio’s new title Velocispider. They discuss how it came about as part of an effort to make a game in a short amount of time, and how it hopes to invigorate their work on future projects. As well, they discuss the state of universal apps on the App Store, especially iPad/HD versions becoming universal versions for all devices.
Carter speaks to Kyu Lee of GAMEVIL about Air Penguin’s success and the future of the game, including coming to Android. As well, they discuss the Android gaming market and how GAMEVIL fits into it, and the often lengthy and involved process of localizing games for the US.
GAMEVIL has announced that Kami Retro, the 8-bit inspired puzzle platformer released back in March for the iPhone and iPod touch and given a four-star rating by 148Apps has been made available in a version optimized for the iPad, with Kami Retro HD. According to the head of GAMEVIL USA, Kyu Lee, “The unique style of KAMI RETRO HD looks, sounds and plays great on the iPad. Developer Paw Print Games perfected a top-notch experience for the device and we’re thrilled that more new fans can enjoy the game in HD.”
And the iPad version of the game should promise to be more friendly to the gameplay than the smaller iPhone/iPod touch screen was. The puzzle platformer does not give players direct control over their retro-inspired men to get to the exit; instead, players must do swiping actions to control the characters’ movement and jumping. Having more room on screen to perform these swipes should theoretically lead to improved results, especially when multiple characters are on the screen at the same time. More accurate controls should hypothetically mean improved gameplay for iPad owners over the original game.
The game also comes with the updated content that the iPhone/iPod touch version has received, including the new bear, cat, bunny, and robot skins. The game comes with the same 60 levels of the original version, including the bonus levels where the player must guide just one of the retro troops through a single room, trying to collect all the items in it before time expires. Kami Retro HD, named Apple’s iPad Game of the Week on May 26th, is available now for $2.99. Sadly, the game is not a universal app like other releases are starting to do, so multiple device owners will have to choose between which version of the game they want, although the iPhone/iPod touch version is currently available for only $0.99 as well.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted March 17th, 2011 by Carter Dotson Our Rating: :: COME ON!
Kami Retro is a puzzle platformer that has you controlling retro-themed characters through platforming environments that you can alter by moving elements around throughout the levels.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted December 14th, 2010 by Chris Hall Our Rating: :: UNINSPIRED
RPG fans will get sucked in by the typical RPG formula (get quest, kill X number of enemies, collect gold/XP), but everything in Illusia has been done before. It's good, but not great.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted November 5th, 2010 by Carter Dotson Our Rating: :: GOOD BUT NOT SUPER
Baseball Superstars 2011 is largely the same game as its predecessor, with largely only graphical and gameplay tweaks to its credit, for better or for worse.
For all you sports lovers out there, Gamevil, the acclaimed developer that brought us the fantastic Baseball Superstars series, as well as Zenonia and Vanquish, have submitted Soccer Superstars to Apple and are waiting for approval.
Soccer Superstars is a full featured soccer app that seems to me like a blend of the original NES Soccer and Mario Strikers. From the hands on video (which you should watch), the app is extremely fast paced and looks to use special boosts to create those super dramatic special shots.
There are five different play modes, exhibition, My League, Season Mode, Cup Mode, and Dramatic Mode. From the looks of a few screens, it seems that My League and Dramatic Mode will be the most fun. My League looks like a full featured soccer management mode that may include such sim features as salary and fan involvement. Dramatic Mode, while not nearly as involved, puts you in high pressure situations and forces you to win to go on.
Soccer Superstars looks to be the perfect solution for the post World Cup match hangover, especially if your team loses. Check out the video below and see for yourself. Enjoy!
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted March 31st, 2010 by Bonnie Eisenman Our Rating: :: GREAT RPG
Zenonia 2 is a great RPG. Though it can no longer claim the title "best of the App Store" with ease, it's still an excellent, traditional romp through an old-school world. If you like traditional RPGs with real-time combat, get it. It's not perfect, but it's still well worth your time.
Gamevil’s hit RPG for the iPhone, Zenonia, is getting kind of old…actually, it’s been on the App Store for almost exactly a year. While I loved it at the time, the App Store moves quickly, and the passing time has allowed competitors like Inotia 2 to try and steal a piece of the RPG pie. Often, they include features that the original Zenonia lacks.
It’s good news, then, that the folks at Gamevil are preparing to answer their adversaries with the long-awaited Zenonia 2: The Lost Memories. The sequel is being submitted to Apple’s approval process by the end of this week. To add fanfare to the upcoming release, Gamevil has also released a new promo video. Careful…it’s got a scary butterfly-girl in it.
The video covers some of the game’s new features as compared to the original Zenonia title. We’ve heard many of them before: you can play four different characters with different storylines and abilities; there’s asynchronous multiplayer; in addition to Normal mode, dedicated gamers can also take on Hard and Hell modes. I don’t recall hearing about the “costumes” before, though. Check the video to see the new perks narrated by a perky Asian girl with butterfly wings. I kid you not.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted February 5th, 2010 by Bonnie Eisenman Our Rating: :: DECENT
Vanquish is an action-packed RPG with a little bit too much action and not enough depth. Lack of autosave, a lackluster story, and repetitive levels are balanced against a truly fun and speedy combat system. While it remains stylish and fun, Vanquish still needs some work.
It’s not surprising that Gamevil, makers of the Zenonia and Hybrid: Eternal Whisper series, would have another action RPG up their sleeve. What is eye-catching, however, is the art style of their new title, Vanquish: The Oath of Brothers. Billed as an “Artisitc Action RPG”, Vanquish features striking ink and wash painting graphics.
An initial teaser trailer of the game was released, and the presentation is indeed very stylish. Not much of the game itself can be seen, except for a brief glimpse of side-scrolling fighting on horseback. You can view the trailer below…
Along with the new trailer, Gamevil has put out a call for 25 beta testers. Anyone interested can apply on the Gamevil website. All submissions must be received before midnight January 17th.
Zenonia made its debut back in May as one of the first “real” RPG experiences for the iPhone. The months haven’t done much to tarnish its popularity, which is hardly surprising given its quality. (Check out our review.) Now, the folks at Gamevil are teasing us with details about the upcoming sequel, which will be titled Zenonia 2: The Lost Memories.
The game is expected to launch in March and comes with a list of new features. First, instead of playing at the generic Regret from the original Zenonia, players will have the option to chose from four distinct characters, one each from the Paladin, Shooter, Magician, and Warrior classes. These new classes should add some variety to the gameplay…especially as the Shooter and Magician classes will feature ranged attacks. Zenonia 2 will also feature new difficulty modes: Normal, Hard, and Hellish. Playing Normal will be a decent choice for new players, but only within the Hard and Hellish modes will players be able to get unique loot and access a hidden boss stage. Terrain effects (water, snow, ice, etc) will also add a bit of a twist to the realm.
Perhaps most interesting, however, is the addition of asynchronous PvP. While it’s not quite full-fledged live battling, you’ll be able to download your friends’ characters to compete against. We don’t know much more yet, but this sounds like a tantalizing new feature.
With a tentative March release date, Zenonia 2 is quickly approaching. The first Zenonia was an exceptional game that still marks a standard for iPhone RPGs; I can’t wait to see what Gamevil finally produces for its sequel. This is one to watch! Continue reading Gamevil Announces New Details For Zenonia 2: The Lost Memories »
Today’s Daily Double comes with a real gift from EA Games: Clue for $0.99. Meanwhile, the Appvent Calender is featuring Ickle Count (a kid-oriented counting game), and Gamevil has a bit of a bonus for us, too: Hybrid: Eternal Whisper is on sale for $2.99 for a limited time.
Let’s start with Clue. While this is wrapped in all of the traditional board game’s branding, it’s actually not the game you’re familiar with. Instead of a board game in which you compete against other players or the computer, it’s a one-player mystery-fest in which you step into the shoes of a sleuth. Once again, Mr. Boddy has been murdered, and it’s up to you to figure out which of his devious guests is at fault. We looked at Clue back in June:
Albeit quite different from the traditional Clue board game experience, this app is an excellent mystery solving puzzler. Some have criticized this game for being C.I.N.O., Clue in name only, if you will, but that is a strong criticism for an iPhone adaptation which retains much of the original whodunnit Clue spirit.
Given that this game usually goes for $4.99, this is the day to get it if you’re looking for a detective-style app. Has anyone else noticed that EA is putting a lot of its summer releases on sale?
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-05-15 :: Category: Games
The Appvent Calender’s offering is much less serious. Ickle Count is light-hearted and colorful—and above all, simple. The name of the game is counting. Numbered divers float in the water above a sea monster, and it’s your job to tap them in sequence as quickly as possible before time runs out. From the bright graphics to the silly theme, it’s clear that this one is targeted towards younger children, not older gamers.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-10-17 :: Category: Games :: Kids
So far we’ve had a morbid mystery and a cheerful counting game. Adding to the mix is Hybrid: Eternal Whisper, which differs starkly from our other two deals. Hybrid is a hardcore combat-based RPG with a fantastic combat system, a good amount of customization, and a heavy emphasis on combo moves. Unfortunately, it’s hampered by heavy dialogue and load screens, but for a serious gamer, the combat makes it all worth it. A recent update also added a great “battle only” mode. While this isn’t technically part of the Daily Double, it is on sale—50% off, in fact, which puts it at $2.99.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Posted September 22nd, 2009 by Bonnie Eisenman Our Rating: :: PROMISING
Hybrid: Eternal Whisper is a hardcore action RPG with a killer combat system. It's very dialogue-heavy, especially in the beginning, but the fighting makes it all worth it.
This week’s only news story also has the sign of the apocalypse and the apps of the week built in – handy, eh? Over a 24 hour period, 453 new games were released! What happened Apple, did someone finally wake up? This is a great disservice to developers, as it’s exceedingly hard for an app to get noticed when so many other good games are released on the same day. Sure, developers can set release dates, but if they do, their app is placed on the latest releases section in iTunes according to approval date not publication date, therefore burying it beneath the first page and limiting valuable exposure. Please fix this, Apple! Anyway, enough ranting, here are some of the most notable releases this week. We’ll try to have reviews for as many as we can in due time, but until then, here’s a quick rundown:
Hybrid: Eternal Whisper
Gamevil’s action-RPG follow-up to Zenonia certainly has great aesthetics and a nice online component, but for me so far, the story has been too intrusive and the gameplay mediocre. At $5.99, you may want to wait for our review. Upon playing more, the gameplay has proven more fun and the story’s role is minimized. Recommended!
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Unify
Zach Gage’s first iPhone game is a very stylish Tetris variant with OpenFeint integration. Instead of blocks falling from from the top, the fall into the middle from both the left and the right, where you have to manipulate them using multi-touch controls. Match four or more of the same color to clear blocks. The game starts out slow with only black and white, but quickly becomes challenging with the addition of more colors and faster scrolling. From my time with the game, I can say it’s one of the more fun puzzle games on the App Store.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-17 :: Category: Games
Aera
This beautiful flight sim had our editor Chris in a frenzy before its release. From initial impressions, it seems the game delivers on the hype, but if you don’t want to shell out the $2.99 now, Chris will have a review up very soon.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Aves
Aves contains some truly magnificent animations and entrancing binaural audio, but with its simplistic gameplay, it plays more like a tech demo. Still, if you want to see some really cool technology, it’s worth the $.99 price of admission, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Ghost LLC’s future projects.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Above and Beyond Air Combat
Young developer Josh Rosen’s followup to SciFly is a totally different beast. It’s still an arcade plane flying game, but it shines with OpenFeint integration, a huge level of customization, open-world gameplay, and shiny graphics. In any normal week, this would easily earn the app of the week award.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Robocalypse – Mobile Mayhem
Robocalypse is a humorous and strong entry into the RTS genre, which is relatively weak on the App Store. Featuring a lengthy campaign and full online multiplayer, Robocalypse is a safe bet for RTS fans.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Dungeon Hunter (pulled from the App Store)
Otherwise known as Gameloft’s Diablo clone, Dungeon Hunter was said to be very impressive, but was unfortunately pulled due to a bug in the game. The game should be available for download again soon.
Castle Warriors
Castle Warriors is another nice addition to the RTS genre on the App Store. The gameplay is similar to Galcon and the graphics are very nice overall.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Super Shock Football
After App Store giants Gameloft and EA turned out full football sims, you would expect Chillingo, publisher extraordinaire to follow up with one of their own, right? Instead, developer Steamroller studios has produced a light-hearted throw back to vintage vibrating football games that is ultimately more suited to the iPhone than either Madden or NFL 2010.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Apps of the Week
iBlast Moki
iBlast Moki is the best puzzle game on the iPhone, period. This physics-based puzzle game contains challenging gameplay. The goal is to, using bombs and eventually other elements like balloons, get all of the mokis to the exit of the level. It sounds simple, but some of the levels are head-scratchingly devious. There is almost unlimited replay value with over 70 levels, Plus+ integration, and a full-featured level editor/sharer.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-18 :: Category: Games
Meteor Blitz
By the same token, Meteor Blitz is the best top-down space shooter for the iPhone, surpassing even the famed Isotope. The dual-stick control scheme is incredibly fast and responsive, the graphics are simply stunning, and the gameplay is livened up by the inclusion of RPG elements and many different weapons. The game also features superlative pause and auto-save functions.
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-09-15 :: Category: Games
Wow, so many great games, and I’m sure I’m missing a few. Of course, I won’t expect any good game releases for the next month couple with reports of month-long approval times.
Among the goings-on at the 9.9.09 Apple event was the release of iTunes 9.0 which included a redesigned App Store. To sum up the changes in one word – “clutter.” It seems as if Apple has challenged themselves to fit as many app icons on one page as possible. There are some nice changes, but they are masked by the overall clutter. Top 100′s are now top 200′s, though looking over the lists now causes eye damage. There is now a top grossing app list, though it is hidden at the bottom of the page and used in conjunction with the top volume list making it confusing for all. Tabs at the top of iTunes are nice though the drop down App Store categories are initially hard to find. One of the new iTunes is the ability to organize iPhone app icons from iTunes. Though it’s not perfect, this new feature is infinitely preferable to organizing on the iPhone itself.
Gameloft clones
Gameloft is really wearing thin on me with their clones. GTA is more of a genre now, so I was ok with Gangstar, but with their COD4 clone (Modern Combat) and Soul Caliber clone (Blades of Fury), I’ve had enough. These games certainly show off the iPhone as a gaming platform, but there comes a point when I just can’t get excited about exact clones of existing games. These aren’t rough clones either, they’re almost indistinguishable. Gameloft is a talented developer, but in order to start making memorable games, they’re going to have to show the creativity involved in creating games like Sway and Gomi, two indie darlings. For now though, all the upcoming Gameloft games are clones, including a Diablo clone, a Mario Kart clone, and a Halo clone.
Exciting upcoming games
In contrast to Gameloft, here are some trailers for some games I’m really excited about. Enjoy!
iBlast Moki:
In addition to clever physics-based gameplay, iBlast Moki boasts 70 levels and a fully featured in-game level editor. Gozilab, the developer, has been notified that the game could not be posted because the price was included in the App description, but this was fixed so hopefully iBlast Moki will be making an appearance on the App Store soon.
Hybrid: Eternal Whisper:
Gamevil, the developer of the famed Zenonia, has submitted their stylish action RPG to the App Store so hopefully we’ll be seeing Hybrid soon.
Ravensword: the Fallen King
Crescent Moon games has estimated a submission date of September 30 for their 3D open-world adventure RPG. Contest Winner
Well, you were all horribly wrong, but sf49lu wins the $15 gift card for being the most detailed in his wrong predictions. Congratulations, Chris will email you your winnings as soon as he stops watching football.
Apps of the Week
Sadly, there were no apps good enough to be deemed worthy of this award. Blades of Fury was lacking, Madden was disappointing, and I haven’t gotten a chance to play Dexter yet. See you all next week!
I’m sorry… this one is mean of me. Zenonia 2 for the iPhone isn’t even in production yet and isn’t expected until sometime next year. Again, I’m sorry for getting you all so worked up. I found this poster on Gamevil’s Facebook page and just had to post it. Enjoy!
CultofMac reports that, for the next 48 hours, Calendars+ by Readdle can be downloaded for free. The app works with Google Calendar and the built-in iOS Calendar and lets you manage your work, either online or offline, with an easy to use interface to navigate through. It’s originally priced at $6.99 and will return to [...]
Mobile app developer GAMEVIL has released the 2012 edition of its annualized Baseball Superstars series, and this edition includes some significant updates. For one, the franchise has made a move to high-resolution graphics, taking full advantage of Retina display capabilities. For the first time, Baseball Superstars will also be a universal app, allowing players to play at full screen resolutions on their iPhone, iPod, or iPad.
It may not be a huge trend, but it appears that a growing number of companies are offering funds to assist developers to create and/or promote their apps in the Apple and Android markets. These companies foresee that the number of mobile phones and tablets purchased is only going to keep on rising for the foreseeable future along with the number of apps for these users. It’s a good time to get into the marketplace. Case in point: Gamevil recently announced a $10 million partnership fund for external developers who have smartphone gaming ideas.
:: HOME RUN
Cornering the market on animal hybrids with head-mounted lasers!
For all you sports lovers out there, Gamevil, the acclaimed developer that brought us the fantastic 
Gamevil’s hit RPG for the iPhone, 
Today’s Daily Double comes with a real gift from EA Games: Clue for $0.99. Meanwhile, the Appvent Calender is featuring Ickle Count (a kid-oriented counting game), and Gamevil has a bit of a bonus for us, too: Hybrid: Eternal Whisper is on sale for $2.99 for a limited time. 
So far we’ve had a morbid mystery and a cheerful counting game. Adding to the mix is Hybrid: Eternal Whisper, which differs starkly from our other two deals. Hybrid is a hardcore combat-based RPG with a fantastic combat system, a good amount of customization, and a heavy emphasis on combo moves. Unfortunately, it’s hampered by heavy dialogue and load screens, but for a serious gamer, the combat makes it all worth it. A recent update also added a great “battle only” mode. While this isn’t technically part of the Daily Double, it is on sale—50% off, in fact, which puts it at $2.99.
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