Lets just face facts and admit that as much as we would like to believe otherwise, the “match three” puzzle game is here to stay.  The success of the gametype could be chocked up to everything from its simple to grasp concepts to the use of bright colors and often flashy animations, but the problem is that no developers are willing to mess with the formula.  Hoping to take the nauseatingly stagnant bull by the proverbial horns, a new game named Virus Strike looks to change all of that in one quick swoop of their handkerchief.  How are they hoping to breath new life into the stagnant genre?  The answer is simple: give it a personal touch. Well, line drawing controls at least.

While much of the competition fumbles with fake analog sticks and gimmicky finger shuffling, Vertigo Software may be onto something with their unique new line drawing scheme that has more in common with Flight Control than it does Tetris.  To help you better wrap your brain around how this awesomely simple schema works, glance over the brief gameplay footage below:

After viewing that video, I think it would be reasonable to assume that we have never controlled a “match three” in quite this manner.  This may be the kind of change that has been needed for quite some time.  Though, I do have to say that I have some concerns over the precision of the above methods; if nothing else, it will give a much needed change of pace that could further drive innovation.

Place your bets on how long these controls are exclusively in Virus Strike.  Sadly, I am guessing it will be not long at all before someone from a larger publisher “borrows” it.  However, the genre may be better off because of it.  Be sure to give credit where it is deserved and take the innovator out for a test spin.  The game will only stay free for a limited time.

$0.99

Virus Strike

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

Our Rating: :: FUN
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Released: 2010-10-24 :: Category: Games

The Voxel Agent’s Train Conductor 2: USA has launched for all iDevices, big and small. The sequel to the hit, Train Conductor, steps out of the developers home country of Australia, and into some of the most famous train stops in the US, including the Grand Canyon, Nashville, Las Vegas and New York City.

“Far from a simulation, TC2 is all about quick strategic decisions and superior hand-eye coordination as players guide locomotives across the horizontal tracks while avoiding head-on collisions with other trains. Several types are available: steam trains, electric subway trains, monorails, ghost trains and even “skull trains.””

Also included in the app is a survival mode, something that we found was lacking in the first edition, improved menu art, a simplified HUD (heads-up display), new music, new train models, a different look for stopped trains and varied environmental and weather effects.

If line drawing/traffic management games are your cup o’ tea, you can pick up Train Conductor 2: USA in the App Store today for only $0.99.

$0.99

Train Conductor 2: USA

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Our Rating: :: WANT MORE
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Released: 2010-07-13 :: Category: Games