Ham in the Fridge, those responsible for the well received if a bit disturbing 5 Minutes to Kill (Yourself), have been up to something. They’ve been lurking in the shadows, left to their own devices, doing something altogether unseemly. They’ve been Bumpin’ Uglies. I’ve recently had the chance to talk a bit with Brett Hummel (Creative Director) and Drew Pearson (Director, Business Development) about their odd little creation and have come away from the discussion feeling more than a little excited. Not that kind of excited.

Bumpin’ Uglies isn’t quite the depiction of debauchery that many would expect given the (awesome) title. Uglies are, in fact, these small lima bean-looking critters who are about as smart as a sack of dirt and can only get around by way of being flung. Players have to guide their ugly through a given level (32 total at the moment), gathering shinys and coins along the way, until they manage to collide with the ugly waiting at the other end. Hence the bumping. This creates a temporary whirlwind of activity, followed by the production of a number of “bumplings” possessing traits from both parent uglies. And some recessive genes, naturally. Coins gathered throughout each level can be used to unlock new level packs (3 available at launch with more to follow), more ugly parts for further customization, and special boosts (4 types available at launch) that can be used to make getting around a bit easier.

Bumpin’ Uglies is slated to release later this summer for free. If it sounds like a game worth playing (and it should), head on over to the Kickstarter page to lend a financial hand. Come on, you know you want to.

Everyone loves a good iOS port, right? It seems like App Store shoppers are always clamoring to have versions of their favorite PC and console games on their phones, pads and pods. I know I’m certainly no exception. Enter the original Inertia: a nifty gravity-manipulating platformer that took home the SMU Guildhall grand prize for non-commercial games back in February. The title’s creators have since joined Red Fly Studio, and will be bringing a “console gaming experience” spiritual successor of sorts to iOS and Android devices shortly.

Inertia: Escape Velocity requires players to use their wits, as well as plenty of finesse, in order to navigate each level successfully. Bouncing, gliding and floating will be essential for scooping up scrap (to repair a damaged ship, naturally) which will grant access to even more levels. Touch controls are the standard, but there’s also an option to use accelerometer to make things a bit more intense. Of course, players can opt for even more intensity (that’s “Intense x 2″ for anyone doing the math) by jumping into the “Inferno” versions of each stage.

Inertia: Escape Velocity is set to release next month, December 1st, for $1.99 (iPhone/iPod) and $2.99 (iPad). Keep a sharp eye.

Some princesses are content to sit around and wait to be rescued. They don’t mind sitting in their tower/castle/fancy chair until a prince shows up to rescue them or sweep them off their feet. Princess Punt isn’t that type of girl. She goes out and does the looking for herself.

Trajectory-based games are nothing new to iOS devices, be they medieval, automotive or avian in nature. The practice of knocking down ramshackle structures with an odd assortment of objects is a popular one, but not many of them involve giving armored soldiers the boot. Much less booting them into all manner of large (and vicious) beasts. Different “weapons” have different effects that can be triggered when the screen is tapped, while shot placement (trajectory, strength, point of impact, etc.) can mean the difference between “teh phat lewtz” and utter failure. It’s a weird concept that seems just insane enough to be awesome.

But don’t take my word for it. Anyone looking to dropkick noblemen into scaly monstrosities can check out Princess Punt in the App Store right now for absolutely free.

FREE!

Princess Punt

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-11-02 :: Category: Games

When a pair of cats gets split up into pet carriers after their family begins the arduous task of moving to a new home, they’re understandably pretty bummed. Being torn away from a loved one like that is certainly no picnic, which is why it’s up to iOS users to set things right. Not in a conventional, “let the kitties out of their cages” kind of way, but in a more game-like fashion. Oh yeah, I’m talking physics puzzles.

Crazy Cats Love, by WolfGames, is a slightly less common kind of gravity game. Rather than clearing a screen, launching objects or swinging stuff, players have to strategically remove blocks in order to get the two to meet up. This includes, but is not limited to, creating ramps, timed displacement of moving platforms, using stationary gadgets such as fans and even flipping switches.

The game is split up into six areas, each one representing a leg of the family’s journey to their new home, and includes bonus levels to keep players interested. Just in case the plight of two love-struck animals wasn’t enough of an incentive to keep playing. Those interested in helping the hapless fuzzies out can download the game from the App Store right now for $0.99. Or they can try out the free Lite version, user’s choice.

$0.99

Crazy Cats Love

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-08-25 :: Category: Games