Developer Moon Active has official announced the upcoming release of their first title, Bitter Sam, a new physics-based action puzzle game. Born loser Sam has lived a rough life and has every reason to be bitter. Especially since he’s now been kidnapped by a mad scientist and dropped down a bottomless pit hanging from a rope in search of crystals.

When released, the game will include 100 levels making up 5 different worlds of tilt controlled descents with tons of obstacles, power-ups, and unique graphics. As players tilt their device, they will guide Sam on his rope left and right to avoid dangers and collect crystals through each level.

Bitter Sam will take the plunge on March 15th when the game launches in the App Store. No word yet on how much this titles will cost, though. Still, players won’t have long to wait to find out and they can be helping the embittered little hero soon.

Even though Alwar’s latest creation features some of the cutest tiny white bunnies in history, Robber Rabbits is anything but cuddly. These are masked thieves who the player must help shoplift delicious carrot flavored ice cream. The physics-based puzzle is set in Valentine’s Day garb and is full of shooting experiments that puts the player in a tough position to obtain high-hanging carrot ice cream.

However, they have obstacles in their way such as swaying platforms that have to be hit to knock off the loot. The big problem is that the platforms are in the way of each other, which creates the puzzle portion. And the obstacles don’t stop there. Broken light bulbs, blowing fans, and other interactive objects make sure that the game will be challenging. Available for both iPhone and iPad, Robber Rabbits features 96 unique puzzles, 3 unique weapons such as a popcap gun as well as the shooting physics to go along with the shot. The game is full of cuter than cute characters and graphics, original music and sound effects inspired by Valentine’s Day and supports OpenFeint and Game Center. Alawar’s other games are all on sell until the evening of Valentine’s Day.

$1.99

Robber Rabbits! HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2011-12-16 :: Category: Games

Who can resist a cute, cartoon penguin? I know I can’t and neither can anyone else in their right mind. Enter Penguin Palooza, a game that appreciates the adorable nature of the flightless birds.

It’s a physics based puzzle game that requires drawing lines on the screen in order to bounce the penguins from one side of the screen to the other – kind of like creating a trampoline. It’s a simple concept but a fun one nonetheless.

36 different challenges will keep the player busy with all sorts of additions such as baby penguins and huge birds and fish. Two different game modes are available for the iPhone version with global leaderboards providing much of the competition. The iPad version additionally includes includes split-screen multiplayer.

Check out the gameplay video for Penguin Palooza below.

It’s out now priced at $0.99 each for the iPhone and iPad versions.

$0.99

Penguin Palooza

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2012-01-19 :: Category: Games

$0.99

Penguin Palooza HD

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-01-19 :: Category: Games

Having never played either the iOS game Gibbets or the flash game Gibbets 2, I thought I’d best see what all the fuss is about before I announce that Gibbets 2 is set to hit the app store during Q2 next year.

I quickly learnt why the franchise has been played over 250 million times. It sucks up time in a manner that’s a sign of something truly special.

It’s a simple enough game. Each level comprises of a few people hanging from nooses and it’s the player’s job to cut them down by shooting arrows in their direction. Underneath that surface is a compelling game thanks to the keen physics engine within that means it’s vital to line up the shot and speed just right. Players are also provided with a limited number of arrows per level and are punished accordingly for taking too long or hitting the poor victims.

It’s great fun on the PC and I suspect it’ll be an ideal game for iOS with easy touch based controls and 30 levels promised.

Gibbets 2 is set for release sometime in Q2 2012. We’ll be sure to keep up to date on any developments.

There’s something heart warming about the companionship between two dogs, even if those dogs happen to be attached by the tongue such as Mick & Ralph in Mojo Bones’ first iOS title: Tongue Tied.

Arriving in early December, Tongue Tied follows the exploits of Mick & Ralph as they traverse their way through 50 levels, hoping to eventually retrieve the WonderBone. As the names and concept suggests, it’s going to be a pretty zany ride with an entertaining combination of platforming and physics puzzling.

It promises to include numerous tricks and bonuses to keep things interesting as well as a form of levelling up system, leading to many unlockables. Besides the 50 story levels, there’s also the promise of 30 separate DogHouse levels boosting the replayability of the title.

With a graphical style that clearly takes a few ideas from classic cartoons, I reckon Tongue Tied will be ideal for young and old alike.

Tongue Tied will be out next month. For now, gaze at the gameplay trailer and screenshots below.

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.