I do love a good SHMUP, and a classic old-school style SHMUP with hand-painted visuals appeals to me even more. It probably appeals to a lot of people, actually, which might have something to do with why publisher Lace Mamba Global and developer Firepixels is bringing Solar Wings to the App Store.

Players will get to blow up all manner of fancy-looking enemy ships as they fight their way through five different worlds. Each with a collection of tough/large bosses and vessels. Power-ups are on hand, naturally, as well as a total of three selectable characters with their own personal ships, although the third character needs to be unlocked before they can be used. And it’s all depicted in that colorful hand-painted style I mentioned. Sounds tasty, right?

Solar Wings should be sitting pretty on the App Store come Saturday, July 28th. Any SHMUP fans can nab it for a very reasonable $0.99, assuming there’s no accident with the listing like there was for the game’s Desura release.

*Note: Images are from the PC version*

Known as Death Sword in the US, the 1987 Commodore 64 classic is coming to PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad as early as February 15, 2012. Also previously known as Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior, the new title will be Barbarian – The Death Sword and is developed by Microids and published by Anuman Interactive. Gameplay will be similar to the original one-on-one fighting style as well as will integrate cross-platform multiplayer. It’s not clear as to if Mac warriors will be able to compete against PC warriors or if it will only be Mac versus iOS. I’m sure there would be a lot of happy fighters if one could fight against PC, Mac, iOS or Android. And it’s very nice to see that it will still feature the ability to sever opponent’s heads and celebrate the ensuing shower of blood. Of course, this time it will be in updated 3D graphics. And yes, there are still scantily clad women involved, if that’s something anyone cares about.

For those of you that are not familiar, the date July 7th every year holds quite a bit of significance in the eyes of game developer Bungie.  Celebrated by fans every year as “Bungie Day” it is a time when the studio takes time to look back on the legacy of their work and provide special surprises for their diehard supporters.

This year they decided to do something different, and support a fan-initiated initiative to bring the Mac classic Marathon to the iPad.  Developed completely by hardcore enthusiasts of the original game, Bungie awarded their diligence by publishing the game personally and throwing all of their support behind it.

The base game, which contains the entirety of the single player campaign is completely free.  Available as in-app purchases to augment the experience, you can also choose to add in a $3.99 high definition texture pack, or a $0.99 God mode, aptly named “Master Chief” mode.  Give this classic game another look on your iPad.  I can personally guarantee that this will be one that everyone can enjoy.

[original source: GameSetWatch]

FREE!

Marathon 1

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-07-07 :: Category: Games

Sonic, he can really move/Sonic, he’s got an attitude/Sonic, he’s… on my iPhone?

Not entirely out of left field, but entirely unpublicized, comes Sonic the Hedgehog to the iPhone. From the description of the game in the app store, the new app lets you “Relive your favorite memories of the Genesis era as you rocket Sonic through hair-raising loop-de-loops and dizzying dives as you gather up Rings and stop Dr. Eggman’s schemes for world domination!”

Even though I have probably seen (and played) everything this game has to offer, I still want it… really, really badly. If all goes well with my espresso machine, I should have a review up by morning. Wish me luck!

Update: No more espresso!!! Nooooooo! We may have to wait till mid-afternoon.

$2.99

Sonic The Hedgehog

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2009-05-21 :: Category: Games