Tag: ZombieSmash »

ZombieSmash is getting its second major content expansion this Thursday. Multiplayer is coming to this zombie-flinging castle defense game, and we have early hands-on impressions of the game's new update.

The multiplayer mode, played online through Game Center, pits two players on their own house defense points, trying to keep their house from being overrun. The two players don't interact directly with each other, but both players will have to fight the same waves of zombies on their own screens.

Powerups come up that allow players to send a large zombie that must be killed by special weapons directly to their opponent. Thus, the strategy becomes in using the special items (which aren't necessarily the same for each player) carefully, so if any big zombies show up, they can be taken out. However, the regular zombies get stronger as the game goes on, so the longer a game goes, the more likely it will be that regular zombies will be the loser's downfall, not necessarily the big zombies. The game randomly selects maps from both the original house and Camp Nowhere scenario released earlier this year, as well as having levels where the zombies all come from one side, as well as the notorious two-sided zombie assault levels.

The multiplayer is played via Game Center matchmaking, and doesn't appear to suffer from any undue lag or other issues, so the play experience is smooth. Note that games can only be played between identical versions of the game, so the iPad version can't play someone on the iPhone version of the game. This is a combination of both Game Center restrictions and because the mechanics of the two versions of the game are different to accommodate the differing screen sizes. The game supports optional voice chat between players; a headset is recommended if not required. The update will be available this Thursday, and will be free for both iPhone/iPod touch and iPad versions of the game.

Allied Star Police

If you are not familiar with the Allied Star Police then you are not familiar with the story of Owain Weinert.  This brave child was paired up with PopCap through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the company helped turn his game concept into a full iOS title.  Looking at the production values alone it would be impossible to determine that this was the brainchild of a 9 year old.  It looks and plays amazingly well, proving that you don't have to be a industry veteran to have a great concept for a game.

Deadlock: Online

Let's face it, dual stick shooters are nothing truly revolutionary to the iOS.  On the other hand, not that many of these games feature anything that would bear any resemblance to online multiplayer.  This is exactly what Deadlock: Online provides, all for the tremendously steep price-tag of absolutely nothing.  As players become more successful they will get the chance to change and upgrade their gear, furthering the incentive to return, match after match.  Give it a look if you can avoid getting addicted.

Eternity Warriors

The age of the hack and slash game has long since came and went, but that doesn't mean that there are at least a few of us that long for the good old fashion action that only repetitive mouse clicks could provide.  Tapping into the same vein as repetitive combat games like Gun Bros, this time you are armed with a broadsword that emphasizes close quarters combat.  As you might expect, the title also features a wide variety of character customization, so that players can indulge their inner control freak.

SuperRope

The urge to climb forever higher would seem to be an interesting construct in gaming.  The problem is that it could prove to be rather limiting for variety.  At least this is what I felt until I check out SuperRope and had my impressions turned on their ear.  Though the concept is simple, the execution is far more difficult that one might think.  Give it a look, it will keep you climbing for hours.

ZombieSmash

Originally a full priced iOS release, ZombieSmash has been recently reduced in price to absolutely nothing.  Melding together the genres of castle defense and the undead seem like a fairly unlikely combination, but it actually seems to work rather well.  If our review is any indication, you will have four stars worth of mindless entertainment.