Tag: Action shooter »
Zombie Area! Review
Judge Dredd vs. Zombies Review
Legendary Outlaw Review
Cave Announces Bug Princess for iOS
Mushihimesama was a big hit in Japanese arcades when it was released in 2004. Thanks in no small part to its "Manic" and "Ultra" modes, I'm sure. After all that success, Cave released a sequel - Mushihimesama Futari - in 2006, followed by a 2010 spin-off most iOS users should be familiar with at this point: Mushihimesama Bug Panic. Still with me? Good.
So, Cave is getting ready to release the original vertical-scrolling shooter Mushihimesama, now under the name Bug Princess on the App Store for our enjoyment. My head hurts a little now... Anyway, the original arcade title that led to the creation and release of Mushihimesama Bug Panic is headed our way. According to the developer, it's going to be compatible with the iPhone4, 3GS, iPod Touch 3rd Gen and up, the iPad and iPad2, and will require OS 4.2 or higher.
There's no specific release info yet aside from "winter 2011," but there isn't a whole lot of 2011 left so it won't be too long a wait. As for pricing... Well, that's still unannounced, but it's a Cave game so I'd imagine it'll range from $5 to $10 or so. Best get those App Store funds ready.
Escape to Earth - or at Least Get the Heck Out of Space-Dodge
So players will find themselves in control of yet another space-faring vessel, however things aren't as derivative as they might initially seem. It's true that they'll have to blast away at many an aggressive extra-terrestrial along the way, but Escape to Earth is about more than just blowing stuff up. In addition to the other-worldly armaments (i.e. a laser and missiles), players also have access to a tractor beam and "repulser" which are needed to solve a number of physics-based environmental puzzles. So if they ever want to see Earth again, they'll have to use both their brain and their trigger fingers.
Those interested in fighting (and puzzling) their way through this interstellar labyrinth can do so right now. Escape to Earth is already on the App Store, and it can be had for the low/standard price of one dollar.
Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation Review
Price: $6.99
Version: 1.0.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
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User Interface Rating:
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Modern Combat 3 looks great, no question, but it's the smaller details like animations and the occasional slow-motion kill shot that really draw the eye. But really, I think the reason I've enjoyed my time with the game so much is because it's just so... enjoyable. The over-the-top set piece moments are surprisingly grand for a handheld device and the multiplayer, with its experience (and earned currency) driven weapon unlocks and customizations is excellent. Each match earns experience, with better performances netting more of the stuff, and new levels unlock the ability to purchase new weapons. These weapons, in-turn, can be upgraded and customized to fit a player's preferences with a number of different attachments such as scopes and larger magazines. Similarly, items can be bought and equipped that bestow special abilities such as the ability to carry more ammo. It's a shockingly robust myltiplayer offering, especially considering the platform. It's a shame I'm so terrible at it.
There are a few issues that have cropped up, however. Of the three control schemes offered I've found the Classic setting to work best, but I sometimes find myself shooting when I don't mean to or missing a button by a hair's width and doing nothing. Usually resulting in death. Then there's the checkpoint system. Sometimes it works great and doesn't set me back too far. Other times I have to slog through a significant chunk of a level, only to finally reach my last point of failure to wind up kaput again. I've also noticed that enemies can shoot me with surprising precision through some very solid cover. I'm not talking about chest-high walls that the top of my head might be poking over, either. I'm talking about massive barriers that seem unable (or unwilling) to come between me and bullets.Just about anyone who's interested has probably already purchased Modern Combat 3. It's kind of a little popular. For everyone else who might be thinking about it, and is a fan of first-person shooters of course, I'd say it's definitely worth playing despite its flaws. Many of which can easily be overlooked. The entry fee might seem a little steep, but there's plenty of great gaming that comes with that $7.
Django West vs. the Barefoot Zombie Gang is a Real Title
Django West vs. the Barefoot Zombie Gang touts itself as a hilarious old west zombie shooter. It's got 21 levels, 12 "hilarious" weapons to mess around with, a "groovy" soundtrack and plenty of gore. I mean, it's a zombie game, after all. One in which players will no doubt be blasting away quite a few zombies (6 different kinds, to be exact).
If nothing else, it's apparent from the trailer below that Django West vs. the Barefoot Zombie Gang has a boxing glove gun. A boxing glove gun. I can bop zombies in the face with an extend-o-fist and make their noggins explode. How wacky-awesome is that?
Django and his kooky zombie-fighting gear can be found as a Universal app in the App Store right now for $0.99.
Battle 3D: Robots Sky Review
More Espgaluda II HD Details Revealed (Finally!)
Cave has just unveiled more solid release details: Espgaluda II HD will be available on the App Store next week on the 13th (10/13). It's also going to have a special 4-day "Commemorative Price" of $10.99, so I'd suggest those who are interested jump on it ASAP.
The "Guinness-recognized 'danmaku' shooter!" is indeed being refitted with high definition displays in mind, however it's looking like this HD release will be exclusive to the iPad 2. At least for the time being. In addition to the remastered visuals - although according to the press release, the backgrounds and "some other graphics" will retain their SD quality - the "iPhone Mode" is being re-dubbed "Smartphone Mode" and receiving a new soundtrack by Kenichi Fukui and “KAY.”
Of course, that's not all. Along with all this HD craziness, the current iPhone/iPod Touch version of Espgaluda II is getting a bit of a revision. For starters, the soon-to-be newly dubbed Smartphone Mode will also receive the new soundtrack. So there's no need for audiophile non-iPad users to feel left out. Secondly, the full version will also get two separate "split" versions: Arcade and Smartphone. Each one will contain the full content of its titular mode, but won't contain the other. Of course, the Full version will still be available, and contain everything. I'm guessing (keyword: guessing) this was done to allow more frugal App Store shoppers a way in, so to speak.
There's still no official release date or pricing, but Cave promises that it'll all be posted "soon" on their homepage. I'd strongly suggest iPad 2 owners with a love of bullet-hell keep an eye on it. Or here. We'll probably mention something here, too.
Pixel Ranger Review
iPad Users Take Note: rRootage Online HD Has Gone Universal
Until recently, this was an experience only afforded to iPhone users. Now, after the new 1.3.0 release, iPad users can get in on the action. Yes, rRootage Online HD is indeed a universal app now.
Since I don't own an iPad myself I can't really say much of the experience on the larger device, but I imagine the bigger screen makes spotting those pesky enemy projectiles a bit easier. Regardless, it's nice to see rRootage Online HD getting even more love. It's bound to please iPad using shmup fans who've might have missed it the first time around.