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[Rekwest]

UK doesn't have Oregon Trail either.

Does opening a US iTunes account still need US billing?

Canada Itunes is more easy.

 

[CurseoftheGods]

Canada Itunes is more easy.

Canada's iTunes doesn't require a Canadian billing address?

 

[Fair Witness]

MGSTouch is laughably bad.

I don't know that it's that bad, but it's not worth $8. I bought it knowing this was the case because I hope that if a game like this sells then "real" games from Japanese game developers may hit the iPhone, which I do want. I wonder if by buying games like this we're just encouraging simplistic games though. Hmm.

 

[LCfiner]

A couple of questions for those who have time.

1. Is it a good time to buy an iPhone? I want to pick one up before I go away for the summer.

2. Does the App Store require a credit card? Or can it be charged to my network provider's monthly bill?

3. Are there any must have accessories for the thing?

Thanks in advance.

1. Nope. new ones are expected in the summer. (around June or July) wait if you can.

2. you need your own account. you can't charge to the network account. maybe you can get buy with gift cards, tho... not sure.

3. not really. I like an anti glare film to hide fingerprints on the screen. you can get a case if you have slippery fingers and are worried about dropping it.

 

[overthehill99]

I really like MGST. Its a nice pick up and play game, and the controls are really cool too. Probably not worth $7, but whatever.

 

[Diablohead]

I'm rather tempted to buy 3-4 app's tonight in one go, Let's Golf!, Virtual Pool and Aqua Moto Racing to name a few, I just need to watch my spending on app's lately.

A couple of questions for those who have time.

1. Is it a good time to buy an iPhone? I want to pick one up before I go away for the summer.

2. Does the App Store require a credit card? Or can it be charged to my network provider's monthly bill?

3. Are there any must have accessories for the thing?

Thanks in advance.

I don't own a phone but a touch, the app's coming out get better every week but I would hold out for what seems to be a new iPhone model coming out once the OS 3.0 is released. To note the 2G touch which is out right now (chrome backplate) has a faster processor then any of the iPhone models, no idea what the new phone model will give. 2G touch has internal speaker and volume control on the side unlike it's early model so the only key difference really is that the touch can't phone your friend.

You can top up your apple account with prepaid gift cards and buy app's the same way you buy iTunes music using the credit, or you can add a credit/debit card to your account (my weakness!)

Must have..depends on your gaming tastes but there are a good selection of games which are totaly worth owning.

 

[reggieandTFE]

I don't know that it's that bad, but it's not worth $8. I bought it knowing this was the case because I hope that if a game like this sells then "real" games from Japanese game developers may hit the iPhone, which I do want. I wonder if by buying games like this we're just encouraging simplistic games though. Hmm.

The game ends after three acts. I'm assuming those asshats at Konami are waiting for 3.0 to come out so they can charge for DLC.

The art you can buy in drebins shop is pathetic. Why would they call it 3d if they're not actual models?

 

[Castor Krieg]

Nah, I think the update will be out within a month. Maybe Konami listens to how people receive it now and adds extra features, some sort of Leaderboards, Achievements, and new modes/weapons would be appreciated.

 

[Tiktaalik]

Argh I'm really disappointed that Ubisoft felt it necessary to play with the Oregon Trail formula. I was really looking forward to it and it seems like they've botched it.

I've been buying a lot of iPhone games recently because it's so damn easy to. I find that I mouse around the store when I'm bored.

Alot has already been touched on but here we are anyway:

Eliss - FANTASTIC MUST BUY
Edge - Great, haven't played it much but the presentation is rad. Downloadable soundtrack is also rad.
Rolando Lite - Sold me on the game and I'll buy Rolando at some point soon for sure. The fact that new maps just came out is a plus.
Horror Vacui: I haven't heard ANYONE talk about this game. It's a strategy card game (think triple triad) that is maybe a bit flawed but very interesting. It's made by web designer psudo celebrity Shawn Inman. The webpage is light on details but there's a vs computer mode.

 

[overthehill99]

The game ends after three acts. I'm assuming those asshats at Konami are waiting for 3.0 to come out so they can charge for DLC.

The art you can buy in drebins shop is pathetic. Why would they call it 3d if they're not actual models?

They said that they are releasing the other two acts as a free update.

Yeah the 3D art was a HUGE disappointment.

 

[Stoney Mason]

Nah, I think the update will be out within a month. Maybe Konami listens to how people receive it now and adds extra features, some sort of Leaderboards, Achievements, and new modes/weapons would be appreciated.

Well the base action I've heard is decent to good I refuse to buy this game not only because of the cost but just on the principle. It's a quick sloppy knockoff title. To not have any leaderboards or achievements or real extras to extend the life of the title like most apps have nowadays shows how much they care about this particular market. I would rather reward other devs.

 

[Stoney Mason]

"Audiosurf," was the first thing I thought of when I read that they're opening up the iPod music library in 3.0. I'm ecstatic.

While I'm extremely excited about potential titles like Audiosurf coming I think I'm more excited just at the potential of what could possibly be coming, meaning stuff that isn't even out on the market yet. Original game ideas based around music. It always was incredibly odd to me that on a device that is known for music that restricted access to the music library.

 

[Solideliquid]

The unlockable backgrounds you can get when playing MGS:Touch are pretty awesome so far I've only unlocked Snake.

 

[Castor Krieg]

Eliss - FANTASTIC MUST BUY

Can you write a bit more about this game? Went and checked the reviews and it really looks like a unique experience. How is the difficulty everyone is complaining about? Are the touch controls responsive, and is there any moving lag?

 

[thetrin]

The game ends after three acts. I'm assuming those asshats at Konami are waiting for 3.0 to come out so they can charge for DLC.

The art you can buy in drebins shop is pathetic. Why would they call it 3d if they're not actual models?

Nope. Free update.

 

[thetrin]

It's all prerendered too, and the snake image has like a white cutout outline around it. :lol :lol

I see no outline. I think the prerendering is pretty well done, actually.

Horror Vacui: I haven't heard ANYONE talk about this game. It's a strategy card game (think triple triad) that is maybe a bit flawed but very interesting. It's made by web designer psudo celebrity Shawn Inman. The webpage is light on details but there's a vs computer mode.

_I_ talked about it several pages back, but no one even read my post.

Just downloaded Horror Vacui.

It's a cool game. It feels like a mix of Othello and...something else. It was also originally a Wii homebrew game. Pretty cool stuff.

For $1.99, I recommend it.

Play Horror Vacui, you sons of bitches! It's awesome!

http://www.shauninman.com/horrorvacui/pixel-iphone.png

 

[TheGreatDave]

MGS isn't great, but at least some thought has gone in to the controls. Most apps lose me with poor controls, but I'll play all of MGS because it's so easy to play.

 

[womp]

I kept meaning to post about this app but I was too lazy to do it. There was another app that allowed you access to the NY times crosswords but it involved another step to the process so now that this available that's a much easier thing to do.

$10 is steep but the NY times crosswords is considered the gold standard one for American Newspapers so if you're into them it seems like a worthwhile purchase.

The DS version is IMO the best crosswords title on that platform if that means anything and I'd say this bodes well either way to being a solid game as long as the execution is done right.

 

[thetrin]

MGS isn't great, but at least some thought has gone in to the controls. Most apps lose me with poor controls, but I'll play all of MGS because it's so easy to play.

That's probably the best part of the game. It has spot on controls. Hopefully the free update adds more than just the last 2 acts.

 

[bathala]

I found Time Crisis more fun that MGS. MGS looks static. I guess the game is a gun-range with the enemies looking 2D

oh jeez that tutorial. they could have at least made a separate menu for it. I would rather have MG Acid

 

[AZ Greg]

Just wanted to say thanks to the people who recommended geoDefense. What an awesome TD game, especially at a buck. Just spent the last hour or so running through the "easy" levels and found them relatively challenging, though I'm new to the genre. Can't wait to dig into the next two difficulties.

 

[mrkgoo]

Just wanted to say thanks to the people who recommended geoDefense. What an awesome TD game, especially at a buck. Just spent the last hour or so running through the "easy" levels and found them relatively challenging, though I'm new to the genre. Can't wait to dig into the next two difficulties.

GeoDefense has a really good balance of features with simplicity, and great presentation. My favourite TD for iPhone (although I've only dabbled in 7cities, and played through the Creeps, both of which are also fine).

They actually decreased the difficulty of easy due to popular demand on Geo defense. It can get pretty hard.

 

[Tiktaalik]

Can you write a bit more about this game? Went and checked the reviews and it really looks like a unique experience. How is the difficulty everyone is complaining about? Are the touch controls responsive, and is there any moving lag?

Eliss is unique in that it's the only game I've really played that I feel really uses the iPhone dual touch for its main gameplay in a way different from what could be accomplished on the DS. Circles appear of various sizes and other delete circles also appear of certain sizes. If you match a circle with a delete circle they'll cancel each other out and you have to get a certain amount of cancels to beat a level. The catch is that the circle and the delete circle have to match in size, and so to accomplish this you have to join or split circles (using dual touch) to make them bigger or larger. The other catch is that if different coloured circles touch you lose health, FAST.

It's a tricky game, but one with super high production values and it's very innovative.

http://www.toucheliss.com/

 

[TheGreatDave]

So how the hell do you beat MGS? I get to the third screen of the last boss, eventually some crazy thing swoops down and drops a bomb that does damage even if I hide. It's way to fast to shoot, don't tell me I have to hit it with a rocket launcher...

 

[Castor Krieg]

MGST is still not available on App Store in Poland (where I live) so I had a few more hours and you know what? F U Konami! Impulse buy has passed, now I'm going to wait for more modes and unlockables to come around with those extra stages, otherwise I'm not buying it at all.

P.S. Bought Dizzy Bee and Eliss

 

[LCfiner]

Eliss is unique in that it's the only game I've really played that I feel really uses the iPhone dual touch for its main gameplay in a way different from what could be accomplished on the DS. Circles appear of various sizes and other delete circles also appear of certain sizes. If you match a circle with a delete circle they'll cancel each other out and you have to get a certain amount of cancels to beat a level. The catch is that the circle and the delete circle have to match in size, and so to accomplish this you have to join or split circles (using dual touch) to make them bigger or larger. The other catch is that if different coloured circles touch you lose health, FAST.

It's a tricky game, but one with super high production values and it's very innovative.

http://www.toucheliss.com/

I bought this last night and was wowed by the slick style and controls.

but it is tough. I'm still stuck on the 3rd sector. :lol

trying to control 3 different colors and move them around the screen at once demands concentration and reflexes that I'm not used to giving to games on the platform yet.

 

[Stoney Mason]

P.S. Bought Dizzy Bee and Eliss

Well done

Support smaller devs if big devs aren't going to treat the platform with respect.

 

[Flib]

I'm stuck on Sector 6 in Eliss, and I don't think I'll ever beat it.

Wonderful, wonderful game, but hard as shit.

 

[Slacker]

The DS version is IMO the best crosswords title on that platform if that means anything and I'd say this bodes well either way to being a solid game as long as the execution is done right.

I enjoyed the DS version too, which is why I was willing to blow ten bucks on the iPhone version. And the execution is just about perfect, IMO. One nice touch: When you run into a classic clue-based-on-another-answer, like "4 down uses these" or some such, the game highlights that answer on so you can see it easily. Yes sir, I like it.

 

[Diablohead]

Woah, just seen this posted at toucharcade, space shooter called Galaxy on Fire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVLiu2_96Fs

I been waiting for a game like this I also just noticed it's based on an older mobile game so it must be a remake, video of the original version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTGO2Ne1QOY

 

[LCfiner]

hey! You know what would be awesome? Rez for iPhone would be awesome.


that is all.

 

[Stoney Mason]

Well done. Touch Arcade gives a no buy to the new Metal Gear game. Still the best site in the iphone world imo. You know we didn't even get a game that was as good or as featured as this below which was their cell phone game from last year. Don't support expensive lacking titles like this or Silent Hill. DDR S is quite good however.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised when Metal Gear Solid Touch [App Store] went online two days earlier than the supposed launch date.

We quickly downloaded it, and were pretty happy with our initial impressions. However, this morning the honeymoon is over and I’ve really been struggling to come up with the best way to review this game. So to start, let’s just ignore the price tag and look at Metal Gear Solid Touch the game.

While writing about my first impressions of the game, I discussed the controls in depth, and I’m happy to say they held up well throughout the entire campaign. Sliding your finger around to target, tapping to shoot, using the standard pinching gestures to switch between weapons and taking your finger off the screen to go back in to cover works great. Unlike a lot of iPhone games, you never feel like you’re being limited by the controls, even during frantic battles that require lots of switching between weapons.

Speaking of weapons, switching between the M4 assault rifle and SVG sniper rifle depending on the distance between you and your enemy is a really neat mechanic, and one of my favorite things about the game. While looking through your scope, you’re out of cover and have a limited viewpoint, so you need to time when to pick off far away enemies carefully to not get killed. Every enemy on screen comes complete with a targeting circle which shows their health in white segments, as well as an animated circle which slowly draws and turns red as they’re about to shoot. You’ll obviously want to be behind cover when you have bullets headed your way, which isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

In addition to your two standard weapons, you also can pick up a cloaking device that makes you invincible for a short period of time or a rocket launcher by shooting small green frogs that appear. Meanwhile, yellow ducks also randomly show up which you can shoot to regain health. Another method of healing yourself, which I feel does nothing but contribute to trivializing a game that is already pretty easy, is just staying behind cover. Health slowly regains over time, and as long as you’re not attempting any speed runs, you can cheese your way through any level by just hiding long enough to heal completely. Supposedly, the barrier providing your cover will eventually break with enough damage, but after playing through the whole game I never saw this happen.

Aside from the standard soldiers to shoot, friendly units to avoid, and power ups to collect, Metal Gear Solid Touch features two “mini boss” units which are pretty cool. The Gekko Metal Gear weapon from Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots makes several appearances, and there are a couple of levels where missile shooting helicopters attempt to rain on your parade. Any difficulty involved in taking down these two enemy types are completely negated by the hilariously obvious “tips” which you’re given before each mission telling you exactly what to do.

The loading screen of each level is accompanied by a short narrative in an attempt to create some kind of plot for the game. Part of what has made the Metal Gear series what it is today is character development, plot twists, and generally speaking, really good story telling. The “plot” of Metal Gear Solid Touch reads like mediocre fan fiction, and I’m really at a loss as to why they didn’t try to drive the story with Metal Gear Acid-like character conversations, interactive cut scenes, voice overs, or something other than just a blob of text.


Metal Gear Solid Touch is also unfaithful to the series in another blatant way. I’ve never played a Metal Gear game where Snake shoots so much. Firefight after firefight has never been what Metal Gear games are about, and what’s more, Kojima’s first foray into iPhone development lacks stealth portions, as well. What you see in the screenshots is what you get. While I appreciate the action packed into this game and had a good time playing it, I’m left scratching my head as to why such a pivotal part of series is completely disregarded.

I think it’s about time we come back to reality and address what you get for your $7.99. Metal Gear Solid Touch comes loaded with 12 levels (two of which are simple boss fights), with an additional 8 promised through a future update. On a whim, I took a screenshot of every mission completion screen and added up the time each level took to complete. I played through the entire game from start to finish in only 21 minutes and 45 seconds.

I don’t really consider myself to be any more skilled than the average gamer, and other forum members have also reported beating the game in under a half hour. I find this unacceptable for a $7.99 title. Metal Gear Solid Touch carries a premium price in the App Store market, but the only “premium” feature it seems to include is the Metal Gear brand name. Beating the game once does unlock a special “survival” mode where your time, life, and other stats are carried over from level to level. While this will help replay value, it doesn’t justify the price point when you’re paying roughly 30 to 40 cents per game play minute for a bit of Metal Gear fan service.

 

[LCfiner]

My initial anger over the reveal of MGS touch feels justified.

22 minutes of repetitive gameplay. ugh poor effort from a big name dev.

everyone who was going to buy MGS touch, buy EDGE instead.

Or Zen Bound

Or Sway

Or Geodefense

 

[TheGreatDave]

The "gameplay per cent" argument is always retarded. I've already played MGS more than Rolando.

 

[Stoney Mason]

The "gameplay per cent" argument is always retarded. I've already played MGS more than Rolando.

You hate Rolando if I remember correctly so the argument isn't apt anyway.

Normally I'm not someone who uses time as a pure measure of enjoyment. A few enjoyable hours spent on something isn't something that can be easily compared across genres. But I do have an issue with a shooter that offers relatively little extra playability, no leaderboards and still decides to charge $7.99.

If it wasn't Metal Gear I have a feeling nobody would have bought this game so essentially people are paying a Metal Gear tax. I'd rather pay a Metal Gear tax on a better concept.

 

[TheGreatDave]

I do hate Rolando, but the point is that it doesn't matter how long a game is neccessarily, if it's fun to play. I've already replayed a few of the MGS levels, and I've still got the last level to beat. Given how cheep it still is in relation to, say, a sandwich, I'm not that beaten up by it's pricing. Ultimately you should review a game on it's merits, not "I beat it in 30 minutes, it's not worth a premium price".

 

[Stoney Mason]

I do hate Rolando, but the point is that it doesn't matter how long a game is neccessarily, if it's fun to play. I've already replayed a few of the MGS levels, and I've still got the last level to beat. Given how cheep it still is in relation to, say, a sandwich, I'm not that beaten up by it's pricing. Ultimately you should review a game on it's merits, not "I beat it in 30 minutes, it's not worth a premium price".

I simply disagree. I think price and relative cost can and should be factored in. At the extreme example a game that has one level but it's an awesome level doesn't deserve to be recommended. Reviewing is subjective. And price point relative to length is certainly a consideration for some people. Not for all of course but then that's why you have different reviewers for different sites. To get a mix of opinion and subjective values.

 

[LCfiner]

IIRC, thegreatdave hated rolando because he couldn't beat the challenge times for each level on the first run through.

Never mind that doing so is very hard, anyway

As with all games, opinions are subjective, but I think it's fair to say that mgs touch didn't have high ambitions and it shouldn't be rewarded

 

[TheGreatDave]

I hate the controls, primarily. They're clunky, and the way they have you hold the device means you inevitably cover up the speaker. It angers me that seems to be the go-to game when people want to praise the system.

I like Edge though, so I can probably win you over a little with that.

The point is I just don't like any review that basically turns in to a "How much do you get for your money" argument. Because it's almost always completely subjective.

 

[Twig]

I agree with Dave. Although I don't hate Rolando. I just find it to be rather mediocre.

But "length for money" is always, always a dumb argument.

That said I don't think MGS Touch looks like it's worth even $1. But that's just my opinion so S:

 

[Khanage]

I'm stuck on Sector 6 in Eliss, and I don't think I'll ever beat it.

Wonderful, wonderful game, but hard as shit.

Wait until you get to Sector 10!!! That bitch nearly made me throw my iphone across the room. I finally did it... But it took a long time!

Now I'm on Sector 11... It's kicking my arse again. But I never get angry with the game, just myself! Guess that's a sign of a great game.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

IIRC, thegreatdave hated rolando because he couldn't beat the challenge times for each level on the first run through.

No, TheGreatDave disliked Rolando because he has good taste in games.

Rolando is crap, period. Don't let graphics fool you in to thinking a game is good.

 

[Stoney Mason]

No, TheGreatDave disliked Rolando because he has good taste in games.

Rolando is crap, period. Don't let graphics fool you in to thinking a game is good.

lol. Let's just say I haven't agreed with your taste in the past also


I would assume the reverse of course also.

 

[Rummy Bunnz]

I don't like Rolando either really. Anything that requires heavy use of tilt can suck it.

_I_ talked about it several pages back, but no one even read my post.

I read it and bought Horror Vacui! It's pretty good.

 

[TheGreatDave]

Rolando Attack Force, assemble.

 

[Castor Krieg]

Rolando Attack Force, assemble.

Going to help you here Just played lite version and I didn't like it, the controls are really bad with many rolandos, making you select and de-select them on a constant basis when you are going to tilt. Also stages are not really as vibrant as with Locorocco, you can see large chunks of one color put together.

Dizzy Bee is imo much better game utilizing tilt.

 

[LCfiner]

All you Rolando haters must have shriveled, cold hearts and hands made of bricks. :lol

anyway, going back to MGS Touch for a minute, i think the the one thing that I dislike so much about this game is the fact that it plays it safe.

they took an existing flash web game and ported it to the iPhone. it was a quick, clean, easy choice.

And, if there's one thing i don't want coming from Kojima Productions, it's something safe. it just feels like a concession.

Let's hope a new MGS game comes out in a while that aims a bit higher...

 

[Castor Krieg]

Kinda agree with you there, I mean everything with MGS will sell so why not risk it, esp. if development costs were probably insanely low compared to MGS4. They took a gamble with Acid, people hated it, then played it and loved it (got both Ac!d titles). The problem is what to do with MGS that would be unique? You are kinda restricted by previous games, if you deviate ppl will say the same they are saying now: "Omfg, that's not MGS at all!".

 

[centracore]

Rolando Attack Force, assemble.

I played the lite version and also didn't like it very much.. The whole thing seems like a really blatant ripoff of Sony's Loco Roco series and what makes me dislike it even more is when you have the publisher (ng:moco) making ridiculous claims like this:

He is just such a natural game creator. He could be the first Miyamoto of the iPhone

source

 

[AZ Greg]

GeoDefense has a really good balance of features with simplicity, and great presentation. My favourite TD for iPhone (although I've only dabbled in 7cities, and played through the Creeps, both of which are also fine).

They actually decreased the difficulty of easy due to popular demand on Geo defense. It can get pretty hard.

Yeah, about the difficulty, I ended up taking like an hour and a half just to beat the first medium level. :lol

Really enjoy the challenge though. When you're stuck it almost feels impossible, but when it hits you what to do, and you place everything properly, you can breeze through the level no matter the difficulty. I still can't believe a game this polished was only 99 cents.