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[helava]

I wouldn't stop at "almost."

While I have games that are longer (FF on DS), more inspired (Ouendan on DS), or even just straight up better (GOW:COO on PSP) on the DS and PSP, the simple fact of the matter is that because I *always* have my iPhone on me, when it comes time to say, "What to play," and I'm not sitting in front of a console, the iPhone wins, 100% of the time.

Between really awesome, high-budget games like Real Racing, and huge number of quirkier, bizarre, smaller games, I don't even look at the portable sections in game stores anymore, and I'm even looking at the console sections a lot less. A friend mentioned today that the iPhone is *saving* him money, because even owning 100+ apps is cheaper than 2 normal-priced console games... and he's right. I've gotten dozens of games on the iPhone, and recently, the only game I've put a substantial amount of time into has been inFamous. (though I picked up Bionic Commando and Wheelman at today's Gamestop sale...)

The iPhone, and devices like it (though right now, the iPhone is so far ahead that it's going to dominate the landscape for a good while), are going to change how people play games. You get something like a flexible expandable display, some standardized input methods, or other wacky ideas (and believe me, the potential for this is far, far greater than anything that's being done now), and you can pretty much watch portable gaming eat console gaming for lunch. I'd give it five years, but I suspect it'll actually happen even sooner.

seppo

 

[bonesquad]

*facepalm*.

Hey, all. We found a funky problem with Taxiball this morning. On systems with 3.0 installed, if you play one of TB's larger levels, your framerate will get progressively worse and worse until it's unplayable. (something changed in how 3.0 handles audio files)

Obviously, that's not great.

There's a workaround, which is sort of a pain - quit the game, and then when you restart, it'll give you the option to restore the game in progress. That'll restore the framerate, and resume your game.

We've got the problem fixed, but given that it took our last update a month to get through the review process, it may be a little while before the program's updated.

We've got another level that we're going to include with the update, and the App Store text will have the workaround posted.

Our sincerest apologies, and we're working as fast as we can to get this licked.

In the meantime, while I wish there were more we could do for those who already have the game, we'll be giving the 1.1 promo codes *all* away before the 1.2 update comes out. So the Twitter giveaway is still on, but there will be more codes than just the ones unlocked by adding followers.

Just to be clear, this only affects the largest of the levels, and shouldn't prevent anyone from enjoying the earlier levels of the game.

Thanks for your patience, and sorry for the trouble. More details, as they're available, will be posted on the blog. www.selfawaregames.com/blog
seppo

D'oh! I fired up TaxiBall for the first time in awhile (not sure why it took so long...), and thought something didn't seem quite right...

Well, it's actually comforting to know it's not me, it's you (And thanks for the add!)

 

[neojubei]

Finally beat Castle of Magic. Such a good platforming game, can't recommend it enough.

Totally agree.

 

[Social_D]

Hi Everyone-

I'm a long time reader of the forums here, and would like to introduce a game that a couple of buddies
and I have released on the AppStore. The game is named Battle Shock, and it is not your typical Castle Defense game. Battle Shock has a top down perspective and a lot more of an arcade feel to it, imo. It is currently priced at .99! Please check it out! Thanks!

And what introduction would be complete without a few promo codes, so here ya go...first come, first serve.

WA4WLTJARLN3
M4K9T4NMFX63
64TXXWT6XPWP

iTunes Link

Battle Shock features:

* 100 pulse pounding levels of gameplay
* A ton of different enemies each with their own strengths!
* Buy new spells and upgrade them throughout the game!
* Upgrade your archers with different abilities!
* Visible castle damage!
* Fluid animation
* Dramatic orchestral music!
* New play field every game
* Automatcally saves progression
* New gameplay experience with every new game
* More content currently in development!

v1.1 Additions - Available NOW!!!
* Now track your progress with High Scores!
* Improved graphics
* The castle can no longer be damaged by the plasma ball

Follow Battle Shock on Twitter, Facebook, and our blog to receive more information:

http://twitter.com/LunaSeaGames

http://www.facebook.com/pages/LunaSea-Games/83358631609

http://www.lunaseagames.com/

Thanks everyone!

 

[Rlan]

Pipe Mania is now available:

You are in the fascinating city of pipes, where flooze is all there is… a sticky green fluid that threatens to ooze out and create havoc!!!
Can you stop it?

A LEGEND REINVENTED
With immense pride, we bring the legendary game “Pipe Mania” to the iPhone, a game that has made its way through many platforms like PC, DS, PSP, Wii before we decided to get it on the iPhone. It’s a game that brings back fond memories of the simpler times. Introduced in the year 1989, Pipe Mania has to its credit the title of being the most successful puzzle game ever created. And why wouldn’t it? After all, it has provided entertainment to puzzle lovers for years together!

THE GAME PLAN
For those of you who aren’t aware, here’s how the game progresses. We’ll give you all the pipes you need but you must plan where to lay them, as once laid, they cannot be moved. Maneuver your way around the city, thinking ahead to guide the flooze into the drain.

STRATEGY.SKILL.SPEED
Hold on tight to these elements, as you’ll find them essential while you are taken through a journey that all began with … you guessed it right, a single TAP!
Don’t dilly-dally, as every second counts. With each level, your troubles will multiply as certain obstacles make your task much more difficult than it seems.

Did you ever think that a time would come when you would be begging for one little piece of pipe? With this game, you just might!

So, Gear up. The Mania is back!

Trailer
iTunes Link

$4.99

Was hoping to get this on XBLA but the publisher went caput. Don't know what differences there are on the iPhone though, but they're using the same art base (made by the same people who did the Mac port)

 

[dLMN8R]

Pipe Mania is now available:



[aimg]http://images.appshopper.com/screenshots/321/219952.jpg[/img]

[aimg]http://images.appshopper.com/screenshots/321/219952_3.jpg[/img]

[iamg]http://images.appshopper.com/screenshots/321/219952_4.jpg[/img]

Trailer
iTunes Link

$4.99

Was hoping to get this on XBLA but the publisher went caput. Don't know what differences there are on the iPhone though, but they're using the same art base (made by the same people who did the Mac port)

Hmm.......could be fun. Waiting on a TA review

 

[helava]

D'oh! I fired up TaxiBall for the first time in awhile (not sure why it took so long...), and thought something didn't seem quite right...

Well, it's actually comforting to know it's not me, it's you (And thanks for the add!)

Heh. Yeah... just goes to show that you really have to test everything again when a new OS release goes out - you never know what's changed under the hood.

We sent 1.2 to Apple two days ago - right after we found the problem - so hopefully, it'll go through quickly. We added another level to the mix - something I made one night while waiting for a BART ride... SF locals might recognize the level layout.

Played through everything with the 1.2 update, and it's all back to being nice and smooth, no performance degradation at all. Can't wait for Apple to release the update - it really sucks knowing that the game's out there, not in an ideal state...



seppo

 

[Surfheart]

iPhone games at 60 fps? OK, so I've tried a few simplistic games that happen to run at 60 fps on the iPhone and they feel great. Anyone know of some good 60 fps titles available for the system? In particular, games that use a lot of motion sensing feel much better at a higher framerate. If anyone knows of some good ones (no matter how simplistic), I'd love to hear of them.

Real Racing runs at 60fps on my 3GS.

 

[Khanage]

I had no problem with action buttons or the way the character controlled, I just didn't like the dpad. I got used to it, but it's still not my favorite touch pad. If you like platformers, specifically Mario/Kirby, then you really shouldn't skip this one.

I love Mario... But half of what makes a Mario game great is its perfect and pinpoint controls.
I didn't get that feeling from my limited time with Castle of Magic.

Yeah I didn't like the dpad either. Sounds like you had the same reservations as I have about the game. So maybe I can get past those reservations as well. I'll try the lite version a bit more and see how that goes. Thanks.

 

[Khanage]

iPhone developer Matto recently released a free game called Jimney Chimney for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game is perhaps best described as "if Eliss was a shooter".

Jimney Chimney's graphics are as simple as can get, line graphics with your ship represented as a cube. The game, however, was designed with the iPhone in mind with full support of multi-touch. Drag your ship around to dodge enemies, while tapping on the screen to fire. You can tap and hold in up to 4 different simultaneous directions to shoot. It really does feel like Eliss in both style and controls. Like Eliss, I found the best way to play is to set your iPhone down on the table to be able to use more fingers at once. Oh yeah, and it's also pretty fun.

The game also comes with a surprisingly good background music. We'd love to see the game fleshed out even further… but it's free and, even now, a strangely compelling package. We recommend giving it a try.

http://toucharcade.com/2009/07/09/jimney-chimney-if-eliss-was-a-shooter/

Itunes link

Haven't had a chance to play it yet, but it sounds interesting.

 

[Shaneus]

How long has Jelly Car been on the App. Store for? I gave it a brief play on the 360, but man, it's SO much fun with the accelerometer etc.

 

[Barrett2]

Just bought Doodle Jump, looking forward to playing.

Looks like the App Store 1yr anniversary lists are having a big impact. Games like Ellis, geoDefense and others are shooting up the top 100.

 

[Jonnyram]

Radial 50 is jolly good.
But what I really came here to say was, I finally beat the first level on medium of GeoDefense!!! No idea how on earth to use the new towers I have got for the second level though. So confused.

 

[Lord Error]

Real Racing runs at 60fps on my 3GS.

It does? That cements it. I'm buying that this second.
You better not be lying (j/k doesn't matter, I really want the game regardless, just waited on it for the sake of buying other, cheaper games first)

 

[antispin]

Has anyone played Gameloft's Real Tennis 2009? How are the controls? The way Gameloft works, I guess we'll see the same title on DSiWare in a few months, Nintendo willing. Wondering if the game is any good.

 

[jonnybryce]

Hi Everyone-

This looks pretty fun and very well put together. I'm not a huge fan of castle defense but I may end up checking this out.

 

[Barrett2]

Doodle Jump is so addictive. Great balancing of frantic action that manages to not be overly stressful. The jet packs are awesome.

 

[Mr.Squirrel]

Finally beat Castle of Magic. Such a good platforming game, can't recommend it enough.

I like castle of magic, but the thing that gets me are the touchscreen controls. its just not responsive enough for me. that's like my only issue with the iphone. if a gamepad or something came out, itd change everything

 

[edgefusion]

Why are Castle of Magic and Assassin's Creed suddenly free? What's the catch?

 

[neojubei]

Why are Castle of Magic and Assassin's Creed suddenly free? What's the catch?

Those are just the lite (demo) versions not the full game.

 

[edgefusion]

Those are just the lite (demo) versions not the full game.

Ah, now I feel stupid.

 

[Foob]

Have to say, I haven't had a game go from being amazingly fun to boring as fast as I have with Radial 50...

 

[Tobor]

How long has Jelly Car been on the App. Store for? I gave it a brief play on the 360, but man, it's SO much fun with the accelerometer etc.

Jelly Car has been around since the app store launched, or close to it. It was one of the first games I ever downloaded.

 

[jonnybryce]

Jimney Chimney is nowhere near the epic level of Eliss. I guess some people will love it but it gets really awkward to control and the harder it gets, the more fingers you need and the less you can see. Messy. Is anyone here loving it?

 

[mrWalrus]

Have to say, I haven't had a game go from being amazingly fun to boring as fast as I have with Radial 50...

Sadly... I felt the same.
The game is very polished tho.. Love the colors too!

The other thing that bothered me was you could lose a round in under 3 seconds if you happened to get turned around which, in a game where you rotate around in a circle, is all too easily done.

 

[Khanage]

Jimney Chimney is nowhere near the epic level of Eliss. I guess some people will love it but it gets really awkward to control and the harder it gets, the more fingers you need and the less you can see. Messy. Is anyone here loving it?

I see it more as a showcase for an alternative control style. In the right hands I think it could be used to make a compelling game. Relatively simple things could be done to make this game better. Like placing your ship above your finger so you can actually see it, because as it is there is a real disconnect from the user. But, imagine an r-type style game, with this control style... If attacking craft are coming at you from the right, your finger wouldn't really be blocking your view on the left.

But... I agree, this is no Eliss.

 

[Aru]

Zenonia Lite is kinda cool but I hate the controls

The best "touch d-pad" I've seen yet for an iPhone game is iDracula's.

 

[Khanage]

Sadly... I felt the same.
The game is very polished tho.. Love the colors too!

The other thing that bothered me was you could lose a round in under 3 seconds if you happened to get turned around which, in a game where you rotate around in a circle, is all too easily done.

What I don't understand... is why they just didn't allow you to drag your finger around the circumference to control the paddle? It would have been a lot more intuitive.

 

[Fusebox]

7 Cities is 99c atm.

And Social_D that looks great, I'ma check it out. Unfortunately your promo codes gave me a country error (I'm in Aus) but it was only a $1.19 so I grabbed it. Impressions later.

 

[Costanza]

DownToZero's (click for video) release has been pushed up to around midnight tonight. Just about 5 hours from now. It is awesome and you guys should all buy it.

 

[Khanage]

DownToZero's (click for video) release has been pushed up to around midnight tonight. Just about 5 hours from now. It is awesome and you guys should all buy it.

Have any idea how much it will cost? Your pimping of this game is working! I'll definitely get it. But... Better than Drop 7??? You must be crazy!!! If it is... I'll be very happy!

 

[mrkgoo]

7 Cities is 99c atm.

And Social_D that looks great, I'ma check it out. Unfortunately your promo codes gave me a country error (I'm in Aus) but it was only a $1.19 so I grabbed it. Impressions later.

I thought promo codes only worked for US.

I heard Galcon was 99c.

 

[Costanza]

Have any idea how much it will cost?

Nope, but it seems like the kind of thing that would go for 99 cents.

 

[Zachack]

I heard Galcon was 99c.

This is true.

Any opinions on CamelTry?

 

[snap0212]

Nope, but it seems like the kind of thing that would go for 99 cents.

Will buy if it's less than $5. Looks really cool.

 

[Costanza]

Will buy if it's less than $5. Looks really cool.

lol, no way will it cost $5. i'm guessing either $1 or $2

 

[snap0212]

lol, no way will it cost $5. i'm guessing either $1 or $2

It's just how much I am willing to pay for it - that's what I mean. The concept is really new, I've never seen it before and it just seems like that kind of game I wanted to play on the road...

 

[pilonv1]

7 Cities is 99c atm.

Will check that out I think

Unfortunately your promo codes gave me a country error (I'm in Aus)

boo

 

[Costanza]

Got confirmation from DTZ dev, game will be $1.99

It's worth it though. Buy!

 

[Barrett2]

Bought 7 Cities & Doodle Jump today.... for $2 total.... I love this platform

 

[Spoit]

SmartGo is on sale for $2 until tomorrow. I'm still deliberating on if the version with problems is really worth the extra $10, anyone happen to have bought it?

 

[jts]

Bought 7 Cities & Doodle Jump today.... for $2 total.... I love this platform

Just did that 20 seconds after reading your post, I don't even know what those games are about.

WHERE IS MY IPHONE GOD DAMMIT

 

[Costanza]

Bought 7 Cities & Doodle Jump today.... for $2 total.... I love this platform

I spent 4 bucks earlier and got ShapeShape, Buka, Leaf Bound, and Great Leaping Lambrettinis. Crazy...

 

[Barrett2]

I think I've been spoiled by geoDefense, because 7 cities is putting me to sleep. Meh, maybe I'm just burned out on TD in general right now. *shrug*. Absolutely loving Doodle Jump, though. Up to 24,000!

 

[Spoit]

I think I've been spoiled by geoDefense, because 7 cities is putting me to sleep. Meh, maybe I'm just burned out on TD in general right now. *shrug*. Absolutely loving Doodle Jump, though. Up to 24,000!

Yeah, I just missed the $1 intro price for geodefense, but I wasn't bummed out because it's totally worth full price. Buy it. Buy it now.

 

[Costanza]

Has anyone else tried ShapeShape (from the devs of Line Rider and Fantastic Contrapion)? Fun little platformer and it's currently on sale for 99c. Includes 50 levels and you even get a level editor.

App Store link

 

[Stoney Mason]

Quantom Collapse. An RTS that's been out for awhile that Touch Arcade Forum members and Slide to Play seem to like. I think it was mentioned once in this thread. I don't own it so I can't really speak on it.

Itunes Link
Lite Version
Video
Review

 

[jonnybryce]

Has anyone else tried ShapeShape (from the devs of Line Rider and Fantastic Contrapion)? Fun little platformer and it's currently on sale for 99c. Includes 50 levels and you even get a level editor.

App Store link

omg this interests me at high levels.

edit: Ok, so I picked this up. Played to level 9 just now.

Nothing too wild, collect stars, avoid spikes and get to the exit. What makes it unique is the controls: they're really something unexpected. You control your little square dude with one finger. But he doesn't follow your finger or just go in that direction, it's a force...kinda like when you attempt to stick two repelling magnets together, your finger has a force that pushes the square. You push him to the side, in the air, across a path of spikes, it's pretty special.

I'm having a lot of fun with it and the control scheme has me excited. It's not a simple d-pad like control scheme, it's not tilt and rotate the iPhone(though special levels do play like this), it's something that's pretty unique. So I definitely recommend this, especially at 99 cents. Do it!

 

[Costanza]

GAFFFFFFFF, DownToZero is out!

Full version - $1.99
Lite version
Video

The rules of the game are simple:

3. Drag your finger to connect blocks that subtract down to zero.
2. Connected blocks will disappear after 2 seconds.
1. Connect more blocks before they disappear to create chains!

0. Good luck!

- - - - - - - - - -
GAME FEATURES
- - - - - - - - - -
* 4 GAME MODES:
- Endless Mode
- Time Attack: 1 minute
- Time Attack: 3 minutes
- Clear the board

* GLOBAL LEADERBOARDS
- Leaderboard for each game mode.
- If you are away from an internet connection when you get a high score, the game will resend the next time you launch the game in an area with a connection.

* FULL RESUME SYSTEM
- Don't worry if you get a call, text message, or just have to exit the game in the middle of the action. The next time you start the game, your previous session is immediately restored!

* IDEAL FOR SHORT BURSTS OF PLAY
- Loads fast, menus navigate quickly.
- Time attack modes are perfect for when you just have a moment while waiting in line, etc.

Buy it!

 

[Spoit]

Buy it!

Will do