It's Friday again and so it's up to me to once again fill your subscription box with
a tidy summary of interesting iOS news from the week that was.
So lets hop right to it and lay out the News Wrap-Up for the 24th of February, 2012.
More and more I feel as though I have no idea what's happening in the greater pop-culture
circles and the upcoming release of The Hunger Games in the cinemas is further proof of this
as I had no idea what it was, let alone the buzz surrounding it.
However, what I do know is that the video game tie-in is being headed up by some of
the Indie scene's greatest, including Adam Saltsman (Canabalt); Mark Johns (Tap Tap Dance);
Keven Coulton (Space Barnacle); and Paul Veer (Super Crate Box).
Daniel baranowsky (Super Meat Boy) is also composing the music, while other talented
stars handle many of the other roles.
How will this project pan out?
No one knows just what the end result will be, but with a budget, creative freedom and
this amount of talent, it's sure to grab some attention.
Endless runners that dive in to the screen are the new hot-ticket, but coming up with
something unique and compelling is where the true challenge lies.
Dreamrunner by We R Play is an upcoming title in the genre that is set to focus on bringing
in new mechanics depending on the worlds you travel as well as narrative driven elements.
Those interested can hit up their website to sign up for their Beta-testing (the link
is below).
Dejobaan, the clever clogs behind the PC and Mac Indie title, AaaaaAAaaaAAAAaAAAAA!!!
A Reckless Disregard For Gravity have finally dropped a date for their upcoming iOS release
of the title, named AaaaaAAaaaAAAAaAAAAA!!!
Force = Mass x Acceleration.
If that's a mouthful for you then don't worry, all you have to worry about is how much time
you're going to lose while playing this game (and if the PC version is any indicator, it
will be a LOT).
Co-produced with Alchemy Labs (Snuggle Truck), the game is set to hit the App Store on Thursday
the 1st of March, 2012.
Despite being a slightly watered down take on the Infinity Blade formula, Batman: Arkham
City Lockdown was none-the-less fun and a perfect companion for those who just can't
get enough of punching henchmen in the face.
It's only true weakness was its less than stellar variety of content, with the game
relying on a handful of boss-fights to truly mix things up.
Thankfully an update has added more content to the mix with a new section added to the
city where you can fight Harley Quinn, new thug fights, a Batarang mini-game, two new
skins (Bruce Wayne and Batman Inc), as well as a new level cap (from 30 to 35), skills
and achievements.
This lean machine just bulked up a bit more.
If you're not familiar with Jet Car Stunts, pause and take a moment to familiarize yourself
with its awesomeness (Google is your friend).
Now that we're on the same page, True Axis, the developers behind JCS has teased iOS fans
with screenshots of their upcoming title True Skate.
The game is set to be similar to games like Touchgrind, but with an improved perspective
to give you more of a view of the skate-park you're in.
Given how great the game looks, I'm glad they're making sure the player gets to see it all
- as a disclaimer, these are rendered screenshots, but the developer claims the visuals look
almost the same in game.
More details when they're released.
I feel a bit bad about cramming such a great title in to the Mini-Review section of this
week's Wrap-Up, but aside from going in to nauseating detail about the controls for all
the games available in the title, there's not much more to say than: If you're an Arcade
junkie, get this collection.
For your initial investment you're provided with classic Midway titles including Arch
Rivals, Defender, Joust, Rampage, Root Beer Tapper, Spy Hunter, and playable versions
of Pool, Air Hockey, Roll Ball and Basketball.
Each features a series of controls suited to make the most of the iOS platform (such
as optional tilt controls for Spy Hunter) and players can earn 'tickets' that go towards
unlocking new content for the Arcade.
Those who can't wait can drop cash to pick up a three-pack that includes either Gauntlet
I & II and Wizard of Wor, or NARC, Total Carnage and APB.
The only real disappointment is the lack of iCade support, but it's a small price to pay
for so much fun.
Innovation can come in many forms and while Pizza Vs. Skeletons is certainly a strange
thematic concept, its true strength comes in the variety and complexity of its many
different game types.
With each one utilizing the same basic controls of tilt to move and touch to jump, players
can expect 100 levels of action to keep them glued to their iPhones.
Unlockable customizations allow you to give the Pizza your personal touch, and if you
don't enjoy some of the game types you're free to skip them as progression is tied more
to completing boss stages than every individual stage in between.
A refreshingly simple mix of games well worth wasting your time on.
And as always that's the Wrap-Up for the week.
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Have a great weekend!