First up I should apologize for the lack of a Wrap-Up last week - some of the games being
reviewed were rather hefty and with time restraints it was either a Wrap-Up or more reviews and
we'd prefer to keep you informed about released games over those not yet available.
So lets hop right to it!
This is the Friday News Wrap-Up for the 18th of November, 2011.
Snap Snuggle Truck up while it's still heavily discounted because, if nothing else, you can't
go wrong with a decent game going free.
For those who already own the formerly controversial title you should be able to download an update
adding new professionally designed levels (read: not community developed) and more available
for purchase in game.
The user-created track interface has also seen an improvement, while new power-ups and
graphical upgrades add more polish to the game.
Go get it now!
TerrorBull Games, the publishers behind 2006's talked about, but not necessarily enthusiastically
received board game War on Terror has just submitted the iOS version of their game to
Apple.
Personally I'm unfamiliar with the game, so if nothing else it will be interesting to
see if it manages to remain amusing after all this time.
Players fight for land and resources in preparation for a war, ultimately resulting in an 'empire
vs. terrorist' end game.
The game is expected to release on November the 25th.
If you're a nut for the Japanese developer Kairosoft's games, then you may already own
these two titles, but if not it's worth grabbing Grand Prix Story for $0.99 and Mega Mall Story
for $1.99.
The sale has no listed end, so grab them while you can at this discounted price.
If you don't know who Simogo are then you need to go check out their incredibly moving
and fun 'endless' side-scrolling, car bumping title, Bumpy Road.
Those familiar with the game will remember the insanely catchy, almost clockwork-like
music that added a lot of charm to the already beautiful game by giving it a sort of music-box
feel.
The developer has honed in on this with their upcoming title Beat Sneak Bandit as players
attempt to stick to the rhythm while stealthily making their way through the level.
This one isn't available any time soon though, so we'll keep track of it and hopefully the
'early 2012' release date is sooner than we expect.
Tin Man Games, the boffins behind the incredibly fun Gamebook Adventures series of games on
iOS (I swear we'll have a Temple of the Spider God review up soon!) have scored a deal with
2000 AD and will be bringing out a Judge Dredd themed adventure in the second quarter of
2012.
First we have amazing authors lending a hand to these games and now serious franchises
like this... things can only get better for those who love their fantasy adventuring!
This one goes out to Twitter subscriber bjzaba who suggested giving this title a go - ordinarily
old games like this have to be overlooked, but that's what the mini-review is for: small,
fun and otherwise unknown games we can't otherwise devote time to.
With that said there really isn't too much to Pah! by Labgoo other than the initial novelty
and amusement derived from controlling a side-scrolling ship with your voice.
You heard right, the ship is controlled by a combination of continually saying 'Ahhh'
and modulating it to move up and down, while shots are fired by exclaiming 'Pah!'.
For some reason though this didn't always work as intended and I found far more success
by saying 'Pew!'
instead, which caused me to laugh a few times.
Even better, grab a friend and get them to learn how to play or beat your high score
- I guarantee at least one amazingly cathartic laugh at their expense.
Pah! is amusing, but at best a novelty that showcases a rudimentary system of voice control
for gaming.
On a positive note, there's a future for games that accommodate those with disabilities and
more games like this could help to refine the process.
After being unable to award a Game of the Week for two weeks straight, I'm glad to say
I finally have something truly worthy of the title and there's no second prize for guessing
what it is as it's the only five out of five game this week as well.
Blueprint 3D by FDG Mobile Games simply blew me away with its carefully and cleverly crafted
puzzles along with its elegant control system and sharp presentation.
While not completely new in concept on the App Store or in console gaming (anyone who
has played the Batman Arkham series will be familiar with it), quickly attempting to rotate
and align a picture from dozens of fragmented and warped pieces sets off the right kind
of buzz in the brain when you succeed.
With only seconds to react to gain three-stars, it's worth letting your brain auto-pilot as
it sees the outcome well before you consciously process the result.
More levels are on their way, making this an excellent title with great value.
For those after a sneak-peek at what reviews are on the horizon, I have Bullet Time HD
and Extraction: Project Outbreak in my sights along with the latest adaption of XIII and
more like the latest release from Hothead Games.
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Enjoy the weekend!