Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
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Hello everyone this is Michelle from The Portable Gamer with your iCasual Report for Plunderland from Johnny Two Shoes LLP for all devices running current iOS software.
A’hoy Matey and welcome to Plunderland, where you control a ship of Pirates bent on plundering all the worlds treasures. To set sail, just tilt your device in the direction you want to travel. The more you tilt the faster you go and of course to stop just straighten up. Your ship comes equipped with cannons to destroy your enemy. When you touch the screen you get a helpful dotted line which shows if your aim is true, simply let go to shoot. Sink the ships to unlock the treasure and tap to collect. Each level has a goal to be reached in order to unlock the next, but you should try and collect as much as you can because you use the money for more powerful upgrades.
Are you a fan of Battlefield Bad Company 2? Do you always find yourself running out to grab the latest game guide to make the most of your experience? If so, you may be able to save yourself the trip by picking up this app from Will Rodgers. This is not just a game guide, it’s so much more!
As described on the iTunes site, the game guide part of this app is just one of many features that you get with this app.
For $2.99 you get ..
- The “Ultimate Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Multiplayer Strategy Guide” written by Chris Jensen. This guide is nicely laid out and easy to follow. It has a Table of Contents so you can jump to what you care about reading. In addition, once you’ve picked your reading spot you can easily just keep going on towards the next discussion topic.
- Kit Creation. In this section you can add in your own kits, and even give them names so you can refer back to them.
- Popular Kits. This will require an active wifi connection as it syncs to the internet and pulls a listing of the most popular kits. They are broken down by Assault, Engineer, Medic, and Recon.
- Weapon Info (with damage charts) and a brief summary of each weapon listed. There is also a handy button so that you can easily compare weapons to each other.
- Zoomable maps, which have great detail to them. They show both a general overview layout, rush (when applicable), and also the conquest path (when applicable).
- Gadgets, Specs, and Vehicles, which give a listing of each, a photo, and a brief description.
- Achievements
- Trophies
- Pins
- Insignias
As you can see from all of the graphics above, the developer has spent a lot of time making this guide really in-depth and high quality. When it helps the purpose you will find graphics and charts and otherwise there is always an easy to read description or summary. This guide is well laid out, feature packed, and very easy to pick up and follow.
If you enjoy this game and want to make the most out of your experience, I recommend giving this app a look. It’s currently available in the App Store so follow the link below and pick up your copy today!
When developers decide to take a classic game concept and usher it into the 21st century, the final product can only be considered one of two things – an improvement or murder. And, though the killing of classic concepts is the most common result, once in a while, some developers actually manage to magically turn today’s overabundant technological advancements into a newly invigorated gem, as with Sigma by BigStack Studios.
People have been playing color-matching block games since the beginning of time. (Yes, that was a vast exaggeration, but you get the idea.) As a modern take on the Match 3 game concept, Sigma’s multi-touch capability allows users to move two separate block columns simultaneously. As you spin and tap, blocks from both sides of the screen are shot back and forth. When a match has been created, users only have a moment to tag additional blocks to the cluster before it explodes. Clearing massive block clusters will help you earn more points and gain power ups. Plus, match the same color repeatedly to create an increasing point multiplier.
Upon startup, users are immediately asked whether they would like to enable Sigma’s sounds or not. Tap the ‘X’ for no and the check mark for yes. On the home screen, the gear icon in the bottom left corner of the screen allows users to adjust the music and sound effects volume, or they may choose to play their own music during game play. Also, the developer’s have included the wonderfully thoughtful option of choosing the Color Blind mode option, meaning even those who tend to steer clear of color-oriented games because of their disability can get in on the action.
By tapping on the ‘?’ icon in the bottom right corner, users will find all the instructions necessary to help them get the hang of the game under the ‘Basics’ tab. The ‘Power Ups’ tab features five different bonuses you may receive for gaining a decent amount of points during game play. These power ups are made up of rob bombs, cross bombs, color bombs, nuke bombs and score multipliers. The third tab highlights the different modes offered.
Sector Mode allows users to progress though three types of difficulty – casual, normal or hard – unlocking the ten new graphical themes along the way, their music tracks and all. Time Attack Mode allows users to compete for a high score in time intervals of one, five or ten minutes. Versus Mode allows users to battle a friend over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. When you begin a new mode, you will find the same tutorials you found under the ‘Modes’ tab of the ‘?’ icon, which help refresh your mind right before beginning your game.
While Time Attack Mode, in my opinion, is the most fun because the time limit presents the challenge of racking up as many points as you can as fast as possible, Sector Mode is ideal for inexperienced players who want to practice the motions and techniques. But with its easy tutorials and simple interface, it will be no time at all before you begin challenging friend to battle!
*Price noted is the limited time introductory price.
Sigma requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.
With attempts at taking classic concepts and tweaking them to fit with the stereotypical, new age feel of everything around us, many new game designs become lost in translation. Though the ideas behind the supposed improvement may be unique and innovative, the result usually fails to live up to the projected product. But with Shifters by Thumbstar Games, users will find a fun and mildly addictive game that lives up to the potential of its predecessors.
Like their other game, iFlexis, Thumbstar Games offers users a new spin on the notion of block puzzle games. Based on the main goal of eliminating strings of like colored blocks in a row in order to advance, Shifters infuses its 50 levels of silliness with increasing difficulty as you progress and four different modes: Score Mode, Color Hunter, Combo Master and Logic Mode.
When starting up Shifters, users are presented with the main menu on the home screen, featuring buttons to: Start Game, High Scores, Tutorials, Options and About. The function of each button is obvious based on their names, with Tutorials being the most vital as it will tell you all you need to know to excel at playing.
The base tutorial, which comes first under the tutorial selection, does exactly what its name implies – it teaches you the basics. Users are provided with a cursor, which is what they will use to help rotate blocks and move brackets on the screen. Brackets select square sections of four blocks at a time, allowing users to manipulate whichever blocks are within those brackets at the moment. To move the brackets, simply tap outside their current spot with the cursor in order to move to a new set.
Once you’ve decided on a set of blocks, tap the upper left block in order to rotate them. Users must match three blocks to destroy a string. If users destroy links of four or five blocks at once, they will be rewarded with a bonus item in the form of a bomb that will activate when it is rotated, clearing all the surrounding blocks. The arrows icon in the middle of the lower portion of the screen allows users to change which direction the blocks rotate, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
At the beginning of each level, users are told they’re task. If they forget, they may remind themselves by tapping the ‘?’ button in the bottom left corner. You may also monitor your progress with the gauge on the left side of the screen. In the bottom right corner, users will find an icon that, to me, almost resembles home plate. This icon allows you to pause your game, as well as exit to the main menu. Plus, when the perky music begins to wear on your nerves, this button will allow you to turn off the music and sound effects right during game play without having to exit and use the ‘Options’ button on the home screen.
The right side of the screen displays a timer gauge. Though many levels come without a time limit, users must still complete their task in a reasonable amount of time or they will indeed lose, wasting a life and making them start the level all over again. However, the wonderful part is that once a player reaches a given level, they may begin again right at the start of that level, even if they have quit. When tapping ‘Start Game,’ users will then find a list of all the levels they’ve completed so they may choose where they want to start instead of having to return to the beginning.
The puzzle tutorial teaches users how to go about succeeding with its most specialized mode. Here, in a given number of rotations, users must create a specific image with the blocks provided. The ‘?’ icon will remind you of the desired image when tapped, while the source image can be manipulated by rotating blocks on the left side of the screen counterclockwise, and right side blocks clockwise. This mode itself sets Shifters apart from the many other block games currently vying for your attention in the vast world known as the App Store.
Shifters requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer in order to speed up the publication of this review.
Developer: Ballpark Apps
Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.1
iPhone Integration Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 3.17 out of 5 stars
Let’s be honest—most people won’t use GameTapp every day. Still, it’s a well-made app. GameTapp is a gaming news and review app that aggregates data for the PSP, DS, PS3, Xbox, PC, and Wii—you can view recent releases, see reviews from other websites, and browse videos related to a game.
Using the app is extremely simple. Open up GameTapp, and then either search for a specific game or tap on a platform’s icon to browse the newest releases. If you want to read gaming news, there’s a tab for that, too. You can also publish information to Twitter or Facebook. The interface is slick and speedy, and looks great; if you need to look something up about a particular game, GameTapp will give you quick access to some information.
However, I have to question the usefulness of such an app. Certainly, it’s great to be able to look up a game’s review scores on the go if you spot a sale at your local Gamestop, but most of us don’t avidly follow gaming developments…or if we do, we make use of RSS feeds. Also, it’s worth noting that GameTapp’s reviews aren’t written by GameTapp; instead, Metacritic-style, the app collects reviews from a number of other websites. Information like typical pricing and system requirements is not shown. And when you exit the app, it won’t remember what page you were on.
GameTapp is a good app in the sense that it does what it claims to do: it gives you access to gaming news, reviews, and videos. But its functionality is just too narrow to justify spending money, especially when websites like Metacritic offer their services for free.
Playing some games on the iPhone or iPod Touch isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Though the screen will never come close to the smallness of the GameBoy Micro, things get a tad difficult when you must use the screen as both your visual aid and your controller since there is no D-Pad, sadly. Yet Monster RPG 2 by Nooskewl may be on to something with their intuitive controls and 16-bit game design.
Monster RPG 2, the next installment of Nooskewl’s Monster RPG series, is a fantasy quest, as the description says, that takes you across continents and worlds. As Eny, a simple village girl, you must save the world from Tiggy, her friend who has come under a staff’s evil curse.
The game promises 19 different locations to explore, over 90 types of monsters, and spells, swords, potions, armor – the works! And with its turn-based role-playing style, you can add up to nine adventurers to your party to help you fight off your enemies and aid in your quest to save the world.
In Monster RPG 2’s App Store description, it is said that the game is sure to appeal to those who are fans of classic SNES games. Having tested many a game promising a “classic” platform, such claims make me skeptical. However, right from the start, Monster RPG 2 reminded of the same format as my favorite Pokémon games, past and present. Plus, players have a choice of how they want to control their character. Users can choose a total D-Pad, tap and go, or hybrid controls.
The total D-Pad, like the traditional handheld gaming devices provide, appears directly on the screen, translucent over the actual game display. However, I personally recommend the tap and go system simply because it allows you to move around quite easily and makes exploration easier when you’re not quite sure what to do next. The great tutorial will surely answers your questions when it comes to how to get around this new, virtual world.
Like more and more games these days, Monster RPG 2 offers users the option to listen to the in-game music or their iPod selections during game play. The game will also auto-save if you’re interrupted by a phone call or text, which is always a plus as well.
When you begin playing, the game jumps right into the story, leaving you slightly confused as to what you should be doing, but you quickly catch on that this portion of the game substitutes as your story’s exposition. Everything that happens must happen in order for the story to progress like it’s meant to. For instance, I initially thought I was supposed to win the first battle against Tiggy. Note: I’m pretty sure NO ONE is supposed to win this round, otherwise where would the story go? But this is just a disclaimer for anyone who gets easily discouraged.
Also, as a warning, about 10-15 minutes into the game, my iPhone began feeling extremely warm to the touch. I suggest playing sparingly so your device doesn’t overheat itself.
Monster RPG 2 requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later and is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.
One for the game developers now. Since the iPhone’s launch and the App Store’s debut, we’ve seen a slurry of companies take it upon themselves to create a “social” medium or space in which gamers of all ages and skill levels can communicate and interact with each other on a device to device basis. But so far, supposedly due to the limitations of the iPhone SDK, this has been restricted to three methods of gameplay for us here gamers; iPhone to iPhone. iPhone to iPod touch or iPod touch to iPod touch.
Namco, most famous for its worldwide Pac-Man franchise, have announced at GDC yesterday that they have been working on a new, different method. Unite is a cross-platform gaming technology that will allow users to play against gamers using different types of devices and machines and challenge each other in the same game. Acting very much like a social network, Unites aim is to unite gamers the world over, no matter which device they choose to play on.
“For example, an iPhone gamer could play a game against a PC player in Pool Pro Online 3. Unite will have a single login across all platforms supported by the platform. Gamers have a profile fronted by an avatar and a score, boosted by the accumulation of achievements in Unite-powered games.And having a central web site (and soon, an iPhone app) where you can manage your account should also make it an attractive alternative to developers looking for a social solution for their games.”
The big news here is that unlike the current social platforms like ngmoco:)’s Plus+, Open Feint and Crystal, Namco’s Unite platform will apparently allow gamers to chat live with each other during gameplay. So, as well as bringing along the ability to play non-iPhone gamers the world over, this new SDK should also bring some functional aspects of a platform like Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE, for example, to the iPhone.
As with Open Feint, Namco says they’ll soon have a “central” iPhone application on the store, which you can keep track of all your Unite platform achievements on the the go! Currently there is little more information known about Unite, but we’ll be following this closely and keeping you up to date with news and announcements which come out of this new SDK – I’m sure you’ll agree, this is pretty exciting stuff!
Having worked 12 years in the gaming industry, working as a software engineer and senior programmer with major gaming outfits such as EA and RockStar Games, Edinburgh-based Kevin Ng has worked on and helped develop a slew of well-known console titles which we will most likely be familiar with or have played at some point in our lives; including the likes of: “Skate” for Xbox 360, “Bully” for PS2 and “Starlancer” for PC and Dreamcast. Leaving that life behind though (for the most part) Kevin is now going solo, becoming an independent developer specifically targeting the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. He was kind enough to give me a quick heads up on his debut iPhone title, and I even scored myself a pre-release promo copy to take a look at .. (Cheers, Kevin!).
Dropping January 11th, Word Crasher is a well-designed, graphically exciting word game. Playing through two modes; Marathon and Flood Panic the aim of the game is to create words from the letter chips that fall from above – but don’t make the mistake of picturing this as your normal every-day word puzzle. Its much more dynamic. Usually with these types of games we see a rigid setup which involves some kind of grid-like area, and you having to draw out or follow a certain path in order to create a word. Word Crasher throws that rule book away, adding it’s own pretty unique twist to it’s gameplay.
The game is set out in a ‘tank-like’ environment. With fairly straight forward gameplay, at the start of each level a number of letter ‘chips’ fall to the ground, and every few seconds or so after that, another letter chip will be added into the mix. Unlike other word puzzles of it’s genre, in Word Crasher you’re able to make a word from any of the letters on screen, regardless of their current position or proximity to others letters on screen. Almost psychedelic in it’s approach, the game has a sort of modern retro feel to it. Tapping letters on the board will see a faint colorful neon-like glow surround them. As you select various letters to create a word, they appear at the bottom of the screen allowing you to see just what you’ve selected and whether it actually does make sense (unlike my attempt – seen right!). The games AI then lets you know if the word exists by lighting up either the ‘tick’ symbol (bottom right), or cross symbol (bottom left).
The game’s “Flood Panic” mode injects even more challenge, introducing a rising water level which creates both a frenzied-type gameplay experience and a race against the clock. Having spent some time with the game, my first impressions are that this is one polished, well-designed and thought out title.
Fully supported by Open Feint, Word Crasher is reportedly set to make it’s debut on January 11th at the introductory price of $0.99 .. returning to $1.99 afterward. Also, while you’re at it, be sure to checkout the game’s official site at wordcrasher.com.
Are you sitting down? .. Okay here it goes. RockStar Games, publishers of probably the most loved multi-platform action title to have ever hit the market, Grand Theft Auto, have today finally made their debut on the App Store. But hold your excitement, for just a second ..
For anyone who isn’t aware (where have you been? .. Mars?), the Grand Theft Auto series is a heart-racing, exhilarating and action-packed gaming experience. Originally created by Scottish game programmer Dave Jones, throughout, the game sees you play the role of various figures of the criminal underworld, all the while having the title take you on a hardcore roller-coaster of action, adventure, driving, occasional role-playing, stealth and racing.
But don’t get too excited. Toni Cipriani, Donald Love and Vincenzo Cilli are nowhere to be seen on Apple’s store of dreams, just yet. In fact, RockStar have debuted without their flagship GTA franchise. Instead, the studio’s debut application is that of the musical variety. Partnering exclusively with multi-platinum producer Timbaland, Beaterator is a beat machine for both iPhone (and iPod touch), with the ability to record and play voice loops. More importantly it sees signature beats from world renowned DJ and producer, Timbaland, land on the platform.
Now, this is exciting and all, but being a graphic designer myself, I can’t help but think RockStar has short changed us iPhone and iPod users a little, with this. For example, if you take a look at the user interface on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) version which was released earlier this year, and then compare it to the App Store version (above), you’ll see that our version is as far from “graphic intensive” as you can probably get. That’s a shame really, considering it’s RockStar, and they’re launching the Beaterator title on a device as big as the iPhone for the first time, you’d kinda think they’d have made some substantial effort, right? To make that all important first impression?
But anyway, really I’m swaying from my original point of this article. Before today, an iPhone touch-based version of Grand Theft Auto seemed unlikely. Not because the type of game was deemed impossible on a device such as the iPhone, heck – we’ve already seen the likes of Payback and Gangstar: West Coast Hustle, both of which replicate GTA.
No, it was the sole fact RockStar wasn’t even on the App Store yet, to facilitate the franchise coming to the platform, which brought the critics to say it would probably never happen.
The BIG news today though is that RockStar Games, the well-known worldwide, adorned publisher of the million-dollar Grand Theft Auto franchise, has finally made it’s way onto the App Store .. and I’ll bet my money that a multi-touch version of Grand Theft Auto won’t be far behind.
Beaterator
Category: Music / Music Released: 2009-12-07 Price: $4.99
Developer: Sega
Price: $9.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 4.13 out of 5 stars
Super Monkey Ball is undoubtedly one of Sega’s most loved franchises. Originally showcased at Apple’s March 15th media event, the title hit the App Store back in August 2008, and to many, showed off the iPhone’s first ‘real’ 3D based gaming experience. Racking up a staggering 300,000 downloads in the space of a month, and priced at $9.99, it’s estimated the game bought in roughly $3 Million, for Sega. For the most part the game was a winner. Great 3D graphics, tilt controlled gameplay and a large range of levels to play through – But it didn’t come without it’s problems.
The main issue was due that due to the games size, it crashed… a lot. We never really found out if this was an issue with iPhone OS 3.0 (new at the time), or the app itself. Sega issued an update, and that seemed to fix things. It’s second major flaw though was its controls. Because they were tilt-based, Sega quickly learned they had to implement options to allow the user to adjust sensitivity. They were very sensitive it start off with, and this led to bad reviews simply aimed at the fact of un-playability.
This week, Sega released it’s mobile sequel, Super Monkey Ball 2, and I have to say – it has come a long way. Just as before, you can play as one of four characters, including: Aiai, MeeMee, GonGon and Baby. Tilt based, you control character movement by physically tilting your iPhone back and forth, and what I particularly liked about this version is they’ve added a ‘Tilt Monitor’ in the bottom left corner. Signified by a red dot, this meter actually depicts how level your iPhone is, and when and how much you need to tilt it to ensure you have it flat. The game consists of 115 colour-splattered levels, spread out over 5 different worlds. Super Monkey Ball 2 can be played in three modes, including: Practice, Single Player and Multiplayer, with the option to play through a short tutorial if you’re completely new to the franchise. This release sees an addition I’ve been hoping for for a while, and that’s Wi-Fi Multiplayer! Now, you can face up to three other opponents across any of the 115 included levels. A nice addition! As default, 4 of these worlds are locked, and unlockable by completing in-game achievements (and of course – levels).
For now, each of these levels are based on ‘Monkey-Bowling’. This involves you tilting your character round a maze like platform, trying to collect all the bananas you can along the way, all the while not trying to fall off. I say for now, because Sega has announced that they are bringing not one, but two new game-types. According to Sega, early next year we’ll see both Monkey Golf, and Monkey Target introduced as mini games! Whether these will become in-app purchases is another story, But – Can’t wait! In-game, and up top you’ve got your level clock on the left. Following this, you’ve then got your overall score you’ve totaled from banana collecting in the top right, alongside how many lives you currently have left. Bottom left, as mentioned earlier, and you’ll see the tilt monitor – Perfect for judging where you need to tilt your device, and when. After completing each level, the game will give you an instant replay, meaning you can go boast at how well you monkeyed around that time!
Summing up, Super Monkey Ball 2 is a huge step from it’s original self. While some isolated reports have come in of problems with the game crashing on the second generation iPod touch, in my experience of playing on an iPhone 3GS, gameplay was both smooth and fluent. Within superb in-game graphics, and an upbeat infamous sega-esque soundtrack to boot, Super Monkey Ball 2 is just one of those games you can pick up and play. I highly recommend it!
Developer: Blue Byte (Under Exclusive License to Ubisoft)
Price: $6.99
Version Reviewed: 1.1.1 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
iPhone Integration Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Developed by BlueByte and published by Gameloft under exclusive license from Ubisoft, The Settlers sees the critically acclaimed real time strategy PC-based classic come to life, on the iPhone! Set in a time of Romans, Vikings and Mayans, the game involves you in building a thriving and efficient community. Working together to complete a wide range of tasks, your aim is to create and build up a sustainable settlement village.
Goals and task range from finding territory, constructing buildings and structures all the while trying to ensure the constant supply of the basic and necessary raw materials. Moving in-game, the game consists of 4 campaign modes. These include: Roman, Viking, Mayan and Dark Tribe, and within each of these campaign modes you’ll find a further 6 levels in which for you to complete. Entering a level will display a short introduction explaining who has sent you to this land, and your goals for that particular level. Once the level loads you won’t be alone. The game takes you through a quite lengthy tutorial to get you used to both the landscape, and your user controls.
The controls within the game are pretty straightforward, and in my opinion have been implemented well. In the bottom right you’ll find your ‘Buildings’ button. Tapping this will bring up ‘Build Menu’ and from here you can choose a type of structure you would like to build. Once you’ve chosen your building, it appears on the land as a movable object, and once you’re happy and want to place it down so your Settlers can start to build it for you, simply tap the ‘tick’ button in the bottom left. If the patch of land is not available to build on for whatever reason, the game will tell you by displaying a red cross in the placement area. Now you can sit back and watch them build it for you. If the process is gets a little too boring, you can speed up the action by hitting the ‘fast forward’ button, top right. Tapping a building once you’ve built it gives you further options, including the option to demolish. I found these options to be locked by default, and are only unlocked when needed.
At any time in the game you can pause gameplay by hitting the pause button, top left. Doing so will also give you options to view your level objectives again, save the current level you’re on along with your progress, or load a previous level. Need to zoom in on the action? Due to the ‘pinch’ gesture being taken by another in-game feature which we’ll get into a little later, zooming is performed by the ‘zoom slider’ located on center of the screen to the right hand side. Running from + to – you just slide your finger to magnify zoom. Zoom isn’t brilliant, but it does the job. Now, while I found the graphics on this title to be – fantastic, I did find that zooming in fully did seem to dramatically reduced the quality of them. In some areas the graphics became both pixelated and blotchy. It doesn’t spoil the game, but it’s something I reckon could (and should) be fixed.
Some tasks and goals within the game can’t be performed by your normal working settlers though, sometimes some jobs require specialists. That’s why you’ll find the ‘Specialist’ menu, bottom right. From here you can ‘order’ your specialist – a geologist, for example. Having many settlers on screen can get a little confusing, though. Despite the on-screen prompts, you’ll be needing another way to organise them. Remember that pinch gesture I was talking about? Using two fingers you can select a group of your settlers, and move them to a certain point on the land. To do this, simply select them with a pinch selection box, and tap where you’d like them to go. Once done, tap the ’stop hand’ button, bottom left, and you can carry on working with your other settlers. During the game you’ll find various raw materials. When you’ve done some research with your geologists, you can start building mines for each of these materials, and once complete these raw materials will periodically replenish.
The game is both immersive and addicting, involving you as the player and requiring you to keep an eye on a virtual land, it’s efficiency and survival. With great in-game graphics and audio, The Settlers is highly recommended for people who digg the likes of Command and Conquer, Age of Empires, or RTS genre. If I have one want for this game it’s I’d like Gameloft to consider adding a ‘freeplay’ mode. Currently the game revolves solely around ‘Campaign modes,’ and I think it could benefit it’s replay value to allow the user to just play around with the settlers, building whatever they like. Overall I like The Settlers. It’s one of those Sunday-afternoon games, which doesn’t need much effort, but is a pleasure to play.
Following on from the immersive RPG that was Return to Mysterious Island, iPhone publisher Chillingo have announced they’re bringing a sequel to the store, announcing Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island is coming to both iPhone (and iPod touch), shortly. The first of the series hit App Store shelves in May of this year, and like most adventure based titles seemed to go down in a storm with the iPhone crowd. Recently I seem to be saying that a little too often about various titles, but having actually owned (and played) this title myself, I can say quite honestly say the adventure was thoroughly enjoyable to play through.
Based on a graphic novel by Jules Verne’s, and carrying on from titles such as 1112 and Cassandra’s Journey, the game sees you take the role of Mina, a sailor who becomes stranded on an island, somewhere in the Pacific ocean. As you trail and tap your way around the island, trying your up-most to survive, and finding objects and (more importantly) food along the way, you try to unlock the mysteries hidden within.
Described by Chillingo as an experience which will mirror that of Robinson Crusoe, this new release will carry on from where you left off. The game will start off with a helicopter crash, and continuing the theme of being stranded, you will have to guide Mina to safety. This time will also see you visit new locations including: Captain Nemo’s base and scouring the ruins of an unknown civilization. Eventually, you will realize the cause of the threat to the island, and will aim to prevent it.
For approximately 700 Mb, the player will find out the end of the adventure of Mina. Jules Verne’s “Secrets of The Mysterious Island” contains stunning 3D graphics, many ambient sounds, music designed to enhance the mysterious atmosphere and feel.
The real big news though is this sequel will see the addition of special feature only available to OS 3.0 and 3GS users. In Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island, you the player will have the ability to navigate the entire island via not only placing fingers on the screen (nothing new there then – but wait!) 3GS users will be able to further enhance this experience by harnessing the true power of the built in compass, and therefore bringing full 360° compass direction navigation to the title. I don’t know about you, but I’m quite excited about this, especially for an adventure game like this one. While touch and drag navigation is cool, doing it by physically moving your phone around – I’m sure you’ll agree – is even cooler! Although, do be careful – I wouldn’t want you to knock out the person sitting next to you while searching for melon!
All in all, with the title said to offer even more mini games and puzzles to complete, Jules Verne’s Secrets of The Mysterious Island is at first looks looking to paint a great sequel to the original Jules Verne adventure. My previous experience with both this genre of game, (and the Jules Verne saga inparticular), has me on the edge of my seat for this one!
Said to give a respectable 15 hours and gameplay, and priced at $6.99, the sequel to this hit adventure game should be with us “within weeks”. International readers will be glad to know that the written in-game dialog of this initial release will be translated in: English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
Hello everyone this is Michelle from The Portable Gamer with your iCasual Report for Plunderland from Johnny Two Shoes LLP for all devices running current iOS software.
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Let’s be honest—most people won’t use GameTapp every day. Still, it’s a well-made app. GameTapp is a gaming news and review app that aggregates data for the PSP, DS, PS3, Xbox, PC, and Wii—you can view recent releases, see reviews from other websites, and browse videos related to a game.
One for the game developers now. Since the iPhone’s launch and the App Store’s debut, we’ve seen a slurry of companies take it upon themselves to create a “social” medium or space in which gamers of all ages and skill levels can communicate and interact with each other on a device to device basis. But so far, supposedly due to the limitations of the iPhone SDK, this has been restricted to three methods of gameplay for us here gamers; iPhone to iPhone. iPhone to iPod touch or iPod touch to iPod touch.
:: ADVENTUROUS