iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource » iPhone Games

Fake Games in App Store Plague Real Developers

Keith Little — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:45:35 +0000

According to The Guardian, his name is Anton Sinelnikov and he makes fake apps–games mostly–intended to dupe iPhone and iPad owners into buying one of his titles instead of the real thing. Fake apps that are costing real independent developers lost profits, costing customers lost cash, and generating a mixed response from Apple.

Sinelnikov’s fake apps are designed to look like the real thing, at least until you purchase one. Titles run the gamut from Numbers with Friends, Tiny Birds, Angry Ninja Birds, Plants vs. Zombie, and Temple Jump. Before their removal by Apple this past week, the knock-off apps garnered negative and angry reviews from users who’d mistakenly purchased the fake titles. But in some cases Apple was slow to remove the fake apps.

Keith Shepherd, founder of Imangi Studios, creator of the popular Temple Run game, tweeted throughout the week about Temple Jump, the knock-off app created by Sinelnikov. When Apple pulled some of the earlier knock-off titles from their store, Shepherd continued to tweet, wondering when the fake app based on his game would eventually be taken down. It was, sometime early this morning, but not before an unknown number of customers were duped and not without press attention.

Still, there are some serious questions that need to be asked of Apple’s App Store policies. Surely an argument can be made that fake apps, like the kind created by Sinelnikov, which do nothing more than trick a customer out of their money, should be taken down. But what about apps like Dream Heights? Zynga’s clone of the incredibly popular Tiny Tower which debuted in Canada this past week. Is there a case to be made for games being too similar? And where do we draw the line?

Are knock-offs just part of the App Store economy and, if so, will the market take care of itself and weed out the imposters?

Fake Games in App Store Plague Real Developers is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Time Waster of the Month – NFL Flick Quarterback [Video App Review]

Kris Meador — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:09:37 +0000

I’m starting a new monthly feature called Time Waster of the Month, or TWM for short. Every month I’ll give you a look at an app that I can’t stop playing and that I feel is worth the download.

With the Super Bowl set for this Sunday, I figured the perfect way to launch this series is with a look at NFL Flick Quarterback.

This is a simple, straight forward game where you’re the quarterback, and the goal is to complete as many passes as possible without throwing incompletions, interceptions or being sacked.

There’s also a couple of skill modes where you have to throw the ball into giant trash cans, all while trying to compensate for the wind.

This is a very addictive game that also takes advantage of Game Center so you can compare your scores with those of your friends

What are some of your best scores? And who do you think is going to win this year’s Super Bowl? My money’s on New England.

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss any future videos!

Time Waster of the Month – NFL Flick Quarterback [Video App Review] is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

‘Brisksaber’ Brings The Iconic Star Wars™ Lightsaber To iPhone & iPad [Free Download]

Usman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:01:12 +0000

Brisk Iced Tea in collaboration with Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace, has launched Brisksaber, an iOS game app that brings the iconic Star Wars™ lightsaber battles to iPhones, iPods and iPads in 3D. The app allows users to interact with Star Wars™ in an innovative way. The game’s blend of 2-D and 3-D elements brings out an authentic experience allowing enemy battles with the swipe of a finger. The app is free to download and is available as a universal binary for iPhone and iPad.

The game is being launched in conjunction with the release of the 3-D theatrical release of Star Wars™: Episode I: The Phantom Menace™ which will hit the theaters on February 10, 2012.

Here is the iTunes description:

Welcome to Brisksaber, the awesome new lightsaber simulator app from Brisk and Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace in 3D. Choose your allegiance by joining the light side or dark side, then watch as your finger becomes a fully functioning lightsaber. Slash enemies with reckless abandon as you become the most powerful Sith or Jedi™ to ever dominate the galaxy.

Brisksaber features Episode 1 characters like R2-D2™, Jar Jar Binx™, Battle Droids™, Jabba the Hutt™ and look for other classic Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker™ and Darth Vader™. Challenge your lightsaber finger against killer bosses like Darth Maul™ and Mace Windu™.

Watch for updates as we release more lightsabers, cool new powers and favorite classic characters.

Compete for the highest score with millions of others on the Brisksaber leaderboard at facebook.com/brisk.

Warning: Don’t play Brisksaber while operating heavy machinery. Also don’t play it in the shower, your phone will get wet. However feel free to scream MY FINGER IS A LIGHTSABER to strangers, you will look cool and they will avoid you.

What are you waiting for? The fate of the universe is in your hands!

That’s Brisk, baby!

Download Brisksaber For iPhone, iPod touch and iPad [Direct Link]

‘Brisksaber’ Brings The Iconic Star Wars™ Lightsaber To iPhone & iPad [Free Download] is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Microsoft Xbox Live Games Are Coming To iPhones & iPads

Usman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:39:59 +0000

According to a recent publication by Forbes, it seems that Microsoft is planning to expand Xbox Live, its online gaming network to iOS and android platforms. Xbox Live games, which are currently compatible only with Windows, will soon be making their way to iPhones, iPads as well as Android smartphones and tablets. Since iOS and Android are the two largest mobile platforms, it makes sense that Microsoft will target them first. Microsoft has already launched Xbox Live app and a game called Kinectimals on iOS, both of which have attracted a significant number of users.

A Microsoft spokesman stated:

“While the Xbox Live experiences and games always work best on the Windows platform, we understand that some Xbox fans may be using other types of devices. To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.”

This move from Microsoft will significantly boost the company’s presence in mobile gaming and generate increasing amounts of revenue from Xbox games. What Xbox Live games would you like to see on your iDevice?

Microsoft Xbox Live Games Are Coming To iPhones & iPads is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

SoulCalibur For iPhone / iPad Now Available For Download In App Store

Usman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:49:13 +0000

NamcoBandai Games Inc. has released the iOS version of popular arcade fighting game SoulCalibur which is now available as a universal download for iPhone / iPod touch and iPad in the App Store. The game isn’t cheap though, currently selling at US $11.99, but Namco has launched the title with a 20% ‘Release Sale’. So if you are wanting to experience the multiple game modes and play all 19 Soulcalibur characters, you probably won’t have a better time to purchase.

The game features beautiful Retina visuals and offers six different game play modes including arcade battle, time attack, survival, extra survival, practice and museum mode, with time attack, survival and extra survival being compatible with Game Center. Below is the complete iTunes description:

*** Release sale! %20 off! ***

“SOULCALIBUR” series is available on theiOS. Enjoythe memorable characters and non-stop action SOULCALIBUR is famed for with complete arcade fidelity in the comfort of your own home!

Relive the eternal tale of swords and souls transcending time and space.

19 characters in total!
All character moves faithfully recreated!

Gorgeous Retina display graphics!

?This application supports iOS 4.3 or greater, for below devices:
iPhone: 4 or newer
iPod touch: late-2010 (4th gen.) model or newer.
iPad: 2 or newer

***** Game Modes *****
(Additional modes are planned)

- ARCADE BATTLE
The original battle mode from the arcade version of “Soul Calibur.” Defeat all enemies to make it to the end of the game.

- TIME ATTACK
How fast can you beat the game?

- SURVIVAL
With only a limited amount of life, how many opponents can you defeat?

- EXTRA SURVIVAL
How many opponents can you can defeat with single-hit kills?

- MUSEUM
Enjoy viewing a variety of artwork.

- PLACTICE
Learn the game’s basic system and techniques.

***** OTHERS *****

- Play on iPhone or iPad!!

- A virtual pad tuned for fighting games.

Download SoulCalibur For iPhone / iPad [Direct Link]

SoulCalibur For iPhone / iPad Now Available For Download In App Store is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

iCade Jr., iCade Mobile & iCade Core iOS Game Controllers Unveiled At CES 2012

Usman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:02:37 +0000

ION Audio, the makers or iCade Arcade Cabinet for iPad, are expanding their range of iOS game controllers with 3 new accessories. The new models are named iCade Jr., iCade Mobile & iCade Core. The iCade Mobile is designed for iPhone and iPod Touch, the iCade Jr. is a shrunk down version of the original iCade while the iCade Core is much like the original iCade cabinet and supports iPad as well as iPhone and iPod touch devices. The new devices will work with with the existing list of iCade compatible games.

As described by Mac Rumors:

iCade Core - Pictured on the top right, the iCade Core offers a stripped down version of the original iCade cabinet and supports the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Like the original iCade, the iCade Core lets you play your iOS games with a real joystick and buttons. Communication is done through Bluetooth, but a 30-pin connector is included to allow for charging while playing. No pricing yet for this slimmed down version.

iCade Mobile - Pictured top left, the iCade Mobile is a device that wraps around the iPhone or iPod Touch to give you more of a mobile handheld gaming experience. Again, using Bluetooth alone for the communication, it offers a swiveling landscape or portrait orientation. This one will cost $79.99 when it becomes available this spring.

iCade Jr. - Pictured below, the iCade Jr. is a shrunk down version of the original iCade. This version is made specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch and lets you prop up your device in this miniaturized arcade cabinet. It comes with an arcade joystick and 4 front facing buttons a 4 rear facing buttons. It also offers a dock connector for charging. This one is expected to cost $49, again coming in spring.

iCade Jr., iCade Mobile & iCade Core iOS Game Controllers Unveiled At CES 2012 is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Epic Games’ Infinity Blade Franchise Revenue Exceeds $30 Million

Usman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:44:16 +0000

Epic Games Inc. and its award-winning development studio, ChAIR Entertainment, today announced that earnings from their iOS video game franchise Infinity Blade have surpassed $30 million in just one year since its introduction in December 2010. The iOS exclusive RPG series which consists of the original Infinity Blade and the recently released Infinity Blade II, is based on the award winning Unreal Engine 3 technology. Infinity Blade II, which is available for $7 on the App Store and was launched on December 1st 2011, has already generated over $5 million in revenue.

Epic Games president Dr. Michael Capps said:

“The success of the Infinity Blade franchise is testament to our talented team who is devoted to making games we want to play, all while using Unreal Engine technology to redefine what is expected from games on iOS devices. We have so much more in store for players, and will continue to make great content for Apple’s evolving platforms.”

Infinity Blade II was one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2011. IGN scored the game a “Perfect 10″ and named it their 2011 Mobile Game of the Year. Infinity Blade II was also named among E! Online’s ‘Top 10 Games of 2011,’ one of the ‘Best Apps of 2011′ by Entertainment Weekly, and was cited by Mashable in its ’5 Major Trends that Changed Digital Entertainment in 2011′ feature.

Epic Games’ Infinity Blade Franchise Revenue Exceeds $30 Million is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Angry Birds Scores A New Record With Over 6,500,000 Christmas Day Downloads

Usman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:48:51 +0000

Rovio Mobile’s Ville Heijari has told AllThingsD that the total number of downloads for their three games i.e Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio, touched a whopping 6.5 million on Christmas Day setting a new record for the multi-platform smashing hit franchise. Even more interesting to note is that this number approximately equals the total number of smartphone activations to have happened over Christmas.

Rovio’s representative said:

“We’re really excited to have such a massive number of new people get acquainted with Angry Birds over the holidays — we have exciting new releases lined up for 2012, and can’t wait to introduce them to the public.”

Last year, the company had recorded around 2 million Angry Birds downloads across iOS and Android on Christmas Day. According to another report, more than a billion mobile programs were downloaded during the final week of 2011 which included a mix of paid and free downloads across major smartphone platforms.

Angry Birds Scores A New Record With Over 6,500,000 Christmas Day Downloads is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Apple Giving Away FREE ‘Bejeweled For iPhone’ Promo Codes On Facebook

Usman — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:40:35 +0000

If you haven’t yet hit the “Like” button on Apple’s Official App Store Facebook page, its about time you do. Apple has been regularly giving away free App Store promo codes to its Facebook fans for paid games, beginning with Jetpack Joyride, then came Where’s My Water and now its Bejeweled for iPhone. The game is available on the App Store for US $0.99 but you can grab it for free with a promo code.

Simply head over to “Free On App Store” Facebook page using this link and click on Get Your App Free. You will be provided with a free promo code for Bejeweled which you can redeem at the iTunes App Store and download the game for free.

Get it now before the limited-time promotion is over!

Apple Giving Away FREE ‘Bejeweled For iPhone’ Promo Codes On Facebook is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline For iPhone Is Available For FREE, Download Now

Usman — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:20:37 +0000

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline by Gameloft, one of the best racing games for iPhone & iPod touch, is currently available as a FREE download in the App Store (via Cult Of Mac). Recent update to the game brought optimized visuals for iPhone 4S along with faster and smoother gameplay. The game now sports real-time road lighting and motion blur which is activated during Adrenaline and crashes, giving these sequences a more cinematic and awesome feel. So, if you’ve ever wanted to try this one, now is the time to download it!

Here’s the iTunes description:

Feel the thrill of racing like never before in the newest adrenaline-pumping edition of the Asphalt series.

BUILD YOUR DREAM COLLECTION
Discover 42 cars and bikes from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ducati and other world-class manufacturers. Collect them in your own 3D garage that you can explore using the gyroscope.

RACE YOUR FRIENDS
You can even take on friends in Online and Local Multiplayer mode for up to 6 racers. Climb the online leaderboard to be the best in the world!

LEAVE THE WORLD IN YOUR DUST
These street races will have you tearing up city streets in L.A., Tokyo, the Bahamas and more. Each location is rendered in beautiful HD graphics that take full advantage of the Retina display.

CHALLENGE THE BEST
Don’t take your eyes off the road for a second, because you’ll be driving against tough opponents in 11 different leagues and 55 events.

TUNED TO PERFECTION
Take advantage of numerous tuning options to help your vehicles reach peak performance on any track. You can even customize your vehicles with decals to give them your own style.

Download Asphalt 6: Adrenaline For iPhone / iPod touch FREE [Direct Link]

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline For iPhone Is Available For FREE, Download Now is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPhone Resource