This weekend Gamers are flocking to the UK’s number one gaming festival, Insomnia48 for a weekend of gaming entertainment.
Highlights from the weekend will include the ESET UK Masters StarCraft II : Heart of the Swarm grand finals. With some of the best competitive gamers in the world vying for a share of the £10,000 prize pot, the tournament represents the pinnacle of the UK eSports community.
Hundreds will be at the International Centre in Telford to watch the weekends action unfold, and thousands more are expected to tune in via the ESET UK Masters Twitch channel. The 12 gamers that have qualified to represent the cream of the international eSports crop, from countries such as South Korea, Romania, Switzerland and Germany will provide some of the most exciting competitive StarCraft entertainment possible. Joining them will be the 12 successful qualifiers from the fabled Bring Your Own Computer rounds, taking place on the Saturday.
Quinton Watts, VP of Sales and Marketing at ESET UK has said
“It’s been an exciting journey so far and we’re all looking forward to finding out who the Uk Masters Chapion is. The competition has been really intense, with some excellent gameplay on display from some incredibly talented gamers. The Bring Your Own Computer round will add even more into the mix, making this surely one of the best of the iSeries yet.”
The international centre will also be hosting a number of different events across the weekend, with competitions also in Minecraft, Team Fortress 2 and Counter Strike.
Snoopy Coaster Developer: Chillingo Ltd Publisher: Chillingo Ltd Platforms: iPhone, iPpad (Reviewed), iPpod Touch Release Date: March 21, 2013 Price: $0.99 – Available Here
Overview:
Snoopy Coaster puts the main cast of Peanuts on a roller coaster filled with jumps and loops. Players collect coins and pick up upgrades to push them further and further down the coaster’s path.
Visuals:
Visually, the game models look sharp. The game is completely 2 dimensional, but the objects are well rendered. There are different levels with different themes; space, spooky, standard theme park, and so on. The backgrounds are fun, but in the darker themed levels it is difficult to see the dark brown track against the background. The color of the tracks never change, which is a downside considering a color change would have helped a lot for playability on different levels. They do have little trinkets added to them to fit the theme of the level, like cobwebs and Christmas lights. You can also change the model of the carts you use when you purchase upgrades, all of which look good.
Unfortunately as the coaster goes faster, the objects on the screen go by so quickly that it strains your eyes. The eye strain becomes so great that one has to stop out of discomfort. If the objects or tack supports were more spaced out, this might not have been as big a problem.
Audio:
The background music sounds like it would come from a Charlie Brown holiday special, it is pleasant and reminiscent to the shows. There are sound clips of different characters on the coaster saying different things. They are cute at first, but soon becomes very repetitive and not long after annoying.
Gameplay:
The main goal is to have the Peanuts crew make it along the roller coaster’s track for as long as possible. You also need to collect coins in order to unlock upgrades for your roller coaster. You also need to hit objects like birds, balloons, and kites to receive coins. The controls for the game, tap to jump and tracing a circle to do a loop, are responsive and tight. Sometimes there is a rocket upgrade where you simply touch the screen to use up fuel to keep you in the air.The further down the track you get, the higher your score becomes. As you unlock certain criteria, like hitting a certain amount of objects or doing an amount of successful loops, you will level up. Levelling up increases your score multi-player.
There are different levels you go through that seem to be in a random order each time you play. They look and play slightly different from each other, but there is not a large difference in the way they are set up. However, the levels overall seem to generate tracks that are more difficult the longer you are able to stay alive.There is an option to purchase coins with real money, and even crowns that allow you to continue after you die. This seems unreasonable considering this is a game that is not free. If you have to pay for a game, having free to play style money transaction features is over the top.
Overall:
Snoopy Coaster first comes off as polished, but as one plays the game it loses its sheen. The eye strain caused by this game is a major set back. This when compounded with the grating audio clips from the characters makes the game an unpleasant experience. The controls are so well done, it is a disappointment that the aesthetics of the game make it a physically uncomfortable experience. However even if the aesthetics were fixed, having free to play style purchases available in a game that already has to be purchased with real money is very degrading on the value of the game.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment the guys behind some of the biggest gaming franchise of late, such as the Batman Arkham series, Mortal Kombat, and the various Lego video games, are opening up a brand new studio located in San Francisco.
WB Games San Francisco is a new development studio that will specialize in developing and publishing free-to-play, mobile, social and browser-based games.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s senior VP of digital games Greg Ballard will lead the studio saying:
“As our company has grown over the years, it has been a high priority to attract and cultivate creativity and innovation in top markets for game development around the world,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
This new gaming studio will be overseeing and publish all mobile games developed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
Sega has slashed the prices of their Sonic games on iTunes to $0.99. Prices will last until March 25th, 2013. The following games are on sale.
Sonic Dash is a infinite runner where players will need to collect as many rings as possible with the help of classic Sonic abilities and power ups.
Sonic Jump is a puzzle game that utilizes the motion detecting capabilities of the iOS devices. There are over 48 levels set in classic Sonic the Hedgehog areas. Players can either jump as high as they can in the infinite Arcade modes or do battle against Dr. Eggman in the campaign mode.
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing puts twelve iconic Sega characters behind the wheel. The game features 2-4 player multiplayer racing, 25 single player missions, and three Grand Prix Cup tournaments.
Gaumont Anumation and Bulkypix announced today that they have signed a deal to bring their upcoming animated CGI film series Calimero to the video gaming sphere. BulkyPix will release a free to play Calimero game to coincide with the release of the television series. The app will be available on both Android and iOS.
“Calimero is still very much alive in the hearts of many around the world today so we are really proud to bring it to families on smartphone and tablets. We are really excited about our collaboration with Gaumont Animation on this great game to come.” commented Vincent Dondaine, COO, Sales and Marketing Director for Bulkypix.
The game is designed for both adults who grew up watching the series and a new generation of young fans.
Today there is some good news for fans of NetherRealm and Warner Bros’ upcoming super hero fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us. The companies will be holding a number of tournaments throughout the UK during the month of April and these tournaments will be held at various GAME stores throughout the country.
The last one standing will have a chance to challenge the rest of the world’s players at the Injustice: Gods Among Us Tournament UK Final in London while the winner of that event will head on to the International Final that will be held in Paris at a later date.
Today Square Enix confirmed that they will indeed be releasing Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 HD over in North America and Europe sometime this year. The games will be coming to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita though it is worth noting that the Vita will not have both games bundled together.
Instead the PS3 version will come with both HD titles in one release while the Vita versions will have to be sold separately. Square mentioned that they will be releasing the game’s announcement trailer on Monday, which is odd to say the least, but anyways the already launchedpre-order sites are listing $40 for the PS3 version, which means the Vita games may sell for $20 each. Check out the debut screenshots below which actually only contain screens of FFX HD and a piece of artwork for FFX-2 HD
Telltale’s The Walking Dead was an episodic adventure game that was so well received back in 2012 that it was given so many Game of the Year awards it is hard to count. It also came to nearly every gaming platform available and today it was announced that it will be coming to one more.
Speaking with IGN, the PlayStation Director of Product Planning and Platform Software Innovation Don Mesa stated that the game is coming to the PlayStation Vita.
“We think that the emotion and the immersive experiences you’re going to get there [with The Walking Dead], wherever you’re sitting, if you’re in your living room and playing on your Vita or sitting at a café or at the bus stop and playing this, you get that shock or fright. I think that’s going to be important. That’s what we want to deliver as you’re playing.”
Sadly Mesa did not reveal a release window for The Walking Dead on the Vita after mentioning it’s existence.
Good news everyone, a blast from the past will soon be coming to a console near you. Today during their panel at PAX East in Boston, Capcom has announced that they are working on DuckTales Remastered. The game is being developed by WayForward Technologies and is said to be inspired by the NES classic that many of us have such fond memories of.
You can check out the game’s announcement trailer, as well as the below and also receive a nice dose of nostalgia as the DuckTales theme song starts playing. Anyways, the game is set to be released sometime during the Summer this year as a digital download for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U.
Welcome back for this week’s iOS Game Suggestions. If you missed last week’s, or are new to the suggestions, click on the link below and check out what cool games you should be picking up for your iOS device along with the introduction on how the suggestions work. (suggestions 1 has how it all works)
A great week on iTunes! As always, it started slow and but ended with a bang! There are many must-buy games this week in all departments, FREE, 99c and over 99c. This week I’ve suggested a total of 18 great quality titles. Make sure you check them all especially… Unmechanical, Kingpin Lanes, Fetch, Snoopy Coaster, Nitro, Order & Choas Duels just to name a few.
Break down below :
10 – FREE Games
2 – $0.99c Games
6 – Over $0.99c Games
As always for this week’s suggestions are all new titles that you should take a look at and consider spending your hard earned iTunes cash / time on. Well the Free games just below certainly should all be given a shot as they won’t cost you anything!
For The Cheapskates – FREE GAMES
MASTERABBOTT’S FREE GAME PICK OF THE WEEK!
Order & Chaos Duels – Price : FREE – Publisher – Gameloft (Rediscover the Order & Chaos universe in this FREE collectible trading card game (TCG) that lets you battle with evil forces in many adventures or against real players for leaderboard supremacy.
The ancient demonic spirit Velik and his Corruption have returned to form and use the world as their twisted, wicked playground once again.) on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Heros & Havoc – Price : FREE – Publisher –Mobage (Heroes & Havoc is a role-playing game where you, an angel punished for bringing magic to mortals, seek to wreak your revenge. You and your Heroes will take the war to the gods, fighting their Heroes and minions in epic battles. Featuring an addictive blend of card battle and tactical RPG combat, Heroes & Havoc brings role-playing games to a new level.) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Legacy Of A Thousands Suns – Price : FREE – Publisher –Zattikka (Legacy of a Thousand Suns is a free online social sci-fi MMO RPG game for your Mobile Device. It features breathtaking futuristic art, engaging story that offers many gameplay options, ideal for both casual and core gamers. Old rivals bearing powerful new technologies have declared war on the Sian Empire. Princess Illaria’s enemies are hunting for her – and if she falls into their clutches the empire will be doomed. Only you can save her now…) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
The Wizard Of Oz Game – Price : FREE – Publisher –Warner Bros (Join DOROTHY™, TOTO™ and all of your friends in THE WIZARD OF OZ™, an adventure-driven town builder based on the most-watched movie of all time! There truly is no place like the Land of Oz – and you can visit anytime, from the comfort of your own home or on the go!) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Alien Hive – Price : FREE – Publisher –AppXplore (Alien Hive is all about evolving aliens, blending match-3 with sliding tile puzzles for a game that feels both familiar and fresh. Swipe tiles to make matches – combine eggs to hatch cute baby aliens, and then help them fully evolve into Supreme Aliens.) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Monster World – Price : FREE – Publisher –Wooga (Start a completely unique adventure with a new garden, exciting stories and re-imagined plants! Already a player on Facebook? It’s not synchronized, so enjoy a second garden exclusively made for your touch device. Discover a mysterious land of weird plants, wonderful decorations, and a fantastic storyline. Grow and harvest Bumble-Bee Bushes, Lollypop Palms, Fortune Flowers and much more! Meet Robert the robot, a quirky baby, and other funny characters along the way, in your very own monster garden.) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Motor World: Car Factory – Price : FREE – Publisher – Mobage(BECOME THE GREATEST CAR MAKER IN THE WORLD! Step into the captivating and cheerful Motor World, filled with amazing cars and shiny, happy people! Run a small car factory and turn it into the best company in the world. Build your cars, create new ones, make your workers happy, please your customers, arrange your retail stores and play with your friends.) on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Mini Golf Matchup – Price : FREE – Publisher –Scopely (Welcome to the most addicting mobile mini golf game in the world. Don’t believe us? Check out these fictitious celebrity endorsements!) runs on iPad & iPhone. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Solitaire Blitz – Price : FREE – Publisher – PopCap (Discover a whole new world of solitaire in this fast-paced treasure hunt! Match cards quickly to clear the decks in 60 seconds, collect treasures, and compete with friends. Dive into uncharted waters to uncover rare artwork and priceless antiques. Meet colorful characters during your underwater adventure. Match fast and score big to top the leaderboards, and share the wealth with friends. You’ve never played solitaire like this – it’s a fast, fun, social event!) on iPhone & iPad. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
Nitro – Price : FREE – Publisher – Z2Live (Join adrenaline junkies worldwide and be a part of Nitro’s racing league. Get ready to test limits, break records, and be one of the top drivers with the hottest rides around! You’ll compete to be among the elite, as you speed through thrilling tracks in stylish, highly upgradable and customizable cars! Challenge your Friends in Head-to-Head and Multiplayer races, enemies in the Rival Circuit, and your own track records in Time Trials!) on iPhone & iPad. GET IT NOW FOR FREE
For The Bargain Hunters – 99c Games
Snoopy Coaster – Price : $0.99 – Publisher – Chillingo (Take Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Peppermint Patty on the wildest rollercoaster ride on the App Store. Featuring the iconic original artwork of the universally adored Peanuts comic, Snoopy Coaster is a must-have for fans everywhere.) runs on iPad & iPhone. BUY NOW
Pug Run – Price : $0.99 – Publisher – Tic Toc Games (PUG RUN takes you on a magical journey of Bogart, a pencil sketched pug, determined to come to life! After being drawn by a small boy with a larger than life imagination, Bogart awakens and begins to run toward the boy, only to find The Void slowly creeping up behind him to stop him in his tracks. See the world change from black and white to color, the closer Bogart gets to the boy.) runs on iPhone & iPad. BUY NOW
For The Millionaires – All games over $0.99
MasterAbbott’s over 99c Pick Of The Week!
Unmechanical – Price : $2.99 – Publisher – Teotl Studios (Unmechanical is all about the adventure of a little helicopter trapped in a strange, but fascinating world. Help him through to discover the secrets of the world! Unmechanical is a puzzle adventure that combines tricky puzzle solving, alluring exploration, and an engrossing atmosphere. Set in a fantastic world of flesh, rock and steel, your journey to freedom requires you to solve a great variety of puzzling challenges, and while it’s easy to pick up and play, later challenges may prove very difficult indeed.) runs on iPhone & iPad. BUY NOW
Kingpin Lanes – Price : $1.99 – Publisher – Speedbump (Built by one guy using the power of the Unreal 3D engine, Kingpin Lanes is the first game to offer the entire bowling alley experience, featuring A fully explorable environment, with findable and interactive objects, a functioning Pro Shop, and more.) runs on iPhone & iPad. BUY NOW
Abalone– Price : $5.49 – Publisher – Bulkypix (Discover – or re-discover – all the fun of Abalone on iOS. Play the classic game or try out the different competition boards. The rules could not be simpler – moving your marbles in lines, push your opponent’s marbles off the edge of the board. The first player to push six marbles off the board is the winner. Reached the end of the official Abalone game mode? Get to grips with the many challenges lined up by the game’s creators. Have you got what it takes to succeed?) runs on iPad. BUY NOW
Kingdom Rush HD– Price : $2.99 – Publisher – Armor Games (The acclaimed action fantasy defense game is now available for iPad in High Definition! Get ready for an epic journey to defend your kingdom against hordes of orcs, trolls, evil wizards and other nasty fiends using a vast arsenal of towers and spells at your command!) runs iPad & iPhone. BUY NOW
Pirrrates! HD – Price : $1.99 – Publisher – Alawar Entertainment (Choose your loyalty, will it be with the pirates of the high sea, or their arch nemesis the Royal Navy? Control the crews of one side, and strategically maneuver your forces to completely overwhelm the enemy! Use magic and skills to help you during the fight. Prepare for battle in this fast paced, highly fun, over-the-top strategy game! Time to sail away!) runs on iPad. BUY NOW
Fetch – Price : $5.49 – Publisher – Big Fish Games (How far would you go to save your pet? Follow a young boy on a sensational journey like no other as he sets off to rescue his dog Bear from a mysterious fire hydrant that snatched the canine in the night! Big Fish Studios is proud to present Fetch, an adventure tale that will warm your heart and keep you glued to the screen! One part interactive animation, one part childhood delight, equal parts adventure and arcade, Fetch captures the timeless emotion of puppy love and takes you on a journey through dark tunnels and sandy shores to save your best friend. Do you have what it takes to save Bear? Prepare yourself for a wild ride filled with wagging tails and boisterous barks!) runs on iPhone & iPad. BUY NOW
There you have it folks these games should keep you busy for quite some time well until next week at least. I’ll be back next week for another dose of iOS goodness, in the meantime if you would also like to suggest your own suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section below or in the iOS forum section on the site here.
