Mobile game fans should be excited to see Ubisoft’s newly announced line-up of games heading to mobile devices soon. During their Digital Days 2012 event in Europe, Ubisoft revealed several new mobile titles.
First off they announced that Rayman would be heading to a mobile device for the first time in Rayman: Jungle Run, an endless running game that utilises the visuals of Rayman: Origins. Rayman: Jungle Run will land on iOS and Android devices on the 20th of September. Also revealed was Nutty Flies, a unique touch experience set for release on iOS and Android in the fourth quarter of 2012.
That’s not all though, Ubisoft revealed that the beta for Might and Magic Duel of Champions will become available free-to-play for iPad users on September 13th, with PC to iPad cross-platform play beginning on October 30th.
And last but certainly not least, pre-existing mobile game’s Prince of Persia Classic and Monster Burner will be getting releases on new platforms. Prince of Persia Classic will be released on Android devices on September 13th and Monster Burner will be released on Windows Phone 7 in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Be sure to let us know what you think of these announcements in the comments section below.
Ubisoft have announced several new digital releases at their Digital Days 2012 event in Europe. They have announced both downloadable content for existing titles as well as brand new digital games.
They revealed that Trials Evolution: Gold Edition will be launching on the PC early 2013. Trials Evolution: Gold Edition is said to be the definitive version of the best-selling XBLA game Trials Evolution. That’s not all that has been announced when it comes to Trials Evolution though, Ubisoft revealed that a DLC pack is on the way for the game on XBLA. That DLC is titled The Origin of Pain and will be released later this month for a mere 400 Microsoft Points.
Also announced is Call of Juarez: Gunslinger for the XBLA, PSN and PC which is being developed by Techland and scheduled for a 2013 release and last but not least was Thunder Wolves an arcade shooter also heading to the XBLA, PSN and PC in 2013.
What do you think of these newly announced digital titles from Ubisoft? Let us know in the comments below.
Toki Tori Developer: Two Tribes Publisher: Two Tribes Platform: Nintendo 3DS eShop Release Date: August 30, 2012 Price: $3.99 – BUY NOW
Overview
Toki Tori is probably a game you’ve heard of or played on one of several devices, but never payed much attention to when it first hatched back on the Game Boy Color over a decade ago due to how low it flew under the radar. Being part platformer, part puzzler, and all heart deemed this title a “hidden gem” by many, and thankfully, Toki Tori is back in it’s debut form on the 3DS’ Virtual Console. Has ten years made this bird grow grey feathers? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
The whole concept of Toki Tori is just as adorable as the main protagonist that bares the name. Players take control of a young and brave chick who sets out on a journey to save his unborn family across four colorful worlds. Each stage is made out of platforms, ladders, and environmental obstacles, and players must get their bird to waddle about through each area safely while collecting eggs. Once all eggs are obtained, it’s on to the next area.
Yes, it’s a simple game, and the controls also follow suit by being very accessible. The player can hit A to have Toki Tori hop up to higher ground, or dash out of the way from a foe by double tapping the D-Pad. One may think those basic actions would make this journey hard for a young hen, but luckily, as the game progresses, several tools come into play to assist in getting those hard to reach eggs. Early on, players will be able to form small bridges by laying down logs or teleport past walls by using the appropriately named telewarp. As the game advances, enemies begin to show up more often and Toki Tori gets to utilize a bit of an arsenal with a Freeze Ray in tow, and the Bubble Suit also comes into play to make life a bit easier by allowing for quick travel during more chaotic moments.
There are a good number of abilities Toki Tori can use as a whole, and each work well to keep this adventure fresh until the last of your kin is saved. That being said, the level design itself as well as the limited uses of items is what really gives the game it’s “peck”, so to speak, due to the strategy that is needed to succeed. You see, many stages are built around the abilities of Toki Tori, and for most, the player will not be able to just speed-run through. Every area you up to or platform your drop off must be planned out ahead of time in order to properly utilize your chick’s abilities. For instance, if you have one telewarp and happen to misuse it, you will need to restart the level and try again. There are no checkpoints in-between eggs, there is no undo button. As a participant in this puzzling little universe, the player must strategize in order to finish a stage and gather the yolky loot effectively, which is where the brilliance of Toki Tori beams through.
As far as replay value goes, there isn’t a whole lot left to do after the game is beaten, but again, considering this is a Game Boy Color port, most will not leave unsatisfied as there is still hours of mind bending gameplay to be found within the game overall.
Visuals/Audio
The Game Boy Color was coming to a close when Capcom published this title, and it does show it’s age as almost all older games do. Looking back though, Toki Tori was and still is one of the best looking games on the handheld, as it is filled with crisp character designs and vibrant, colorful worlds. Animations are just as chipper, as watching Toki Tori dance out of happiness and scuttle about each stage keeps the experience light hearted and charming until the end, making the experience feel quite fulfilling as everything ties together as a whole package.
Audio wise, there are a lot of decent little songs to keep this adventure a joy for those eardrums. I want to say that Toki Tori’s soundtrack reminds me a bit of classics like Donkey Kong Country, but that comparison may rob this title of it’s musical originality as these clever beats stand on their own quite well and don’t sound as if they’ve aged a day.
Overall
With Toki Tori 2 right around the corner for the Wii U, there is no better time than now to get acquainted with the little yellow hero that started it all. Yes folks, this puzzle/platformer nearly perfected the art, and gives plenty of reason to splurge that eShop cash. Toki Tori may not be the most challenging title or have all of the extra features we see in today’s releases, but it is sure to make you use that egg in your own head while still delivering plenty of charms and smiles along the way.
You may or may not know that Ubisoft actually held their own event in Europe yesterday known as Digital Days 2012. Throughout this event the company made a plethora of announcements. A particular set of announcments focused on two of their upcoming ‘free-to-play’ games.
They revealed two new ‘free-to-play’ titles soon to launch on the XBLA, PSN and PC. The first title is Spartacus Legends, a fighting game based upon the Starz TV series. It will launch on the XBLA and PSN in the near future, completely ‘free-to-play’. The second title confirmed is The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot, a PC exclusive ‘free-to-play’ medieval fantasy game set for an early 2013 launch.
You can check screenshots for Spartacus Legends and a trailer for The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot below. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section.
Zivix promised that their music making/jamout title Jam Live Music Arcade would be getting some DLC, and that promise was delivered as a few new tracks have hit the PSN and Xbox Live Arcade as of today. Players can now download Rise Against‘s “Savior” (160 MS Points/$1.99 PSN), “I Love To Loop” by Heatbox (80 MS Points/$.99 PSN), and “Overdrive” by Jaytech (160 MS Points/$1.99 PSN).
As we have stated before in our own review, Jam Live is a fantastic title with a lot going for it, and should not be overlooked by anyone with a musical itch to scratch. At under $5 for all of these tracks, there is no better time to give this music building romp a second look.
It seems that Ubisoft has chosen to take the Call of Juarez series digital with their next release in the series. Though many people will be happy to hear that rather than the rather poorly received Cartel release, this one will be going back to the series’ roots in the old West.
Call of Juarez: The Gunslinger as it is called will place players in the boots of a bounty hunter with his sights set on taking down a number of infamous gunslingers like Jesse James and Billy the Kid. The title will is being developed by Techland and will be released on the PSN, XBLA and PC sometime in 2013. Those who want to see a little bit more of the title can check out Call of Juarez: The Gunslinger’s debut trailer below.
Say what you want about the sport, but Americans certainly love their football. Of course other parts of the world certainly helped Madden NFL 13 hit an exorbitantly high number of sales within just a week too. EA Sports has revealed that the title has sold 1.65 million copies since its release last week which happens to be a record for the franchise this generation.
It is worth noting that NFL 13’s opening week did 8% better than Madden NFL 12’s launch which only sold 1.4 million copies in one week. EA has also reported that Madden NFL 13 saw an impressive boost to its online community compared to last year, with 31% more online games played during the opening week.
If you don’t want to pay the usual price tag of 5TH Cell’s Scribblenauts REMIX, which happens to be $5, then you will still have a chance to obtain it if you happen to live near a Starbucks of any kind. Throughout the rest of the week, those with iOS devices can go into Starbucks and pick up a free promo code that will allow them to download the game as the company’s Pick of the Week.
Of course if you happen to dress up like the 5TH Cell people seen above, they may look at you a little bit but then again, paying $5 for a cup of coffee can be just as crazy.
And so the Skylanders phenomenon continues as fans from around the world eagerly await the next installment of the franchise, Skylanders Giants, continuing on with the success of Spyros Adventures. The franchise was 2011’s #1 selling kids game and as well as holding many other accolades was the perfect example of how to really bring video games to life. Since the game was released, Bluemouth has had huge amounts of demand, especially for specific rare characters that have created their own underground black market amongst kids and traders alike, but also for the various different carry cases and accessories to transport their Skylanders to their next battlefield.
With the new game will come new accessories, all of which look pretty sweet and will perfectly compliment and house the old characters and accessories as well as the new. Skylanders Giants will feature a whole variety of new characters and challenges as well as a brand new storyline with advanced integration across the variety of platforms from console to mobile through to PC and online. Alongside the new game will see the introduction of 8 new characters, all with enough new abilities and upgrades to keep even the keenest Skylander fan on their toes.
“The Skylanders phenomenon appears to be showing no signs of slowing down, and the response to Skylanders products has been amazing,” said David Provan, director for Bluemouth Interactive.”Skylanders fans are clamouring for everything the franchise has to offer, and as the exclusive AU/NZ video game accessories distributor, our assortment of Skylanders cases, controllers and accessories enhance their experience.”
Here is a quick peek at the new Mini controllers being introduced for the Wii and Xbox 360 Consoles, perfect for little hands for Skylanders and all other kids games.
Airport Scanner recently became a free app on the iTunes App Store and quickly rose to the #1 free app on the US store rankings. Airport Scanner allows players to take the role of a TSA agent as they stop illegal goods from boarding planes. Players will need to keep a sharp eye out for illegal objects like firearms, knives, and hidden rare objects while managing the queue to get scanned. Players can upgrade their XRAY 2000 to help them deal with the rush of passengers. There are three airports to play through and dozens of levels. You can download Airport Scanner hereand check out our review of Airport Scanner here.
It seems that Ubisoft has chosen to take the Call of Juarez series digital with their next release in the series. Though many people will be happy to hear that rather than the rather poorly received Cartel release, this one will be going back to the series’ roots in the old West.
