Performance Designed Products has released a line of World of Warcraft iPhone 4 and 4s cases. The first cases will feature the Horde and Alliance faction logos, for the RRP of $29.99, so make sure to let everyone know where your allegiance lies. The cases can be found on PDP.com or at GameStop locations in the US and Europe. They will also be available in retailers in Asia.
Don’t want Horde or Alliance factions? Well, no biggie, there will be plenty more designs coming in the future for the Diablo and StarCraft games too.
As well as expanding their Blizzard iPhone case range, PDP will also expand their Blizzard-themed mobile accessories to Android charging docks and cases for selected Android headsets.
Make sure to grab your WoW case and declare your allegiances now!
Crimson: Steam Pirates have released the third chapter of the pirate adventure, this time to iPad as well as iPhone and iTouch. The third chapter, “Fiendish Plots and Devious Devices”, offers eight more missions featuring ice-making and breaking, personages of the historical sort, the remarkable minelayer, and the awe-inspiring Tesla Death Ray.
Chapter 2 for the iPad will also be half price through November to celebrate the release of Chapter 3. Chapter 3 marks the epic finale of the first saga in the Captain Blood tales. There are two pass-and-play multiplayer scenarios, with over a dozen types of ships, subs and airships, and over twenty unique crew members whose special abilities enhance your gameplay.
Grab Chapter 1 and 2 for $0.99, with sixteen voyages in total – HERE
Grab Chapter 3 with the eight new voyages for $0.99 – HERE
From the creators of Flick Golf and Flick Soccer, here comes NFL Flick Quarterback, featuring all 32 official NFL teams. Using the same awesome flick and touch controls, NFL Flick Quarterback is sure to be a hit for Madden fans.
Using a lot of Madden rules you have to outsmart, dodge, and throw accurately to get the highest score in awesomely rendered 3D stadiums. With more than 120 unique football animations, NFL Flick Quarterback ranks among the better Madden games on the iOS.
Pick your favourite football team, customizing your jersey name and number to either be one of the greats or forge your own path in Madden. Or, hell, just put a bad word on the leaderboards.
NFL Flick Quarterback is available now for $2.99 on iPhone and iPad – get it HERE
Spy Mouse Developer: Firemint Publisher: EA Platforms: iPhone, iPad (reviewed) Release Date: August 25, 2011 Price: – Available Here
Overview
I’ve always been a pretty big James Bond fan. What’s not to like? He’s a total badass, fantastic charmer, and the man knows how to dress. Well here is EA Mobile’s response to James Bond, Agent Squeak, a cute mouse with the most adorable little bowtie whose goal is to get as much cheese as possible. Cos apparently that’s what the rodent secret service is after.
Gameplay
You trace out the path you want your mouse to take, laying out the best path to take that collects all the cheese while also avoiding the cats. There are smaller pieces of cheese that are more of a bonus than anything, and then the bigger pieces that you’ll need to get to finish the level. The amount of cheese you need to gather differs from level to level, and at times the amount of cheese you need to carry is more than that which you can carry, so you need to hide some pieces away in a safe room.
There are a few different types of cats that you’ll have to get past, which will affect how you are meant to strategise your moves. Some cats are ‘blind’ and therefore can be moved around easily, while others are quite fast and you won’t be able to escape from easily if they spot you. You can either use your wit to remain fairly hidden or use yourself as bait so that when the cats pounce they are knocked out. There are also a variety of ways and little accessories to help you out with either distracting the cats (such as televisions which hypnotise them, not much subtlety in the message there) or gathering cheese.
There are six worlds with over 70 levels, this isn’t one of those games that you can finish in half an hour of solid play. And for even more of a challenge there is the ribbon system, which can be earned over a few different goes, and pose quite a challenge as they really ask you to go above and beyond. Each level is fairly short, so even when you fail it and have to repeat it that won’t cause you too much heartache, it also means that it will be fairly easy for you to find a finishing point to put the iOS device down, which is a pain to find in some games.
Spy Mouse has a good learning curve, as one can expect from a game that has that many levels to work off of. The levels require some problem solving skills, however if you’re stuck you can generally take a look at the name of the level and that will give you a clue as to how to proceed with it. I like that they give you that hint, but I sort of wish that it didn’t come at the beginning of the level so I could have a chance to puzzle it out for myself more before turning to the hint.
You will hardly find yourself terribly stuck, if you do it is usually in the execution, not in figuring out what to do. I do also suggest that you note the little cracks in the wall, because these may lead to hidden areas and interesting little bonus items which can be extremely useful.
The boss levels start off very simply, just following without too much difficulty, however I have to say my favourite part of the game was the big boss at the end, because it provided a challenge that is not present for a portion of the middle and beginning levels.
Visuals
Like I mentioned before, I love the design of Agent Squeak and the cut scenes are great fun. The graphics are well polished and the whole thing presents exceptionally well. You will definitely find that Spy Mouse is in the higher range in terms of iOS graphics.
Audio
The soundtrack sounds like it has come from a James Bond movie, it’s all suspenseful with that special hint of special agent tune that is quite distinctive. It’s actually kind of cool to listen to the soundtrack while you’re playing because it adds another dimension to the game and let’s you pretend like you really are a mouse secret agent sent to infiltrate the cat headquarters and reclaim the cheese.
Overall
Spy Mouse is a well-executed concept, with simple gameplay and requires some good timing and tactics on the player’s part. It reflects the two-year development spent on it, particularly in its length. A quick finish this is not, it is guaranteed to stay on your phone for a while, and the bite sized levels mean that it can be whipped out at any point for short periods at a time.
Ubisoft’s newly released Your Shape : Fitness Evolved 2012 (not quite a contender for most succinct game title of the year), has just got itself a little dance number. Featuring a woman who doesn’t sweat, but rather shines softly in a healthy glow, it showcases all the numerous dance styles that are to be found in the Kinect title.
If you’re up to a bit of a boogie, then you can take on hip hop, Bollywood and Latin styles, or do your thing to some African inspired beats. The dancing is just one part of the fitness package, which also offers up a Run the World mode (run through the streets of various famous cities) and some Zen workouts.
Who knows, perhaps with the help of this package, a few years, a beautiful minimalist house and some tight leggings, everyone can look this calm and collected when throwing some shapes.
It’s nearly December. It’s nearly panic time. Need some pressies for assorted rellies? Madman have unveiled their December DVD line up, and here are a few of the highlights from their ever diverse catalogue…
Skins Series 5
This collection contains all 8 episodes from series 5 of the hit UK show, and for the first time will be available on Blu-Ray. With the second generation put out to pasture, four new guys and four new girls will be taking up the mantle of ‘disaffected’ youth to love each other, hate each other, screw each other, and generally make a mess of things.
Release Date: November 30, 2011 Price: $34.95 (DVD) $39.95 (Blu-Ray)
Housos
Pauly Fenech of Fat Pizza fame returns with new series Housos, promising ‘wrongness at its finest’. The 2 DVD set follows the daily adventures of Shazza, Dazza, Frankie and Kylie, and if you know and/or love what the word ‘bogan’ implies, this if for you!
Release Date: November 30, 2011 Price: $29.95
My Sri Lanka with Peter Kuruvita
Another cooking show/travel journal, My Sri Lanka sees Sydney chef Peter Kuruvita return to this ancestral home. The show moves past Sri Lanka’s associations with social conflict and unrest to reveal the wealth of history and culture that once made the country the ‘jewel of the Indian Ocean’.
Release Date: November 30, 2011 Price: $29.95
Kill Arman Series 1
Arman is in his mid 30’s, a pampered , fast living guy who counts himself as a master tailor and fashion reporter. In Kill Arman, he abandons his socialite lifestyle and throws himself into 6 months of intensive martial arts training! With no prior experience he must take on the martial arts masters who train him in a series of ten globetrotting fights to the death finish.
Release Date: November 30, 2011 Price: $29.95
Erotic Tales Boxset
This boxset collects both seasons of Erotic Tales in one handy Christmas package. A collection of short films exploring eroticism, the series has been created by a bevvy of international directors and tackles its subject from every culture and viewpoint – from the humorous to the poetic.
Release Date: November 30, 2011 Price: $49.95
Rockwiz Series 3
Rockers rejoice, series three of Australia’s longest running rock music trivia quiz has arrived! (are there any others?) Hosted as ever by Julia Zemiro, series three features both local and international perormers pitting their wits against series regulars and Regular Joes alike.
Since launching earlier this year, Bejeweled 3 has become available in digital format on nearly every gaming platform out there. Those who crave a physical copy though are now in luck as this sequel is now available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo DS.
These versions have all of the same modes we have seen thus far, but the console releases feature bonus games that are sure to excite those hardcore gem-smashing fanatics. On the Xbox 360, players can expect to see the highly addictive Bejeweled Blitz Live, and on PS3, both Feeding Frenzy 2 and Zuma have been included. Considering the price on all three versions is just $19.99, this new physical release makes a serious stocking stuffer and is sure to keep any puzzle fan out there busy for the next year or so.
Making it’s way to the ring, about to hit shelves worldwide this week is THQ’s WWE 12.
Ditching the Smackdown vs. Raw franchise, THQ have promised a reinvigorated, bigger, badder and better game than it’s predecessors. Utilising the all new Predator combat technology and offering a jam packed roster of almost 80 superstars, it’s pretty difficult not to get excited about getting your hands on a copy.
For now, check out the official launch trailer down below as we edge closer and closer to the release date. WWE 12 comes out on the 22nd of November in North America, 24th in Australia and 25th in the UK.
Sega US and Sega Europe are proud to announce that they are giving all iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users the chance to lead the Taira into battle against the hungry Minamoto forces by releasing a free version of Samurai Bloodshow for all to have. Featuring stunning Japanese picture scroll type graphics, Samurai Bloodshow allows players to wage war in feudal Japan and features a one of a kind mix of card based and strategic defense gameplay. Additionally the full version of the game will be available to purchase from the crazy low price of 99c in US and Australia, but get in quick as its only a limited offer.
Samuria Bloodshow is set across 20 different levels and terrains, complete with fog, waterways and many other environments, with multiple different difficulty options. Players must collect game cards which can then be traded with friends to compile the ultimate deck for your own style of play. While battling Minamotos waves of soldiers, victorious outcomes will earn you 1 of 64 disctinct warriors to fortify your clan. For those who are too impatient and just want to dominate from the start, additional cards can be purchased from in-app stores. Samurai Bloodshow also has a 2 player feature where players can battle it out locally by Bluetooth or online through the game centre feature. Two player card trading can also be done through the Bluetooth connection if local to each other.
I thought video game companies were all evil and just promoted violence, with the ultimate goal of brainwashing the worlds more impressionable people to build a super army of minions to take on the masses. All jokes aside, those who do think like this would do well to take a look at the enormous amount of charity work a vast majority of gaming companies support and promote. Umloud, San Franciscos magnificent and biggest annual non -profit gaming fundraiser for Childs Play will take place at the DNA Lounge on December 8th, and this year the awesome team over at Mad Catz have put their hand up to be the primary sponsor of the event.
With Mad Catz looking after the production costs of the event, this ensures that all donations and money that is raised can go straight to the kids hospitals through Childs Play charirty. “Ümloud is an inspiring event which through it’s support of the Child’s Play charity, makes a real difference to the lives of sick children across the world.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We are proud to support such a deserving cause and look forward to joining gamers this coming December for a night of Rock Band fundraising which promises to be like no other!”
As premier sponsor and partnering with Rock Band 3, Mad Catz intend to make an impression and show off their head banging skills, even bringing along their very own house band and promising a host of suprises for any lucky enough to attend. “We’re very excited to work with Mad Catz in making Ümloud! 2011 the biggest, baddest Rock Band charity concert in the world!” said Ümloud! co-founder John “Seg” Seggerson. “Having such an esteemed partner will allow us to create a spectacular show that will draw an amazing gaming crowd, all for the benefit of Child’s Play and its partnered hospitals around the world.”
At Umloud there will be over 30 bands performing at the famous DNA Lounge, one of San Franciscos most popular live music venues as well as taking each other on at Rock Band 3 all for Childs Play, a gamers charity started by Penny Arcades Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, that delivers toys and games to kids hospitals around the world not just in America.
Check out Umloud.org for more information about the event.
