Between E3 and the WWDC, we here at AppSpy have been spinning in circles dealing with all the hot little tidbits of information being leaked on to the Net. However, while our parent company has been shmoozing it up with the big-boys overseas, we're stuck here in Australia, so we may as well get back to work and present the Friday News Wrap-Up for the 15th of June, 2012.
Swipe - New Digital Magazine For iDevice Users
We're not above tooting our own horn when it comes to big achievements, so when we find ourselves being part of a great new magazine like Swipe, then we're happy to pimp it out a little. Currently available for free for iPad owners (though soon to be brought out for iPhone and iPod Touch users), the mag is packed with news, reviews and great exclusives for iDevice users to enjoy. The link along with more details are down in the description.
Street Fighter X Tekken - Capcom's Next iOS Fighter?
Whether or not Capcoms other titles have been hit or miss, their Street Fighter titles for the iOS platform have been quite rock-solid (albeit need a few tweaks to really hit that sweet spot). Much like how Street Fighter IV managed to surprise us with how quickly it made the transition to the hand-held platform, Street Fighter X Tekken may see a release in the Summer. If the E3 footage is anything to go by, the latest iDevices are in for a treat.
Cthulu Saves The World - Submitted To Apple
I got a little excited when I first heard the news that Cthulu Saves The World by Zeboyd Games was getting an iOS release, and now the long wait is over as the game has been submitted for review for the App Store. This means we can expect a playable version any time now. Keep an eye on the App Store if you've also been waiting for this retro-tastic RPG.
Min: A Space Adventure - Releasing June 18
The miniature inhabitants of Min, itself a miniature planet, have taken to the stars to see the universe. The only problem is, they're using their planet's core as an engine so they need to drain other planets of their energy to keep exploring. Looking utterly gorgeous in its presentation and easy to pick up and play, the only possible concern is its free price tag as we've seen companies abuse gamers after a good deal. Min should be available this Monday the 18th of June.
Mini-Review: Catapult King (Wicked Witch / Chillingo) $0.99 Univ.
In our time we've seen a lot of box-smashing, enemy crushing, physics-flingers come and go - some have succeeded, at least temporarily, while many others fall under the weight of trying to be another Angry Birds. Catapult King by Wicked Witch takes the gameplay to the third dimension, something that's relatively rare as it is, but also manages to pair it with incredibly fine-tuned controls and clever bonus objectives to keep you coming back for more. Pulling back on the catapult provides you with the basic ability to set your power and direction of your shot, but being a 3D game, it also includes a separate swipe system to change the angle. You'll be thankful for the fidelity you're provided as the levels rapidly scale in challenge, providing distant obstacles to destroy. While the usual 3-star (or in this case, bronze, silver and gold) rating system is in place, the real fun comes from trying to collect the gems, coins and badges. Each colored gem represents a specific task that needs to be completed, from killing enemies in a short period, to smashing a certain amount of blocks or even bouncing the projectile multiple times. They provide for incredibly challenging objectives that change the gameplay significantly - even more-so when you activate the Earthshock or Lunar Storm abilities to make levels easier to complete. Catapult King has its quirks, but it's still a hard game to put down, especially if you're a fan of the flinging genre. (4/5)
Pick of the Week: Zombie Carnaval (Mobigame) $0.99 Univ.
I know, I know, people are tired of the constant auto-runners out there, but there's an undeniable charm to Zombie Carnaval's bright, fun-loving presentation. Part Grim Joggers, part Jetpack Joyride, it strikes a funky middle-ground while bringing clever new power-up concepts and objectives to the table as well. Don't be a hater - give Zombie Carnaval a whirl and join in on the undead parade!
This week I thought I'd wrap things up by giving a shout out to all of our supporters - being a reviewer is a demanding job at times and it always motivates me when I get feedback (positive or negative) as it means I'm doing something that truly matters. Now that we have more news than ever, you should definitely keep track of us via Twitter or Facebook, but most importantly, smack that Subscribe button if you haven't already because there's plenty more on its way. Have a great weekend!
Additional Links:
The APPera's Gameplay E3 Footage SFXT - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbnWOjeOYoQ
Swipe Now Available For Free - https://www.appspy.com/swipe-ipad-and-soon-iphone-now-available-news
Swipe Magazine iTunes Link - https://itunes.apple.com/app/swipe-magazine/id531140965
Min: A Space Adventure Launch Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ7R1IP3tKY
Zombie Carnaval Review - https://www.appspy.com/zombie-carnaval-review
Catapult King Review - https://www.appspy.com/catapult-king-review
