The business side of iOS gaming made all kinds of news this week. As we reported, ngmoco, who are behind such hits as the Rolando series, Eliminate Pro and We Rule, will be sold for $400 million. That will buy you quite a few in-app purchases.
Chillingo also announced this week that Cut the Rope reached one million downloads within ten days of its release. Watch your back, Angry Birds!
Of course, there were also some noteworthy games released, and that’s probably the reason you’re reading this…
1. Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus
2009’s Modern Combat: Sandstorm was Gameloft’s attempt at bringing a console-style war game to the iPhone, and for the most part it was successful in doing so. Last week, a sequel to the first-person shooter was released called Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus ($6.99). If you’re looking for the simplest of reviews, it is an overall improvement of an already good game. Like the first release, there are three control schemes, though there are various improvements including full gyroscope control. Also, like the first game, there are solid graphics, and this version has 12 different environments, three playable characters and 15 weapons. A great number of multiplayer options are offered, with four modes supporting up to 10 players. In general, this is the kind of game Gameloft does best, and Black Pegasus is strongly recommended to all action fans.
2. Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition
Adult Swim’s Robot Unicorn Attack was one of the more ridiculous games that came to the App Store, though fortunately it was intended to be just that. I was a little surprised that the game took off the way it did, but given its success, it’s also no surprise that it has already spawned a spin-off. Enter: Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition ($0.99). For the most part, Heavy Metal Edition is the same game as its predecessor. You control a unicorn, jumping at appropriate times to evade obstacles and avoid falling into oblivion. The differences are all cosmetic, with the soundtrack changing from Erasure to the metal band Blind Oblivion (with a name like that, who would have guessed they were a metal band?), and a darker but equally over-the-top background. As long as you know what to expect when you buy this, Robot Unicorn Attack Heavy Metal Edition is still an incredibly fun time.
3. Game Dev Story
Just when you thought that every possible simulation/management game that could be released has been, something like Game Dev Story ($3.99) comes along. The app from Kairosoft puts you in charge of a game development company, and not only are you responsible for hiring the proper staff (and firing dead weight), you also have to advertise your company in order to succeed. The real trick in making a game like this work, is giving users enough options, but at the same time, not making it too difficult. Game Dev Story seems to balance this just right. Being a game about the video game industry there’s plenty of parodies included, such as the companies ‘Intendo’ and ‘Senga.’ As far as management games go, this one is perfectly acceptable, and while it’s a little on the pricey side given its subject matter, Game Dev Story is still likely to achieve a good deal of success.
4. Fumes Stunt Racer
Inspired by the late ‘80s racer Stunt Car Racer, Fumes Stunt Racer ($1.99) is yet another racing game in the App Store, but one with a unique feel. Currently there are 15 tracks, and you use touch and tilt controls in what can best be described as a different kind of racing game. The graphics keep with the retro style and are good enough, though not a selling point. In truth, while the game will appeal to those who remember Stunt Car Racer fondly, there is still some work that needs to be done. Fortunately, a huge update is already in the works, with improvements including more tracks, bug fixes and game play tweaks. As long as all that goes as planned, I have high hopes for Fumes Stunt Racer, as it’s the rare iOS racing game that doesn’t come off as a bland rip-off.
5. Numb3rs – The Game
Is turning television shows into iPhone games becoming a thing now? An NCIS game came to the App Store last month, and now there’s a game based on the CBS show Numb3rs. The cleverly titled Numb3rs – The Game ($0.99) is quite different to NCIS, though. It can be best described as a mathematics-based puzzler with elements of the show added to it. You’re given three numerical options and have to decide which two make up your solution, a very simple idea that will appeal to gamers who cannot get enough numbers (or Numb3rs). There are mini-games as well, such as chasing suspects along a rooftop. The major characters from the show are included, and the game offers leaderboards and three difficulty levels. There is probably enough show-based content here to please Numb3rs fans, but more than anything, this is still a good game for those with mathematical minds.
