From puzzlers to endless runners, zombie killers to sandbox builders, hit iOS games – and their fans – are having a wonderful week. Some of the biggest and most popular titles have rolled out major updates. Almost all the new goodies are free if you already own the game, or are included in the purchase price. If you haven’t picked one of these insta-classics up yet, there’s never been a better time.
Jetpack Joyride
The much anticipated 1.3 update to Halfbrick’s award winning endless runner/flyer, Jetpack Joyride, popped into the App Store late yesterday. There are some new achievements, some new missions, and most notably a whole slew of gadgets to purchase for in-game currency. Barry Steakfries now has Air Barry shoes that help him jump higher, a gravity belt that pulls him lower, freezing power that lets him slide a few extra meters at the end of the game and 12 more. These new power-ups are located in the stash. You must purchase two of the three on offer in order for the next group to reveal itself, but none of the gadgets are very expensive. For those of us who have beaten the game several times over, the new elements are very welcome, but it remains to be seen if Halfbrick also fixed the bug where some advanced players lose all their progress and coins.
Angry Birds Space
As predicted it didn’t take long for the latest Angry Birds instalment, Angry Birds Space, to soar to the top of the charts. And in keeping with franchise tradition, Rovio has added the Space Eagle. He’s a lot like the Mighty Eagle from the other Angry Birds games but he is free to use a full 20 times, and he doesn’t destroy an entire level, just a large troublesome portion. Also included in the update are 10 all new levels in an icy section called “Fry Me To The Moon.” Angry Birds Space HD for iPad received the same update.
Cut The Rope
Chillingo and Zepto Labs’ Cut the Rope, a classic level-based puzzler, got yet another update tripling its original size without any extra charge or in-app purchases. This time, a new gift box comes loaded with 25 new levels sporting a DJ theme. Look for lots of old-school vinyl along with a hidden Om Nom picture and additional achievements and leaderboards. You’ll find the same enhancements in Cut the Rope HD for iPad.
Minecraft – Pocket Edition
One word: crafting! The iOS Minecraft – Pocket Edition of the wildly successful box stacking sandbox game has been working to port a more realistic gameplay experience to iOS and this brings things closer to par. Also keep an eye out for cows and chickens, and easier object manipulation.
Plants vs. Zombies HD
We covered the Plants vs. Zombies HD update earlier this week, but wanted to remind fans of the cult classic tower defense game that the iPad version is now almost a true port of the PC/Mac game with the addition of mini-games, new game modes, and the Zen Garden. The iPhone version received a small update as well.
SPY Mouse
Just updated, EA and Firemint’s path-drawing cat and mouse puzzler SPY Mouse introduced Volcano Island. It’s a brand new world with 11 new levels and three new goals. These are more than just skins over traditional levels; they introduce novel elements including new obstacles, power-ups and serious jungle kitties who throw poisoned darts. SPY Mouse HD for iPad was updated as well.
Mega Man X
Last but not least, moments before publication Capcom’s Mega Man X received an update adding a new endless mode, and Retina display support for the third generation iPad, something many other developers seem to be overlooking.
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