Each month, a member of the iOS GAF community will host a new thread for the chronicling of new game releases, rumours, discussion and petty personal attacks that have come to define the fast-moving world of iOS gaming.
The OP will contain a list of all the best new releases for that month as they come out. This way we get to keep tabs on the best games and you (yes you), the mythical unicorn known as the iOS Novice will have an excellent resource to look back on to find games you may have missed.
Also keep an eye out for the ‘GAF iOS Challenges’; events where GAF members battle it out on the Game Center leaderboards of a chosen game for both fame and fortune (prizes donated by generous members of our community).
Without further ado, let’s do this!
The OP will contain a list of all the best new releases for that month as they come out. This way we get to keep tabs on the best games and you (yes you), the mythical unicorn known as the iOS Novice will have an excellent resource to look back on to find games you may have missed.
Also keep an eye out for the ‘GAF iOS Challenges’; events where GAF members battle it out on the Game Center leaderboards of a chosen game for both fame and fortune (prizes donated by generous members of our community).
Without further ado, let’s do this!
A selection of iOS games that released both towards the end of the previous month and games that have released during the current month so far -- games which have been highlighted by the GAF community in one way or another. Feel free to post feedback on the games listed in the thread.
Trailer
A game of Eclipse places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals. You will explore new star systems, research technologies, and build mighty spaceships. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy considering the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavours.
FEATURES
* Official iOS version of the 'Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy' boardgame
* Deep and challenging 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) gameplay
* 7 species with different strengths and weaknesses
* Customizable star systems, technology tree and ship designs
* Up to 6 players (human or AI)
* Asynchronous multiplayer with push notifications
* 3 AI difficulty levels
GAF Says:
A game of Eclipse places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals. You will explore new star systems, research technologies, and build mighty spaceships. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy considering the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavours.
FEATURES
* Official iOS version of the 'Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy' boardgame
* Deep and challenging 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) gameplay
* 7 species with different strengths and weaknesses
* Customizable star systems, technology tree and ship designs
* Up to 6 players (human or AI)
* Asynchronous multiplayer with push notifications
* 3 AI difficulty levels
GAF Says:
Very nice GAF early impressions by toddhunter! Click this link to read
For everyone that's interested in the iOS release of Eclipse, I would totally recommend grabbing either the manual or watching one of these helpful videos to give you a better idea of how the game flows:
Undead Viking's 1hr review and gameplay video
Dice Tower's more brief gameplay breakdown
Is it a complex game? YES. Is it complex for a 4X game? I don't think so... the brilliant thing about Eclipse is just how streamlined and player-friendly it is through the use of so many little cubes and markers and really, truly excellent player sheets.
Eclipse is one of my favorite board games of last year. The presentation is excellent, there's a lot of thought put into the gameplay, and it plays much faster than a lot of its 4X kin (albeit with a bit more limited scope than say Twilight Imperium).
Trailer
The legend begins with a single-player series of adventures designed to invite both veterans and newcomers to explore the land of Talisman. While multiplayer gameplay will be available in upcoming expansions, Talisman Prologue focuses on creating narrative depth through its single-player campaigns.
Offers Cloud-saving via a ScoreLoop account you can set up in the Options
•Based on the Talisman board game | true to the original
•Classic board gaming on the move | fun brief sessions anytime, anywhere
•Single player play* | explore the land of Talisman
•10 classic board game characters | experience Talisman coming to life
•50 quests to play through | hours of gameplay to enjoy
•Original soundtrack | enjoy the sounds of Talisman
* Multiplayer game is scheduled for release summer 2013
GAF Says:
The legend begins with a single-player series of adventures designed to invite both veterans and newcomers to explore the land of Talisman. While multiplayer gameplay will be available in upcoming expansions, Talisman Prologue focuses on creating narrative depth through its single-player campaigns.
Offers Cloud-saving via a ScoreLoop account you can set up in the Options
•Based on the Talisman board game | true to the original
•Classic board gaming on the move | fun brief sessions anytime, anywhere
•Single player play* | explore the land of Talisman
•10 classic board game characters | experience Talisman coming to life
•50 quests to play through | hours of gameplay to enjoy
•Original soundtrack | enjoy the sounds of Talisman
* Multiplayer game is scheduled for release summer 2013
GAF Says:
Awesome in-depth GAF impressions by FnordChan! Click this link to read
Four hours later, I can safely say Talisman Prologue is an awesome port and TON OF FUN.
Completed the warrior full quest line.
Playing now as a Mage feels like a totally different game.
Later quests are really really fun.
The port is fantastic, I'm loving it.
I was cold on the game...but I'm so glad I picked this up.
Trailer
Legends Unite! Batman and Robin join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and more to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City. Batman fans everywhere will enjoy this original story that’s filled with classic LEGO videogame action and humor as players fight to put the bad guys back behind bars!
GAF Says:
Nice full-featured port from consoles, similar to PS Vita/3DS feature-set with nicer graphics.
Legends Unite! Batman and Robin join forces with other famous DC super heroes including Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and more to stop the notorious villains Lex Luthor and The Joker from destroying Gotham City. Batman fans everywhere will enjoy this original story that’s filled with classic LEGO videogame action and humor as players fight to put the bad guys back behind bars!
GAF Says:
Nice full-featured port from consoles, similar to PS Vita/3DS feature-set with nicer graphics.
I grabbed Lego Batman and I really enjoy it. (---) It looks good, runs well on my The New iPad, and is pretty fun
Trailer
FEATURES:
- Choose between Team Rainbow or Team Inferno and compete on a unique level every day for prizes
- Race through 2 worlds at war, one of Rainbows and Harmony and one of Ice and Wonder
- Build and customize your very own unicorn, selecting from different bodies, manes, wings, horns, trails and more
- Unlock and arm yourself with 12 different boost abilities, including "Rainbow Savior" and "Gallow's Gallop"
GAF Says:
FEATURES:
- Choose between Team Rainbow or Team Inferno and compete on a unique level every day for prizes
- Race through 2 worlds at war, one of Rainbows and Harmony and one of Ice and Wonder
- Build and customize your very own unicorn, selecting from different bodies, manes, wings, horns, trails and more
- Unlock and arm yourself with 12 different boost abilities, including "Rainbow Savior" and "Gallow's Gallop"
GAF Says:
PikPok's crafted a very nice endless-runner here, I love the "80's sci-fi space magic" aesthetic, reminds me of Masters of the Universe. Super catchy music (with licensed tracks as IAPs), great controls (at least on newer iOS devices) and tons of customizability. Good stuff!
RUA2 is fantastic by the way if anyone hasn't tried it yet. Its everything the first was and a lot more. As for the IAP it sure seems like they'll give out enough unicorn tears during normal gameplay to where you'd only need to spend money if you're lazy and want to skip ahead to open more options, levels, etc without actually playing to earn them.
Customizing opens up at level 5. it adds a customize section for upgrading the unicorn and a music section for buying background music. each song looks to be $0.99. There's 2 I may actually purchase, 1 being the song from the original game, and 2 being the never-ending story theme!
Trailer & 30 min gameplay
Requires an iPad2 or later -- MMO, game purchase includes a free month of access, after which subscription options start at $1 per month.
Vendetta Online is a 3D space MMORPG for Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS (with full-cross platform play). This MMO permits thousands of players to interact as the pilots of spaceships in a vast universe. Users may build their characters in any direction they desire, becoming rich captains of industry, military heroes, or outlaws. A fast-paced, realtime "twitch" style combat model gives intense action, coupled with the backdrop of RPG gameplay in a massive online galaxy. Three major player factions form a delicate balance of power, with several NPC sub-factions creating situations of economic struggle, political intrigue and conflict. The completely persistent universe and detailed storyline add to the depth of immersion, resulting in a unique online experience.
Requires an iPad2 or later -- MMO, game purchase includes a free month of access, after which subscription options start at $1 per month.
Vendetta Online is a 3D space MMORPG for Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS (with full-cross platform play). This MMO permits thousands of players to interact as the pilots of spaceships in a vast universe. Users may build their characters in any direction they desire, becoming rich captains of industry, military heroes, or outlaws. A fast-paced, realtime "twitch" style combat model gives intense action, coupled with the backdrop of RPG gameplay in a massive online galaxy. Three major player factions form a delicate balance of power, with several NPC sub-factions creating situations of economic struggle, political intrigue and conflict. The completely persistent universe and detailed storyline add to the depth of immersion, resulting in a unique online experience.
Trailer
A sci-fi noir adventure in the tradition of "Blade Runner" and "Beneath a Steel Sky."
Azriel Odin, ex-assassin, arrives on the rain-drenched planet of Barracus. When things go horribly wrong, he can only seek help from the very criminals he used to work for.
Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a man called Delta-Six wakes up in a hospital with no memory. Without knowing where to turn or who to trust, he vows to escape before he loses his identity completely.
As fate brings these two closer together, we discover a world where life is cheap, identities are bought and sold, and a quest for redemption can change the fate of a whole galaxy.
A sci-fi noir adventure in the tradition of "Blade Runner" and "Beneath a Steel Sky."
Azriel Odin, ex-assassin, arrives on the rain-drenched planet of Barracus. When things go horribly wrong, he can only seek help from the very criminals he used to work for.
Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a man called Delta-Six wakes up in a hospital with no memory. Without knowing where to turn or who to trust, he vows to escape before he loses his identity completely.
As fate brings these two closer together, we discover a world where life is cheap, identities are bought and sold, and a quest for redemption can change the fate of a whole galaxy.
Trailer, from the Android version
Revolutionize the revolving sushi bar in this fresh new sim!
Expand your menu along with your conveyor belt by designing original creations to complement more classic fare. But it takes more than fine food to win customers over. Show your creative flair not only in sushi but in your business model by offering amenities ranging from salad bars to sumo rings. Make enough fans and you'll unlock all new ingredients and amenities--and fresh possibilities with them!
Revolutionize the revolving sushi bar in this fresh new sim!
Expand your menu along with your conveyor belt by designing original creations to complement more classic fare. But it takes more than fine food to win customers over. Show your creative flair not only in sushi but in your business model by offering amenities ranging from salad bars to sumo rings. Make enough fans and you'll unlock all new ingredients and amenities--and fresh possibilities with them!
Trailer
BADLAND is an award-winning atmospheric sidescrolling action adventure platformer located in a gorgeous forest full of various inhabitants, trees and flowers. Although the forest looks like it’s from some beautiful fairytale, there seems to be something terribly wrong. The player controls one of the forest’s inhabitants to discover what’s going on. Through his journey he discovers astonishing amount of imaginative traps and obstacles.
BADLAND is an award-winning atmospheric sidescrolling action adventure platformer located in a gorgeous forest full of various inhabitants, trees and flowers. Although the forest looks like it’s from some beautiful fairytale, there seems to be something terribly wrong. The player controls one of the forest’s inhabitants to discover what’s going on. Through his journey he discovers astonishing amount of imaginative traps and obstacles.
Trailer
• World’s first endless action RPG
• Challenging and rewarding
• Pixel perfect retro graphics
• Chiptune soundtrack by Matt Creamer (Retro City Rampage)
• World’s first endless action RPG
• Challenging and rewarding
• Pixel perfect retro graphics
• Chiptune soundtrack by Matt Creamer (Retro City Rampage)
The products are available from other places than the ones linked, use your own judgement when or if you want to purchase an accessory.
iCade Arcade Cabinet | $65.99, iPad
Retro-styled tabletop arcade cabinet for your iPad, controls via Bluetooth.
Here are a couple of video reviews of various iCade supported titles (thanks Alextended!)
iCade hardware
Blazing Star
Shogun: Rise of the Renegade
Gridrunner
ElectroMaster
Enborn-X
Midway Arcade
Vectrex Regeneration
AirAttack HD
Temple Run
Gameloft Duo Gamer | $39.99, UniversalHere are a couple of video reviews of various iCade supported titles (thanks Alextended!)
iCade hardware
Blazing Star
Shogun: Rise of the Renegade
Gridrunner
ElectroMaster
Enborn-X
Midway Arcade
Vectrex Regeneration
AirAttack HD
Temple Run
Only works with certain Gameloft games (see the link)
Q - Should I buy this new high-priced game or wait for a sale?
A - Maybe! Just be aware that iOS games have a tendency to go on sale frequently and unpredictably, even recent games can be a dollar rather than premium $4-5. Spend your pack of gum money wisely.
As a recommendation, set up a RSS feed for the price changes on http://appshopper.com/ which will then notify you of any price fluctuations for old and new games alike.
Q - I just got an iPhone/iPad. What are the best games?
A - Best iOS Games Ever v1 / Best iOS Games Ever v2. You're welcome.
Q- For gaming, should I get the iPad Mini, or iPad 4?
A- Both have their pro's and con's. Mini is cheaper, and arguably a better grip for gaming, but the screen isn't as great and the device is less powerful than the 4. Most games these days all run fine on it, but I'm not sure about in a year.
Q- I'm a new iOS user, what non-gaming apps should I get ASAP?
A - This thread would be a great place to start. Asking here wouldn't hurt either!
Q - How do I back up my game saves for games that do not support iCloud save games?
A - Use a file manager program such as i-FunBox (PC/Mac versions available) - It's free and requires no jailbreak.
i-FunBox has a ton of different features, but to back up save games you would simply want to do the following:
- Click the iFunBox Classic tab
- Connect your iOS device, via WiFi or USB, it should then appear in the Connected Devices list on the left side of the UI.
- Under User Applications, navigate to the game you want to back up save games for.
- Select the Documents folder and copy it to your PC/Mac - this will copy the folder and all the contents. This contains your save files and settings for the game (a bunch of .lua files).
- Under User Applications, navigate to the game you want to restore save games for.
- Select the Documents folder and choose to copy from PC/Mac
- Navigate to where you saved the backed up Documents folder on your PC/Mac, open it and select all the files within it and open them. This will copy the folder and all the contents back onto your iOS device.
- Restart/fully close the game itself and your saves should be back!
Q - How do I hide my Real Name on Game Center?
A - Ever since iOS 4.3 your real first and last name, taken from your Apple ID, will be shown to your GC friends. If you value that information and want GAF's leaderboards to show your proper GAF nickname instead, here's how you do it:
- Open the Game Center app.
- Go to the Me tab and tap the yellow ribbon that has your email written on it.
- Chose View Account and you'll be prompted for your password.
- Scroll down to the Edit Account Info section and tap on the Apple ID profile.
- Change you First and Last name (you must enter both) to whatever you like (e.g. First Name: Tunesmith, Last Name: GAF)
Here follows a summary of other iOS game/iOS device related threads!
iOS Online Boardgaming Megathread (Carcassonne, Everything Playdek, & Many More)
Puzzle & Dragons |OT| Pokemon + Bejeweled + Dungeon RPG
iOS Apps |OT|
iOS Jailbreak/Unlock |OT|
iOS 6 |OT|
iPhone 5 |OT|
The New iPad |OT|
iPad Mini |OT|
List updated: daily (mostly).
Rules
- Send Dash Kappei or Tunesmith a PM if you want to be added or taken off the list, following this text formatting:
GAF Name = Game Center Name / iOS Device(s)
- When adding someone, add From GAF to the friend request and your NeoGAF name as to easily tell who's who.
- Send Dash Kappei or Tunesmith a PM if you are already on the list but want to update your profile with more info like iOS devices(s) owned, or to just change your existing GC profile.
- We are on the list and, if you are too, it's OK to add us even if we're not best buddies; don't be shy: we enjoy having more GAFers challenging us on the friends leaderboards.
- Don't just wait for others to add you first you should at least add some of the profiles posted above yours if you want to get the ball rolling... It's really up to you. Ideally the last member of the list will be the one to add the profiles above his, and so on and on with each new member. Or maybe just add whoever you like, that's also an option.
- Remember: your real name will be visible to your GC friends
- You can add everyone on the list at once; click the second sheet on the iOS Membership list and read the instructions, works on iOS and Macs
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The form to enter yourself to the list is here: quote to see
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Thanks to Fuu & Dash Kappei for handling the community list's past/present duties, Dash Kappei for running the iOS Challenges and finally past OT hosts for having done a wonderful job thus far for our community!
...and that's everything for now. This is a live OP and so will change as the month goes on so check back often.