App of My Eye » Atari

Lunar Module 3D

Art — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:55:12 +0000

It’s funny to see old 80’s arcade games show up on the iPhone. Regardless if they are the originals, copycats, or updated versions, I like them for the most part, even if only for the effort alone. It shows me that people still remember the classics, even those which were a bit obscure, and can rethink its implementation with a new platform, especially in terms of controls. Well, while not obscure from my point of view, since I sunk so many quarters into it as a kid, Lunar Lander by Atari was an excellent game, which I always thought would translate well for any platform. However, in these modern times of 3D engines, frame rate, and guns, as evidenced by the comments from bonehead gamers in the App Store, not everyone pays respect to the classics. Nor the idea of paying for iPhone games for that matter. Yet, if you’re like me, I highly recommend paying for J-Squared Software’s Lunar Module 3D, which does pay homage and more to it’s inspiration. In this updated version, the objective remains the same: you control a lunar module as it free falls to the moon’s surface, but you need to control the direction and speed of its descent by strategically using thrusters and angles. Completely in 3D using actual photos of the moon, play 9 missions in 5 authentic lunar environments. The coolest part: the lunar lander seemingly is inspired by the Apollo series of lunar modules and contains real mission audio. Very entertaining, a must-have for the retro gamer in all of us. Price: 99¢.

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Magic Ball 2

Art — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:54:13 +0000

Boasting 100 levels in full 3D graphics, Alawar Entertainment’s Magic Ball 2 caught my eye for another reason. During the mad rush to celebrate birthdays last month, there was always a need to entertain kids. Whether it was my own child or someone else’s, something was always needed to quell the source of the loud ringing in my ears perpetrated by a pair of strong lungs and a pig-headed stubbornness not to give in. Unfortunately, just handing off my iPhone wasn’t nearly enough to provide me some semblance of peace. The reason? Most of the games I downloaded were of the Puzzle variety and, while they may be fun for adults, who pretend they’re brainiacs, it’s usually Yawn City for most kids between the ages of 5 through 10. On a whim, I downloaded this game on the fly and it has been pure magic ever since as a third-person 3D block-breaking game, which not only uses a ball and paddle, but also inventive power-ups to knock down blocks both at the ground floor and up high. Think EA’s Boom Blox meets Atari’s Breakout. Offering three different control schemes in tilt, touch and virtual buttons, you’re able to test out what works best for you to succeed. Definitely a winner for both adults and kids alike, especially considering how much gameplay you get for the price. Price: 99¢.

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iCombat

Art — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:21:19 +0000

A couple of months ago, I was looking for a tank game along the lines of the old Atari vector tank game, Battlezone, but instead, I ran into a slew of games, which were closer in nature to EA’s Desert Strike and Nintendo’s Battalion Wars. Through it all, I eventually did find a comparable tank game to an Atari classic, but it wasn’t Battlezone. As the name suggests, iCombat pays tribute to one of the more popular games to originate from the Atari 2600, Combat, while updating graphics, gameplay, and adding online features. First, with the simple objective of defeating all enemies thrown at you in each level, the mazes themselves are presented in 3/4 overhead view in landscape mode. Therefore, you get to see all the action in a single map, which definitely helps when the addition of power-ups to help boost your success is essential. Next, online head-to-head gameplay via WiFi and global online leaderboards to measure yourself against the best in the world increases replay value tremendously. But the biggest improvement in the 50 level game has to be the controls, which now allows you to steer either by tilt or by a virtual directional key. Either way, it’s easier than ever to be evasive while leading your target for the kill shot. Extremely challenging and fun. Price: 99¢.

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Tilt-a-Ball

Art — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:37:44 +0000

It’s always an honor when Game Industry vets like Rich Adam and Ed Rotberg from Mine Shaft Entertainment contact you for any reason. These guys worked at Atari when it was on top of the video game arcade world in the late 70’s and early 80’s. They have the original Missle Command and BattleZone listed to their credits. Later, Rich also worked on the first versions of John Madden Football and PGA Golf Tour at EA. Whether as producers, designers, or programmers, these guys did it all contributing to a craft that only a lucky few ever get to make into a career. So, obviously, the pleasure was all mine when they asked if I would look at their Tilt-a-Ball game for the iPhone. A brick breaker game with a twist: instead of a paddle, just use the accelerometer to tilt the device in the desired direction in which you want the ball to go. With a bubble level tool built-in, use various brick types and special balls throughout the game to advance levels as well as your score before time runs out. Overall, a simple yet well-executed concept, which you would come to expect from seasoned pros like these. Price: 99¢

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PewPew

Art — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:13:20 +0000

When I saw the iTunes page for this game and realized that the developer was most likely of French descent, I couldn’t help but think of Pepe Le Pew from Looney Tunes. Sorry Jean-Francois! Jokes aside, I finally figured out that the title of the game, PewPew, is meant to be the sound of lasers being fired like in old arcade games, which this app does a tremendous job of paying homage to. Duh! Yes, I’m that thick. Visually reminiscent of the original Battlezone, Asteroids, and Tempest as well as more recent releases like Geometry Wars, PewPew offers excellent arcade action in two modes, Dodge This and Assault, which are rather self-explanatory. Playing more like the old Crystal Quest on the Mac and Robotron 2084 than Asteroids, the biggest praise we have for this game is it’s controls, which are very responsive and just feels great overall. If not THE best controls that we’ve ever had in an iPhone game, definitely one of the best. Other publishers/developers should take note. A must-have app for every level of gamer and amazingly, it’s free. Price: Free.

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