Quantcast
Channel: Games
Viewing all 16760 articles
Browse latest View live

PSA: That’s not the real Flappy Bird on Windows Phone

$
0
0

Since yesterday, our email box has been flooded with ‘tips’ about a certain fad game right now: Flappy Bird. Evidently, it’s now on Windows Phone. So where’s the link? Where’s our coverage?

Simply put, that game – and every other iteration – is a fake or pirated copy. That’s right. If you’re playing Flappy Bird on Windows Phone, congrats, you’re playing a clone, a rip off, a stolen version of the game, something made by some neckbeard in his mom’s basement. We tweeted that out, but we’re guessing many of you missed it or aren’t on Twitter.


OMG, please stop

The funny thing is, many of you are noting how ‘bad the gameplay’ is, which is entertaining because in many ways that is Flappy Bird. But we’re not giving the link because the guy who pirated it is collecting ad revenue through ad impressions and that’s kind of lame. And yes, we reported it to Microsoft.

But let us repeat: Flappy Bird is not on Windows Phone yet. In fact, the developer of the real Flappy Bird acknowledged that he’s a bit behind right now on the port. Hey, it’s one guy making the game, we can cut him some slack.

For future reference, here’s how you can detect if a game or app is real or fake: look at the publisher. Microsoft (and every other app store) always tells you who published the game. If it’s not published by a company you know, it’s probably not the real deal. For instance, Flappy Bird is published by Gears Studio and developed by Dong Nguyen. If you see anything else as a publisher, well, it’s not the real thing.

We’ll be sure to tell you when the real Flappy Bird arrives. But for now, you’re not playing the real thing, just a bad port

Anyone who does post Store links in comments, will be deleted. So don’t do it. Also, we love you guys, but please stop tipping us on this story, kthxbai!


App Update Roundup: LastPass, Foundbite, Nokia Access Point and more get updated

$
0
0

App Update Roundup

Just before we head into the weekend, the Windows Phone Store has had a few app updates pushed through. Not only have we got LastPass in the mix, but Foundbite and other apps have been bumped to new versions. Head past the break for more details and links

LastPass

LastPass 1.97.0.0

LastPass is a useful password manager available on multiple platforms, offering auto-login and security for consumers with accounts across multiple websites. The app for Windows Phone has been bumped to version 1.97. In this latest release, here's what the developers have packed into the solution:

  • Support for additional multifactor authentication options
  • Support for latest enterprise policies

You can grab LastPass from the Windows Phone Store for free (requires premium subscription).

QR: LastPass

 

Foundbite

Foundbite 1.4.1

If you enjoy capturing moments when out and about, you'll definitely want to have Foundbite in your Windows Phone app arsenal. The app itself enables you to capture sound recordings and combine them with photos captures by the device. The end result is a cool gallery-esque effect with ambience to boot.

The latest version of the app (version 1.4.1) includes the following:

  • Italian localisation.
  • Redesigned live tiles
  • Lots of small bug fixes.

The team are looking for help for adding support for Dutch, French, German and Spanish. If you're interested in helping out, head on over to here for more details. If you're still experiencing a slight bug where the app fails to launch, a patch has been submitted to the store to address this.

You can download Foundbite from the Windows Phone Store for free.

QR: Foundbite

 

Access Point

Nokia access point 3.9.1.17

Lumia smartphones are frequently updated to add new functionality and features, especially when it comes to system apps. Nokia has released an update for access point, an app that helps those out with multiple SIM cards who require connectivity with numerous access points.

Here's what is new:

  • Operator setting updates
  • Robustness improvements

You can download Nokia access point from the Nokia Collection on the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Access Point

 

Odds and ends

As well as the updates detailed above, here are some more new releases worth noting:

Head over to our Windows Phone community to see more update alerts.

Mossad for Windows Phone 8 updated, name and price change comes into play

$
0
0

Super Agent

Mossad is an interesting Windows Phone 8 title that incorporates your Windows Phone location services into an augmented reality spy game. You are assigned various missions that are location based and basically involves locating or hiding virtual items.

The Windows Phone 8 game was recently updated to version 1.0.05 that changes the game’s title from Mossad to Super Agent. The change was brought about to avoid any confusion with the Israeli Mossad.

Super Agent

The update does add support for Windows Phones that lack a compass but it also changes the priced. Super Agent is no longer a free game for Windows Phone 8 but does have a trial version to let you try things out before buying. The full version of Super Agent will now cost you $.99.

If augmented reality games are your cup of tea, Super Agent is worth trying. It may not appeal to those looking for a game to help pass short bits of time with but I have to admit, the game does grow on you.

Again, there is now a trial version with the full version running $.99. Super Agent is available for Windows Phone 8 and you can find Super Agent here in the Windows Phone Store. 

QR: Super Agent

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star updated, new assignments, characters and more added

$
0
0

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star

If you are looking for a painfully addicting Windows Phone game, you need to take a look at Star Wars: Tiny Death Star. The Windows Phone 8 title is a time management styled game set on the decks of the Death Star. Your mission, build up the Death Star and make the Emperor happy.

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star is a staff favorite and was updated today to version 1.3.0.5. The update addresses the demand for more assignments and better returns for your service to the Empire such as VIPs, Imperial Bux, Costumes and Characters.

The update also delivers special, limited time events to protect your battle stations where you can earn additional rewards for your efforts. Additionally, all non-currency rewards are now shipped to your Death Star by way of the Cargo Bay. It is a one-stop shop to pick up your Tiny Death Star earnings from all your Imperial assignments and special events.

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star is a free game for Windows Phone 8 that you can pick up here in the Windows Phone Store. The update has also pushed out to the Windows 8 version of Star Wars: Tiny Death Star delivering the same new features. The Windows 8 version of Tiny Death is also a free app and you can find it here in the Windows Store.

QR: Star Wars Tiny Death Star

Save the world from rabid llamas in the new 3D shooter for Windows Phone

$
0
0

Vala Alpha

While aliens, monsters, and zombies have attempted to take over the world in several movies and games, a new 3D shooter game for Windows Phone has pegged the doom on hordes of llamas!

Developed by Matt, better known as RogueCode, Vicious Attack Llama Apocalypse: Alpha, or VALA: Alpha is a full 3D top-down shooter for Windows Phone 8 devices where your aim to save the world from rampaging llamas. Matt is a Microsoft MVP for Windows Phone development, a Nokia Developer Champion for Windows Phone and even used to write for us some time ago.

VALA: Alpha

The game is set in post-apocalyptic New York, Rio, and Dubai, where you need to fight for your life across six unique levels. A funny touch is linking to the maps and Wikipedia pages of the three cities showcasing how the cities were before the apocalypse.

You have a gun with unlimited bullets, but only one life, and can move around a playing area where llamas charge you from all directions. You’d want to keep moving as you kill the rabid llamas, since they appear in never-ending waves. Some of the llamas drop energy cubes which you can collect to build various types of sentry towers on three specific locations in every level.

VALA: Alpha

VALA: Alpha is a good-looking game, with an interesting gameplay. You can download the game for free from the Windows Phone Store for free. (Windows Phone 8 only - 69MB - works with 512MB hardware). Give it a spin and try to save to save the world from a llama apocalypse. Let us know how you like it, and how many llamas you manage to kill.

QR: VALA: Alpha

Poki, Ally Bank and more are your app highlights for the week!

$
0
0

Poki

This past week was relatively quiet for the Windows Phone Store. Not too many high profile apps or games joined. There were a few, mostly related to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, but other than that it was fairly slow. Nonetheless we’ll pause and look back at this week and highlight any noteworthy new apps, app updates, and games. It’s time for another weekly app highlights.

New

Poki– Welcome Poki to Windows phone. It’s a phenomenal Pocket client for Windows Phone that is worth trying, even if you’re not a Pocket user yet. The app is that good. It’s a beautiful experience for Pocket, the service that allows you to save articles from the web for later reading. Grab Poki in the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$1.99)

QR: Poki

Ally Bank– Another bank app joins Windows Phone! If you’re an Ally Bank customer you need to grab the new app for Windows Phone. It just came out this week and offers you the basics of mobile banking. You can deposit checks, transfer money between Ally and non-Ally accounts, and find nearby ATMs. That’s in addition to the typical things of checking balances and more. Grab the Ally Bank app in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: Ally Bank

Ravelle –Need a new app to spice up your photos? No, this isn’t another app with a billion filter options. Instead it’s Ravelle, a new app for Windows Phone that lets you put text over you photos. You’ve got plenty of fonts to choose from. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: Ravelle

NBC Sports Live Extra–Into watching sports live on your Surface or Windows Phone? Then you’re going to want NBC’s new Sports Live Extra. It’s available on both Windows Phone and Windows 8. You get free access to the Olympics right now, but you’ll also be able to keep watching sports like the Premier League or NHL by being a cable, satellite or telco customer in the United States. Get it in the Windows Phone Store or Windows Store. (Free)

QR: NBC Sports Live Extra

Printicular– Have you ever wanted to make your Instagram pictures a little more real? Then you’re going to want to get Printicular for Windows Phone. It’s an app that lets you print your Instagram pictures. You can pick up prints at nearby Walgreens. Get printing in the Windows Phone Store or Windows Store. (Free)

QR: Printicular

Updated

LastPass–Our favorite password management platform just picked up an update for its Windows Phone app. LastPass now supports multifactor authentication options and has support for the latest enterprise policies. Go update LastPass in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: LastPass

Instagram (beta)– The official Instagram app on Windows Phone picked up a small update this week. At first we couldn’t tell that anything had changed, but after a few days the community picked up on it. Instagram now supports notifications on the Lock screen. Nice. Go update in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: Instagram

6snap– Rocking Rudy Huyn’s Snapchat Client? Then you’ll want to update 6snap. Earlier this week the app went to version 2.7 where it improved group functionality. That’s not all though. 6snap now allows you to adjust the brush sizes when doodling on snaps. Impress your friends and get the app in the Windows Phone Store. (Free/In-app purchases)

QR: 6snap

Foundbite–Foundbite is an exclusive app for Windows Phone. It’s a mash-up of photos and sound and it’s awesome. The latest update packs in localization for Italian, redesigned Live tiles and tons of bug fixes. Grab the newest version of Foundbite in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: Foundbite

Games

Hot Rod Racers –Racing games are ridiculously fun. Here’s a new one that’s potentially worth checking out from Miniclip. Hot Rod Racers for Windows Phone works on 512 MB devices and is a fun way to kill time. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)

QR: Hot Rod Racers

Rayman Fiesta Run–If you’re in India you’re going to love this bit of news. Rayman Fiesta Run is currently available in the Windows Phone Store, but it’s only showing up in one region – India. The game is an insane amount of fun and does work on 512 MB devices. No clue when it’ll show up in other regions, but let us know if you’re able to download it. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (About $1.99)

QR: Rayman Fiesta Run

Have any other fun games or apps from the week? List them below!

Nintendo emulators for Windows Phone get new menu themes and enhancements

$
0
0

VBA8 and VGBC8 Nintendo Emulators for Windows Phone Nokia 920 1520

A while back, French developer M.k created a trio of well-loved emulators for Windows Phone 8 based on classic Nintendo platforms: SNES8x, VBA8, and VGBC8. Eventually M.k grew tired of Windows Phone development and surrendered his emulators to a new developer: Duc Le. And since then, Duc has worked tirelessly to add new features to all three emulators such as the much-requested MOGA controller support.

All three of Duc’s emulators have received significant updates recently, enhancing the appearance of their user interfaces, improving menu support while using MOGA controllers, and more. Head past the break for full details!

SNES8x version 2.5 release notes:

SNES8x

  • **FIX**: app crashes when returning to main screen and switching between games.
  • Go to Settings directly from game screen.
  • More realistic virtual buttons.
  • Customize background color in portrait mode.
  • Fix L2 and R2 button on Moga Pro controller.
  • Customize button mapping for MOGA controller.
  • Add landscape support in most frequently used pages.
  • Increase maximum frameskip to 9.
  • More meaningful progress messages when exporting saves.
  • Increase the recent ROM list to 5 items.
  • New app logo (thanks Eddi Bento).

Note that SNES8x is due to get a version 2.6 update soon that will bring it in-line with its sister emulators.

VBA8 version 2.6 release notes:

VBA8

  • New design
  • Switch between dark and light theme in Settings -> General
  • Tap on the right side of a rom entry for context menu (the three-dot hint can be turned off in Settings)

VBGC8version release notes:

VGBC8

  • New design
  • Switch between dark and light theme in Settings -> General
  • Tap on the right side of a rom entry for context menu (the three-dot hint can be turned off in Settings)

Keeping old games alive

VBA8

All three emulators have advanced a great deal since Duc Le took them over. Not only do they support MOGA controllers, but the recent addition of landscape support for menus really makes them much easier to use with a controller. And the light theme looks great on VBA8 and VGBC8.

To learn about future enhancements to these emulators before they go live, check out our official forum thread. Duc posts as “illidanx” and always provides a heads up about upcoming features and changes.

  • SNES8x– Windows Phone 8 – 2 MB – Free – Store Link
  • VBA8– Windows Phone 8 – 3 MB – Free – Store Link
  • VGBC8– Windows Phone 8 – 3 MB – Free – Store Link

QR: SNES8x     QR: VBA8

QR: VGBC8

Big Indie Pitch winning game Revel coming to Windows Phone

$
0
0

Revel coming to Windows Phone Simon Czaplinski

Last week’s Apps World was an event dedicated to mobile games and apps - and the craft of making them. Apps World culminated with the Big Indie Pitch, a contest in which game developers pitched their games to members of the press. I look forward to telling you all about my experience with the Pitch very soon.

In the meantime, let’s look at one of the two games that won the Big Indie Pitch. New York-based developer Odin’s Hammer bought their social interaction/photo game Revel to the show. Revel is a unique scavenger hunt-style game in which players take photos of things in their environment and try to outdo their peers. And though it’s a long way off, Revel will be coming to Windows Phone!

Revelations

Mobile videogames tend to be solitary experiences. Yeah, sometimes they have online multiplayer. But if you’re at a party or a bar and you’re playing a game on your phone, then you’re probably ignoring the other people around you. Games usually aren’t a good fit for mainstream social environments. The team at Odin’s Hammer wanted to change that by creating a game that encourages players to talk to other people. New people, not just the ones you already know.

In Revel, up to eight players can join the same game. The online matchmaking component automatically detects whether a game is going on around you and makes that game easy to join. Once everybody is together, each person gets a 5 x 5 game board made up of little icons. Each of these is an item to scavenge in the environment around you.

Once you find an item, snap a picture and that space on the board becomes yours. Other players can vote on the accuracy of your photo, so you can’t just take pictures of the wrong things. Get give pictures in a row and you win, not unlike playing Bingo.

Revel

Revel offers a wide variety of themed boards for players to choose from. If you’re at a bar, you’ll want to choose the bar theme. Others include clubs, libraries, parties, etc. They even had a theme set up for Apps World. Some of the pictures that players had to take included other developers’ booths and a Windows Phone user (like me!).

The cool thing about Revel’s design is that it encourages you to interact with other people in your environment. If your photo objective is a blond woman, then you’re going to have to ask one to take her picture. That’s breaking the ice! And even shy members of a game can enjoy seeing the pictures that everyone else takes.

Camera pointed at Windows Phone

Revel

Revel aims to be ubiquitous by appearing on every mobile platform under the sun. It’s out on iOS right now, but it will be moving to Android next, followed by Windows Phone. All three versions will support cross-platform multiplayer, so anybody with a smartphone will be able to join in.

In order for a multiplayer game to be omnipresent, it also needs to be free. Revel is a free to play game, monetized by a combination of sponsorships and in-app purchases. Companies can sponsor whole themes or individual tiles within a theme. That could be a great way to get your company’s booth noticed at events like Apps World, for instance. Players can also choose to buy currency. That currency can then be spent on items to mix up your opponents’ boards, reshuffle your own, and other helpful effects.

Odin’s Hammer couldn’t give an ETA on the Windows Phone version of Revel, but it should hopefully be out by the end of the year. They are a small team (like everybody who participated in the Big Indie Pitch), so they have to finish the upcoming Android port before starting on our platform. At any rate, it’s great to have another developer sets its sights on Windows Phone – especially with an award-winning game.


Space Shooter X, a fast-paced, outer space shoot 'em up type game for Windows Phone

$
0
0

Space Shooter X

If you are in the mood for a fast-paced sci-fi shooter game for your Windows Phone, take a gander at Space Shooter X. Inspired by old school Japanese shooters, the game has fantastic graphics, an edgy pace and plenty of bosses to battle.

Ships can be upgraded with a vast assortment of weapons and you have full power and bombing options to help you obliterate your enemies. Speaking of which, while some space shooters have your enemies approach you head on, Space Shooter X has them coming from all directions. Space Shooter X is a fun game to play and will definitely keep you on your toes.

Your main menu on Space Shooter X has options to jump into the game, view the online leaderboards, access the gaming options, visit the game’s shop and view the about/help screens. Gaming options cover sound/music levels and establishing your player name/country (for the leaderboard).

Space Shooter X
Space Shooter X's Main Menu and Shop Options

Space Shooter X's gaming store provides you with in-app purchase options to remove the ad-support ($1.99) and buy power-ups, bombs and lives that range in price from $.99 to $9.99.

The gaming screen for Space Shooter X has your current score and level displayed in the upper left corner and your current life count and your lifetime score in the upper right corner. In the bottom left corner is your bomb control and to the bottom right is your full-power control. When pushed, the bomb control lets loose an armada of bombs that wipes everything out on the screen. The full-power control unlocks your ship’s full weapons arsenal for a short period.  You gain one full-power module for every 50,000 points earned (collectively).

You control your space ship by touch.  Just tap and hold anywhere on the screen and your ship will begin to fire its weapons. Drag your finger around the screen to move the ship to dodge enemy space ships and their weapons fire.

Space Shooter X
Space Shooter X's Game Screens

As you destroy the enemy ships, bonus items will appear at random. You have medals that you can collect for extra points and weapons boost to increase your firepower.

The ships come from all over the place. From the top, bottom, and sides of the screen as well as from black holes that will appear in the middle of the screen. You will eventually face a boss ship that is one tough cookie. Once you do defeat the boss ship, you will advance to the next level that will be more challenging than the last.

Game play can be rather exhausting in that if you blink ever so slightly, your ship will be torn to shreds. The game reminds me of Impossible Shoota but with cleaner graphics and a slightly faster pace. Space Shooter X is a fun game for your Windows Phone and an entertaining way to pass the time.

Space Shooter X is a free, ad-supported game available for Windows Phone 8 and 7.x devices. You can find Space Shooter X here in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Space Shooter X

Speed through highways with Traffic Racer for Windows Phone 8

$
0
0

Traffic racer

If you’ve got the need for speed, you’re going to like Traffic Racer. The endless racing game has been available for iOS and Android, but it’s now on Windows Phone 8 as well. Drive your car through highway traffic, earn cash, upgrade your car and buy new ones. It has great 3D graphics with smooth and realistic car handling.

Head past the break for our hands on video and walkthrough.

Here are some of the key features:

  • 19 different cars to choose from
  • 4 detailed environments: suburb, desert, snowy and city night
  • 4 game modes: Endless, Two-Way, Time Trial and Free Ride
  • Basic customization through paint and wheels
  • Over 15 different models for traffic

Traffic Racer screenshot

You start the Traffic Racer with only one car available. As you earn more points, you can unlock more cars, paint, wheels, and upgrades. You can increase speed, handling, and braking for each car. When you click the play button, there are four modes to choose from. We recommend starting out with the Endless One-way mode.

Traffic Racer

Touching the right side of the screen accelerates the car, while touching the left side slows it down. Tilt your phone to steer. You can change to touch steering and automatic acceleration in the settings.

Want to earn score and cash quickly? The faster you go, the more scores you get. When driving over 100 kmh, overtake cars closely to get bonus scores and cash. Driving in opposite direction in two-way mode also gives extra score and cash.

Traffic Racer screenshot

Overall, we think you’ll like Traffic Racer. The developer promises to update the game constantly, so we’ll be following it closely. The current version, 1.7.0.1, still has a couple of things missing, but they’re not deal breakers. It currently does not have leader boards and achievements.

Traffic Racer costs $0.99 at the Windows Phone Store and we have confirmed that it also works on devices with 512 MB memory. Unfortunately, there’s no free trial available yet. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments!

QR: Traffic Racer

Flappy Bird is dead. Here are some alternatives for Windows Phone that are better

$
0
0

We’ve seen gamers ‘ragequit’ games before, but this weekend we were treated to a developer doing it instead. Yup, on Saturday Dong Nguyen, the mastermind behind Flappy Bird, announced that not only was he quitting the Flappy Bird biz, but he was removing the apps from the iOS and Android Stores...forevevah. Indeed, by Sunday afternoon the games had vanished.

That presumably put the kibosh on the Windows Phone port that he was working on. But fear not, we have some alternatives to keep you busy, and some would argue that these are even better.

Flappy Bird (clone)

Flappy Bird Clone

We held back on posting about this version of the game, mostly because it’s not official and wasn’t done with the consent of Dong Nguyen. In fact, it was down right deceptive, since many of you did think it came from Nguyen. But now that Nguyen has quit, and Microsoft is not pulling the game (we had notified them), all bets are off.

Flappy Bird is, for all intents and purposes, the real deal. Granted, this wasn’t made, per se, for Windows Phone, but instead appears to be a clever rip. We’re still not comfortable with the developer profiting off of Nguyen’s work, but since Nguyen has basically forfeited the title and Microsoft sees nothing wrong with it, we don’t see the harm any longer. We won’t even touch the ‘Flappy Bird itself is a rip off of many other games’ argument, because of the Inception-like Jedi mind tricks that are required.

So long as you know that this isn’t Nguyen’s, ahem, vision for Windows Phone, you can take solace in knowing Windows Phone is now the only platform that has a semi-official Flappy Bird game. We win. Or something.

Download Flappy Bird (clone) here in the Windows Phone Store. All Windows Phones. Free, with ads.

QR: flappy

Line Birds

Line Birds

We covered Line Birds waaay back in 2011. Seriously, read our review. We loved it back then and we still really like it. It’s got awesome graphics, and it has the ragequit difficulty too. But it’s much better than Flappy Bird and it’s homegrown to Windows Phone.

The game was last updated a year ago, but it still rocks. The only issue is there is no free trial, costs 99 cents and for some reason, ours still shows, which is doubling dipping. Still, if you bought this game years ago and forgot about it, here’s a reminder.

Pick up Line Birds here in the Store. All Windows Phones. 99 cents with ads.

QR: Line Birds

Jolly Fish

Jolly Fish Screen

Ever since Flappy Bird hit the gaming scene en masse– which was like 10 days ago– we’ve been tipped by you guys on a little game called Jolly Fish. It’s a true play off of Flappy Bird in that it’s not a direct clone. In fact, you could almost consider it a spiritual sequel.

Jolly Fish is different enough that the developer, Mintah, deserves a shout out. For one, instead of trying to keep a bird up, you’re keeping a jellyfish down, which makes sense due to the air versus water environments. So the physics are reversed, throwing you for a loop when you first play.

Like Flappy Bird, it’s also reminiscent of Super Mario Brothers, specifically the underwater scene. It’s been reported that Nguyen got his inspiration from the underwater Mario mini-games and this title just swims with that to its logical conclusion.

Jolly Fish has cute graphics and some sweet chiptune music to go along with it, making it a gem. The game is now on Android, leaving iOS users on the docks (for now). All in all, Jolly Fish is a swell riff off of the Flappy Bird craze.

Pick up Jolly Fish here in the Store. Windows Phone 8 only. Free, no ads.

QR: Jolly Fish

Wacky Dragons

Whacky Dragons

Another game last update in 2012, Wacky Dragons is hardly new. But it’s certainly more along the lines of Line Birds in that it has rich graphics, a shop for unlocking characters, and – we’re just going to say it – chubby, cute dragons.

The goal? Navigate your rotund dragon through a dangerous cave. Pick up ‘dragon stones’ and avoid obstacles along the way. Gameplay is the familiar ‘hold to flap’ and the physics are very smooth. You also get some epic horn music in the background and we really dig the adorable graphics in this one.

The game has some outstanding reviews from people, works on all Windows Phones and it’s completely free. So what’s not to like?

Pick up Wacky Dragons here in the Store. Free.

QR: Dragon

What did we miss?

Look, we know there are tons of games like these on the Store, so forgive us if we overlooked a few hundred of ‘em. These four though range from ‘exact clone’ of Flappy Bird to ‘inspired by’ to ‘even better’. So pick your poison.

But life is short, and we’d rather be playing Vicious Attack Llama Apocalypse: Alpha than detailing every one of these games. That’s where you come in, so let us know below which are your favorites!

Highly addictive Flappy Bird clone for Windows Phone gets updated with medal fix

$
0
0

Flappy Bird

We're sure you are all sick and tired of reading about Flappy Bird and how the game has been pulled from both iOS and Android, never to officially arrive on the Windows Phone Store. We even provided a collection of similar games for Windows Phone that are available for download, including a Flappy Bird clone. But today this clever rip has been updated to version 1.0.0.1. Head pass the break to learn more.

We're not comfortable with this developer ripping off someone else's work, but with an update published to the app store the game is certainly being taken seriously and with the original creator now leaving Flappy Bird altogether, it makes sense to cash in now while demand is high. While Microsoft sees nothing wrong with this listing, we'll continue to cover the game and offer a perfect solution for you all to ragequit.

This latest release, version 1.0.0.1, fixes a medal bug affecting gameplay. Not a massive update, but the clone has received some developer love nonetheless. You can download the unofficial, yet awesome clone version of Flappy Bird from the Windows Phone for free (in-app advertising).

QR: Flappy Bird

New Flappy Bird clone brings Facebook support, wide tile and no ads for Windows Phone

$
0
0

Flappy Bird. The game that won’t die. That actually did die. This morning, a new update came out for the ad-based clone for Windows Phone. Many of you are reporting that the game crashes. Indeed, we’ve noticed on our after a few game plays that it is now crashing too on our Lumia 1520. What to do?

Luckily, there’s a new clone on the Store and it’s actually much, much better. Read on to find out why you want to uninstall the old version and grab this one instead.

Flappy Bird (clone) by Zodo Studio 1.0

  • Wide Tile support
  • Posts scores to Facebook
  • No ads (full screen support)

We feel a bit better about a clone where the developer is not making money off of the rip. After all, it’s not exactly too hard to rip a game and upload it to the Windows Phone Store. It’s like paying for ROMs of old games versus just trading them. One feels a little dirtier. At least with this version, the developer is not making a nickel off of the port since it’s free and has no ads. Plus, with no ads, you also get that sweet full screen view (note, on some devices, the game won't reach the edges for full screen).

We also like the Facebook integration for sharing, as opposed to the Twitter version in the previous clone. It works well as you can see from our quick attempt above to share with our friends and family. That doublewide tile with an appropriately made icon also looks much better on our Start screen. A small detail that goes a long way.

Finally, the tap-response seems appropriate to us, meaning we like how this ‘feels’ to play.

For that reason, we’re suggesting grabbing this version from Zodo Studio instead. Of course, we haven’t tried it across all devices just yet, but we like what we see.

Pick up Flappy Bird 1.0 with Facebook support here in the Store. Windows Phone 8 onlyThanks, hieubuiduc and Calum SK, for the tips!

QR: flappy

Microsoft reveals indie games Nutjitsu and Worms Battlegrounds coming to Xbox One

$
0
0

Nutjitsu coming to Xbox One

Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program is essential to the future success of the Xbox One. Basically, it allows indie game developers to publish their games directly to the Xbox One without the need for a separate publisher. That’s what everyone in the industry thinks should be the default arrangement anyway, but Xbox-branded games for the Xbox 360, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 still require a separate publisher.

Much about the ID@Xbox program remains secret to the public at this point. But a recent tweet from Microsoft’s Phil Spenser has revealed two early games set to be released under the program: Worms Battlegrounds from UK developer Team 17 and Nutjitsu from Utah-based developer NinjaBee Studios. More details after the break!

Nutjitsu

Nutjitsu for Windows 8

From the makers of Fusion: Sentient and A World of Keflingscomes this classic arcade-style maze game. Players take on the role of a ninja squirrel who must rescue his clan’s acorns from the evil kitsune samurai.

Each level contains a main filled with samurai guards that the ninja must avoid. Objectives vary but usually involve picking up as many acorns as possible. As you play through a level, more and tougher enemies start to appear, making it tougher for the ninja to go undetected. Even if he does get caught, he’ll still earn XP that contributes to his overall rank.

Nutjitsu is already available on Windows 8, where it can be played with keyboard, mouse, or touch-screen. Keyboard is much more accurate than mouse, so I expect it will play great with a controller on the Xbox One. The graphics aren’t anything to write home about, but the gameplay captures some of the magic of classic maze games like Pac-Man.

  • Nutjitsu– Windows 8 and RT – 249 MB – Free – Store Link

Worms Battlegrounds

Worms Battlegrounds logo

Team 17 previously released several Worms games for the Xbox 360, but they always had to do it through a publisher. Signing on with a publisher cuts into the profits a developer receives from their games, so in most cases studios like Team 17 will opt for self-publishing if given the opportunity.

We don’t know much about Worms Battlegrounds other than it will be coming to both Xbox One and Playstation 4 this year. The new game will likely continue the advances to graphics and physics found in the last entry, Worms Revolution. All of the Worms games share a cheeky sense of humor and are a blast in multiplayer, so we’re looking forward to Battlegrounds.

Source: Phil Spenser via Eurogamer

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD, a casual puzzle game for Windows Phone 8

$
0
0

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD is the latest Crazy Horses gaming installment from Nice Touch Games. The Windows Phone 8 game is a 3D version of the original Match Maker game that hit the shelves a few years ago.

The Windows Phone 8 game has five thousand puzzles that fall into three difficulty levels (easy, medium and hard). In addition to the core puzzle library, Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD has daily challenges for each difficulty level.

The pace is casual, the puzzles can be challenging and overall Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD is an entertaining game for Windows Phone 8.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD
Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD Main Menu

The main menu for Crazy Horses: Match Maker 3D has options to mute the sound, view the About Screen and to launch a gaming tutorial in the upper and lower corners. Center screen you will find options to launch the game at the various difficulty levels and launch the daily challenge for each difficulty.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD
Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD Easy Level

The game screen has a hint total in the upper left corner and the game board is a grid with various horses scattered about. Your goal is to match the standing horses with the same colored horse that is lying down. To do so, you must draw a path connecting the the standing horse with the matching colored horse that is lying down. Paths cannot cross and when you have all the horses matched up, they hook up, the puzzle will be complete and you’ll move on to the next puzzle challenge.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD
Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD Hints

As you progress through the levels, the game becomes more challenging with more horses added to the mix. Should you become stumped, just tap on the “?” button in the upper left corner and a hint will appear revealing one correct path to make a horse match. Hints are limited so you will need to use them wisely.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD isn’t an extremely difficult Windows Phone 8 game but has enough challenge to keep things from getting dull too quickly. The pace is casual, making it a good game to pass short bits of time with. Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD is also a good option for your Windows Phone Kid’s Corner should you have younger Windows Phone users hanging about.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD
Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD Hard Level

Overall, Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD makes a nice first impression. Graphics are well done, game play enjoyable, and all in all, it is a nice casual puzzle game worth trying.

Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD is a free game available for Windows Phone 8. You can pick up your copy of Crazy Horses: Match Maker HD here in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Crazy Horses Match Maker HD


Gameloft launches World at Arms on Windows Phone 8

$
0
0

World at Arms for Windows Phone

Mobile publishing giant Gameloft plans to send Windows Phone and Windows 8 lots of love this year. Brothers in Arms 3 and GT Racing 2 are two of their upcoming games, with several more unannounced ones in the wings. And today they’ve just dropped another one out of the blue…

World at Arms is now available on Windows Phone, with the Windows 8 version due to follow soon. The game combines city building with strategic warfare, all in a realistic near-future military setting. Think Kingdoms & Lords but with tanks, aeroplanes, and robots. World at Arms is free to play and works on Windows Phone 8 devices with 512 MB of RAM, so anybody can get in on the military madness.

Risky business

World at Arms

In World at Arms, players will build a city from which to command their empire. Everything takes time to build, and you can also collect resources over time. We’ve all played mobile games of this nature – they’re great for checking in with throughout the day, but not everybody has the patience for them.

World at Arms does differ from other city builders with a few cool mechanics. For one, it has 6-on-6 battles against the AI and other players. These take place across land, sea, and air and involve up to six units on each side. Time will tell whether they’re an integral part of the game or more of a forgettable diversion as in Kingdoms & Lords

The other cool feature is the ability to visit and interact with your Facebook friends. This is usually a great way to get extra resources in games like this. Apparently friends can even help each other out in battle, which should be fun.

World at Arms is a smaller-scale title from Gameloft, but their support is always great for Windows Phone. As with other post-Kingdoms & Lords Gameloft titles, this one is not Xbox-enabled. Hopefully everyone is used to that by now. City builders are really aimed at casual gamers anyway – now those people will have a fun little military game to keep them busy throughout the day.

  • World at Arms– Windows Phone 8 – 98 MB – Free – Store Link

QR: World at Arms

Thanks to Kris Joseph Elloy for the tip!

Subway Surfers picks up new Seoul theme in latest update for Windows Phone

$
0
0

Subway Surfers. The endless runner to end all endless runners. At least, that’s how we think of it. The popular themed game is continuing its world tour today by leaving warm, sunny Miami and heading to Seoul, South Korea.

And no, there is still no 512 MB support, so if that’s what you’re curious about, you can stop reading now.

Trading in pink flamingos for little robots, the game has an all new South Korean theme, with rivers, paper lights, spritely colors and new missions. Sure, it’s just a theme, but we like the gimmick of ‘world tour’ for the game as it certainly keeps it looking fresh, as opposed to other endless runners which are the same, day in, day out.

Like other past world tours, this one will span three weeks. Each week, you can try to collect a certain amount of robots and if you do so, you can grab yourself some secret prizes. It’s a fun, little side project to work on.

Unfortunately, this is still limited to devices with 1 GB or more of RAM.

Pick up Subway Surfers: Seoul, here in the Store or scan the QR code below. Thanks, Guy Kh., for the tip

QR: subway

Match, a perplexing puzzle game for Windows Phone 8

$
0
0

Match

Puzzle games can be an entertaining, challenging way to pass the time with. There are plenty of puzzle game choices in the Windows Phone Store and Match is one of the latest offerings for Windows Phone 8.

Match calls on you to line up various tiles with their corresponding templates. The challenge is that the movement of one tile, effects the movement of the others. Match makes a nice first impression and is a puzzle game worth giving a shot.

Match has one hundred free levels of play spread across five worlds that progressively become more challenging. The free version has twenty levels with the additional levels available through an in-app purchase of $1.99. This more or less makes the free version a trial version.

Match
Match's Main Menu and Puzzle Levels

At the start of the first few levels, tutorial windows will pop-up to walk you through game play. Each puzzle level has a collection of tiled symbols and corresponding templates. Your goal is to move the tiles beneath these templates in the fewest moves as possible.

You can move tiles vertically or horizontally and as you move a tile, the entire group of tiles will move. Some puzzles have sections of tiles that will not move in unison and you can use these sections to line up tiles to they will fall into place just right. There are also puzzle levels that have multiple tile groupings to solve.

Match
Match Tutorial and Game Play Screens

If you get stumped, you can use a game key that will show you the puzzles solutions. The free version of Match does not come with any keys but you can purchase five keys for $.99 through an in-app purchase. Should you opt to buy the full version of the game, you will get five keys and will still be able to buy additional keys should the need arise.

Match isn’t a difficult puzzle game to play, just a bit on the challenging side to master. The movement logic that you have to find to solve each puzzle can be a little frustrating at times, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Match does have casual pace and not a bad option if you need a game to help you pass the time with.

The free version of Match is ad-supported and has twenty-levels of play. You can unlock the full game (eighty more levels) through an in-app purchase of $1.99. Match is available for Windows Phone 8 and you can pick up your copy of Match here in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Match

Medieval Apocalypse, Knights and Zombies battling it out on Windows Phone 8

$
0
0

Medieval Apocalypse

Medieval Apocalypse is a fast paced, action packed Windows Phone 8 game that has you playing the role of a Medieval Knight who has to battle Zombie hordes. The goal is to complete the various quests within the game and leave no Zombie standing.

Graphics are nice (a little on the dark side though), game play challenging and in the short time we’ve played Medieval Apocalypse it comes across as an appealing addition to the Windows Phone 8 gaming library.

Medieval Apocalypse

Game Menu

You main menu experience with Medieval Apocalypse has options to jump into the game, visit the game’s armory, and visit your Knight’s abilities page. In the lower left corner you will find access to game’s settings and the developer’s About Screen. Additionally you also have links to Google+, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages for the developer.

When liked or followed, you will earn free coins that can be used in the game’s armory. Game settings cover graphics quality, turning on/off the gaming joystick, and adjusting the sound and music levels.

Medieval Apocalypse
Medieval Apocalypse Armory

Medieval Apocalypse’s armory is where you can upgrade your weapons and shields with the coins you earn during game play. There are over forty-five weapons and shields to purchase. The Knight’s ability page allows you spend the coins to upgrade the knight’s attack, reflect, leap and whirlwind abilities.

Medieval Apocalypse
Medieval Apocalypse In-App Purchase Options

If you want to get a jump on things, diamonds are available for in-app purchase that can be converted to coins. Just tap the treasure chest on the main menu to pull up the in-app purchase options.

Medieval Apocalypse

Game Play

Medieval Apocalypse’s game play is scattered across two scenarios, a cemetery and catacombs. When you first launch into a game, your quests are displayed briefly in the upper left side of the gaming screen. The quests usually include collecting a set number of coins, minerals, and wiping out a set number of Zombies.

Medieval Apocalypse
Medieval Apocalypse Game Screen

Along the top of the gaming screen is your health, experience, coin count and diamond count. Just below and to the left of these stats your quest progress will be displayed (number of Zombies to kill, number of minerals to collect, etc.). There is also a timer that appears from time to time and it is unknown if this is a countdown timer until the next wave of Zombies, time you need to complete the quest or some other measurement.  There isn't a help section so my guess is the timer is counting down until the next wave of walking dead attackers.

Gaming controls line the bottom of the screen with a virtual joystick to control movement in the left corner and four action buttons in the right. Action buttons include attack, defend, whirlwind attack and leap.

The attack button is a straightforward hack and slash move. The defend blocks attacks in between slashes. The whirlwind attack is a power attack where your knight spins around like a whirlwind. The leap sends your knight into the sky and when he lands, damage is inflicted on the Zombies in the immediate area. The leap is a great escape tool when you are cornered. The leap, whirlwind and defend buttons do have delays in between uses so you will need to pace their use.

Medieval Apocalypse
Medieval Apocalypse Combat

The Zombie hordes can be rather aggressive and it is best not to try to go toe-to-toe with these creatures. Moving about collecting the minerals (colored crystals scattered about) and whacking a few Zombies on the run may be the best strategy. As you wipe out the Zombies and destroy the glowing gems that are scattered about, coins will appear that you can collect. Coins that can eventually be used in the Medieval Apocalypse's armory or to upgrade your character.

Overall Impressions

I liked the graphics with Medieval Apocalypse but at times, it was hard to pick out my knight from the gang of Zombie attackers due to the dark nature of the graphics. The dark mood fits the game but I wouldn’t mind seeing a little more ambient light shed on things. I also wouldn't mind seeing a help section added to the game. Medieval Apocalypse is not a difficult game to pick up but there's enough features to warrant a help section to explain the finer points (e.g. what the timer is for, how you can get health packs, etc.).

Another minor nit is that the only way I can see to replenish your health is through health packs that are few and far between. You cannot run around and avoid the Zombies while your health rejuvenates or stand under a healing ray to get healthy. It would be nice if there were another way to heal your character without having to find the health packs.

While there is room for improvement, Medieval Apocalypse comes across as an entertaining Windows Phone 8 game. The pace is quick, the graphics good and the RPG features help the game from growing stale too quickly. I don’t know how well Medieval Apocalypse can hold up to marathon gaming sessions but for shorter bits of time, it is a fun game to play.

Medieval Apocalypse is a free, ad-supported game for Windows Phone 8. You can find your copy of Medieval Apocalypse here in the Windows Phone Store.

And if you prefer gaming on a larger screen, Medieval Apocalypse is also available for Windows 8 and is a nice gaming option for tablets as well as laptop/desktop PCs. Medieval Apocalypse for Windows 8 is also a free game and you can find your copy here in the Windows Store.

QR: Medieval Apocalypse

The Avengers smashes into Windows Phone 8 with RJS!

$
0
0

RJS!

Last month Marvel Entertainment released the Windows 8 game Run, Jump, Smash! and now the game is landing on Windows Phone Store shelves as the abbreviated title RJS!

The superhero gaming title is an endless runner styled game that has you playing the role of your favorite Marvel Comic’s superhero. As the title suggests you run, jump and smash your way through various obstacles, enemies, and ultimately battling super villains.

RSJ!

Key features of the game include:

  • Devastating superhero attacks
  • Game play set in iconic Marvel Comic locations
  • Collect coins to upgrade your characters or buy special power-ups
  • Heroes include The Hulk, Ironman, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow and more

Just with the Windows 8 version of Run, Jump and Smash!, the Windows Phone version requires a data connection to play and you can compete with friends to see who can climb the top of the leaderboard. We will take Marvel’s RJS! out for a test drive this weekend and get a full review up on the site in a few days.

RJS!

There is not trial version available for RJS! with the full version running $1.49. RJS! is available for Windows Phone 8 devices only and you can find your copy here in the Windows Phone Store. If you prefer the larger screen for your gaming needs, Run, Jump and Smash! for Windows 8 can be found here in the Windows Store.

Thanks, KrisJoeEll, for the tip!

QR: RJS!

Viewing all 16760 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>