The original Royal Revolt (developed by Flare Games in Germany) was one of the first truly high quality games for Windows 8 and RT (it also appeared on Windows Phone). The game play combined smooth touch-screen combat with mild strategy elements, making for an addictive reverse tower defense game. Other than a steep and unfair difficulty curve and some iffy English translation, the first Royal Revolt was just about perfect.

Royal Revolt 2 for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 and RT drastically changes gears to a completely player-versus-player raiding focus, much like Cloud Raiders and Clash of Clans. Luckily, the addictive core game play survives almost completely intact. With an endless array of opponents to attack and defenses to upgrade, this sequel has become a mainstay on my daily playlist. But as good as it is, Royal Revolt 2 still has some room for improvement…

Protect and defend

Unlike the first game, Royal Revolt 2 has an actual tower defense component. You now build the battlefield that invading players will follow on their way to your castle. Attackers receive a portion of your gold (soft currency) for every tower and defensive structure they destroy. If a raider manages to knock down your castle gate, they walk away with a sizable portion of your loot (but never all of it). But they only have a limited time to complete the attack.

Laying down the defensive path could be a little easier. Stones and ruins block portions of buildable land. It costs gems (premium currency) to clear the path, so not everybody can afford to make room. The length of the path, number of towers and barricades/traps, and health of the Castle Gate itself are all determined by the gate's level. Individual towers and defenses must also be leveled independently.

Meanwhile, your base has many non-defensive structures as well. Taverns generate gold over time, providing baseline funding for your various upgrades. Farms produce bread, the resource needed to go out on raids. Bread in turn must be stored at the Silo. Keeping the Silo and all four farms fully upgraded will allow you to attack as frequently as possible. Energy mechanics like bread are a drag since they limit how much you can play, but I suppose they are necessary to keep players from steamrolling each other.

Super troopers

The Troop Academy is where players can research and upgrade each type of military unit. Royal Revolt 2 currently offers eight types of units, with more planned for the future. Each unit type has a morale cost that determines how quickly it can be used during attacks as well as how many slots it takes up during defensive waves. In theory, the cost and benefits should all balance out, and each unit should have a rock-paper-scissors-style foil.

I don't think Royal Revolt 2 quite achieves that balance, though. The more expensive ranged units (Pyromancer and Mortar especially) just have way too much of an advantage over everything else. Sure, the actual player can run up to any ranged unit during battle and kill it in one hit with a decent spell. But attacking units will just die over and over against the Pyromancer's burning shots and the Mortar's poisonous projectiles (with splash damage!). Even though attacking melee units could potentially run past a choke point of ranged defenders, they usually just stick around and die. Attacking ranged units tend to die just as consistently.

Even the player can easily get caught in a hail of fire or poison shots, his or her life sapped out uncontrollably. Sometimes there is literally nowhere to run and avoid the flurry of projectiles. You can't heal yourself during battle, other than reviving by spending gems. The healing spell only works on other units, not yourself. Buffing the heal spell and nerfing the ranged units would go a long way towards creating a better balance.

Matchmaking and (lack of) social features

One advantage Royal Revolt 2 has over Cloud Raiders is its matchmaking system. Yeah, it does have a matchmaking button that brings up a single random opponent of similar ranking. And you can pay some gold to find a new opponent. Here you actually get to see the opponent's base layout and gold right on the matchmaking screen, which really helps in deciding if you want to attack or not.

But that's not all! Players can always enter mini-tournaments along with 14 other random players. You get to attack anyone from that list with no gold cost, although mostly they tend to be useless targets. After the 1- or 2-day tournament ends, the top few people win some free gems.

You can even save any player to your favorites list and attack him or her at will. Or find someone of similar rank by scouring the global leaderboard. Actually browsing the leaderboard is slow and unwieldy. But at least we have options for finding targets that don't cost gold.

Adding enemies to your favorites list is the current extent of Royal Revolt 2's social features. Other versions allow players to request bread from friends via Facebook, but Flare Games (annoyingly) has yet to offer that feature on Windows platforms. Not fair! The developer promises that we will get clan support within a few months though. If properly implemented, clans could add a lot of fun to the game.

Lack of cloud support

Royal Revolt 2 requires a constant online connection, being a multiplayer-only game. All or most of every player's data is stored on Flare's servers, so that players can attack each other asynchronously. My save data and yours are on the cloud right now, technically.

Unfortunately, Flare does not allow players to create an online profile and retrieve their profiles from other devices. If you uninstall or buy a new phone, you won't be able to start up where you left off in the game. Want to jump back and forth between Windows Phone and Windows 8? Too bad. That save data you created on the game's servers will remain inaccessible to you. That's exactly why I stopped playing Flare's Throne Wars, because I switched to a new phone and couldn't retrieve my profile.

The lack of proper cloud support is awfully consumer-unfriendly. As I've said, player data is already stored online. All the developer has to do is create a login system or enable login through an existing system such as Facebook or Microsoft accounts. Enabling Facebook login can't be that much work for a developer. We've seen enough games from tiny studios do it; Flare is a pretty big mobile developer.

So close to excellence

Royal Revolt 2 is a really, really good game. The art style and graphics are beautiful (despite how much worse the shadows look in part 2). The core gameplay of running through levels, summoning troops and casting spells in order to destroy opponent defenses, never gets old. The game has received a couple of significant updates already, and the developers have teased both single-player levels and clan support for the future.

A really good game, but it could easily be better. The English translation once again seems not to come from a native English speaker, resulting in awkward dialogue. The balance of units needs adjustment, and the player's offensive capabilities don't grow nearly as fast as opponents' defensive capabilities. And most of all, the Windows Phone and Windows 8 versions need both Facebook support (just like iOS and Android) and cross-platform cloud save support. Windows fans should contact Flare Games through the company website and Facebook to request those important features.

• Royal Revolt 2 – Windows Phone 8 – 59 MB – Free – Store Link
• Royal Revolt 2 – Windows 8 and RT – 157 MB – Free – Store Link

After having spent some time on iOS and Android, the developers behind Get Water, Decode Global Studio, have finally made the game available on Windows Phone. If you're not familiar with the game, Get Water is the educational side­scrolling endless runner that aims to bring attention to the water scarcity in India and South Asia, and the effects it has on girls' education.

It tells the story of Maya, a girl who loves going to school and learning new things, but as the village's water pump is broken she keeps getting pulled out of school to get water for her family. The faster Maya can collect water, the faster she can get back to school to learn more.

• Gameplay - Get Water is a side­scrolling endless runner with story elements. The player helps Maya collect water and other collectibles, as well as avoiding enemies, by drawing a line she can surf on. In addition to controlling Maya's movements the player can tap on the screen to make Maya throw a boomerang to fend off enemies who will try to break her water pot. By collecting water the player unlocks new chapters in Maya's story, shown as still­ image videos, and Maya learns new skills so she can collect water faster and protect it better.

• Educational aspect - The story highlights the effect water scarcity has on girls' education in slums and rural areas of India. After each run the player gets additional information about water scarcity, how it is used nowadays, and how to conserve it in everyday life. In addition to the information found in the game, a six part lesson plan for 4­6 grade teachers is available on the game's website in PDF format to download for free.

Get Water is available now on the Windows Phone store for $1.99 but there's a free trial offered as well, so you can test out the game for you and your kids before you fully commit. We'll be taking a further look at in a few days here but for now, go ahead and give the free trial a go.

• Download Get Water

Telltale Games has announced the studio will be developing Season 3 for its Walking Dead series of games. Unfortunately, while details are non-existent as to what will be contained in the game, as well as a release date, it's pleasing for fans to know that Season 3 will be coming to supporting platforms.

Numerous sources are expecting a 2015 release, simply because Telltale Games has both Borderlands and Game of Thrones to get through this year. Also, before we see Season 3, there are still two more episodes to hit this year for the current Season of The Walking Dead, so we'll have to play through those before seeking a follow-up.

The Walking Dead by Telltale Games is available on Steam and Xbox 360. We'll keep you updated as to when Season 3 hits participating platforms and stores. Are you excited for the next instalment?

Source: IGN

Duck Destroy is a fun, somewhat challenging arcade game for your Windows Phone that calls upon you to blast ducks out of the sky as they fly across the gaming screen.

You play the role of a fox who has been tasked with fetching dinner. Armed with everything from a slingshot to dynamite to an assault rifle, you help guide the fox through fifty levels of play that span a wide range of environments.

Available for low-memory devices, Duck Destroy is an entertaining addition to your Windows Phone gaming library.

Lock and Load

The main menu for Duck Destroy is straightforward with options to view your gaming challenges, access the settings, play the game, replay the intro video, visit the game's store and access the developer's Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Settings are brief with options to select your Country, mute the sound, view the About page and restore your purchases. You can also connect the game to your Facebook or Twitter accounts

The challenges/achievements, affectionately titled Granny Quests, range from shooting down a set number of ducks, use dynamite a set number of times, etc. The game store is where you can upgrade your weapons, pick up a few odds and ends to help you destroy the ducks (dynamite, grenades, etc.) and other power-ups to help get you through each level of play. Most of the items can be purchase with the gold coins you earn during game play while others are available for in-app purchase.

The fifty levels of play span three environments, farmland, a winter wonderland and a space theme. Each level will have an objective that has to be reached before time runs out. You also have the added challenge of missions within each level that will help your overall score. These missions will be listed prior to the launch of each level.

Game Play

Duck Destroys game screen will display your vital statistics across the top of the screen that include your golden egg count, your points total, timer and lives. At the far left of the stat bar you will see a joystick button. This will adjust the sensitivity of your targeting movements. If you feel the targeting is a little sluggish, tap the button until three dashes appear to give things a little more zip.

Along the left side of the game screen are your mission counters and in the lower right corner is your weapon of choice.

Prior to each level, you'll have the opportunity to visit the game store you upgrade your weapon and/or stock up on supplies. Any bonus items (dynamite, grenades, etc.) will be displayed in the lower right corner as well.

Game mechanics are rather easy. Just tap/hold the screen to scroll around to aim your weapon and tap the weapon for it to fire. Reload times vary depending on the weapon. You start out with a slingshot, which takes about a second to reload in between shots. The pistol is a six-shooter and will take a few seconds to reload.

As you would guess, ducks will begin to fly across the screen and it is your job to shoot them down. Duck Destroy has a nice range of ducks with some being able to be downed in one shot while others take multiple hits to down. You'll even have angry ducks pop out of bushes who will through things at you. Get hit by an object and it will cost you a life.

You will notice that some ducks drop a golden egg when shot. You can collect that egg for bonus gold. You will also have power-ups float across the screen from time to time. Just shoot the crate or balloon to have the item fall to the ground and tap it to collect it.

All it takes to complete a level of play is to fulfill one of the three missions. Should you succeed at a level, you can play a mini-game that can multiply your winnings. Just tap the dice button on the scoring summary page and you can play a slot machine styled game to give your winnings a slight boost.

Overall Impressions

Duck Destroy has its challenges and is a fun game to pass the time with. You will find yourself with both hands full with this game, using one hand to target and another to fire your weapon. The mechanics aren't bad but I would have like to have seen a larger fire button. There were plenty of times I would miss the weapon or tap off screen. Maybe the game could give you the option to double tap the screen to shoot?

Animations are nicely drawn-up and with fifty levels of play and over 150 missions to tackle, Duck Destroy has plenty of game time.

While I would have like to have seen a help section that described all the types of ducks and summarize the power-ups, the game is easy enough to figure out after playing a few levels.

All in all, I found Duck Destroy to be an entertaining game for Windows Phone well worth a try.

• Duck Destroy - Windows Phone 8 - Free - Store Link

Microsoft has announced the Games with Gold for August for the Xbox One and Xbox 360. Xbox Live Gold subscribers will have access to Crimson Dragon and Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut on the Xbox One, while Motocross Madness and Dishonored will be available to gamers on the Xbox 360.

Crimson Dragon was an Xbox One launch title. It's an on-rails shooter that lets you ride a dragon, fighting monsters and teaming up with friends in the co-op mode. Crimson Dragon is normally available for $19.99.

Strike Suit Zero: Directors Cut, is a space combat simulator that sees you fighting a war using the titular Strike Suit, a vehicle that transforms from starfighter to mech suit, giving you different sets of abilities with each mode. Strike Suite Zero is usually available for $19.99 as well. Both Strike Suit Zero and Crimson Dragon will be available for free to Gold members from August 1-31.

On the Xbox 360, Motocross Madness is a racing game that puts your Xbox avatar in the middle of the action of off-road motorcycle racing. Motocross Madness normally goes for $9.99, and will be available on Game with Gold from August 1-15.

From August 16-31, gamers can pick up Dishonored. Dishonored is a first-person action/stealth game where you play as Corvo, the former bodyguard to the Empress, framed for her murder. You can pick how you approach the game, with stealth to sneak by or silently take out enemies, or with loud leathality. Dishonored normally retails for $19.99.

What do you think of August's Games with Gold? Let us know below in the comments.

Source: Xbox Wire

Ready for another challenging game that is hard to put away? If you said yes, you should check out Kitty in the Box. Originally released for iOS earlier this month, it has also just been released for Windows Phone. It looks really cute and simple, but it's not as easy as you think.

We've installed Kitty in the Box on our Nokia Lumia 930. Check out the gameplay video after break.

The goal is simple. Join kitty on their magical adventure where the roads are made out of cakes and they need to slide into boxes. Press and hold on the screen to start running and then let go to stop. Press on the screen for too long, and you fall off the land cakes.

Sliding into a box gives you 10 points. Sliding into a box and touching a fruit without falling off gives you 20 points. Each round has different lengths, so proper timing is important. If you pass a round, you continue to the next one. The game ends when you fall off or fall short of a box.

If you need more challenge, you can activate hard mode. The controls are a little different. You press and hold to charge, release to run, and then press again to slide into the box.

Two kitties are available right away, but others are can be unlocked by completing some challenges. For example, eating ten fruits in one run unlocks Mr. White. Scoring 500 points unlocks Hola the kitty.

Kitty in the Box is a free download from the Windows Phone Store. There are ads that appear after every 5 restarts. It would have been nice to have an in-app purchase option to remove the ads. On the other hand, Windows Phone devices with 512MB memory support this game. Go check out Kitty in the Box and let us know your high score so far.

Last year Windows Phone Central's "Gorgeous" George Ponder reviewed an indie game about hot air ballooning called Reach for the Sky. It came from Copenhagen-based indie developer Aemto and utilized a charging pixel art style. Sadly, that game is no longer available on the Windows Phone Store (per the developer's decision). From the ashes of the first Reach for the Sky comes a new Reach for the Sky sharing the same title.

Although the name has not changed, the new game is essentially a sequel. Reach for the Sky (2014) is still all about climbing the screen in a hot air balloon, but the visuals and gameplay have changed quite a bit. It still features a lyrical theme song from these guys that sounds catchy at first but becomes maddening before too long. It's completely free (with unobtrusive ads), compatible with phones with 512 MB of RAM, and only takes up 4 MB of storage. Just be sure you switch the controls to "Tap" before playing…

Reach around (your phone)

Reach for the Sky plays a bit like Doodle Jump and other endless jumping games in that players hold the screen vertically and try to climb as high as possible, getting the best score they can along the way. But this game does not offer tilt controls (which we'll discuss in a bit), and there are no platforms to jump on. Balloons don't so much hop around as fly, after all.

You can move the hot air balloon left or right at will, but not up or down. Reach's unique mechanic involves hot air. The balloon is constantly losing the hot stuff. It will sink off-screen if it runs out, ending the game.

Grabbing some of the orange hot air drops that constantly fall from the top of the screen will put some life back into the balloon, causing it to rise on-screen. But rise too high and you won't be able to see the obstacles that approach, such as birds and helicopters. This creates an interesting risk-reward mechanic. To grab or not to grab? It's often harder to avoid the hot air than not, though. If only we had a button to let some steam out.

Diamonds also fall from the sky in abundance. Grab them to boost your score. The more of these you collect in a row, the higher your combo multiplier climbs. Miss one and the multiplier resets. The combo mechanic is actually pretty fun; I like seeing how high I can get my starting combo. Shame the game doesn't track the player's maximum combo or other stats.

To infinity and beyond

Unlike most endless jumping games, Reach has a definite ending. The higher you go, the more the background and enemies change. You'll first encounter deadly ducks (whose hitboxes are too large), and then tangle with dangerous helicopters. Soon jets enter the scene, first harmlessly flying up in the background and then descending along the same path in the foreground.

To reach the end of the game, you have to stay alive until the song ends. I haven't managed to get there yet because things get really tough once your balloon soars into space. Asteroids start falling like crazy. They move pretty quickly, not giving players much time to react.

I'm also not quite sure how close the space section is to the end because I turn the song off to preserve my sanity. You can only hear someone wail "Reach for the Sky" and something unintelligible that sounds like "I hate the Jimmy grind, Jimmy grind" so long before it erodes at your very soul. The game could use an instrumental track, and maybe let us choose between one or the other or alternating between them.

Navigating the deadly skies

The default control style for Reach for the Sky is "Swipe." Unfortunately, swiping is super awful and slow. This is a game that requires fast left and right movement, not measured swipes. Actually, can you think of any Doodle Jump-style games that use swipe controls? They all use tilt, which makes the lack of tilt here conspicuous.

Then again, Reach for the Sky does offer a control style that's more precise than tilting could ever be: Tap! After switching to Tap, you just have to hit the left or right side of the screen to move in that direction. It's fast and accurate, like you'd want.

Simply put, Tap needs to be the default control style. A swiping style in which you put your finger down once and just drag left and right constantly to move would work okay. But the swipe controls just aren't there yet.

Room to rise

Once you get the controls set properly, Reach for the Sky really picks up. I like that players can aim for score or distance, and the latter actually means something since the game eventually ends. But Reach for the Sky could still use some side objectives, be they Jetpack Joyride-style missions or achievements. The original game had its own achievements, so why not this one?

The game tracks the player's high score and most recent score. But you have to visit the "Hi Score" screen from the main menu to see them. High scores are more compelling if displayed during gameplay or at least at the end of the game. And the "Hi Score" screen displays the "World record" score, but it doesn't have a real leaderboard. World record is better than nothing, but every score-intensive game needs a proper leaderboard.

Two other things the game needs: more sound effects and more humor. The sound effects for collecting diamonds work very well, their pitch rising as the combo grows. But there are no other sound effects. No sound when you hit a bird, no sound when you run out of hot air.

Besides just being a basic thing that every game needs, sounds for these events are also a great chance to inject some levity. Make the duck sound cute, make the hot air sound like a balloon deflating. Make us smile even though we just died. I wouldn't mind passing some silly things in the background (and even other ballooners) every now and then, either.

Finally, Reach for the Sky needs a pause menu. Pressing the Back button during gameplay takes you straight to the title screen with no confirmation. What if we just want to take a break and resume later?

Free and fair

It's refreshing to play a free game that does not suffer from obtrusive in-app purchases or energy mechanics. Reach for the Sky has ads on the title, Options, and Hi Score screens – but nowhere else.

Reach might not be all that complex, but its mechanics are actually fairly unique and fun. The art style is also pretty unusual, relying on bold, large polygons instead of a hand drawn look.

Hopefully Aemto swaps the default controls (which would probably make a big difference in Store ratings) and continues polishing the game. That's how you reach for the sky, by making your game the best it possibly can be. A Windows 8 and RT version would be great as well.

• Reach for the Sky – Windows Phone 8 – 4 MB – Free – Store Link

Activision has just released the latest trailer showing off more of the single player campaign from the upcoming near future first person shooter Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, showing us more of Jonathon Irons, the CEO of the fictional private military company Atlas that's portrayed, in both voice and likeness form, by actor Kevin Spacey.

The three minute trailer gives us an idea of this near future world, where a global terrorist threat has attacked nuclear reactors in five countries at the same time. Governments have now turned to Atlas to help keep the peace but it's clear that Irons is going a little power crazy, and that should give Spacey a ton of room to work with in his voice and motion capture performance.

The trailer shows soldiers wearing jetpacks, using advanced weapons and even accessing small bug-like robots for recon missions. The final part of the trailer shows a couple of seconds of multiplayer, with a full reveal promised on August 11.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare will be released on November 4 for the Xbox One and Xbox 360, among other platforms. and, as with previous games in the series, Microsoft's consoles will get first crack at the post-release DLC content for the game. What do you think of the new trailer?

Source: Call of Duty on YouTube

HexaLines is a well-known and popular strategy puzzle game that came from Windows Mobile over to Windows Phone and Windows 8 last year. The game works on a simple principle of trying to connect pipes using hexagons to keep the red liquid flowing. HexaLines uses a fun AI to try to block your moves, making this game similar to chess. The mechanics and gameplay are highly rated, with many people giving the game solid ratings (4.3 out of 5 stars).

HexaLines is normally a $1.49 game but for the next few days, it is completely free due to participating in the myAppFree promotion. That means there is no reason not to grab this game right now, as once you lock in that license it is free forever!

Coming in at only 13 MB you will not waste much space, and even 512 MB devices can handle this game, as it is Windows Phone 7.x ready too. So give it a go and you like it, do the developer a solid by leaving them a positive review – it means a lot to them and helps their visibility in the Store!

• Download HexaLines for Windows Phone (temporarily free)
• Download HexaLines for Windows 8 ($1.49, free trial)

myAppFree

Windows Phone Central is proud to be partnering up with myAppFree, a free app and service that highlights special deals for software on the Windows Phone Store. Make sure you download their app to keep track of all the specials they run weekly, as you'll never know what you may find.

Windows Phone Central is also highlighting select apps from myAppFree going forward as a benefit to the greater community. Stay tuned.

• Download myAppFree

Tank Invaders hit the Windows Phone Store last week and made a nice first impression. We took the arcade styled game out for a test drive the past few days and that impression held.

The game has you controlling a battery of missiles that will come in handy to fend off alien invaders from space. Tank Invaders has plenty of action, challenges and power-ups to blast the enemy into orbit.

Available for low-memory devices, Tank Invaders is a blast of a time waster and a fun addition to the Windows Phone line-up.

Gear-up for battle

The main menu for Tank Invaders is rather brief with options to jump into game play, visit the game's store and access the settings. Settings are equally brief with options to mute music, sound effects or voice narration.

The gaming store has options to purchase consumable, upgrades or give your bank account a boost with in-app purchases of coins. Consumables include nuclear and magnetic bombs of a wide variety. Upgrades increase your missile's travel speed and impact, your shields strength and OnFire moments (more on this in a second).

When you first jump into game play, Tank Invaders will walk you through a series of tutorial screens that guide you through game play. As new features come into play, additional tutorial screens will appear. While the game lacks a help section, it does a nice job of providing tutorial windows as you progress through things.

Game Play

The game screen for Tank Invades has your missile type in the top corner and the number of missiles available to unleash on your enemies. A pause button sits in the center top and your score in the upper right corner.

Across the bottom of the screen is your shield meter (the neon green bar) and in the lower right corner your consumables will appear.

Along the left side of the screen is an OnFire meter. The meter fills with each consecutive target hit and when the meter fills completely, a rapid fire system kicks in that allows you to launch missile much faster than under normal operating conditions.

Normally, your missile launcher is loaded with two missiles that are automatically re-loaded. While the pace of fire isn't too bad, there is a slight pause in between pairs of shots to allow for reload. The OnFire mode lacks that pause.

Game mechanics are simple. Tap on the screen where you want a missile to hit. Your enemy targets move down from the top of the screen and include small jeeps and helicopters that only require one missile hit to destroy and larger tanks that require multiple hits to take out.

You also have larger boss-styled enemies that will be protected by shields that will lower from time to time, leaving the enemy vulnerable to attack.

The goal of Tank Invaders is to destroy all your enemies. Should one slip through your missiles and reach the bottom of the screen you will lose a shield unit. As you would guess, lose all of your shield units and the game is over.

The nuclear bombs are a nice option to wipe the screen clear of your enemies. Just use them sparingly because their supply is limited and replenishing your inventory can be costly.

Tank Invaders isn't just a "blast everything in sight" type game. To keep you on your toes, you also have ambulances that will pass through the battlefield that should be left un-touched. Blow up an ambulance and you lose a shield unit.

At the conclusion of the game, your scoring summary will award you gold coins that can be used for upgrades and consumables. You will also earn experience points that will move you up in rank and level. The higher your level, the more goodies are available in the store.

Overall Impression

Tank Invaders is an addictive, fast paced, action packed Windows Phone game. The game does remind me of the 80's styled arcade games you would find at the local convenience stores.

If I had to find an issue with Tank Invaders is the dialog boxes pop up rather frequently and you need to tap a confirmation button to advance into game play. Your reflex is to tap anywhere on the screen to advance but then you realize that you have to target the 'next' box.

If you like arcade styled games or simply looking for a fun game to pass the time with, there really isn't a reason not to try Tank Invaders. It's a fine addition to the Windows Phone gaming library.

• Tank Invaders - Windows Phone 8 - Free - Store Link

Earlier this month we reported that Pinball FX2 from Zen Studios would be coming to Xbox One at the end of July as part of the ID@Xbox program. This heralded much rejoicing from pinball fans such as your friendly neighborhood Games Editor and even head honcho Daniel Rubino. But at the same time, we all lamented the inability to transfer purchased tables from the Xbox 360 version of Pinball FX2 to the Xbox One version. Microsoft had not allowed the developers to implement such a transfer.

As Xbox Windows Phone fans well know, sometimes Microsoft listens to user feedback and sometimes it does not. The Xbox One and ID@Xbox sections certainly have been extremely responsive for the last year or so. Case in point, Zen announced this week that users will be able to transfer their Pinball FX2 tables from the 360 to Xbox One right when the Xbox One version launches! Now that's what I call a win for consumers. Xbox One players will have to wait a little longer for the game though, as the new version has been delayed until August.

Last minute delay

Pinball FX2 is less an individual game and more a pinball game platform. On Xbox 360, downloading the main game itself won't get you full access to any tables. But players can pick and choose from a huge variety of individual tables and table packs. These tables are all original creations from Zen Studios, not adaptations of real-life pinball machines. They vary in subject matter from original themes to licensed properties such as Marvel Superheroes and Star Wars.

Since Pinball FX2 launched on Xbox 360 in 2010, many players have accrued upwards of forty tables for that version of the game. As originally announced, existing players would have had to repurchase the same tables in order to access them on the Xbox One. Many would have refused to do so, limiting the potential reach and enthusiasm for the new version of the game.

By default, there are no universal apps or content purchases shared between Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Some games have allowed one way content transfers from the 360 to the One in the past though, such as Assassin's Creed IV and Call of Duty Ghosts. The same type of content/profile transfer will apply to upcoming downloadable titles Minecraft: Xbox One Edition and Happy Wars.

Even though Microsoft has no ecosystem-wide transfer policy in place (unfortunately), the big MS does at least grant exceptions now and then. The exception for Pinball FX2 came very late in the game, considering literally within two weeks of the release date announcement and the original planned release. It's no surprise that the launch had to be pushed back a bit in order to accommodate the transfer feature.

Note that transfers between the Windows 8 version of Pinball FX2 and the Xbox One version are extremely unlikely to happen. A transfer system for Windows 8-to-Xbox One versions simply does not exist yet. Maybe someday!

Pinball FX2 for Xbox One will arrive sometime in August. It will include the "Sorcerer's Lair" table for free.

Guardians of the Galaxy

In more Pinball FX2 news, Zen has just released the "Guardians of the Galaxy" table for Xbox 360. The new table is based on the Marvel Studios film of the same name that debuts in US theaters this week. I can't wait to see it!

The table features all five Guardians team members from the film: Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. Players will also encounter some of the film's antagonists, including Yondu and the Ravagers, Nebula, and Ronan the Accuser. The table starts out with four-ball multiball, promising a high-intensity experience just like the movie.

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" table will also be coming to Xbox One next month. This one won't be making its way to Windows 8, unfortunately.

• "Guardians of the Galaxy" for Pinball FX2 – Xbox 360 – 62 MB - $2.99 – Xbox.com Store Link

IQ Mission is a challenging, nicely drawn-up collection of puzzle games for your Windows Phone. The game includes eight puzzle styles that are represented by eight global cities. Available for low-memory devices, IQ Mission has experienced decent success on iOS and should do well on the Windows Phone platform.

The game does have an international spy story line where you visit each city to solve the puzzles in search of a secret energy source. Each city contains multiple levels of puzzles that progressively get more challenging. All totaled, IQ Mission has 128 levels and 20 achievements to earn. As you complete the levels of play you reveal a map that reveals where the secret source of energy is.

While the secret agent mission story line is a nice touch, the puzzles are the key attraction. If you like logic based puzzles, IQ Mission is full of challenging, sometimes frustrating, puzzles and is a good option to consider. IQ Mission is a universal app, available for both Windows Phone 8 (low-memory devices too) and Windows 8.

Global Cities and Informants

IQ Mission's main menu is a collection of mug shots of your eight informants who reside in various International communities which include Luxor, Monte Carlo, Antwerp, Rapa Nui, Marrakech, Paris, Beijing and London.

In the bottom corners of the main menu you will find a settings button in the right corner and a bonus or final game button in the right. To take on the final game, you will need all the map pieces from each of the eight cities.

Settings cover music/sound on or off, access to your gaming achievements, and links to email the developer and access the game's Facebook and Twitter pages.

When you are ready to jump into the game, just tap a photo of your informant and get to it.

Puzzles, puzzles and more puzzles

Regardless of which photo you tap on, you are greeted by your informant with instructions on the mechanics of that particular puzzle. The print is rather small on these screens but you will need to read the instructions carefully. Some of the puzzles are easy to pick up while others can be a wee bit more challenging.

Once you've read the instructions, tap the screen and you will be presented with the puzzle levels. If at any point you need to re-visit the instructions, tap on the informant's icon in the lower left corner of the level map.

IQ Mission offers a wide range of puzzles to tackle. While they do not have any official names, here's how I would describe them.

• Marrakech: You are tasked with restoring an arabesque to its original form. The arabesque is a collection of elements arranged in circular patterns that you have to rotate around to match the original pattern. It reminds me of those shifting picture puzzles but with rotating puzzle pieces.
• Beijing: You are presented with a group of towers on a grid map. You are tasked with building a wall around the tower, surrounding each tower with the number of walls shown besides each tower. The wall must be closed and cannot go in loops.

• Rapa Nui: You are given a game board with several colored statues that you need to move into their corresponding highlighted location. Once you slide a statue they can only be stopped by the edge of the board, a stone pillar or another statue. To help add to the challenge, traps are in place that will ruin your statue's day.
• London: Your mission is to touch each laser beam, connecting each jewel. You can only touch each beam once and cannot go backwards.

• Luxor: The Egyptian city offers you a logical puzzle where you have to slide walls out of the way to give a sarcophagus a clear path to the exit.
• Antwerp: A puzzle game where you have a box of various colored gem stones and a collection of various shaped blocks of wood. Your job is to position the blocks over the gems so only one color of gems is showing.

• Paris: This game calls on you to match stain glass patterns on a window. Sounds easy but the patterns have to match without the slightest deviation.
• Monte Carlo: Another movement game where you are given a set of dice. The number showing on the dice equals the number of moves that die can make. Your job is to move the dice into the highlighted positions on the gaming table.

At any point in the game where you feel completely stumped and need some help, in the upper right corner of the puzzle screen is a keyhole. Tap the keyhole to buy a key to unlock the puzzle. The key will cost you $.99 through an in-app purchase.

Overall Impression

I can see IQ Mission appealing to the puzzle fans in the crowd but if you are looking for a fast paced, action packed game for your Windows Phone you need to look elsewhere.

IQ Mission has a healthy collection of logical puzzles that are challenging, requires a good bit of patience and can be extremely frustrating at times. The mechanics of each puzzle style was easy to pick up but not so easy to master.

I can see IQ Mission being a solid gaming choice if you have a few minutes to pass and want something more than mindlessly blowing up aliens or zombies. IQ Mission may not appeal to everyone but if you like the mentally challenging puzzle games, it's worth a gander.

Please note that the $.99 price is a discounted price available only for a limited time.

• IQ Mission – Windows Phone 8 – Trial / $.99 – Store Link
• IQ Mission - Windows 8 - Trial / $.99 - Store Link

AirMech Arena, a new sci-fi themed free-to-play MOBA game has now made its official public debut on Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, after a week of closed beta testing.

AirMech Arena comes from developer Carbon Games and publisher Ubisoft and was previously released for the PC. Ubisoft says:

Take control of transforming robots and rule over the battlefield by capturing bases and building armies to help you clear the field of your enemies. Team up in the cooperative multiplayer, head out on your own in the single-player, or take on your friends in the competitive multiplayer with teams of two to three players.

While you can play AirMech Arena for free, Ubisoft also offers a Starter pack for the game that costs $9.99 and gives players "Lifetime Silver VIP, unlimited solo rewards and more!" There's also AirMech Arena Prime, which offers access to all the game's AirMech classes, a larger selection of units, and more benefits for $19.99. If you own an Xbox 360, will you be checking AirMech Arena out today?

Source: Xbox.com

At the beginning of the month, Perfect World Entertainment revealed that its popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Neverwinter would be coming to the Xbox One in China. The MMO genre is one of the most popular types of games in China; they have literally a million billion of them over there. If I am not mistaken, that's a number so high that mathematicians don't even have a word for it.

Announcing a game for the Chinese market and announcing it for the rest of the world are two different things. But did anyone really think Perfect World wouldn't bring Neverwinter to North America and Europe as well? The PC version already has a strong following worldwide, after all. Today it became official: Neverwinter will arrive on Xbox One worldwide (following this year's Chinese release) in 2015!

Seems like it's never winter

Neverwinter is a Dungeons & Dragons-themed MMORPG that launched on PC last year. The game takes place in the Forgotten Realms city of Neverwinter. Although not a true sequel to the popular Neverwinter Nights series, this Neverwinter draws influence from both games.

After nearly being destroyed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, Neverwinter has finally been restored to its former glory. A powerful Lord known as Neverember takes the city under his protection in the hopes of eventually ruling it as king. But multiple forces of evil threaten the rebuilt city, including a lich queen, a resurrected pirate, and an army of the undead…

Players can choose from seven races and six classes in Neverwinter. The races include Half-Orc, Human, Half-Elf, Elf, Drow, Dwarf, and Tiefling; the classes consist of Great Weapon Fighter, Guardian Fighter, Trickster Rogue, Devoted Cleric, Control Wizard, and Hunter Ranger. A seventh class called the Scourge Warlock will be unleashed in the upcoming PC expansion "Tyranny of Dragons" next month.

As you'd expect, Neverwinter uses a modified version of the 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules. The actual combat is highly approachable, closer to Diablo III than the more involved mechanics of Elder Scrolls Online. The game also offers player-created quests, a feature you won't find in other many other online RPGs.

The PC version of Neverwinter is free to play. Get it from Perfect World's Arc Games website.

Xbox One version

Neverwinter will arrive on Xbox One worldwide in the first half of 2015. According to IGN, the console version will contain most (but not all) of the PC game's content. Perfect World plans to stagger some of the game's post-release content when bringing it to Xbox One, presumably to give console players a chance to enjoy the main game before moving on to endgame-focused content.

In our original story, contributor Kane Gao worried about how well a computer game like Neverwinter would translate to console controls. According to the developer, it adapts very well. A tray of commands appears at the bottom of the screen, where players can hotkey them to buttons on the controller. Holding Left Bumper toggles to alternate commands, giving players access to a wide variety of moves and items without the need for a keyboard.

Beyond that, Xbox One-specific details are scarce. We know that Xbox One players won't be able to mingle with PC gamers. Not too surprising, as Microsoft just plain won't allow cross-platform play with non-Xbox systems. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) will work the same way when it arrives on the Xbox One at the end of the year, segregating Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC players. Also, both games will require Xbox Live Gold memberships in order to play.

Knowing that cross-platform play is out, two big questions remain. One: will PC players be able to transfer their characters to the Xbox One version? Although ESO will support such a transfer, we can't assume the same for Neverwinter. And two: will Neverwinter be free to play on Xbox One? Considering that ESO will be a retail game AND require a monthly subscription fee, Neverwinter will have a huge pricing advantage if it retains the PC version's free to play payment model.

Perfect World Entertainment promises more details as Neverwinter gets closer to release on Xbox One. We'll keep you posted!

Let's get one thing out of the way already. The visuals for this game look absolutely insane. Shoggoth Rising has originally launched on iOS and Android last December, but now it's on Windows Phone, too. You play as Ned, who has survived a shipwreck. You found a lighthouse, but you're far from being safe. Waves of sea creatures are going after you and you need to kill them before they kill you.

Head past the break to watch our gameplay video on the Nokia Lumia 930.

Immediately after launching the game, you'll be impressed with how it looks. The background on the main menu has lightning, rain, waves, and it's moving around like you're on a boat. Before you even start playing, we suggest heading over to the settings and tinker with the five graphics quality options: lowest, low, medium, high, and ultra. We've selected ultra on our Nokia Lumia 930.

You are positioned on top of the lighthouse. Use your weapons to prevent the creatures from climbing up to harm you. You start out with a gun called Blunderbuss, but eventually unlock other weapons such as a Rumgun and Cannon. They each have different damage points as well as ammunition. When the creatures get too close, you need a plank to hit them. It can also be upgraded to increase damage.

When things get overwhelming, you have special weapons that can help. The first one gets unlocked at level 7. It's called St. Elmo's Fire, which is a bolt of lightning that causes a lot of damage to all the creatures currently climbing up. There's a countdown after using the special weapon until you can use it again.

You can move the camera around for a better view of the creatures climbing up. It'll make it easier to shoot them. You can swipe up, down, left, right, and even pinch to zoom. The top of the screen displays your health. This decreases when the creatures get close and hit you. The round ends if the health meter reaches zero.

Surviving a round gives you money, which you can use to upgrade your weapons. It's necessary to upgrade because the creatures become stronger and harder to kill. They become faster, stronger, and even get bigger. The upgrade menu shows the weapons you currently have and displays the amount of damage you can cause if you upgrade. The prices increase as you go up a level.

There are currently 20 levels in the game grouped as the first episode. The second episode is listed in the menu, but it is currently locked with a message that says, "coming soon."

Shoggoth Rising costs 99 cents at the Windows Phone Store. Since it is a universal app, you can buy it once and install the game on both Windows Phone and Windows devices. There's also a free trial available. It's interesting that there are no in-app purchases available to get more credits. You actually have to play the game to earn the upgrades.

Check out Shoggoth Rising and let us know what you think in the comments!

• Download Shoggoth Rising from the Windows Phone Store
• Download Shoggoth Rising from the Windows Store

Thanks for the tip, Frank H.!

Aliens and Farm is a relatively new game for the Windows Phone platform where you have to save the local farm from invading aliens. To do so, you will have to whack them back into the ground, pond, pigsty and other areas of the farm. Much like you would do in a game of whac-a-mole.

The game pace has a bit of zip and there are a few bonuses you can collect during game play to help you survive the alien onslaught.

Available for 512MB devices, Aliens and Farm may not hold up to marathon gaming sessions but if you're in the mood for something different to pass the time with, Aliens and Farm may not be a bad option.

Menu Layout

The main menu for Aliens and Farms has options to jump into game play, access the game's options and view the online leaderboards. Settings are your basic sound, music and vibration on or off options.

Aliens and Farm has two game modes, Arcade and Survival. Arcade is broken down into various levels with a new alien introduced with each new level of play. Survival throws all the aliens at you at once to see how long you can last.

Game Play

Game play with Aliens and Farm is simple. You tap any alien coming out of a hole in the ground or up from underneath the water. You don't tap on any farm animal that appears.

You begin the game with four lives and if you miss an alien or whack a farm animal, it will cost you a life. The game pace does have a bit of zip (couldn't get a screenshot without motion blur) and will test your reflexes and powers of observation.

As you progress through the game, the pace picks up and additional aliens will be added to the mix. Some of which will require multiple taps to go down. You will also find bonus items pop-up from the holes that will slow time, eliminate all aliens or add a life to game play.

Overall Impression

I have to admit, after playing Aliens and Farm for a few days the game did begin to grow on me. As you progress through the levels of play in the Arcade Mode or tackle the survival mode, the game will test your reflexes the more aliens come into play.

The game is challenging, has a fast pace and the graphics aren't too bad. Aliens and Farm may be a decent option for your Windows Phone Kid's Corner or a title to keep in your main gaming library when you are in the mood for something different.

• Aliens and Farms - Windows Phone 8 and 7.x - Free - Store Link

The Xbox One is still a pretty new console, and so gamers don't have much in the way of controller choices. If you missed out on the Titanfall Limited Edition controller, you're pretty much stuck with the default black controller until the camouflage version comes along in the ball. How boring is that? Just think of everybody getting their controllers mixed up during Rayman Legends sessions.

Luckily, controller modification specialists Controller Modz are on the scene. The UK-based retailer offers a wide variety of customized controllers for the Xbox One and other consoles. These controllers aren't third-party knocks offs; they're official Microsoft controllers that have been professionally recolored with the customer's choice of design.

In celebration of Controller Modz's latest design (themed after UK gaming site Invision Gaming Community), users can even get ten percent off of their order. And yes, they ship internationally.

Invision Controller

The Controller Modz "Invision One" Controller for Xbox One comes in a fetching lime green color with chrome finish, evoking the look of the Invision site. Green has always been an Xbox color as well, come to think of it. The controller's green color comes from professional airbrushing and a glossy finish. On the left side of the controller you'll find the Invision Game Community logo and a cute drawing of its mascot.

The sticks and most of the buttons on the Invision One come in different colors than you'd find on a stock Xbox One controller. The analog sticks are white, while the face buttons are black and unlabeled. That would be a disadvantage for someone who doesn't know the button layout very well, but I doubt anyone so noobish has much of an interest in controller mods. As for View and Menu (Back and Start), those are the default black with white labels.

All told, the Invision One offers a very cool alternative look for the standard Xbox One controller.

Choosing your controller

The Invision One is one of 19 predesigned Xbox One controllers that Controller Modz offers. You can check out its product page here, or see the full list of designs here.

If none of those designs feel quite right, Controller Modz also allows customers to mix and match components in order to design their own totally unique controllers. You can even add your own logos, text, and LEDs!

Custom controllers don't exactly come cheap. These things start out as retail Xbox One controllers before going through the professional modification process. UK-based customers can opt to provide their own controllers in order to cut down on the price.

Assuming you don't send in a controller, the Invision One rings up at £79.99. UK customers get free shipping, while shipping to the US costs £8.00. Controller Modz currently offers a ten percent discount on the Invision One if you enter "invision" during checkout. That brings the total to £80.98 for US customers, which equals $136.93.

Having done a little arcade stick modification during my college years, I know how much work can go into changing a controller's appearance and/or adding features like LED lights. The Controller Modz modified controllers aren't cheap, but they look beautiful and seem like very high quality controller mods. I'll try to get my hands on one and write a full review soon.

As consistent as a full moon, Subway Surfers has been updated with a new theme this month. This time, the popular runner takes its World Tour to sunny Los Angeles and Hollywood. As usual with these updates, you get a few new challenges, new characters to gather and you can collect those movie clappers to unlock prizes.

• Explore the magnificent movie settings of Los Angeles
• Join awesome events in the Subway every day of the week
• Take Wayne, the skillful actor, for a ride on the Cruiser board
• Customize your Surfer cast with cool new Outfits

Subway Surfers recently received 512 MB ram support and that continues with this update, letting those with Lumia 520s, Lumia 630s and 720s join in on the fun.

Say what you will about the game, but the developers regularly update it on the same day as iOS and Android, and that goes a long way.

• Download Subway Surfers Los Angeles for Windows Phone

Codemasters revealed today that the UK developer and publisher is working on two new F1 racing games. One of them is due out this fall for Microsoft's Xbox 360 and other older generation consoles, but the second, due out in 2015, will be released for the new Xbox One console.

F1 2014, will is due out October 17th for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, will feature all of the new circuts, the new turbocharged cars, and all of the driver moves in the current Formula 1 racing season. Codemasters says:

"The game also includes refined handling on a pad and a new driver evaluation system that tunes game settings to your skill level to increase accessibility – we want all of our players to race competitively, more quickly. Of course, all the veterans of the series will be able to experience the true challenge of racing this year's stunning generation of cars, featuring more explosive power delivery but less downforce, by customising your options and turning off all the assists."

However, the team is also working on F1 2015 for the Xbox One, PS4 and PC. It will be released earlier in the 2015 season but will receive downloadable updates after launch. Codemasters says, "These updates will deliver 2015 content into the game as the season unfolds, ensuring you'll be competing against the same drivers and teams you watch week in and week out!"

Are you excited at the prospect of two new F1 games coming from Codemasters?

Hues is a relatively new puzzle game for Windows Phone that is inspired by the puzzle game 2048. It shares the same addictive quality of the popular numbers game but replaces pairing numbered tiles with tiles (or cards) of the same color.

Hues has three gaming modes to keep you on your toes, a few power-ups to help you survive game play and an online leaderboard system.

Available for low-memory devices, Hues comes across as a challenging and entertaining way to pass the time with. Hues is a Windows Phone puzzle game that will appeal to users of all ages.

Main Menu

Hues' main menu offers you options to jump into one of the three gaming modes, visit the gaming store, access the game's settings, view your local and online leaderboards, and view the playing card clan information.

Settings cover sound/music on or off as well as choosing between your Windows Phone accent colors or the game's stock accents. Just a quick note on the clan is that the free version of Hues includes eight family members in the clan. You can unlock an additional eight members through a $2.49 in-app purchase. This will increase the difficulty of the game, giving you more cards to match.

Game Play

Hues has three gaming modes, which includes:

• Timed Mode: Create as many matches and score as many points within 60 seconds.
• Moves Mode: Create as many matches and score as many points within 75 moves.
• Endless Mode: Create as many matches and score as many points until you run out of moves.

The mechanics of Hues is simple. The game board is a 4x4 grid that is populated with colored tiles or cards. You need to slide the cards vertically or horizontally to create matches of the same card. When you do, the color of the tile changes and you search for a new match.

As with games such as 2048, as you slide one playing piece the entire board shifts.

The game ends, depending on the game mode, when you run out of time or moves. Each level of card you have created has a points value, which totaled will be your score. You will also earn hues (coins) that can be used in the gaming store to pick up a few power-ups or boosts to help you with game play. Power-ups include time or move extensions and level up boosters.

Overall Impression

Hues shares that same addictive quality many Windows Phone puzzle games share. It is a fun puzzle game and with the three gaming modes, offers plenty of game time.

I can see Hues being appealing to grown-up users and I can also see it being a more elementary version of 2048 for the younger crowd who may notice color matches easier. The different personalities the tiles have with the emoticon faces is an added bonus.

If you cannot stand puzzle games, Hues might not be your cup of tea. However, if you are looking for an entertaining game to pass the time with you'll want to give Hues a try.

• Hues - Windows Phone 8 - Free - Store Link