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251 'Games' stories December 2010 - July 2015
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It’s official – Angry Birds 2 is coming on July 30th

Avatar for Cam Bunton Jul 16 2015 - 6:11 am PT
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It seems an age since Angry Birds first rose to prominence as the best-selling mobile game going. After countless spin-offs and movie tie-ins, it’s about to get its first proper sequel. Rovio announced in a blog post this morning that Angry Birds 2 will officially launch on July 30th.

With 3 billion game downloads, millions of fans across the globe, multiple mashups and spin-offs, collaborations with A-list celebrities and much more, we’re really proud that Angry Birds is the mother of all mobile game apps. And now we’re proud to announce the mother of all sequels – Angry Birds 2!

Rovio hasn’t announced exactly what to expect or which platforms it’ll be available on, but it does say that it will make its way to “app stores worldwide” in two weeks, suggesting that it will almost certainly be available on the most popular platforms: Android and iOS.

Hit the Angry Birds 2 website to sign up and be notified as soon as it’s available. In the mean time, you can grab a bunch of the more popular Angry Birds titles for free, or just $1 in Rovio’s iOS sale.

Bethesda brings Fallout to iOS for the first time with freemium Fallout Shelter game

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jun 15 2015 - 4:05 am PT
8 Comments
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Fans of Bethesda’s Fallout games on Xbox, PlayStation and PC got the news yesterday that Fallout 4 will be launched in November – and the company also threw in a surprise bonus in the form of an iOS game. Fallout Shelter is a kind of blend of SimCity, XCOM and FTL in which you create your own fallout shelter and try to keep its residents alive and happy.

Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.

Select from a variety of modern-day rooms to turn an excavation beneath 2,000 feet of bedrock into the very picture of Vault Life. Get to know your Dwellers and lead them to happiness. Find their ideal jobs and watch them flourish. Provide them with outfits, weapons, and training to improve their abilities.

As Overseer, you get to design the shelter and take care of its residents, but you can also send them out into the Wasteland to find additional armor, weapons and other handy loot … 
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Sega to remove games that no longer meet its standards from the App Store

Avatar for Chance Miller May 8 2015 - 3:48 pm PT
17 Comments

Sega announced in a post on its blog this evening that it is going to remove a number of games from its catalog on the App Store. Sega says that a several of its games on the App Store no longer meet its “high-quality” standards. Sega will also remove the unsupported games from the Google Play Store, the Samsung App Store and the Amazon App Store.


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A look at gaming on Apple Watch: 2048, Modern Combat 5, Real Racing, FIFA, & many more (Screenshots)

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 22 2015 - 9:48 am PT
18 Comments
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The small 1.5 to 1.7-inch display on the Apple Watch might not immediately strike you as the ideal platform for gaming, but many game developers are embracing the Apple Watch with mini versions of popular games, companion apps for iPhone and iPad games, and even new games designed specifically for the Apple Watch.

Below we’ve put together a first look at the games already on the App Store, including a few screenshots of each revealed by that new tool we told you about earlier today.

Head below for the full list and check back for more as they get released:
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Opinion: Don’t hold your breath for real Nintendo games on your iPhone or iPad

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Mar 17 2015 - 8:56 am PT
26 Comments

My feelings for Nintendo are complicated. I’ve loved its games ever since the original Donkey Kong, owned every Nintendo console (including the Virtual Boy), and recommended the Wii U as the best game console for families and kids. But if I was mildly displeased with Nintendo as a company during its haughtiest years — the time when most of its key third-party developers walked away — I’m downright angry with it today. At a press conference in Japan this morning, Nintendo announced its second collaboration with a mobile game publisher in two months, the headline from which was what millions of people have been waiting years to read:

“Nintendo to start making iPhone games, including first-party IP like Mario.”

Sure, the official Nintendo press release actually says “smart devices” including phones and tablets, but iPhones and iPads are a safe bet. The press release also says “gaming applications” rather than games, but a press release from Nintendo’s new mobile partner DeNA confirms that the companies will indeed produce mobile games together. Just think about it: Super Mario World on the iPad! Donkey Kong Country on the iPhone! That’s just what everyone has wanted! But there’s a catch…


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Nintendo to start making iPhone games, including first-party IP like Mario

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Mar 17 2015 - 2:55 am PT
15 Comments
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The jailbreak community has worked to get Mario onto the iPhone for years.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo has finally decided that it is time to start making mobile games for platforms like the iPhone. The company has confirmed it will begin developing titles for smartphones and other mobile devices (presumably, ‘tablets’) featuring famous franchises like Mario.

Until now, Nintendo has been resistant to share its first-party intellectual property  (‘IP’) outside of its own consoles. Clearly, it was worried that bringing characters like Mario to the iPhone would cannabilize sales of its own hardware like the Nintendo DS.  However, as part of a new partnership with a mobile gaming company, there has clearly been a change of heart by Nintendo executives.


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Amazon Game Studios announces four games coming soon to iOS

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Mar 6 2015 - 7:26 am PT
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Amazon Game Studios announced today that it’s bringing four games to iOS devices starting with two previously released only on Android and two new titles coming soon.
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App Store responds to freemium haters, features ‘Pay Once & Play’ games with no in-app purchases

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 12 2015 - 12:09 pm PT
12 Comments
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 As part of Apple’s weekly App Store refresh, the company is currently highlighting iOS games for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that are paid apps with no in-app purchases, MacStories points out. The featured section is notable as in-app purchases have been a source of confusion and frustration for many consumers since their introduction despite being an added revenue source for developers and Apple.
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R.B.I. Baseball 15 coming to Mac w/ redesigned MLB ballparks & full rosters

Avatar for Trevor Daugherty Feb 9 2015 - 12:14 pm PT
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MLB Advanced Media has announced that R.B.I. Baseball 15 will be released this spring and will be available for the first time on Mac. This is a follow-up to the popular version from last year that made its debut on iOS.

R.B.I. Baseball 15 promises a number of updates bringing the most realistic experience to date, most notability including authentic ballparks and full 25-man rosters for all 30 Major League teams. It also includes user stat tracking for the first time as well as an online multiplayer mode with both ranked and friendly games. Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will be on the cover for this year’s rendition. A release date has yet to be announced.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyuIplh9E4U&w=704&h=396]
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9to5Toys Last Call: Mohu Leaf HDTV antenna $30, iPads up to $70 off, Samsung 4TB External HDD $100, more

Avatar for Feb 3 2015 - 9:00 am PT
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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

 

Cut the cord! Mohu Leaf 50 Ultimate HDTV Antenna (open box): $30 shipped (orig. $90)

Up to $70 off iPads at Staples: Air 2 starts at $459, mini 3 $379 w/ free shipping

Samsung D3 Station 4TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive $100 shipped (Reg. $150)

Slow Shutter! is now available for free inside the Apple Store iPhone app (Reg. $1.99)

Life Hack: these simple Velcro ties make cable management a cinch

Small States: Janus Motorcycles takes pride in its hand-crafted and locally sourced bikes, giveaway worth $340

More new gear from today:

  • New! LG 34-inch UltraWide LED IPS Monitor w/ Thunderbolt $750 shipped (Reg. $1,000)
  • New! Headphones: JBL J55i on-ears $30 (orig. $100), Bose SoundTrue 10% off, more
  • New! Tons of Lonely Planet guides and books for Kindle Reader: FREE
  • New! Games/Apps: Assassin’s Creed Unity (X1) digital $20, Torchlight II $4, freebies, more
  • New! LG G3 w/ free $100 Amazon gift card for $0.01 w/ 2-yr contract or $479 w/o

More deals still alive:

New products & more:

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Apple patent shows spring-loaded pop-up home button that doubles as a gaming joystick

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 15 2015 - 7:56 am PT
12 Comments

An Apple patent spotted by Patently Apple shows a spring-loaded pop-up iPhone home button that acts as gaming joystick when in the raised position. Or, in patent language:

An electronic device includes a surface and a multi-function input device. The multi-function input device is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, an input portion of the multi-function input device is flush with the surface or recessed in the surface and is operable to receive z axis press input data. In the second mode, the input portion is positioned proud of the surface (i.e., project from the surface) and is operable to receive x axis input data and/or y axis input data. The input portion may also be operable to receive z axis input data in the second mode. In one example, the multi-function input device may have a button mode and a joystick mode.

It’s a fun idea, for sure, but personally I think Apple is more likely to head in the opposite direction over time: to find ways of losing a physical home button and turning it into either a touch-only device, perhaps eventually embedding it into the screen in order to lose the extended bezel at the bottom of the device. Bluetooth gaming controllers, especially with improvements, may better serve serious gamers, regardless.

Are you a gamer who’d love to see this? Or would you rather see Apple working to lose the bezel? As ever, let us know in comments.

Apple announces new App Store records, says New Year’s Day biggest sales day in history

Avatar for Zac Hall Jan 8 2015 - 8:12 am PT
3 Comments
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Apple shared new numbers for the App Store today announcing that last week set a new record for App Store billings. According to the company, customers have spent almost $500 million dollars through app and in-app purchases over the App Store through the first week in January.. In addition to the company’s App Store record announcement, Apple has presented a new microsite focused on its job creation efforts.


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Review: Mad Catz’ C.T.R.L.i and Micro C.T.R.L.i bring overdue competence, fair pricing to iOS game controllers

Avatar for Jeremy Horwitz Dec 15 2014 - 12:00 pm PT
1 Comment

Apple’s iOS game controller design guidelines were clearly inspired by Microsoft’s Xbox controllers, but Mad Catz has taken the concept a step further: its new C.T.R.L.i ($60) and Micro C.T.R.L.i ($50, available for $46) for iOS look so much like Xbox One game controllers that you might struggle to tell them apart in a dark room. While the full-sized C.T.R.L.i is very close to the Xbox One controller in footprint and weight, Micro C.T.R.L.i squeezes all of the same functionality into a smaller but nearly identical shape.

Best of all, since they’re more reasonably priced than earlier iOS controllers, both are good enough to recommend to any iOS gamer… assuming you own or want some iOS games with controller support.


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Nintendo patent hints at official Game Boy emulator for mobile phones

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 28 2014 - 9:04 am PT
7 Comments
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TechCrunch points to a newly published patent filed by Nintendo that shows the company is interested in bringing Game Boy titles to mobile devices through emulation technology. Many emulators exist online to mimic old consoles and allow gamers to play back catalogs of games converted to ROM files on Macs and PCs, and Nintendo could possibly do the same to officially bring titles to mobile devices without much heavy lifting in terms of rewriting the games:
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Critically acclaimed console game ‘Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath’ arrives remastered for iOS devices

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 28 2014 - 7:18 am PT
3 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd2CxwPP6ks]

Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath first debuted on the original Xbox in 2005 to praise from critics and today the game has officially arrived for iOS devices with some new additions and enhancements specifically for the smaller screens.

Developed by Oddworld Inhabitants, Stranger’s Wrath is the latest installment in the franchise despite being first released on the original Xbox almost 10 years ago. The title foregoes the side scrolling puzzler gameplay that made the original Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee and follow up games in the series popular when released on PlayStation in the late 90’s. Instead, Stranger’s Wrath is half first-person shooter, half third-person platformer with lots of the usual Oddworld exploration and theatrical soundtrack.

The developers say the new iOS release includes “exciting new controls that make the most of the mobile format and improved visuals throughout.” The game also includes support for Made-for-iPhone game controllers and supports English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Finish, Swedish, and Polish languages.

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is available on the App Store now for $5.99.

Activision’s ‘Call of Duty: Heroes’ freemium iOS app goes live, with scary in-app purchases

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Nov 13 2014 - 5:56 am PT
10 Comments
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Activision has officially launched Call of Duty: Heroes, its 3D combat strategy game for the iPhone and iPad. Unlike the companion app for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare launched earlier this month, this latest offering is a full standalone game like Strike Team.

While the basic game is free to play, you might want to take note of the cost of the optional in-app purchases before you get hooked: these range from $9.99 to a frightening $99.99 … 
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2K brings XCOM: Enemy Unknown expansion ‘Enemy Within’ to iOS as standalone app

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 12 2014 - 9:32 pm PT
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2K games, maker of BioShock and XCOM have released a new “expansion” for the popular XCOM: Enemy Unknown titled Enemy Within. While the company calls the game an “expansion,” the term “sequel” might be more apt for the iPhone version, which functions as a standalone app rather than an add-on to the previous game.

Enemy Within, which was released for PCs exactly one year ago this past Tuesday to high praise from players, builds on the gameplay of Enemy Unknown, but adds several features and updated mechanics, including new enemies, weapons, abilities, and even an expanded story.

XCOM: Enemy Within is available on the App Store for $12.99. In lieu of a change log, the full App Store description, including a detailed list of the new content, in included below:

COM®: Enemy Within is a standalone expansion to the 2012 strategy game of the year XCOM: Enemy Unknown and it’s now available on iOS devices! Enemy Within features the core gameplay of Enemy Unknown plus more exciting content. Check out the new soldiers, abilities, enemies, maps, missions, and multiplayer mode for the fresh new strategy gaming experience!

• New Soldier Abilities: Build new base facilities to unlock unearthly new capabilities for XCOM’s soldiers. The Genetics Lab will allow soldiers to receive powerful genetic modifications, and the Cybernetics Lab allows soldiers to use devastating mechanized cybersuits in battle.

• New Weapons and Equipment: Give your operatives an extra tactical edge with new projects from your engineering team and the Foundry.

• New Enemy Threats: Adopt new tactics to counter the threats from two new alien types and a deadly new organization known as EXALT.

• New Strategic Resource: A valuable new alien resource, known as Meld, has been discovered. Secure it on the battlefield, research a new technology to unlock its power, and use it carefully back at base to unlock new upgrades and weaponry.

• New Story Elements: Investigate a terrifying threat in an abandoned fishing village, and defend the XCOM headquarters from alien attack in a series of new plot-driven missions.

• New Multiplayer maps, units, and abilities: Create your custom squad from a wider array of options and dominate your opponent in intense, one-on-one, turn-based matches.

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9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Smart Covers $7, iPhone 5 unlocked (refurb) $379, Retina iPad mini (refurb) $249, more

Avatar for Oct 17 2014 - 3:23 pm PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Apple Original Smart Cover for iPad 2, 3, and 4 (new, open box) $7 shipped (reg. $39)


iPhone 5 factory unlocked manufacturer refurbished w/ 1-yr Apple warranty from $379 shipped

Apple drops refurbished iPad pricing: Retina iPad mini from $249, more

1Password for Mac $34.99 (Reg. $50)

Small States: Waterfield Designs has the perfect bag for all of your gadgets, giveaway worth $329

Other new deals:

More deals still:

New products/ongoing promos:

iPhone 6/Plus deals, accessories, and more:

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Demoed at WWDC, Epic Zen Garden is now available to download in the App Store

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Sep 18 2014 - 6:09 am PT
4 Comments

First shown at WWDC to demonstrate Metal (Apple’s new graphics API), Epic Zen Garden is now available in the App Store to download and try out on your newly-updated iOS 8 device. Although this is more of a tech demo than a fully-fledged game, you can still get some enjoyment out of raking the sand or playing with the fish in the pond. There are several different areas to explore which show off the power of the GPU in your iOS device. It does look good.


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EA developing games, second screen experiences for wearables like Apple Watch

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 10 2014 - 12:02 pm PT
12 Comments

One thing that Apple didn’t get into during its keynote presentation is any possible gaming experiences that might come with its new Apple Watch wearable. Today, however, EA has announced that it’s already prototyping ideas for wearables like Apple Watch. In a blog post from EA’s Mobile gaming head Frank Gibeau, the company announced announced it has a team working on ideas for gaming on wearables including standalone games and second screen experiences for console and mobile games:
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The creator of Flappy Bird is launching a new game this week called Swing Copters

Avatar for Zac Hall Aug 18 2014 - 11:54 am PT
6 Comments

After months of countless Flappy Bird clones hitting the App Store, Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen is taking his best shot at hopefully cloning the success of his bizarrely popular iPhone game with a new title called Swing Copters.

According to Touch Arcade, which had an early peak at the game (Nguyen seems to be marketing this game despite pulling Flappy Bird for getting too popular), Swing Copters is just as challenging (therefore probably as addictive) as you pilot a helicopter upward through gates with menacing, swinging hammers that crash your flight on impact. The gaming site also has footage of early gameplay of the Flappy Bird successor as you can see below:

The official successor to Flappy Bird is said to be ready to soar on Thursday, August 21st, and be free with a single 99¢ in-app purchase to remove advertisements. Will Dong Nguyen’s next game be yet another hit or is the Flappy Bird concept too played out?