iPad Games Thread

[peterb]

Titan the iOS version of the legendary board game is out. :) A bit expensive though for me, considering I can get AAA class PC games from steam for the same price.

Ask yourself how much it would cost you to find someone to play Titan with you when you're waiting at the shop for your car to be repaired.

[tempus67]

FWIW, I thought Companions was great, and paid more than .99 for it. It takes good advantage of touch controls and has a great old school vibe to it.

Seperately, Hudson Soft dropped the price of 'Knights of the Phantom Castle' to 99 cents. While flawed, it's worth a look for folks who loved S/NES era jrpgs. It's got the look and sound from that era down pat, and is a bit similar to Battleheart but with more complexity (multiple gestures - flick, tap, drag and drop, and tap and hold each issue a different command to each unit, plus a crafting system, and a cost-based unit drafting system).a

The controls are a little janky which makes the game harder than it should be, but 10 levels in I'm enjoying it. I just wish my archer would stop flick-shooting my tank ;-)

(anyone know if this actually an old SNES game updated for ipad? I don't recognize it but maybe it was something that hadn't previously made it out of japan?)

[mouselock]

if you like, I'll give you a promo code to check the game out. you'll quickly notice that you'll have more gold through the items you find than you can spend. (not always, but most of the time).

I appreciate the offer. I wasn't trying to condemn your game in any way, though. I'm just saying that some of the more unscrupulous iAP stuff makes me wary of anything with iAP, especially if it's priced up front. I think the single iOS game that cost me the most was The Creeps, where I actually got the base game for free and then my wife got hooked and we've bought all the level packs (more or less as soon as they come out) plus the HD version when it came out for the iPad, plus... And of course I'd never pay $15 for a super-deluxe-mega-anything on the app store, but I never blinked at the wife wanting to pay $1 here or $2 there for something, especially -after- the quality had been established.

All this is a way of saying that if Companions is a quality game, then giving it away for free once you have the IAP stuff up and running might well net you far more than trying to maintain a steady price.

For my part, I appreciate your willingness to discuss it that I'll go buy it right now without having any idea if I'd play it or not. I'm under no illusion that my $1 makes a difference in the grand scheme of things one way or another. However, perhaps the extra popularity counter increment does? (I'd also suggest you run the sale again a bit later; competing with -everyone's- $1 or freebie sale at Christmas seems like a big way to get lost in the crowd once again. :( )

[smuttlegiaco]

I wasn't trying to condemn your game in any way, though.

no problem, I thought so. I jumped in so quickly because I feel that there are games with iAP's that are ok.

if I look at the whole thing another way, I guess you're right: we priced Companions rather high, for a title from a no-name studio. and if I, as a customer, saw that I have to pay 7$ upfront and pay more later to play the game...I wouldn't buy it (perhaps).

we also have a lite version out for all those who like to try it first though, so I hope people are smart enough to take a no risk look first.

For my part, I appreciate your willingness to discuss it that I'll go buy it right now without having any idea if I'd play it or not. I'm under no illusion that my $1 makes a difference in the grand scheme of things one way or another. However, perhaps the extra popularity counter increment does? (I'd also suggest you run the sale again a bit later; competing with -everyone's- $1 or freebie sale at Christmas seems like a big way to get lost in the crowd once again. :( )

thank you, that's a nice attitude!

about the sale later on: well, this is the first time we lowered the price by such a large amount. our thinking was the following: if the big ones sell their games for .99$ and we don't, we won't climb in the rank, thus make very few sales over the holiday. the iTunesConnect center is closed from the 22nd until 28th december. we can make no price changes, no apps get reviewed and sometimes it is said, that the ranks get frozen in place. so if we are higher, chances are that customers see us during the holidays (don't know if that's all true, it's my first christmas app store experience)

as for now, I see it was the right decision: in germany we're ranked 25 of all iPad Apps and sold good numbers in other countries, too. it's nice to see our game between all these EA and Gameloft titles (place 3 for iPad RPG in the US is also nice). money wise, well, we gain .48€ per game sold. and you don't need to sell thousands of copies to get to such ranks (it's more in the hundreds), be assured. but if we hadn't gone down it would have been much less and perhaps the new people playing will tell their friends of your game if they like it.

[Kildar]

no problem, I thought so. I jumped in so quickly because I feel that there are games with iAP's that are ok.

if I look at the whole thing another way, I guess you're right: we priced Companions rather high, for a title from a no-name studio. and if I, as a customer, saw that I have to pay 7$ upfront and pay more later to play the game...I wouldn't buy it (perhaps).

we also have a lite version out for all those who like to try it first though, so I hope people are smart enough to take a no risk look first.

thank you, that's a nice attitude!

about the sale later on: well, this is the first time we lowered the price by such a large amount. our thinking was the following: if the big ones sell their games for .99$ and we don't, we won't climb in the rank, thus make very few sales over the holiday. the iTunesConnect center is closed from the 22nd until 28th december. we can make no price changes, no apps get reviewed and sometimes it is said, that the ranks get frozen in place. so if we are higher, chances are that customers see us during the holidays (don't know if that's all true, it's my first christmas app store experience)

as for now, I see it was the right decision: in germany we're ranked 25 of all iPad Apps and sold good numbers in other countries, too. it's nice to see our game between all these EA and Gameloft titles (place 3 for iPad RPG in the US is also nice). money wise, well, we gain .48€ per game sold. and you don't need to sell thousands of copies to get to such ranks (it's more in the hundreds), be assured. but if we hadn't gone down it would have been much less and perhaps the new people playing will tell their friends of your game if they like it.

Tried the lite version before I bought the main game. Didn't like the controls, its too unwieldy, but since the main game is only 99 cents, I bought it, but I doubt I'll be playing it.

Lol, anytime a Developer brings down their app price to 99 cents, I simply click the buy button even if I have no intention of playing or using their apps. :)

[DennyA]

I just checked Appshopper and noticed iMAME somehow slipped under Apple's radar and is available for free. Get it while the gettin's good because they're sure to pull it.

Yes! Still up! I always miss these things when I read about them here... (ie tethering apps)

[smuttlegiaco]

Tried the lite version before I bought the main game. Didn't like the controls, its too unwieldy, but since the main game is only 99 cents, I bought it, but I doubt I'll be playing it.

yes, the game has a learning curve and you need some time getting used to the controls. but then it's rewarding. we added group movement a while back. but, sure, controlling four characters at once is not easy in the beginning. give it a try when you have some time, if you like rpg's you probably like our game.

we started this game with a more "space-hulkish" approach in mind. basically a squad based game where you position your characters in strategically sound positions, but then it evolved and became something new...don't ask me why. :)


edit:
have a look at our trailer for Time of Heroes. we did all the music stuff ourselves, it's me singing there.:) we thought a power metal approach would suit such a game just fine. ;) I can't post links yet, it's called: Time of Heroes - Power Trailer

[Tracy Baker]

iDOS is back (sort of) in the form of Aemula Oldies, available for free. Sounds like people have already found a way to access the command line and load other games, and there's a Aemula Gamepad app for a buck that lets you use an iPhone as a gamepad for the iPad.

[Clay]

Probably old news, but I'm having as much fun with Bike Baron as I've had with anything in a while.

[BleedTheFreak]

Are there any sites that cover and/or review iOS games? I just got $30 iTunes credit for Christmas and it's burning a hole in my pocket. Ascension and Dungeon Raid are the only games I've purchased so far.

If said site could cover the more popular apps, that would be helpful too!

[Bahimiron]

Touch Arcade, Slide to Play and 148 Apps are probably your best bets for external sites.

This thread as well as our iPhone thread are probably your best bets in general.

[BleedTheFreak]

Touch Arcade, Slide to Play and 148 Apps are probably your best bets for external sites.

This thread as well as our iPhone thread are probably your best bets in general.

That's perfect, thanks!!

[Slainte Mhath]

Just got an iPad for the family at Christmas. I will likely pick up Ravenmark and Companions thanks to this thread. Any other iPad RPGs that people would recommend?

[Misguided]

Just got an iPad for the family at Christmas. I will likely pick up Ravenmark and Companions thanks to this thread. Any other iPad RPGs that people would recommend?

It isn't a super strong RPG platform yet, really. there is Avadon if you like old-school RPGs. The Gamebook Adventures series is currently on sale and those are fun if you like that type of RPG (you read different passages, make choices, find loot, etc.). On a bit of a different note, there's King of Dragon Pass (check the KoDP thread) and I'd also highly suggest Space Miner HD as an action game with RPG elements.

[Dreamshadow]

It isn't a super strong RPG platform yet, really. there is Avadon if you like old-school RPGs. The Gamebook Adventures series is currently on sale and those are fun if you like that type of RPG (you read different passages, make choices, find loot, etc.). On a bit of a different note, there's King of Dragon Pass (check the KoDP thread) and I'd also highly suggest Space Miner HD as an action game with RPG elements.

Rimelands: Hammer of Thor is pretty good.
Aralon HD might be up your alley if you like third person RPGs like Two Worlds and Skyrim.
Battleheart is a fun title too.

[Misguided]

I did have fun with Rimelands on my phone, that's true.

[gambrinous]

+1 for avadon if you like old school party RPGs

[Clay]

Aquaria is an RPG of sorts and is a great game.

[Bahimiron]

Between Avadon, Aralon, the various Final Fantasy entries, the first two Dungeon Hunter games and Rimelands, the iPad's really got your various common types of RPG covered. There's also The Quest, though I don't think that's universal so it may look even poopier than it does on the iPhone on the iPad.

[Boojum]

There's also Silversword, which is currently on sale for $2. Initial impression is that its imitation of The Bard's Tale is perhaps too slavish, and the art and interface are rough, but it's good to have a game in that style.

[Syzygy]

Anyone played Temple Run? http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/templ...420009108?mt=8

I picked it up reading one of the "best of the year" articles and me and my 11 year old have been hopelessly addicted the past two or three days.

[Manresa]

Remind me to finish & submit posts before stopping for dinner. A login request just ate my epic holiday iPad gaming post. In short: thumbs down on Batman Arkham City Lockdown and Dark Meadow, which are both derivative of Infinity Blade, and seem designed more to encourage in-app purchases of gold and XP than satisfying gameplay. Dark Meadow at least has an engaging plot, but is needlessly grindy, and the good ending is disappointingly abrupt.

A solid "meh" on Spy Mouse, which plays like a neutered version of Commandos.

Two thumbs up on Jetpack Joyride. One-touch controls reminiscent of Tiny Wings, rewarding arcade score chasing, and an addictive coin-collecting metagame.

[smuttlegiaco]

Anyone played Temple Run?

awesome game. I have about 600 runs and I started playing in early december. for me, the best endless runner there is.

[Boojum]

Anyone played Temple Run?

Yeah, I grabbed it when it was free a while back. It held my attention longer than any of the other endless-run games I've tried... but that means 30 minutes instead of 10, so I think the genre's just not for me.

On the bright side, between Avadon, Ravenmark, Zen Pinball, Bug Princess, and Ascension, I feel like I'm spoiled for excellent options every time I turn on the iPad to play games.

[Misguided]

Yeah, I grabbed it when it was free a while back. It held my attention longer than any of the other endless-run games I've tried... but that means 30 minutes instead of 10, so I think the genre's just not for me.

On the bright side, between Avadon, Ravenmark, Zen Pinball, Bug Princess, and Ascension, I feel like I'm spoiled for excellent options every time I turn on the iPad to play games.

And of course, if you love pinball, Pinball Arcade should be out within a matter of days. Launch tables are Black Hole, Tales of the Arabian Nights, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and Theater of Magic, with ToAN being the first game of the month.

[Dave Perkins]

Tee hee.. Boojum plays Bug Princess.

[forgeforsaken]

Tee hee.. Boojum plays Bug Princess.

Everyone should, it's great.

[Dave Perkins]

Getting.

[Dave Perkins]

Yikes. That is so not my kind of game. I thought that Boojum's interests would completely coincide with mine, actually!

[Boojum]

Yikes. That is so not my kind of game. I thought that Boojum's interests would completely coincide with mine, actually!

And a month ago, you would have been right!

But then Jamestown came along and showed me that the reason I've been apathetic toward shmups for the last 25 years of my gaming life has never been their core gameplay (what's not to like about living on a knife-edge of death, threading a path through waves of deadly projectiles, and blowing up thousands of enemies?), but rather the ancillary structural and metagame irritations that they were wrapped in. I've been on a bit of an exploratory kick ever since, and though it's too soon to tell if they'll become a permanent part of my gaming diet, I'm having fun so far.