Matt Gallagher — the creator of StreamToMe — is always on top of his game when it comes to app updates. Thus, the reason for StreamToMe’s iOS 4.3-compatible App Store update could all be owed to his proactive nature.
Or it could be that iOS 4.3 is really just that close to an official deployment and release.
Why is this good news? Not only will it allow 3rd party apps to utilize AirPlay, which is awesome, it also provides promise for those waiting for an iPhone 4 unlock…
If there is one thing that is awesome about the iOS development space, it has to be the immense amount of support that teams lend to the software, long after their release. Nothing shows a consumer that they proudly stand behind their product like continuing to augment it, often at little or no cost. One such developer hard at work on additional content for their release is Spokko, for their December release, Tiki Totems 2.
As you may recall, in its official 148apps review Tiki Totems 2 received an outstanding four and a half out of five stars! When a package already has that kind of endorsement, it almost doesn’t need anything extra to sweeten the pot. But who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth? In the largest update in the studio’s history, forty eight new stages have been added to the title, bringing the total to well over two hundred.
This in itself would be enough for any developer to call it a day, but they didn’t stop there. On top of all of these amazing additions, they have also released a second stand-alone app, independent of Tiki Totems 2 itself, that focuses solely on level creation. Even better yet, Tiki Totems 2 – Builder is available for free and will allow you to share you creations within the game itself or via email.
Does this all sound too good to be true? I sure thought so, but this is merely the tip of the iceberg because also included in the creation tool is full Game Center support, including achievements, retina display support, and most importantly, the ability to design your own stages for ANY mode in the game. This goes beyond simple fan service and assures that no one will be left disappointed. Trust us, your ninety nine cent couldn’t be better spent.
Developer: Electronic Arts
Price: $6.99
Version: 1.0.1
App Reviewed on: iPhone 4
Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 4.44 out of 5 stars
If you are familiar with console gaming, then you already know that Electronic Art’s Dead Space franchise is associated with spine tingling fear. Birthed from the bowels of Visceral Studios, the brand came out of nowhere in 2008, delivering one of the true surprise successes of the year. The game went on to sell several million copies, inspire a prequel on the Wii, and now a fully featured console sequel to boot. So can the dark, despair-inducing world of Dead Space translate over to iOS, or should this title have spent a little more time in the airlock?
Instead of jumping back into the heavily armored boots of Isaac from the console games, players are sent on a parallel mission with a new protagonist, only known by his codename: Vandal. The plot acts to bridge the events of Dead Space and its upcoming console sequel, while still delivering all of the spooks and thrills that the series is known for. Believe us, it is staggering to imagine that such a huge experience could be contained within the constraints of the iPhone, but not only does it succeed, it sets a benchmark that could be nigh impossible to match any time soon.
Every element that players have come to expect from this alien collision course is present and accounted for, even taking time to mix the action up between each stage. One moment players will be running for their lives, while others they will be taking the fight on the offensive, with the pace and action of the game constantly keeping them on the edge of their seat. All of enemies that fans either loved or hated from the first game are back again to make life a living hell, so they’ll need to make sure they are using their ammunition carefully.
The name of the game is dismemberment, as the game forces players to pick the opposition apart, limb by limb. This is where the title’s shockingly well constructed control scheme comes in handy. Instead of using dual stick controls, the thumb on the left side of the screen is used to navigate the character throughout the environments and the right stick is used to aim weapons and interact with objects. This combination results in a very precise way to traverse through numerous spine-tingling scenarios.
One thing that can be taken away from Dead Space above everything else is the exceptional sound design. Never has there been a game that has possessed the ability to set a mood, inspire an emotion, and instill all out fear in a manner such as this. It’s as if players are dropped into the best horror film ever constructed, while simultaneously getting the opportunity to play a small role in orchestrating the soundtrack to their own nightmares. These are the kind of landmarks that set the stage for perfection in gaming, further helping to cement the notion that console experiences that can be fit in the palm of a hand.
To say that Dead Space is one of the best games that we have seen in 2011 doesn’t do it justice. This is one of the most immersive experiences available on the platform. You owe it to yourself to discover that an iOS game can in fact make you shudder in fear and want to jump out of your skin. It isn’t merely a game, it is an experience that all iOS gamers should partake in.
EDITOR’S NOTE: With the purchase of the iOS game, players will be given the chance to unlock something special in the Dead Space 2 console game. We don’t know exactly what this special unlock is yet, seeing as how the console game doesn’t hit shelves until the date of this review’s publication, but rest assured it would have to be awesome to warrant a special section at the end of our review!
Developer: DotEmu
Price: $1.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4
Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 3.63 out of 5 stars
A confession to begin with. I’ve never played the original Earth Defense Force. I’ve got a feeling that unfortunately it never came out in Europe but feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I do rather enjoy old school side scrolling shooters though. They’re ideal to switch your brain off and simply switch to primal urges to shoot anything that moves.
Earth Defense Force does this exceptionally well with developers DotEmu providing another good retro conversion after the success of Avenging Spirit. Offering two modes of play – freeplay and Arcade, there’s a variety of difficulties on offer. Freeplay is much easier to deal with, it’s ideal for just dropping in for a bit of fun. It also ably trains you ready for the Arcade mode which is much more challenging and much more demanding of your skills. It eases you in though, the first stage is a smooth introduction to the game with the difficulty ramping up swiftly afterwards. It’s immensely satisfying succeeding though and at least you don’t have to complete the game in one go. Instead, once you’ve completed a stage, you can start again from that point. There are six stages in all so genre experts won’t find this a huge game but it feels about right in length.
As you’d expect from a side scrolling shooter, there’s appropriate encouragement to complete the game numerous times in the form of new weapon unlocks. Game Center support also provides a plethora of achievements which are always quite satisfying to acquire.
Ultimately though, it’s the fun that stems from Earth Defense Force that will keep you playing, and there’s plenty of that. It’s a great little retro shooter and one that very much deserves your time and money.
I will have to admit that I have done little with the Need for Speed gaming App that came with my Droid X, but I could have a lot of fun with Jet Car Stunts Lite.
The game itself is a racing game, but it isn’t about trying to out-race another racer. The real opponent in this game is the track itself, which is somehow suspended in mid-air on some planet.
On screen touch controls include gas, reverse, and jet fuel, which is required for making some very long jumps in this game. It is easy to run out of track, and tough to make it to the end.
You can get a free version of this App now, but you can get the full version for $2 now.
:: ISLAND FUN
Earth Defense Force does this exceptionally well with developers DotEmu providing another good retro conversion after the success of 
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