Broadcasting live gameplay videos, posting videos of high-scores, strategy or just narrating while playing games has increasingly become very popular in the gaming community. Twitch is the leading platform when it comes to gaming videos. The service boasts 45 million gamers every month.
If you’ve ever gone through the most popular videos on YouTube you would’ve noticed that many times gaming videos rank very highly. YouTube understands that there is a very big market of users who love to watch or create gaming related videos and share with everyone.
With YouTube Gaming a dedicated service by Google, the company aims to compete with Twitch. It will be available this summer in the US and UK initially.
You will be able to view content through Games, Feed and Channels. The app will feature a live system to make chatting with your favourite YouTube creators easy and fast.
Google has highlighted that service will cater to the needs of all gamers and if they type “call” in the search field they can be rest assured to receive “Call of Duty” as a recommendation instead of “Call Me Maybe”.
Google has been hard at work to support video playback and lifestream at 60fps. Since this is essential to offer live gameplay broadcast. According to the company YouTube Gaming will provide “an improved live experience that makes it simpler to broadcast your gameplay to YouTube.”
Are you excited about YouTube Gaming? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/youtube-gaming-googles-response-twitch-launching/feed/ 0The developers recently showcased the first gameplay video of the game as part of the Firaxis Games Megapanel at PAX South. According to 2K Beyond Earth and Starships is expected to feature an integration between the two titles which “will enhance and expand the depth of both game experiences.”
Starships is based on a story line that builds up on connecting with other galaxies to engage in duels, diplomacy or trade. The gameplay showcased during the event shows how you will be able to customise your starships with armour, capabilities and wonders.
“When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth. What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?” said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. “My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration.”
The interstellar game theme provides maps predominantly defined by asteroids along with quick routes that appear and then disappear. When you attack your opponent their position behind an asteroid will determine how much damage your attack will cause. Planning your attack position to maximise your damage will play a major role in your attack strategy.
Sid Meier’s Starships is expected to be available for Mac, iPad and PC in spring 2015. Watch the gameplay and announcement trailer below. What do you think about the game? Let us know in the comments.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/watch-sid-meiers-starships-mac-ipad-gameplay-video/feed/ 0
It’s hard to stand out from the crowd – especially when you’re a platformer on the App Store.
IntenseGames Limited believes its latest title, Infinity Run, has enough fresh and novel elements to make an impact in a highly competitive genre, though.
We had an opportunity recently to sit down and chat to Alexander Kutehov, project manager of Infinity Run.
Among other things, Kutehov revealed more about the aforementioned unique gameplay elements, how much work went into the touchscreen controls, and what’s planned in terms of updates for the game.
Oh, and whether Android gamers can look forward to a bespoke version of the game.
The first thing Kutehov wants to emphasise is that this is not just another endless-runner.
“The game is endless and finite at the same time. Infinity Run is packed with lots of levels, unique looks for each level, a diverse set of obstacles, and a bestiary of monsters,” Kutehov says.
“The number of levels is still finite, though. So, you CAN complete the game, defeat the final boss, see the final cutscene, and enjoy the victory. And after all that… start all over again.”
A game in which you are constantly on the move needs accurate controls, though, and Kutehov says that a lot of work went into ensuring this was the case in Infinity Run.
“The controls in Infinity Run work in such a way that the player can perform actions quickly and efficiently,” he says.
“To make a jump, for example, you don’t have to release your finger after swiping, for it’s enough just to touch the screen and slide your finger up for a certain minimum distance. Also, we have added several checks to prevent you from making accidental wrong moves.”
Kutehov states that a lot of work has gone into Infinity Run‘s presentation, too, which has a distinctly fantasy / mythical vibe.
“All those beautiful landscapes and buildings that you can see on the campaign map are there to remind you what would be lost if those hapless dwarves (in the game’s plot) have their way,” he says. “It is all there to show what you are trying to save.”
Making sure the detailed environments didn’t impact on the game’s performance was essential, as well.
“From the very beginning of development, we wanted to make sure the graphics ran smoothly on the entire line of Apple mobile devices,” Kutehov explains.
“To achieve this goal, our team of programmers and artists tested many different solutions and implemented the best of them.”
In terms of increasing the amount of content in Infinity Run, Kutehov says that one aspect that will definitely be bolstered is the number of playable characters.
“In the original version of Infinity Run, you only have one game character: a noble paladin, who alone tries to save the world from a terrible monster that has broken free,” he says.
“Additional characters will appear in the add-on version of the game. And you can find out who they are in the final cutscene of the game.”
This is just one of the many things that’s planned in terms of updates for the game.
“This upgraded version of Infinity Run is already in development, and will contain an additional character, more levels, and new game elements such as combos,” Kutehov reveals.
“Furthermore, we plan to add support for the iPhone 5’s larger display. We’re looking to translate Infinity Run into different languages, as well.”
You can download Infinity Run as a free Universal app for iPhone and iPad now [iTunes link].
Kutehov tells us we can expect to see an Android version out in the near future, as well.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/sponsored-feature-intensegames-limited-dash-buy-infinity-run-ios/feed/ 0Jackpotjoy have released an update for their successful iOS Jackpotjoy Slots app, giving players more slots gaming action.
The new 1.0.3 version means users can now access two more popular multiline slot games on the go, Ray Gunn and The Winstones.
Free to download, the mobile app – which launched in September this year – is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad.
The two new games will be familiar to users of the Jackpotjoy site, where they specialise in fun re-workings of traditional slots, a tactic that’s helped the site earn its 4 million registered users.
Ray Gunn takes players into futuristic outer space for a slot game battle against Galex E. Greed, while the Winstones heads for the Jurassic era. Packing in the prehistoric cartoon family references, players can also win free games via a stone age Wheel of Fortune bonus round.
Slots have been a mainstay of the bricks and mortar casino industry for decades, and have undergone a transformation in recent years thanks to internet.
The app’s developer, Gamesys, have taken the traditional slot game model and added more than just graphics and sounds. Gameplay innovations, bonus rounds, fun characters and storyline slots have all helped to transform the way slots are played and increase the popularity of slot gaming online and via mobile.
The app update also allows for better connectivity with Facebook. Jackpotjoy launched their free slots app for Facebook last year, keen to establish themselves on the social networking platform that has proved so successful for Zynga. 8 million players already use their Facebook slots app, which offers up over 30 slots games, and the ability to play in either guest or tournament mode.
The updated mobile app allows players to connect their mobile and Facebook play, storing and transferring any progress they’ve made and coins they’ve collected from one platform to another. It’s a cross-platform link that’s arguably vital for the success of today’s games, with smartphone and tablet ownership on the rise, and users looking for more entertainment on the move for their mobile devices.
One of the first to recognise the potential that the internet holds for bingo, slots and casino gaming, Jackpotjoy were also quick to grasp the importance that social networking would play in the world of gaming. Their Gamesys-designed Facebook app, Bingo and Slots Friendzy, made history in August, becoming the first real-money gaming app on Facebook – allowing users to play for real cash prizes for the first time.
Jackpotjoy plan to continue adding further slot games to their mobile app, including favourites from their own website and Facebook, and newly launched games too. The further players progress through the slot game rounds, the more slot games they’ll unlock.
The free app currently holds a five star customer rating in the iTunes app store, and is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/sponsored-feature-jackpotjoy-adds-games-ios-slots-app/feed/ 0Homer Simpson has never been one to turn his back on a freebie and now he’s giving back with ‘The Simpsons – Tapped Out’, EA’s entry into the freemium market place.
In typical Homer action he is distracted during his shift while playing on his MyPad with disastrous consequences in that he destroys Springfield, leaving you and Homer to bring it back to it’s former glories.
For those of you familiar with the show you won’t be disappointed as all your favorite characters and locations are there and it’s been written with the same irreverent humor as the TV show itself. In fact it also pokes fun at itself and the freemium model of gameplay which is nice to see.
For those who have played these types of games before there isn’t too much new here but it’s clearly grabbing a lot of peoples attention as over the first few days of its launch it’s be hit by various connectivity issues which has prevented the game from being played at times.
I’m sure these issues will be addressed however and everyone will be back helping Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie to rebuild Springfield. This is done via the usually variety of tasks which can all be completed without handing over a dime. However, should you want to speed things up a little you can purchase additional donuts via in-app purchases.
Now I have nothing against the freemium model, I’ve been addicted to Tiny Tower in my time and as long as the balance is set correctly it can work well. However, while the in-app purchases start at $1.99, $4.99 and $9.99 the top price is $99.99 for 2400 donuts and while I’ll all not impinging on other players freedom, surely nobody should be allowed to spend $100 on an in-app purcahse!
If you are a fan of the Simpons and this type of game in general then you should certainly give Simpsons – Tapped Out a look as it has everything a game like this should have. However, just don’t buy 2400 donuts however much you think Homer would like them!
The Simpsons – Tapped Out is available in the App Store now for free.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/simpsons-tapped-out/feed/ 12Rovio have never been a company that rests on it’s laurels and that doesn’t appear to be changing as only a few days after they launched their leading brand on Facebook, that they teased their millions of avid followers with a teaser of Angry Birds Space.
Little is known about what this brand new version of Angry Birds Space will bring to the table as the only official information so far is a launch date of March 22nd, a teaser ad that can be seen on the official website and a short 20 second teaser video has also been posted on YouTube.
A quote from the Rovio blog however does promise the following:-
Angry Birds Space is a completely new game with innovative new gameplay, but with some of the familiar Angry Birds elements that fans already know and love — plus some surprises!
Gravity, or more specifically a lack of it, could be put to good use here and I imagine that we will get to see some more birds too, but it remains to be seen how innovative this is and whether it can keep them flying high.
What new features would you like to see in Angry Birds Space, leave your thoughts in the comments below of tweet me, @4forkssake.
Despite the success of the Chop Chop range of games Chop Chop Soccer is my first dalliance with the range of sports games that swap reality for oriental cuteness.
I’ve played most of the soccer games that are available in the App Store including Fifa, PES to X2F2010 all of which concentrate on being soccer simulations with accuracy and depth. Chop Chop Soccer however focusses on simplicity and fun which it ultimately succeeds in.
The gameplay is as bright and fun in the navigation menus as it is in the gameplay and when the three players, yes it just a 3-a-side game, run out onto the pitch you’ll see how cute they are immediately. Don’t take this as a sign cute gameplay though as these mini players play hard.
The controls of Chop Chop Soccer couldn’t be simpler, in fact you actually only need one finger to dribble, pass, shoot and tackle making this probably the simplest soccer game in the App Store.
You can play a single game or take part in one of four tournaments which will see you playing and teams from all across the world in a variety of ‘stadiums’ from small town USA to the Egyptian pyramids.
You can play the game from 3 different camera angles and play through four difficulty levels with the Expert level proving to be the ultimate challenge, in fact I wasn’t even able to score a single goal against the opposition at that level.
Chop Chop Soccer doesn’t aim to compete against the full on soccer simulators but what is does offer is an instant dose of crazy soccer action that provides the same gratification when a goal is scored as it does in the other more serious alternatives.
Price: $0.99 (App Store)
Category: Games
Released: Aug 04, 2010
Reviewed Version:1.0
1.0 (iOS 4.0 Tested)
Size: 26.8 MB
Language:English
Seller:Gamerizon
© 2010 Gamerizon Studio, Inc.
Requirements:Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.
Mirrors Edge for iPad [rating: 4.5/5]
Stylish looking iPad game with the gameplay to match!
Over the last couple of years Mirrors Edge has been released over a couple of different platforms and while it has met critical acclaim it never seemed to make it into the heart of the gaming masses. Now it’s being released on the iPad to a new potential audience and if you haven’t tried it yet maybe now would be a good time. That being said while buying a 99 cent game is no risk even if you don’t like it paying the introductory rate of $12.99 for Mirrors Edge may make you think a little.
Mirrors Edge is based on the ‘sport’ of Free Running where participants run through cities jumping, sliding, vaulting over, under and through anything they can find. You take the role of Faith Connors who is fighting against a Big Brother government hell bent on there control methods to keep their “perfect society” perfect.
This is the basic of the single payer story mode. Running across the rooftops and through the buildings to outrun and defeat your pursuers as they try to gun you down. There are no guns for Faith however, her weapons are her agility and guile in evading those who aim to bring her down.
From the moment you launch the game you will be struck by the stunning HD visuals and unique style of the graphics from the stylistic white and red menu’s to the stunning city roof tops the game looks great.
That being said once you launch the game you don’t have long to study the beautiful scenery as you will be too busy launching Faith into her acrobatics.
All the controls are done via gestures on the large iPad screen. Swipe left or right to send Faith running in that direction, swipe up to make faith jump, down and Faith will slide or roll after landing a large fall.
There are also contextual gestures, swiping up while next to an advertising hoarding and Faith will run along it. These controls will need to come 2nd nature if you are going to make it through the 14 levels.
As you progress through the levels Faith will also need to put her skills to defeating numerous enemies using the same skills as she uses to navigate the environment.
14 levels is not a huge number especially for $13 however they are challenging and should keep you entertained for a a decent amount of time at least.
That being said the single player story mode is not the only option. In addition there is the Speed Run where you can race through any of the levels that you’ve unlocked through the Story Mode for the fastest time. After your first run through any of the 14 levels you will be up against your fastest previous time in the form of a ghost which not only adds to the challenge but also help you pick up tips on where you can improve your moves.
You should then be able upload you times to the online leader boards and also download the ghosts of other racers, however on the numerous attempts I tried to do this I was unable to view the leader boards let alone download a ghost racer. Hopefully this we be resolved in a future update.
We’re not over yet though as there is also a 2 player mode that is played on a single iPad. The screen is split in two and you and a friend can battle it out with all the same moves in Race Mode or Rival Mode.
With the addition of these two extra modes on top of the Story Mode, achievements in the form of badges and the option of hunting down the hidden badges the $13 price tag suddenly doesn’t seem so step after all.
If you are looking for an engrossing, great looking title that utilizes the iPad’s large screen and touch capabilities that will enable you to show off the future of mobile gaming then you need look no further than Mirros Edge from EA.
The Good
The Not So Good
Price: $12.99 (iTunes Store Preview)
Released: Apr 01, 2010
Reviewed Version: 1.0.0
Size: 110 MB
Language: English
Seller: Electronic Arts
© 2009 Electronic Arts Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Rated 9+ for the following:
Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later.