Ever wondered what different platforms developers use to make iOS games? I have often wondered what the “Special Sauce” certain developers used to create games like “Angry Birds” or other insanely successful games use. Naturally when I read about Cargo-Bot, a game made entirely on the iPad, it caught my eye.

Cargo-Bot was developed by the folks over at Two Lives Left using an iPad app they created. Codea is that app and it will run you a mere $10. Codea allows you to use the Lua programming language to code your game. The Two Lives Left team used an unreleased Xcode template tool to make the transition from Codea to the App Store. Two Lives Left has at the very least made believers of some in what a tablet is capable of.

I have often had friends question what possible uses my iPad has. I use mine daily and I am always looking for ways to integrate it into my day. Like anything, it’s in how much effort you’re willing to put into it. The folks over at Two Live Left have taken the initiative and created a pretty cool game with it. Desktop replacement, maybe not but it’s sure easier to tell my wife I’m not working when I have my iPad as opposed to my laptop.

{via Cult of Mac}

On Thursday of last week Rovio released its most recent installment in it’s mega hit game, Angry Birds. The game has been an instant hit, netting 10 million downloads over by Monday of this week. Insane numbers, even by Angry Birds standards. Angry Birds Space takes the fun out of the atmosphere utilizing new physics.

Angry Birds Space was release for Apple iOS, Android devices, PC and Mac. Specific details on the number of downloads were not released. I found it interesting that there was not a free version on iOS when released, iOS being one of Angry Birds’ most prominent platforms for the game.

Peter Farago, vice president of marketing at the mobile analytics firm Flurry said “The closest success story I can think of is OMGPOP’s Draw Something, which racked up 20 million total downloads in five weeks.” So 5 weeks compared to 4 days is the closest comparison. Whether you like the game or not you have to admit that is pretty amazing.

Overall, this installment of Angry Birds changes things by altering a world class physics machine. There is something to be said for the depth of Angry Birds. I admit, its a simple pick up and play game but how many clones have you seen that haven’t gotten it right? Certainly didn’t do 10 million downloads over a weekend. I’ll continue to play my Angry Birds and agree to disagree with the haters. Download it and try it out, $0.99 isn’t bad and 10 million downloads can’t be wrong.

Microsoft, although having a string of failures in the smart phone market, has gained a large market percentage in video games with its Xbox 360 and Xbox Live services. On Wednesday, in a statement published by Forbes, it was revealed that Microsoft is now looking to bring its Xbox Live app to the iPhone 4S and iPad 2.

While the Xbox Live experiences and games always work best on the Windows platform, we understand that some Xbox fans may be using other types of devices. To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone is still new to the market and is slowly growing in terms of adoption and does not pose a threat to either the iPhone or Android as yet. Therefore, it is natural to assume that Microsoft also sees the opportunities in Apple’s App Store. If Microsoft ports their Xbox Live service over to iOS, games such as Halo could also make an appearance in near future.

With Apple’s focus on the advancement of graphics performance in their devices, Microsoft has the perfect mobile platform to bring their services to.

Doodle Swipe [rating: 3.5/5]

Doodle swipe developed by HafizAwangPon is all about the fun loving character Bubba, the little blue blob. Guide him along the platforms jumping from one to the other without falling.

If you have ever played Doodle Jump, which I am sure most of you have, this game seems to be inspired from it but features completely new gameplay. The idea is the same the little blob has got to jump from platform to platform without falling to his death on the ground. Where it differs is to do this you have to draw a line with your finger for him to bounce on. When you do, he will then bounce on it and move slightly along so you then draw him another one.

Now if you draw a level line he won’t go any where he will just keep bouncing up and down. So you need to do it at a slight angle then he will bounce with a little push forward. Once he moves and whilst he is in mid air it is then you draw another line for him. The more of an angle you draw your line the faster he will move so make sure you can keep up to him.

On some of the platforms there are springboards which if Bubba bounces on them it gives him a gentle boost and also new in the latest update a jet pack. All quite helpful to get you a bit further in the game. It does take some time getting used to the controls and drawing the line at the right angle. After a few attempts though you should get the hang of it. If you draw the line too high on the screen Bubba jumps above off the screen and you have to then guess where he is going to come back down at. The best thing is to draw it as near to the middle as you can.

Your score is recorded for your own records but also for the online leader boards should you wish to add it there. At any time you can check them to see how high up on the board you are. You can also submit your scores to Facebook and share them with your friends and family.

The sound effects fit in well with the cute blob, lots of boings and jet pack noises. The graphics are quite basic, in the style of doodle sketching with colourful details.

It is a good game and quite hard at times to get far so it becomes quite addictive. The game is a good time killer, perfect for picking up and having some quick fun.

Doodle Swipe is recommended for any Doodle Jump fan!

The Good

• Enjoyable game
• Addictive
• Simple gameplay

The Not So Good

• Submitting scores to Twitter would be nice
• Repetitive

Price: $0.99 (iTunes Store)
Updated: May 03, 2010
Reviewed Version: 1.1
1.1 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Size: 4.3 MB
Language: English
Seller: Hafiz Awang Pon
© 2010 Hafiz Pon
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 2.2 or later