Happy Friday, dear readers! Have we got a doozy of a recap for you today — it’s got a little bit of everything, but mostly a whole bunch of savings for indie Mac games, and even a tip on how to start wiping out all that AT&T text messaging spam that you may be getting. It’s the perfect way to end the week, so kick up your feet and get reading on this Friday, April 20, 2012.
We don’t have much time to do any blogging of our own these days (hey, this news doesn’t write itself, folks!), but when we did, MarsEdit was our weapon of choice. Today, the Mac blogging application was bumped to version 3.5, and The Red Sweater Blog has published the details of what’s new. MarsEdit now includes rich-text formatting macros for quickly aiding in common blogging tasks, improved support for OS X Lion full-screen mode, tweaks to Tumblr connectivity and a considerably long list of other bug fixes and other improvements. Whether you’ve purchased the app straight from the developer or via the Mac App Store, MarsEdit 3.5 is a free upgrade, so have at it, fellow bloggers.
If you’re like some folks we know, you’re always looking for ways to save when it comes time to buy new Mac games. The folks at Indie Royale feel your pain and are happy to help feed your addiction on the cheap by debuting six quality, independent games as part of its Spring Bundle. How does worth of apps for one crazy low price sound? Yeah, we thought so. The Indie Royale Spring Bundle includes Unstoppable Gorg, Depths of Peril, Tobe’s Vertical Adventure, Inferno+, Slydris, and Ballistic, but if you pay at least for the bundle, you’ve got a nice bonus coming on top of all that fun — Danimal Cannons “Roots” music album, billed as “one of the most acclaimed chiptune releases of 2011,” available in 320k MP3 and FLAC formats. So why are you still reading this? There are only four days left to grab the deal, ya lunkheads!
We don’t know about you, but SMS spam seems to be on the rise, particular from AT&T. As it turns out, there might be a way to eliminate it — or at the very least, report it to the carrier so you’ll feel better about it. TidBITS has all the details, which basically involves forwarding the unwanted SMS text message in question to 7726 (that’s S-P-A-M on a dial pad, in case you were wondering). AT&T will respond asking for the number the offending message originally came from — copy and paste it into your reply and you’ll get a grateful reply back from Ma Bell. And in case you’re wondering, the entire exchange won’t cost you a dime, although by now most of us have been strong armed into an unlimited text messaging plan anyway.
What’s this? A second Mac gaming bundle available in the same week?? We must really love you Mac gamers! (Now you’ll have no reason not to renew that Mac|Life subscription with all the money we’re saving you today.) The folks at HumbleBundle have nabbed Bonanicula, the new game from the creators of Machinarium, which is also included in the bundle along with Samorost 2, Kooky and Windosill — that is, assuming you pay the minimum amount, which is currently .76. HumbleBundle’s proceeds support the World Land Trust charity and all games are cross-platform, so they’ll work equally well on Mac, Windows or Linux. Purchased elsewhere, you’d be looking at upwards of for this bundle — and it’s not often you just saunter in and name your own price, you know.
MacRumors is reporting that Apple has cut a deal with the local government of Prineville, Oregon, where it plans to build a new data center on a 160-acre piece of property. According to Associated Press, Apple has agreed to invest 0 million into the site, plus an annual 0,000 “project fee” which will be paid to the local government in lieu of property taxes over the next 15 years. Apple’s commitment also includes hiring a minimum of 35 locals, who will be paid 150 percent of the average living wage in that county. The iPhone maker purchased the land back in February for a reported .6 million, where it plans to build a data center similar to the one recently launched in Maiden, North Carolina, which currently powers a big chunk of the Apple’s iCloud service.
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(Image courtesy of TidBITS.com)
After a recent barrage of big releases, the App Store is eerily quiet this week with a short list of new titles, as many developers are updating existing titles to make them shine on the new iPad’s Retina display. While you’re waiting for your current favorites to update, check out some of these week’s most intriguing launches.
Sad Cat Software, the developer of Violet Storm (Universal, .99) describes the game by saying, “Some games have a story to tell. Others make you think to get through a series of complicated puzzles. Violet Storm doesn’t have any of that.” So what does this title have to offer? Ridiculously (and unabashedly) intense action, flashing neon lights, and pulsing techno music. It’s basically what would happen if you took Geometry Wars to a rave.
There are plenty of options for tower defense titles out there, so 3 Sprockets set out to refresh the genre — and its take on the genre is Cubemen (iPad, .99). While the developers have maintained a game mode that offers standard tower defense, they’ve also added 5 different variants on the mode, 28 levels to play across, and — perhaps most exciting of all — cross-platform multiplayer matches. Whether your friend is playing on PC, Mac, or an iPad, you’ll be able to tear down their towers.
Most of will never be able to drag an 18-wheeler with nothing but our sheer strength and power of will. For those who dream about doing so, get out of the gym and grab The World’s Strongest Man (iPhone, .99) instead. Take on the career of a bodybuilder as you complete tasks and train to increase your stats — all in hopes of grabbing the elusive title of World’s Strongest Man. At the very least, you’ll have strong thumbs.
Get ready to hit warp speed. From developer SGN comes Ion Racer (Universal, .99), a sci-fi racing title that puts the player behind the wheel of a high-powered spacecraft. The game features multiple ways to play depending on if you prefer precise, tight controls, or blasting through environments with complete disregard for obstacles in your way. Plus you’ll land perks, upgrades, and your name on the top of the leaderboard as you play.
In the animal kingdom, a war is being waged. The harmless and adorably odd gnus have been captured by a group of cranky crocodiles. It’s your job to free the captives and exact some payback in Gnu’s Revenge (Universal, .99). Battle across 72 levels as a gnu with a jetpack, laying the smack down to some crocs in spaceships. Does any of it make sense? No. But it’ll probably be a fun adventure all the same.
There is almost always a plethora of new titles that hit the App Store every week, but this go-round seemed a little sparse. That said, there’s no shortage of games worth checking out–especially if you’re looking for some heavyweights. From blockbuster games to blockbuster movie tie-ins, and a few under-the-radar hits, this week might be light in number of releases but its no slouch in quality.
Because 500 million downloads just isn’t enough, Rovio is sending its Angry Birds franchise to a whole new frontier, and its out of this world. Angry Birds Space (.99, iPad) sends both the birds and the pigs into the depths of the galaxy after being sucked into a vortex. The game comes with coinciding merchandise launches at WalMart, Target and National Geographic. We’re starting to think this isn’t a game but an exploratory venture for Rovio’s space colony.
The first blockbuster movie of the year is upon us, and so is its iOS game tie-in. The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire (Free, Universal) puts players in the shoes of Katniss Everdeen as she attempts to gather necessities for her family while fighting to survive in the dangerous woods outsider her home. This title is sure to please fans of the Hunger Games series as well as indie gamers, as a dream team of designers are behind it.
If you’re looking to pick up a new title that will show off the Retina display on your new iPad, look no further than rComplex (.99, Universal). Its a uniquely beautiful game that uses simple colors and deceivingly detailed imagery to create seven levels of stunning landscapes that you’ll race across to escape the darkness. With narrative story telling and original music compositions, this is one running title that looks like it could go the distance.
What happens when a roller coaster goes off the rails? Usually fiery explosions and untimely deaths, but not in Madcoaster (.99, Universal). Instead, this is one designed for hopping the track to collect coins and switch platforms. The more you do, the better upgrades for your coaster. It looks to be a smooth game, but for the poor avatars trapped behind the safety bar of the roller coaster seats, its going to be a bumpy ride.
In a world where overpopulation has sent colonies to the moon and corporations have gained power through wealth, the only laws are set in contracts. In Hunters 2 (.99, Universal), you’ll play as the leader of a team of mercenaries that are looking to make a mark as bounty hunters–but not without a challenge from a rival group. Turn-based action allows for custom tactics, and a huge arsenal of upgrades brings more depth to this action/strategy title.
The new iPad is making its way to store shelves this week, though we don’t expect it to stay on the shelf for long. If you’re one of the hopeful early adopters reading this on your iPhone while standing in line outside the Apple Store, then continue reading. This week’s lineup of new iOS game titles will be the perfect compliment to the gaming power the new tablet will deliver — though they’ll look and run great on any iOS device.
From RedLynx, the creator of DrawRace 2, comes MotoHeroz (.99, iPhone), a genre-mashing racer in the style of Trials HD. MotoHeroz draws elements from platformers, side-scrollers, and racing titles to create a brand new rally-style racing experience. With a vibrantly colored world and 30 uniquely engaging tracks to dig your wheels into, you’ll want to keep going for a chance to burn rubber on the next one. Thanks to single-player challenges and multiplayer races, MotoHeroz will have you doing laps for days.
Square Enix brings its original RPG series back to iOS with Chaos Rings II (.99/iPhone, .99/iPad). You’ll play as Darwin, the chosen one, who is left with a difficult choice. With the entire world in chaos and on the edge of destruction, Darwin must slaughter five people — including a childhood friend — as a sacrifice that will save humanity. The story unfolds based off the player’s choices, so you’ll get a totaly different experience depending on the routes you choose.
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned food fight, but Picnic Wars (.99/iPhone, .99/iPad) brings a whole new meaning to the term. You’ll have to choose to side with either the fruits or the vegetables as you hunker down in the trenches of food-flinging combat. With a huge campaign, tons of fruit and vegetables to send flying and a variety of unique launchers, Picnic Wars aims to prove that it’s OK to play with your food.
Somehow, evil has escaped into the world. Kung Fu Rabbit (.99, Universal) puts you in control of a bunny who has mastered martial arts, as you fight to defeat evil — and save the students of your dojo. The game features 70 levels of platforming that will require all of your logic and reflexes. With clever dialogue, intuitive controls, and unique moves that could only be completed by a rabbit with a black belt, Kung Fu Rabbit is a platformer potentially worth fighting over.
If you’ve been thirsty for a little Dungeons & Dragons-style action on your iOS device, Rune Raiders (.99, Universal) could help quench your need. After assembling a ragtag team of warriors that will then be placed and moved around a game board, the pieces come to life for battle. With a variety of power-ups and upgrades, you’ll be scrapping through the randomly-generated levels to beat up all the baddies you can.
The new iPad is making its way to store shelves this week, though we don’t expect it to stay on the shelf for long. If you’re one of the hopeful early adopters reading this on your iPhone while standing in line outside the Apple Store, then continue reading. This week’s lineup of new iOS game titles will be the perfect compliment to the gaming power the new tablet will deliver — though they’ll look and run great on any iOS device.
From RedLynx, the creator of DrawRace 2, comes MotoHeroz (.99, iPhone), a genre-mashing racer in the style of Trials HD. MotoHeroz draws elements from platformers, side-scrollers, and racing titles to create a brand new rally-style racing experience. With a vibrantly colored world and 30 uniquely engaging tracks to dig your wheels into, you’ll want to keep going for a chance to burn rubber on the next one. Thanks to single-player challenges and multiplayer races, MotoHeroz will have you doing laps for days.
Square Enix brings its original RPG series back to iOS with Chaos Rings II (.99/iPhone, .99/iPad). You’ll play as Darwin, the chosen one, who is left with a difficult choice. With the entire world in chaos and on the edge of destruction, Darwin must slaughter five people — including a childhood friend — as a sacrifice that will save humanity. The story unfolds based off the player’s choices, so you’ll get a totaly different experience depending on the routes you choose.
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned food fight, but Picnic Wars (.99/iPhone, .99/iPad) brings a whole new meaning to the term. You’ll have to choose to side with either the fruits or the vegetables as you hunker down in the trenches of food-flinging combat. With a huge campaign, tons of fruit and vegetables to send flying and a variety of unique launchers, Picnic Wars aims to prove that it’s OK to play with your food.
Somehow, evil has escaped into the world. Kung Fu Rabbit (.99, Universal) puts you in control of a bunny who has mastered martial arts, as you fight to defeat evil — and save the students of your dojo. The game features 70 levels of platforming that will require all of your logic and reflexes. With clever dialogue, intuitive controls, and unique moves that could only be completed by a rabbit with a black belt, Kung Fu Rabbit is a platformer potentially worth fighting over.
If you’ve been thirsty for a little Dungeons & Dragons-style action on your iOS device, Rune Raiders (.99, Universal) could help quench your need. After assembling a ragtag team of warriors that will then be placed and moved around a game board, the pieces come to life for battle. With a variety of power-ups and upgrades, you’ll be scrapping through the randomly-generated levels to beat up all the baddies you can.
