FLIP is to the iPhone what Tetris was to the Game Boy

With the holidays always comes something new.

This year, if you’re one of the lucky to have received an iPhone or iPod Touch under the tree, you’ll definitely want to check out what’s brewing in the App Store.

Imagine a puzzle game where you simply flip the iPhone and everything on your game-screen drops down from one end to the other. 

Imagine this concept being successfully employed by three distinctly fun game modes. Imagine giving your brain a workout with a truly logical design containing symmetry comparable to the Rubik's Cube. Imagine FLIP.

The objective in standard mode FLIP is to collect gems by matching them with other like-colored gems vertically, horizontally or a combination of the two. This may appear to be inline with puzzlers like Bejeweled, Columns, and even Bust-A-Move, but FLIP is a truly evolved form of gameplay when compared to such classics. Not only can you rotate the iPhone in any direction you see fit, but you can also use the touch screen to create a WARP, which will drop gems in place immediately and precisely.

In addition to standard mode FLIP, you can look forward to two other brain busting modes, including puzzle mode and speed mode. All three game modes in FLIP bring out the uniqueness of the iPhone as a game system. FLIP is simply not possible on any other platform, including the Nintendo DS, and even the Wii.

Along with other clever control mechanisms like the WARP, the motion sense of FLIP makes it one truly unique gem. A gem that every iPhone and iPod Touch user should have readily available for those times when fun is calling.

Main Features:

• Logical, intuitive, and satisfying use of motion sensors and touch screen
• Three game-modes, including Standard, Puzzle, and Speed
• Local and global high scores for all three game modes
• Nearly 200 brain-busting puzzles in puzzle and speed modes, virtually unlimited play and replay value in standard mode
• Listen to your iPod music while playing, with or without FLIP music and sound effects on
• Super fast startup, virtually no load times
• Well designed dynamic 2D visuals
• Suspend a game in progress and return at anytime, exactly where you left off – no extra screens, no hassles
• True pick-up-and-play game

Game Mode Descriptions:

In standard mode FLIP the objective is to match like-colored gems vertically, horizontally or a combination of the two. The minimum number of gems you must match is displayed on the game-screen and increases as the game progresses.

In puzzle mode FLIP you play through a series of puzzles, called think-puzzles, which have you matching gems to pulsating-shadows of like-color. A gem must land on top of a like-colored pulsating-shadow for a valid match. As you progress through the game the puzzles become more complex.

In speed mode FLIP you play through a series of fast-paced puzzles, called speed-puzzles, which have you matching gems of like-color vertically, horizontally or a combination of the two. The minimum number of gems you must match is displayed on the game-screen and varies from puzzle to puzzle. As you progress through the game the puzzles become increasingly difficult.

Five handheld games to look forward to in 2009 - PSP and DS

1 Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars

The folks at Rockstar have been working on this first DS "GTA" for years. It's still not clear how they can provide a "GTA"-quality soundtrack in a DS cartridge. But I do expect Rockstar's knack for great characters and creative chaotic gameplay to be in full force. This one is rated M and will be out in March.

2 Mario and Luigi RPG 3

Good things about the "Mario" role-playing game series include the frequent use of Luigi as a projectile weapon, the industry-leading comedy scripts, the exhaustive cameos of many great Mario series characters big and small — and, my favorite, the "Mario" role-playing games are big without being bulky, sporting a streamlined RPG structure that requires a lot less time spent fiddling with menus and more time in action and expanding the story. This DS game probably won't be out until the second half of 2009.

3 Patapon 2

This PSP sequel follows up last year's rhythm war-strategy game. That's right — rhythm war strategy. As with the 2008 "Patapon," players control an army of soldiers that almost look like a bunch of punctuation marks, marching from left to right across the PSP's screen in a battle against birds, dragons and other beasts. The player doesn't control the army. Instead, the player taps out the drumbeats that send the army marching forward, back or into various types of attacks. Keeping the rhythm keeps the combat going. Play this one with headphones, and you'll be hooked.

4 Loco Roco 2

The first edition of this PSP blob-rolling game was one of the most cheerful and creatively illustrated games I had played on any platform. The blob-rolling is back and looks to be even more imaginative this time. This game is already out in other parts of the world and will be released in America in the spring.

5 Rhythm Heaven

How do I describe this one? It's a weird music game that involves tapping and swiping the DS stylus — not just in sync to the game's music, but to characters on the screen who dance or punch or karate-chop things — or all sorts of other oddness. The Japan-only original, "Rhythm Tengoku" for the Game Boy Advance, is one of my favorite games ever. This DS sequel will hopefully be at least half as good. Nintendo says this one is coming out in the first half of the year.

Source: MTV

Global Agenda - PC video game open beta

Hi-Rez Studios announced today that players can now apply to participate in closed beta for Global Agenda, an action massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) scheduled for release in late 2009. The closed beta is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of ’09 and players can apply by visiting http://www.globalagendagame.com/

Global Agenda, built using Unreal Engine 3, is set in a near future world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. It features fast-paced ranged and close combat, RPG-style character progression, solo or cooperative team missions, and epic, competitive campaigns between player-created agencies.

“Our alpha testing has gone very well - in terms of game stability and, most importantly, very positive feedback from an active alpha community”, said Todd Harris, Executive Producer of Hi-Rez Studios. “Based on these results we are excited about aggressively growing the Global Agenda player community in Beta”

Features Intended for Closed Beta Include:

• Develop your agent – Create, extensively customize, and improve your agent character over the course of your career, complimenting your FPS skills with RPG-style progression and high-tech gear.
  
• Join with other agents – Engage in cooperative PvE missions to develop and refine your individual and team tactics
  
• Advance your agency – Join a player-created agency, compete in technology races for advanced equipment, and capture critical locations to increase your influence in the world.
  
• Compete in fast-paced PvP combat – Work with your allies to raid or capture enemy controlled facilities during objective-based missions. Equip yourself from a powerful array of weapons, armor, and strategic devices like triggered explosives, deployable turrets, stealth suits, holographic decoys, and remote control robots.
  
• Experience a dynamic, player-driven world – Agency leaders navigate through a global conflict of other player-run groups, striving to reach their goals first. Territory, resources, technology, and influence are all valuable commodities, with agencies engaging in politics, intrigue, and outright deception to control them.
  

My Model Train on iPhone and iPod Touch

During the change of the year the first HandyGames title for the Apple iPhone was published in the App Store. Since Christmas 2008 the Winter Edition of the HandyGames Classic My Model Train is now also available for iPhone.

"The iPhone platform opens a whole new dimension in mobile gaming", commented HandyGames CEO Markus Kassulke. "That is why we started to adjust our games to these special abilities and to conquer also this part of the games market."

Both the advancement for the iPhone and the distribution at the App Store of the HandyGames title was performed in cooperation with Four Corners Development Group (FCDG). Jeff Miller, FCDG CEO, confirms the high potential of working with HandyGames - "We are very looking forward to a further cooperation. HandyGames has developed a lot of award winning mobile games, and we are planning a long-termed cooperation to bring them to App Store."

Other HandyGames releases in the App Store are already scheduled and will be announced in the course of the year.

Medieval Games for Nintendo Wii

Medieval Games for the Nintendo Wii home video game system from Nintendo. Medieval Games allows you to experience the excitement of days of old with up to three of your friends.

From battling dragons and storming the castle, to catapulting and archery contests, Medieval Games offers hours of fun for the entire family.
Choose from a variety of colorful characters, such as the knight, princess, bard, or wizard as you compete in a variety of game modes. Tournaments and jousting await in this rich fantasy world!

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Nobunaga's ambition - Iron Triangle video game out soon

Build a massive military force and conquer Feudal Japan in this latest addition to KOEI's historical simulation series

Nobunaga’s Ambition - Iron Triangle has achieved gold status. The historical simulation game set during Japan’s Feudal era will ship to North American retailers beginning January 27, 2009. Consumers can pre-order the game now at Amazon, GameStop and GameFly.


Nobunaga’s Ambition - Iron Triangle is produced by Kou Shibusawa, and is exclusive to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

About Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle

Compelled by a nation ravaged by war, it was legendary samurai Nobunaga Oda’s ambition to silence the cries of war and usher in a new era of lasting peace for Japan. In Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle, video gamers can step into the role of Feudal Japan’s most powerful warlords and turn this magnificent vision of unification into a reality.

In this latest edition of the series, the acquisition of knowledge and a firm grasp of technology are even more crucial to establishing the groundwork for the future of the country. Embrace technology, govern wisely and shrewdly, and prepare a near-invincible military force for war on land and at sea. Only with the mastery of these three elements, the “Iron Triangle,” will the nation be united under one sword and will Nobunaga’s dream be realized.

The game itself is a stunning vision of Feudal Japan, with over 60 castles and 30 port towns. All of the game’s planning, diplomacy, construction, and warfare take place on an expansive 3D map; a first for the series. You’ll also maintain complete camera control to monitor the development of each region or town, and to monitor the field and naval battles that you command; all in real-time.

With over 1,000 daimyo and sub-officers, and a character creation tool, you will encounter a broad array of historical figures, and can even populate the game world with your own unique cast of characters.

Beginning with Nobunaga’s victory at Owari province through to his untimely death in 1582, conquer a combined total of nine historical and fictional scenarios in three modes of play.

Shipping to North American retailers on January 27, 2009, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle is developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. and is for one player. This game is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older – Alcohol Reference, Mild Violence) by the ESRB.

New SpongeBob SquarePants Game - A Full Menu of Cooking Challenges

SpongeBob Squarepants Frantic Fry Cook is currently in development and scheduled to make its debut exclusively for Nintendo DS in March 2009.

In SpongeBob Squarepants Frantic Fry Cook, Mr. Krabs has signed up to compete in the cooking contest that will determine who will cater Jack Kahuna Laguna’s Big Beach Party.

Players will be tasked with assisting SpongeBob, Patrick and friends in running the Krusty Krab and training Plankton’s cousins in the creation of the best deep-sea dishes.

Utilising the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus, players will serve more than 100 different zany entrees, such as a perfectly done Krabby Patty, Anemone Meatloaf, Fried Seaweed Sandwiches and other Sponge-I-Fied foods.

With more than 25 different cooking activities, players will also learn how to cook SpongeBob style, which will include new and unique culinary techniques such as “skipping,” “painting,” and “slingshooting”. As players progress through the game, they will earn rewards that will allow them to customise and decorate the Krusty Krab restaurant.

Loaded with authentic voice-overs from Tom Kenny, the official voice talent of SpongeBob, the game also features wireless cooperative gameplay that will unlock additional Sponge-tacular recipes.

Nostale - Global - Free-to-play MMORPG launching in North America

Uforia, Inc., a new online game publisher specializing in massively multiplayer online games, today announced that they will bring popular MMORPG Nostale: Global to the North American market. From January 2009, gamers in North America can play the free MMORPG by going to Uforia's website at http://www.uforia.com.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring Nostale: Global to the North American market," said JK Kim, CEO of Uforia. "Nostale is a unique MMORPG with easy-to-access events which allow players to interact with other players in PvP and survival objectives. We are thrilled and honored that this is our first title as a newly formed publisher."

"Though they are a new publisher, the team at Uforia has a great deal of expertise and experience to bring to our partnership," said Kevin Song at Servex. "We have complete faith that Uforia will build and bring a strong Nostale community to Nostale: Global, which will lead us to great success in the US market."

Nostale is a free-to-play casual MMORPG which takes gamers through seventy exciting levels of the wonderful world of East Mile. Gamers can choose from one of four character classes, each with unique powers and features. The ultimate goal is to fight Dark Horn and his legion of demons in the land of death. On their way to the top, players have the choice of completing a variety of raids and acquiring a large selection of specialty cards which transform your character into one of over twenty specialty classes.

The game has its own unique sense of ownership. Each player has their own Mini-Land with a virtual player housing area where they can build their house, decorate their homes and environments to match their personality, store their pets and items and invite friends over to take a break and visit.

Nostale features a unique character progression system where characters progress to one of three classes and then are allowed to progress to specialized classes through class cards.

The game also includes an attractive set of comic-style characters that range from cute to fearsome. Players can capture monsters to fight alongside them as well as make friends with NPCs that will follow you around and be your ally in battle.

Secret Files 2 Puritas Cordis fans online comic strip

Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, has published the first little comic strip featuring the two Secret Files protagonists on the official website http://secretfiles.deepsilver.com. With this and other mini-stories that are to be published at regular intervals, the publisher intends to shorten the wait for adventure fans until the release of Secret Files 2 – Puritas Cordis for PC, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Wii.

The first comic is a belated New Year's greeting aimed at the Secret Files fan community. More comic strips are to follow until the release of Secret Files 2 – Puritas Cordis.

About Secret Files 2 - Puritas Cordis:

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis... the world is on the brink of disaster. By the time Nina Kalenkow realizes that the recent catastrophes were caused not by nature, but by an unscrupulous secret society known as Puritas Cordis, it is almost too late.

While her ex-boyfriend Max, a scientist, witnesses the brutal methods of Puritas Cordis at the excavation site of an ancient Indonesian temple complex, Nina joins forces with a priest in France to investigate the connection between the secret society's sinister prophesies and the creepy leader of an ancient order. A dramatic race against time begins.

Will the protagonists be able to avert the impending apocalypse?

Lego agents web game online

Three Melons has announced the launch of the LEGO Agents Flash Game featuring its Daiquiri technology. The game features five levels with engaging gameplay, using a simulated 3D perspective to showcase the products.


’The link between the game and the LEGO Agents product line is very strong, which indicates a good understanding of our products and communication guidelines making it a very good advergame not only for us but more importantly for the kids”, commented Sten Lysdahl, Internet Content Manager at LEGO.

Each level represents a mission that requires the players to chase a villain, interacting with high tech vehicles, all of which convey the excitement of being part of the LEGO Agents universe.

“We wanted the kids to be immersed in the Agents world using a deep 3Dish experience”, explained Pablo Mayer, Game Producer. “This is our fourth game with LEGO and we are looking forward to continue the relationship given that we are learning a lot about what the kids want.”

“Daiquiri is the baseline technology that allows us to create these types of games. We want to push the bar on what can be achieved inside Flash and Silverlight”, said Nicolas Cuneo, Development Manager at Three Melons.

The game can be played online at: http://agents.lego.com/en-US/games/default.aspx

Previous games Three Melons has developed with LEGO Include: LEGO Indiana Jones, LEGO ExoForce and LEGO City Coast Guards.