The various mobile platforms currently on the market have become so successful that some analysts have said that they will eventually go on to phase out dedicated mobile consoles such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. While we’ve yet to see such a thing happen it’s no secret that platforms like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android are becoming quite popular with hit titles such as Angry Birds.
However, the developers of these platforms aren’t looking to slow their revenue creating abilities just yet. In fact, it was just announced today that Google will be giving Android users the ability to make in-app purchases at some point next week. In other words, if you’re playing a game that requires something like energy that replenishes over time (a la FarmVille, CityVille, etc.) you will soon be able to waste money on refilling that energy bar without ever leaving the app. Oh joy!
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If you remember the fun of eighties classic Bionic Commando, where you swung across platforms via an extendible bionic arm, then you may enjoy a new game I spotted on Newgrounds, a fun little platform hopper called Ninja+.
There isn’t a whole lot of story in Ninja+–you run around and jump on platforms gathering gold coins as you go. You’ll be able to throw unlimited kunai (those small ninja daggers that may or may not be attached to a chain, in case you don’t watch Naruto around the clock) and you’ll be able to swing on a line.
The idea is fun, but I found I had a tough time with some of the controls. Hopping from platform to platform was as fun as advertised, but switching to the space bar to throw kunai was a difficult move for me. In retrospect, I almost wish that the grappling hook had been weaponized instead, completely leaving out the kunai and thereby eliminating the problem, but that’s just me.
But people who like their action games fast and agile will definitely find plenty to love in Ninja+.
Have you discovered the gaming potential of the iPhone or the iPod touch? Both devices can be used for playing quite a few games on the go, but what they both lack is the actual physical inputs very much needed to turn any device into a gaming platform. The iControlPad is a case with buttons on it. You know, exactly the inputs we require to play games on the iPhone. The pictures shows the final prototype which was sent to production. There are no news about the actual price and the availability date, but by the time the control pad is finalized, Apple will offer full support for it. We’ll keep you posted!
via ubergizmo
