XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be available on iOS devices this Thursday, June 20, for $19.99. Commanders of the XCOM Project will now have mobile access across iPad 2+, iPhone 4S+ and fifth generation iPod touch devices.

The iOS XCOM is a the PC experience with the exception of the head-to-head multiplayer, which will be added at a later time as a free update.

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Developer Eutechnyx announced plans to publish NASCAR The Game 2013 for PC and NASCAR: Redline for mobile platforms later this year.

Eutechnyx previously entered a publishing partnership with NASCAR license holder Activision to produce the multiplatform NASCAR 2011: The Game. Eutechnyx  has acquired the NASCAR license and will self-publish its upcoming NASCAR releases without seeking a third-party publisher.

NASCAR The Game 2013 is currently in development for Windows, featuring a collection of recreated scenarios from past NASCAR races and the ability to race as Gen 6 model cars. The mobile version, NASCAR: Redline, boasts “touch-reaction racing action” mixed with management-styled gameplay.

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Microsoft has announced a brand new “Halo” game exclusively for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

Titled Halo: Spartan Assault, the top down game is set between the events of Halo 3 and 4 and focuses on Commander Sarah Palmer’s journey from UNSC Marine to a Spartan soldier. Described as a “twin stick” shooter, tablet players will control movement with the left side of their screen and fire their weapons with the right side.

Developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games, Halo: Spartan Assault will be available in July of 2013.

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Tactics S features more than 300 character jobs from the grid-based strategy series, and two new ones in the form of Air Samurai and Musician. You can build up clans for use in both single-player quests and in multiplayer battles against other clans, with online tournaments held on a daily basis.

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“One of our most exciting current projects is called Frostbite Go, a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite’s proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms,” the site’s History page reads. Switching over to the This is Frostbite page, EA mentions “diverse targets from XBOX360 and PlayStation 4 to iOS and Android.”

At the moment Frostbite is only used in Windows and console games published by EA, such as Battlefield 3, the Need for Speed series, and the upcoming Battlefield 4. The engine is particularly known for its visual effects and physics, which can include destructible terrain.

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Facebook app Angry Birds Friends is coming back to where it all started with an imminent iOS and Android release.

Angry Birds Friends is the feathered experience you’ve come to know and love/hate/become numb to on Facebook.  One of the fun things about the game is you can invite Facebook friends to play, gift each other power-ups, take part in weekly tournaments, and so on.

The mobile version is based around these features too, although creator Rovio didn’t say how exactly the port is different from the Facebook app. The Finnish studio did say we can expect the iOS and Android migration “soon.”

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The Game Portal allows users to find and play mobile games with their online friends, and share scores and achievements across various social networks. Verizon subscribers will be able to bill game purchases directly to their Verizon account. The Games Portal will be preloaded on the newest Android devices first, but will eventually be pushed to other Verizon Android devices through a software update. Verizon didn’t say if it would offer Games Portal to other platforms, such as BlackBerry, iOS, or Windows Phone.

According to PlayPhone, it is offering game developers a dedicated SDK (software developer kit) to help them add social game discovery capabilities, including recommendations, invites, and leaderboards, to their games. PlayPhone also believes that developers who create apps specifically for Games Portal will have more visibility than those publishing to the Google Play Store.

Verizon didn’t say which device(s) would be first to come with Games Portal preinstalled.

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The game was originally released in late 1993 for DOS, but was successfully ported onto the Color Gameboy later that decade, though the latter edition had substantial differences. It arrived two years after the original Duke Nukem, and is set a year after the original story, with Nukem having to escape a kidnapping by the evil Rigelatins, foiling their plan for enslaving the Earth and saving the day.

2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Duke Nukem II’s release, and the developers have released a teaser trailer to promote the game. When released, it is expected to sell for $2 and will be available on all current iOS platforms.

No Android or Windows Phone version has yet been announced.

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Rovio is release a game fro Android and iOS based on Dreamworks animation move – The Croods.

The idea of the game is to help this modern stone-age family make it through what Rovio calls pre-hysterical times as you gather food while capturing strange creatures and taming them. Sound a bit like Pokemon? Rovio even asks, “Think you can catch them all?”

The Croods move from landscape through landscape and there are ten creatures to catch. Besides Grug’s inventions, you can decorate the Croods world with the latest caveman accessories. There is a warning about the game from Rovio.

While it is a free download for iOS and Android, there are in-app purchases that you can make using real money.

The post The Croods Hits Yout Phone Today – Watch the First Official Gameplay Trailer appeared first on Takes On Tech.

The program launches March 4, and is designed to increase the quirkier indie developers’ games along with more mainstream games like Angry Birds. The program isn’t exclusive, so developers can release titles on other stores as well or bring existing titles to the Samsung app store.

After six months, Samsung will take 10 percent of a game’s revenue. After a year, Samsung’s cut rises to 20 percent. Only after the third year, does the cut paid to the phone manufacturer equal what Apple takes from day one of release.

Joe Wee, co-founder of Chillingo says that “Samsung is selling more phones than ever and content and hardware,” and adds that apps “always go hand in hand” with a phone. The initiative is designed to raise developer awareness of Samsung’s App store.

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The Speak 510+ functions as a lightweight audio device with a compact design, including a travel case. The omnidirectional microphone makes the device a collaboration tool for both one-on-one and smaller group conference calls. Bluetooth A2DP streaming technology is used for multimedia streaming to the speaker. The plug-and-play connectivity of the Speak 510+ allows users to connect the device via USB, and offers full compatibility with leading UC systems and VoIP clients.
The corded Speak 510 retails for $150, and is available now through Jabra partners and on Amazon. The Bluetooth streaming Speak 510+ will be available via Jabra channel partners beginning in March for $180.

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“There exists in this country a callous and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people through vicious, violent video games with names like Bulletstorm, Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat, and Splatterhouse,” said NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre during the group’s press conference following the school massacre, which shocked the US despite a plethora of school shootings in recent years.

Developed by MEDL Mobile, Practice Range lists itself as an official NRA-licensed product. The game offers multiple firearms for “training,” with several other models — including an M-16, and AK-47 among others — available as in-app purchases.

The app contains no graphic depictions of violence, with the player shooting at paper (though human-shaped) or clay targets. The app seems in-line with the NRA’s guidelines of educating the public on gun safety, despite the hypocrisy of the NRA releasing a video game after its condemnation of the industry as a whole a month ago.

The iOS app isn’t the NRA’s first foray into video gaming. In 2006, the lobbyist group partnered with Crave Entertainment to develop the NRA Gun Club program. The PC game was poorly received, and IGN reviewer Ed Lewis wrote that “if anything else, such as fun or variety or not wanting to bang your head on the floor should appeal to you, then avoid this like the plague.”

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The game will now automatically scale to the larger 4-inch display, and a number of code optimizations should provide an improved gaming experience.

The game is 99 cents on the App Store.

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An unannounced iOS port of the 3DS music game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy has shown up on New Zealand’s iOS App Store, which usually portends a worldwide release throughout the day.

The iOS game adds a “Quest Medley” mode, which puts you through a random pairing of “field” and “battle” levels, different each time you play. It also adds some kind of composition mode, along with the ability to share creations via Twitter.

Unlike the 3DS version, the iOS release is free to download. It comes with just two songs, with the rest purchased as in-app bundles. Even additional characters are sold via IAP.

Theatrhythm is worth a try if you have even the slightest appreciation for Final Fantasy music.

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As with some of the more recent Final Fantasy titles, the game will be sold for a higher-than-standard price (for a title in this milieu). FF IV will cost $20, lower than Final Fantasy Dimensions   but still considered a premium by iOS game standards. Final Fantasy IV will also be released for Android, but not until sometime in 2013, according to the company

The best deal is on Final Fantasy I and II, which are now priced at $4 each (down from $9 normally) on the App Store (Google Play prices have not yet been lowered). The sale began today, and will run for one week until December 14.

Final Fantasy III, offered in separate versions for the iPhone and iPad, is now priced at $9 and $10 respectively (a little less than half off). Final Fantasy Dimensions costs $17, down from its normal $29.

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Rockstar Games has released an IOS port of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, its 2002 open world action-adventure game. Vice City follows the story of Tommy Vercetti, a mafia hit man and ex-convict, who is trying to get revenge on a group who set him up.

In celebration of the game’s 10 anniversary the graphics, character models, and lighting effects have all been updated, and include support for Retina displays.

The game has also received several iOS specific updates, including iCloud save game support and custom iTunes playlists.

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That means the released game will be a “Directors Cut” with additional material. It also means Pier Solar HD will be released on Android, Ouya, and Wii U. Everyone who backed the project will get a digital copy of “One Year at WaterMelon,” a video documentary about the development of Pier Solar HD and two other SNES and Genesis projects.

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Game players can earn currency by playing a mini-game and then use that currency to go shopping. With the items they purchase, players style outfits to satisfy their famous clients. As more clients are satisfied, stylists’ reputations rise, and in return, the stylists gain access to more exclusive brands.

Currently, gamers cannot buy real clothes from the game. However, CrowdStar is planning on partnering with real brands to be featured in the game soon. For now, CrowdStar relies on in-app purchases to generate revenue from the game. For example a game player can purchase additional features within the game, such as virtual apparel and accessories from more exclusive brands.

“Top Stylist is an entertainment platform with innovative game play on which the players can interact with sophisticated brands in a fashion setting,” says CrowdStar CEO Jeffrey Tseng. “We are in active conversations with various industry players to bring real fashion brands to our Top Stylist players, right in the game.”

More companies are using combinations of fashion, gaming and mobile apps to appeal to young females. This summer Teen Vogue launched a digital app that offers discounts on merchandise and helps users find stores nearby that carry items featured in the app and magazine.

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Launching worldwide on November 8, Angry Birds Star Wars combines all the fun of the classic Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space with the characters, stories and settings of the epic space fantasy, Star Wars.

From the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Death Star – the game and merchandise will feature the Angry Birds characters starring as the iconic heroes of the beloved Saga.

The game will be available on iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC, Windows Phone and Windows 8.

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The original game was modelled on Miami, Florida and featured an 80s soundtrack in the spirit of the television series Miami Vice. The company plans to issue a number of special products in conjunction with the game release, including original artwork, collectible items and a new anniversary trailer featuring some of the more memorable scenes and music from the original release.

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Rovio Entertainment and Lucasfilm announced today a new blockbuster entertainment franchise collaboration; Angry Birds Star Wars. Launching worldwide on November 8, the unique partnership will combine all the fun of the classic Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space with the characters, stories and settings of the epic space fantasy, Star Wars.

From the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Death Star – the game and merchandise will feature the Angry Birds characters starring as the iconic heroes of the beloved Saga.

“This is the best ‘Angry Birds’ game we’ve ever done. It’s the best parts of ‘Angry Birds’ with all new cutting-edge gameplay set in in a galaxy far, far away,” said Peter Vesterbacka, the Mighty Eagle and CMO of Rovio. “As a big ‘Star Wars’ fan myself, I’m really excited about this new universe. The Force is definitely strong with this one.”

In addition to the game, this fall will also see the unveiling of a massive retail launch for Angry Birds Star Wars. Merchandise ranging from Halloween costumes and apparel to action figures and collectible plush toys will be available at select retailers, starting October 28.

“Both ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Angry Birds’ share the instant and irresistible appeal of hands-on fun,” said Colum Slevin, Vice President, Head of Studio Operations for Lucasfilm Ltd. “People seem to instinctively know what to do when handed a lightsaber or a bird in a slingshot, so this is a natural combination.”

In the coming weeks, fans can expect additional new videos, characters, and much more content to be revealed. The game will be available on iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC, Windows Phone and Windows 8.

You can watch the teaser trailer below!

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With teasiest of teaser trailers from Sega, it’s difficult to determine just how this new game plays, except to say it’s probably nothing like Zaxxon. The game is due “soon” on iPhone, iPad, and Android.

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“The Bad Piggies touched down in London first, where those naughty pigs — and a GIANT King Pig — took over Battersea Power Station!”

“The Bad Piggies then invaded Taipei, Taiwan. The Taipei 101 Tower,the second tallest building in the world, glowed green all night on September 27. “

“They flew over to Shanghai, where fans could choose Team Red or Team Green as they spotted these fun vans traveling all over the city.”

“At night, the Bund turned green for the for the Bad Piggies launch, with the Citigroup Tower showing a gigantic laughing pig! ”

“It wasn’t just Shanghai — the Piggies were also spotted in Hong Kong traveling in style!”

Bad Piggies is available for PC, Mac iOS and Android. Cost varies according to platform. Be sure and check the Piggies cinematic trailer too!

The post Rovio Unleashes Bad Piggies with World Tour appeared first on Takes On Tech.

“For 50 years, Clifford’s humor, joy and kindness have entertained and inspired generations of readers,” said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc. “We’re proud to offer his fans a BIG interactive media experience worthy of this milestone.”

In Clifford’s BIG Birthday app, Emily Elizabeth invites players to join her in Clifford’s BIG doghouse as she works to create a surprise party for Clifford’s birthday. As players set up for the party, they can explore, touch, hear, and learn by decorating the cake, hanging streamers, choosing balloons and picking out a special present for Clifford. Once the decorating is complete, players will help Emily Elizabeth call in Clifford for the big surprise reveal.

At the party, the app features three interactive and replayable birthday-themed games, including one game that builds essential literacy skills using augmented reality. Each game is designed to reinforce the language skills needed for early-readers, including spelling, word families and sight words – all while feting their favorite pooch! Additionally, text and instructions throughout the app are read aloud to create an experience fully accessible to readers and non-readers; a section for parents provides educational information about the app and suggestions for extending the learning outside of the app.

Scholastic will kick off a year long Clifford’s 50th anniversary celebration with ton September 24, 2012. With more than 126 million books in print from Scholastic in 13 languages by beloved creator Norman Bridwell, Clifford is a literary classic embraced by parents, teachers and kids.

Clifford’s BIG Birthday app is available for $0.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

For a limited time Scholastic is allowing users to redeem a code to access the app for free at www.scholastic.com/apps/clifford/birthday or via physical promotional cards being distributed in conjunction with key partners – including Scholastic Book Fairs.

The post Big Red Dog Turns 50 and Gets an iOS App appeared first on Takes On Tech.

Dolphin Paradise: Wild Friends is a 3D pet-sim that turns your iOS device into a virtual lagoon. Here, you can feed, train and create a strong bond with realistic looking dolphins and orcas. The animated dolphins swim and perform tricks across your screen and crave your attention at each step of the game, awaiting your commands.

The game will include a tutorial that teaches you things you need to know about your wild friend. You start with your own dolphin and form a bond with it, and then proceed to name, feed, pet, train it and eventually use it to compete in acrobatic shows and competitions. You can also take photos of your pet dolphin using an in-game camera, and share them with your friends via email, Facebook or Twitter.

With Dolphin Paradise: Wild Friends, you’ll need to take care of your pet, as you’ll be required to feed it regularly to keep its health & energy up. It will also require love, affection and petting in order to stay happy. Teach your dolphin tricks while advancing though the ranks and eventually unlock various performances where you can show off your pet’s high jumping tricks. Other content opens to explore as players can purchase different food types, custom props for tricks, decorations for shows and additional dolphins and sea mammals.

Available for release later this month, Dolphin Paradise: Wild Friends is designed for players of all ages. And you won’t even have to worry about cleaning the fish tank. The new trailer is below:

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Capcom is working on a new Mega Man game, in which all the Mega Man universes cross over! It’s … for iOS, and it’s a social game.

Rockman Xover is a game in which players create their own Rockman character, a “production model” robot, and gather “battle memory” to increase its abilities.

Despite the RPG elements, screenshots show what looks very much like a traditional side-scrolling

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You can customize your character’s skills and unlock bonus outfits throughout your adventure. You also collect “Hero Cards”. The cards have a use beyond being collectible; you’ll unlock new powers and outfits as you gather them.

Coming August 1st to iOS devices.

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More than 100 smartphone and 50 tablet games are included in the catalog so far, such as Fruit Ninja, World of Goo, and Plants vs. Zombies. The service adds $6 per month to a Verizon phone bill; although a three-day trial period is available, anyone using the service from the fourth day onwards is charged automatically. The GameTanium app can be downloaded from Verizon Apps on over 30 phones and two tablets.

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Apps that are universal for both iPad and the iPhone include Mass Effect: Infiltrator, Burnout Crash, Flight Control Rocket, Theme Park, Monopoly Hotels (a spin-off of the original Monopoly for iPad, which is also on sale) and the Sims FreePlay. Games for the iPhone and iPod Touch only include Real Racing (and Real Racing 2), FIFA Soccer (both versions 11 and 12) and FIFA Superstars, Fight Night Champion, Madden NFL 12, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (as well as Undercover), Scrabble, Risk, Trenches II, Dragon’s Lair 2: Time Warp, Zuma’s Revenge, Chuzzle, Shift 2 Unleashed, Tetris, Spy Mouse and various Sims games, including The Sims Medieval and The Sims 3 (also Ambitions and World Adventures).

Titles that are iPad-only and are on sale include Monopoly (and the “Here & Now” version), The Game of Life, NBA Jam, Risk, Reckless Racing HD, Flight Control HD, Trivial Pursuit Master Edition, Battleship HD, Yahtzee Adventures HD, Command and Conquer: Red Alert, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Pictureka!, Mirror’s Edge, Bop It!, Max and the Magic Marker, Snood, Sim City Deluxe and Coconut Dodge. The iPad versions of FIFA Soccer (11 and 12), Real Racing (and Real Racing 2) HD, Tetris, Madden NFL 12, Bad Company, Dead Space, Risk, The Sims Medieval, Scrabble, Shift 2 Unleashed and Spy Mouse are also on sale.

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