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Last night, a long-standing dream of mine came true: Atari released pretty much its entire classic library on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. I am beyond ecstatic. If you’ve ever heard me talk about gaming, you’ll know that I’m a casual gamer. I don’t get into first-person shooters and I don’t lose myself in RPGs. I do, however, love a great old-fashioned game Pong.

Atari’s Greatest Hits is absolutely free in the app store! Pong comes pre-installed at no cost and additional games are relatively inexpensive. You can pay for game packs or buy the entire library for only fifteen bucks. I have a feeling that this thing will end up being the highest-grossing app for the entire year. Yes, people, I really just predicted that this will beat out your beloved Angry Birds.

There are 18 arcade titles and 92 games from the Atari 2600. You’ll enjoy favorites such as Missile command, Breakout, Centipede and even Asteroids. Certain games – like Warlords – give support for Bluetooth multiplayer mode. From what I’ve found already, the games which are played using some type of paddle work very well. Those which would have used a joystick seem to be just a tad jerky.

You’ll find the original box art, along with several different ways of searching through your collection. Thumb through the tiles, click a button to see your recently played games or list them in alphabetical order. It will only take you a moment to find exactly what you’re looking for to quench your classic gaming thirst.

One game that I’ve noticed is missing makes me rather sad. The title began with the letter “E” and was played on the Atari 2600. Can you guess what that is?

If you have long since forgotten how to play or beat your old favorite, you can read through the game’s manual right on your device. Those are included with your purchase so you’ll have them whenever you may need some additional help.

Which title was your favorite back in the Atari days? How quickly will you be downloading this app?

How to Play Classic Atari Games on your iPad

THQ and Zuffa announced today that UFC Undisputed has been officially released for play on the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. The game is based on the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization: Ultimate Fighting Championship. The experience features fast-paced action with unique gameplay, 25 fighters from all five UFC official weight classes, a variety of competitive modes, extensive connectivity with social networking options, as well as access to the latest happenings in the UFC.

In UFC Undisputed 2010 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, players will explore a simplified interface, including swipes on the touch screen, to execute punches, kicks, takedowns and more, while quick and fun puzzle paths will be implemented for players to escape submissions. Featuring a roster of 25 prolific UFC fighters from all of UFC’s official weight classes, each with an authentic appearance, players will have access to an Exhibition Mode for quick-play single bouts, a Tournament Mode to compete for a UFC Championship and unparalleled social networking connectivity, enabling players to share game progress and achievements with friends through Facebook and Twitter.

The game features a leaderboard so that you can pit yourself against your friends. Do you have what it takes to be a UFC champion?

UFC Undisputed 2010 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

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I’m being told that this is the single most addictive game available for the iPhone. I don’t get it though. WHY are people addicted to it? I get that there are these cute little birds who appear to be ticked off at some pigs. It’s kinda cool shooting the birds out of the slingshot to knock the pigs down and kill them. Angry Birds is just one of those things you have to experience for yourself, perhaps.

These birds are mad because the pigs stole their eggs out of the nests. Uhm. Okay! Let’s take em down then. There are 180 levels to get through. I should be able to manage that within an hour or so, right?

There are leaderboards built in to the app, along with Facebook and Twitter integration. There is an unlimited supply of mad feathered friends to launch through the air, as well.

One thing I learned as soon as I started playing: it doesn’t help to tilt your iPhone as the bird heads towards the pigs. It won’t help the winged creature go any further.

As soon as I play another level, I promise to figure out why you people like to play this… crap! How did I miss that shot? Why don’t I have any birds left?

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Are You An Angry Birds Addict?

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Are you a fan of word games? Test your reflexes and hand-eye coordination with Alphabetic. There are several different challenges which will unlock badges as you meet them, and you can customize your own experience. If you can tear yourself away from this addictive little game, you can disable the timer and slow things down to help younger children learn their ABCs.

The object of the game is to locate all of the letters in the alphabet before your timer runs out. It’s not as easy as it sounds because the game has tons of cool animations that it uses to display the letters. This makes it harder and harder to find them quickly.

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The Alphabet Game

Mirror’s Edge is the newest app to come from the folks behind EA Mobile. The game transports you to a place which appears on its surface to be perfect. As we all know, nothing is ever as it seems. You’ll have to become an acrobat to combat the evil that is hiding around every corner.

In a city where information is heavily monitored, where law is brutally enforced, where most people sacrifice freedom for a comfortable life, there are still those that choose to live on the edge. In Mirror’s Edge, take control of Faith Conners, a member of an underground group known as “Runners.” These acrobatic messengers are the last source of free communication in this “perfect” city. But a deadly threat has grown from within and Faith finds that she alone is the one that can stop it. Use Faith’s incredible acrobatic moves to outmaneuver the enemy –run on walls, slide down precarious ramps, ride ziplines, and leap between rooftops.

Reviews claim that this version captures the essence of the console counterpart very well – and I have to agree. It’s rare to see this happen with a mobile game. Just as with the console version, the app has a storyline which will propel you through the levels. Since there actually are levels, there’s always room to improve. Learn the best routes through each level, explore the map to find hidden bags and figure out how to master the various controls in order to have faster completion times.

It is a bit challenging to get all of the various swipes and moves down pat. Once you are used to swiping in a certain direction to control a particular function… it’s all downhill (or uphill!) from there. This is a fast-paced and fun game, and one that I will be playing often. Can you beat my score?

Become an Acrobat with Mirror’s Edge for the iPhone

EA Mobile has officially announced their upcoming late-summer lineup of new game offerings. Since the iPhone was first released, EA Mobile has been one of the leading players in the gaming apps field. Popular games from the company have included Scrabble, Tetris, Monopoly and Battleship. In 2009, their game The Sims 3 was the #1 best-selling game on the app store.

Following are nine of the new games that you can expect to see hitting iTunes in the near future:

• MADDEN NFL 11 – This game will be available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. This is considered to be the most authentic NFL game in the app store. This iteration is purported to be even better than before! In Madden NFL 11, fans and gamers will be able to play BOTH sides of the ball using Total Defensive Control. You’ll enjoy less time in the playbook and more time on the field with the new GameFlow feature. You can now draw Hot Routes everywhere which literally draws a player’s movements on the field pre-snap. This creates the play YOU want to run. This game is slated to be released this fall.

• Reckless Racing – Reckless Racing will be released for the iPhone and iPad. The game features roaring engines, squealing tires and amazing graphics. It mixes top-down racing game play with engaging multiplayer features. The balanced controls let you skid, slip and slide through some gorgeous tracks. It features a fully-stocked multiplayer mode, online leaderboards and the ability to trade “ghost races” with other players from anywhere in the world. Reckless Racing will hit the streets soon.

• Need for Speed™ Nitro-X – This new iteration of the popular game is coming to the Nintendo DSi. This arcade racing game features stylized cars and thrilling racing environments. Players will experience original Need For Speed Nitro fun with some new and unique features including 18 licensed cars and police units, custom tags for in-game use with your DSi camera, 16 updated tracks from all six original Nitro locations, career mode and new rewards. The game is scheduled to be released later this summer.

• NCAA® Football − This game is slated for the iPhone 4 and iOS3.x. This is the first game by EA Mobile designed specifically for the iPhone 4. It takes awesome advantage of the phone’s new Retina display. Players can choose from 55 of the most popular colleges or create a new one. Lead them all the way to victory in the BCS National Championship. Multiplayer rivalries with head-to-head play and broadcast commentary from Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit bring more intensity to the gaming experience. Rules and plays reflecting the actual NCAA Division 1 experience. It’s available now through the app store!

• SimCity™ Deluxe – This game created for the iPhone and iPod Touch allows you to build and manage your dream city. It’s designed to be enjoyed by either casual fans or those of you who are hard-core Sims fanatics. You’ll find easier controls, optimized performance, improved graphics, starter cities and new scenarios. SimCity Deluxe will be available later this summer.

• The Sims 3 Ambitions – The Sims 3 Amibition is coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch this summer. It has all of the fun, customization and social interaction of the entire Sims franchise. Players can now pursue their Sims’ passions and turn them into professions! In the game, players decide whether their Sim will be a town hero or cause trouble amongst their neighbors. Their future is entirely in your hands.

• YAHTZEE™ – YAHTZEE for the iPad hits the app store in just a few weeks. The big iPad screen and touch interface make gameplay on the device simple. Shake the cup to roll your dice, select the ones you want to hold and keep score with tap controls. There are four different gameplay modes including the iPad-exclusive “Duplicate Rainbow Mode”. You can become a YAHTZEE adventurer and take on in-game characters designed to test your skills. Not only can you play alone… you can also choose Pass ‘n Play for up to four people. Post your scores and issue challenges to your family and friends.

• RISK – Enjoy the real RISK experience later this summer for your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’ll pursue world domination with this original game of strategic conquest. Mobilize yourself against realistic AI adversaries or challenge up to six opponents.

• R-Type – R-Type puts the ’80s video-arcade game experience back into the palm of your hands this summer, only on the iPhone or iPod Touch. Players will Blast off and strike the evil Bydo Empire, pilot an R-9a “Arrowhead” fighter and attack wave after wave of Bydo bad dudes in this old-school style shooter game. R-Type includes original game features such as having eight unique levels – each with eight different bosses.

What other must-have games do you recommend for mobile platforms?

EA Mobile Summer Game Lineup

Who says you can’t game on the iPad? I’m here to tell you you’re wrong, and Mark is proving it. The games that he demonstrates in this video all have “cousins” for the iPhone. The developers of each app have changed things up a bit for the iPad versions in order to take full advantage of the additional screen real-estate and processing power.

The first game he tried out is Real Racing HD. Keep in mind that when playing a game on the iPad, you may want to hold the device with the Home button to your right. This way, your fingers won’t accidentally cover up the speakers.

Watching Mark play this game, you can tell how awesome the graphics are on the iPad screen. Everything is crisp and clear, and it’s so easy to see what you’re doing. Even when playing N.O.V.A., the picture is as clean as a whistle. I was surprised myself by how beautiful the display is. I honestly didn’t expect it to be quite as good as it is.

It’s not as difficult to play games on a device like the iPad as you might think it is. Some people are used to using a mouse or game controller, and find themselves unable to easily switch to using only their fingers. You have to do what’s best for you… but I think you’ll be missing out if you don’t give gaming on the iPad a shot.

Gaming on the iPad

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Kevoc recently attended MacWorld, and was kind enough to record a few videos for us, since I wasn’t able to attend myself. GameSalad is the world’s most advanced game creation tool for non-programmers. With GameSalad, game makers of all levels can bring their ideas to life without programming a single line of code. Build games visually using a drag-and-drop interface along with a robust behavior system. Publish your games quickly and easy to the iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac Desktop, and the Web.

Upon joining the GameSalad Membership Program, a member will be given access to GameSalad Viewer for iPhone, an app that allows testing of their game on the device. Once satisfied with the game, the developer will need to submit it through the GameSalad Membership Program online submission form. After a game is ready for the creator to retrieve, they will receive a link to the Xcode project file to submit according to Apple’s submission process.

You do not need to know how to program, but you may need to know a little logic to be able to make elements of the game interact with the user and each other. GameSalad Creator comes with a variety of templates that you can use to start making your game.

If you have an idea for a new game, there’s nothing standing in your way. You don’t have to be a hard-core programmer in order to make your dream a reality!

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What is GameSalad?

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I was in the middle of getting my tail kicked on this game when I recorded this game. This is an air hockey game for the iPhone. It’s addictive – even if I’m not any good at it! There are several different air hockey games available, so take your pick. You can play them against the computer, or against friends.

I enjoy playing against myself. It’s quite fun to kick my own ass, seriously! I actually did lose to myself at the end of this video. I told you it was coming!

If you have other cool iPhone Apps and games that you know of, just shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to take a look at it.

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Air Hockey!

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If you like word games, and you have an iPhone, you definitely want to check this game out. WordsWorth will remind you of the TumbleBees game that many of you are addicted to online. WordsWorth is a difficult but really fun word game where you have to find the hidden words in a big honeycomb-looking grid.

In WordsWorth, you earn points for every word you spell. When you’ve gotten enough points, you will move on to the next level. You can tap the tiles with your finger when forming a word, or run your finger from one tile to the next, whichever is faster for you.

During the game, you’ll find special tiles to help you. The tiles do things like boost your word score or act as a wild card. There’s also one that must be used before a timer runs out, or the game is over. You are able to shuffle the tiles a few times per game. But beware – each time you shuffle, you get stuck with another of those timed tiles!

If you know of other cool word games – or any other cool iPhone App games that I haven’t gottenaround to trying out yet – feel free to shoot me an email so I can share it with the World.

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What’s the Best Word Games on the iPhone?

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The App looks fun because it is fun. Days of Thunder is available right now for only 99 cents! If you like racing and games both, there’s no better combination! You can have a chance to win one of these Apps for yourself!

Days of Thunder features accelerometer-based steering with touchscreen control of the accelerator and brake peddals (both either up or down). The game’s control mechanics make keeping the car on the track pretty easy. It wasn’t long before I was cornering at full throttle / no brake. This makes the main challenge of the game staying in the draft zone until the right moment and balancing your own damage levels (and pit frequency) with that of the other cars on the track while huntinf down your rival.

I apologize for the angle of the camera, but if you want to see it better just buy it! It’s only 99 cents right now. The cost will raise to $5.00 soon, so get it before it goes up! I’m telling you that if you like playing games on your iPhone – or enjoy racing – you’re going to love this App!

You know you want to win a copy of this App, don’t you? It’s quite simple to do! Simply log in to your Twitter account, and send the following tweet:

@chrispirillo – My favorite car is [Car]. http://go.tagjag.com/thunder/

Make sure you replace [Car] with your favorite type of car! That’s it! Five of you will win, so get your tweet on now!

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Days of Thunder for the iPhone

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When I was 14 years old, I took my first job at an adventure park near my home. I made a whopping $2.00 an hour overseeing the SkeeBall machines! Now, I can spend $2.00 on an App for my iPhone to play the exact same game. If you love games on the iPhone, you’re going to have fun with Arcade Bowling.

Despite the name, it’s not a bowling game. It’s a skeeball-style game! You remember playing that at the carnival or arcade, don’t you? On your iPhone, use your fingers to fling “laser” balls down the alley and up the ramp into scoring holes.

Even though I had trouble hitting the 100 point hole, I still had fun playing the game. The creators, Skyworks, did a great job of not trying to put too much into this. It really is reminiscent of playing the game itself in the arcade.

They also have two new iPhone games coming to the App store, in honor of the Superbowl! If you enjoy football, be sure to check these out:

• QB Pass Attack – This game features three sound tracks, state of the art iPhone 3D graphics, and two addictive game modes, Classic and Progressive! In Classic Mode, score as many points as you can within 60 seconds by throwing the football through the scoring holes. Hit the close receiver and score 7 points. Hit the receiver further downfield and score 30 points!
• X’s and O’s Football – During this game, you will fight your way offensively downfield to score as many touchdowns as you can in four “60-second” quarters. Playing as the coach, quarterback, and receiver you’ll have to be at the top of your game to earn every first down. Come up short on fourth down, and you’ll be hitting the showers.

If you’re a fan of playing games on the iPhone, these are all definitely games you’re going to want to get your hands on. Skyworks has once again done an excellent job at putting out games that are both affordable and fun.

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Have You Played Arcade Bowling on the iPhone?