Author Archive for ChiffaN
A project manager in a major telecommunications supplier, an iPhone junkie and lately - a TMA editor. Love long walks on the beach and my wife, who is the most beautiful girl on the face of this planet. You can also follow me on twitter for all things iPhone and project management (and some personal stuff as well): http://twitter.com/ChiffaNe
Weird Worlds: Return To Infinite Space in Review – Unlock the mysteries of the universe in 30 minutes or less
Have you wondered what’s out there in the great beyond? Are you a fan of Star Trek, Star Wars or Babylon 5? Have you ever dreamt of exploring new worlds, discovering ancient artifacts and meeting aliens? Well, settle in my dear friend, as now you can do all of that in the comfort of your own living room! Thanks to the wonders of modern technology and the creativity of some indie devs, the full experience has essentially been recreated in Weird Worlds: Return To Infinite Space.
Dracula: Resurrection in Review – Kill the vampire, save the girl, yada, yada, yada…
Dracula is definitely one of the iconic horror flick villains, popularized by the famous book by Bram Stoker. Though vampires in general have been part of folklore for hundreds and even thousands of years, he was the one who introduced the signature struggle between a sole hero and the vampire over a girl. In the three-part adventure - Dracula: Resurrection - Microids revisits this concept and this time you’ll have the chance to take down the evil Dracula yourself.
Back to the Future HD in Review – The legendary series is back in the future!
The Back to the Future trilogy is my favourite movie franchise of all time. Unfortunately as far as game-implementations go, it’s has never had much luck. The late 80′s and early 90′s console and PC adaptations were boring, virtually unplayable arcade games. But when developer Telltale announced that they were going to be revisiting the franchise in my favourite genre of adventure games – I was beside myself with anticipation. And what better platform to experience a Back to the Future game than on the futuristic iPad in Back to the Future HD!
GRave Defense HD in Review – A puzzle hidden underneath hordes of undead
Zombies and other types of undead have been among some of the more popular themes in all areas of pop-culture in the recent years – and the App Store is definitely no exception. There are scores of zombie games in all genres – from line drawing to action shooters, and card games to tower defense. Speaking of the latter, it has just been augmented by Bulkypix’s GRave Defense HD.
Virtual City Playground in Review – Build your city for free, no strings attached
I reviewed the original Virtual City (TMA Review) last year and found it to be an entertaining casual variation on the build-your-own-city theme. Though much closer to the Transport Tycoon franchise in spirit than SimCity, the mixing of various gameplay elements and the addition of quests to guide the development made for an excellent package. Building on this quest system G5 Entertainment has done what seems to be the fashionable thing these days and has gone freemium with Virtual City Playground.
Machinarium in Review – Original, stylish and charming robotic adventure
Regardless of my complete lack of adoration for Flash-based games, it wouldn’t be fair to say nothing good has ever come out of them. Even more so, a few Flash titles have enjoyed release as standalone products over the years and have gained immense popularity. And no, I’m not talking about those millions of casual time-wasters. I’m talking about the unique masterpieces by Amanita Design – Samorost 1 and 2, which paved the way for the genius Machinarium. Well guess what? The latter has finally found its way onto the iOS as an iPad 2 exclusive.
HECTOR Ep3 HD – Beyond Reasonable Doom in Review – It was called Badge of Carnage for a REASON!
In a rare feat of productivity and unlike many other authors of indie episodic adventures, Straandlooper, under the watchful gaze of Telltale, have released the final episode of the Hector series Beyond Reasonable Doom. I have already reviewed both HECTOR: Badge of Carnage Ep1 (TMA Review) and HECTOR Ep2 HD – Senseless Acts of Justice (TMA Review) and personally don’t see a single reason not to buy the final episode if you enjoyed the first two. But if you’re still in doubt – read on.
STREET FIGHTER IV VOLT in Review – All juiced up and ready to kick some online booty!
When STREET FIGHTER IV (TMA Review) first released for the iPhone, it redefined in many ways the arcade fighting arena on the platform. Granted, we did have some quality titles before that, like Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (TMA Review), but the adaptation of the legendary franchise was the first to bring the true console experience to iOS. But one thing was missing, and a crucial thing for any arcade fighting at that. I’m talking of course, about multiplayer. Well, fans of beating your friends to a pulp, rejoice, as this has been remedied with the release of STREET FIGHTER IV VOLT.
Zen Wars in Review – Nothing Zen about these wars!
One of the more popular genres on the iDevices is Castle Defence. Available in a number of varieties, it always features a side-view of the action. But creative people are here to start traditions of their own, right? Well as least subzero.eu are. In their recent take on the genre with Zen Wars, they decided to freshen things up and offer a bird’s eye view of the events instead.
Chapaev Pro in Review – A cruel way to treat checkers!
Growing up in Russia, one of the favourite school break pastimes was always a friendly game of Chapaev. Born out of a perverted version of checkers, we’d use figures made out of common stationary along with a checkers board – just about anything went!
Suffice it to say that when I was offered the chance to review Chapayev Pro for the iDevice, I was more than surprised, but pleasantly so. Now the whole world can be opened up to the amazing board game that is Chapaev.
