Apple's Gaming Round-Up

Straight from Apple's press conference, we take a look at some of the newest games for the iPhone and iPod Touch!

This morning, Apple held a lengthy press conference to discuss the future of their iPod line, and where this usually wouldn't be a prime source for video game news, there were some interesting announcements made earlier today that's sure to catch the attention of gamers everywhere.

Several charts and graphs were on display, where Apple showed some interesting statistics comparing the iPod Touch's game sales to the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. While many don't actively regard the iPod Touch as a gaming platform in the same vein as those two platforms, it looks like Apple is really trying to take the lead as a leader in handheld gaming. With a crowded shot of a GameStop store shelf, conference attendees were told the perks of purchasing games through Apple's App Store in light of heading down to your local retailer.

A few representatives of a few prestigious game developers soon took the stage with live demos of some of their new titles.

Apple's Gaming Round-Up

Ubisoft's Ben Mattes presented the iPod/iPhone version of their highly anticipated Assassin's Creed II. Ezio was shown on a 2.5D playing field, running across the rooftops of Italy and actively slashing down any foe in his way. All of the violence and acrobatics known to Assassin's Creed were in full display, along with a few interesting iPhone additions, such as the ability to stick your face on in-game "Wanted" posters.

Next up was Bart Decrem of Tapulous, the creators of the popular Tap Tap Revenge. Bart introduced Riddim Ribbons which can best be described as an interesting blend of racing and rhythm-based action. Players are asked to guide a wheel over various glowing lines, actively re-mixing the song as they go. Tabulous has also promised three exclusive tracks from will.i.am of Blacked Eyed Peas fame.

GameLoft's Mark Hickey took the stage with Nova, a sci-fi based FPS that Hickey called "The best looking game on the iPhone." Nova sported some impressive weapons, from plasma cannons to sniper rifles, as well as some unique features including music integration. Multiplayer was also promised via wi-fi, not to mention in-game voice chat.

Finally, EA's Travis Boatman was up with Madden NFL 10. To sum it up, it's the Madden we all know in love only in handheld form. Madden for the iPhone did some very cool additions such as innovative touch-based controls and a very cool feature where players can actually draw the next active play onto the screen.

It remains to be seen if Apple can take the lead as one of gaming's superstars, but with a track record like theirs, it's hard not to go far.

Comments [8]

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death2smoochie

Hmmm, saying the touch isthe better handheld then the PSP or DS is a stretch. Some good games coming to the touch though.
However the rest of the show was a major letdown and underwhelming. No changes to the Ipod Touch except 64g is nothing. Nano gets the lion-share of the upgrade.

michael909

death2smoochie wrote:

Hmmm, saying the touch isthe better handheld then the PSP or DS is a stretch. Some good games coming to the touch though.
However the rest of the show was a major letdown and underwhelming. No changes to the Ipod Touch except 64g is nothing. Nano gets the lion-share of the upgrade.
i agree the ipod touch has some good games but it is definitley not better then the psp or ds. i dont think ill be able to ever see it as a true gameing handheld untill it gets some physical buttons but i dont see that happening anytime soon. if they were to add some physical buttons to the touch and keep the same screen size and touch screen then they would be able to give sony and nintendo a run for there money
KingsGambit

well the ipod touch has sold way more units then the psp hands down... it would need buttons on the black bars on the side...for sure some of the games like sonic are to hard to control

lovetelephone

I can definitely see millions and millions of people buying specific games for an iPod touch or iPhone, but in no way can they call themselves gaming leaders just because of that. Now will they ever come close to re-creating a gaming experience as deep or rewarding as the DS or PSP. Here's the thing... Pretty much every single person needs and has a cell phone in this day and age. And such a huge amount of those people like to have a few games in there pocket, I know I do. But if you think that an iPhone (which i have) is going to replace my DSi for gaming? Never. Apple can try and take over the world all they want, but stepping up to Nintendo and Sony in the gaming industry is downright laughable. hahahahahahahahahhaha <- see? I'm laughing

Riff_it_up

Skrew Apple and thier fruity ass overpriced low quality junk! any basic mp3 player or Zune(which i have)>gimp ipods.

BinStabbin

only worth buying game on the iphone is zynga live poker. all other games that need an actual controller suck on the iphone. apple give it up....its a good phone slash ipod slash internet mobile browser. Thats it. Even the camera sucks!

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