OnLive Brings Console-Class Gaming to Mobile Tablets/Phone

Top Console Titles Now Available Instantly on Mobile Devices for both Touch and Controller

Play New OnLive Wireless Controller Enriches Gameplay on Most Tablets, Phones

London, UK – December 8, 2011 – OnLive, Ltd., the pioneer of cloud gaming, announced that it is bringing console-class gaming to mobile tablets and phones with the revolutionary OnLive app for mobile platforms. The latest, top-tier, high-performance games—previously limited to only consoles and computers—will be available for instant play via the free OnLive app on over 500 million mobile devices over Wi-Fi or mobile networks in the US and UK. A growing library of 25 console-class games have been adapted for touch-screen control, including the gritty, award-winning hit L.A. Noire from Rockstar Games and family titles like LEGO: Batman, which will be given free to anyone who downloads the OnLive app. Additionally, almost all games in OnLive’s growing library of nearly 200 games are playable with the new OnLive Wireless Controller, compatible with most tablets and many phones.

OnLive harnesses the power of the cloud to instantly deliver high-end games on demand over the Internet with the simplicity of streaming video. OnLive’s breakthrough cloud gaming technology has enabled gamers on PCs, Macs and TVs to instantly jump into console-quality games on demand, without discs or lengthy downloads, regardless of the performance of their local device. With today’s launch, gamers can experience the same instant-play, top-tier games on mobile tablets and smartphones, despite the fact that these games require vastly higher performance than is achievable on a mobile device.

“Today marks a major milestone: OnLive is now delivering the latest, console-class, top-tier games—literally to your fingertips—on mobile tablets and phones for instant on-demand play anywhere, anytime,” said Steve Perlman, OnLive Founder and CEO. “Through the free OnLive app, tablet and smartphone gamers can play top console and PC titles like Assassins Creed: Revelations and L.A. Noire—one of the most highly acclaimed, graphically sophisticated games to date—with exclusive OnLive Cloud Touch controls or with the new mobile-compatible OnLive Wireless Controller. Tablets and smartphones, the fastest-growing consumer product categories in history, are now capable of running the hottest, highest-end games. Gaming and mobile devices will never be the same.”

Marking the most dramatic departure possible from the side-scrollers and 3D puzzlers that have defined the current tablet gaming marketplace, the award-winning L.A. Noire is now the first high-performance console video game developed specifically for touch-enabled play via mobile cloud gaming—with exclusive distribution on the OnLive Game Service. The release of a game this immersive and cinematically engaging heralds a new era—and new market—in high-end gaming.

Over 25 OnLive titles, including L.A. Noire, family titles like LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and 5-7, and indies like Defense Grid Gold, will work with touch control on tablets and smartphones. And most of the nearly 200 games in OnLive's growing library, including recent top-tier releases like Batman: Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and Lord of the Rings: War in the North, are immediately playable on virtually any device with the OnLive Wireless Controller, which utilizes OnLive’s exclusive adaptive wireless technology to automatically find an optimal wireless connection for a given tablet, smartphone, PC, Mac, TV or Blu-ray player. The OnLive Wireless Controller will be available soon for purchase in the US, and the UK, for $49.99 and £39.99 respectively.

As always, any game purchased on one OnLive app device (TV, PC, Mac or mobile device) can be played instantly on any other OnLive app device with full cloud save game data intact, allowing users to start play on one device, and continue playing on any other device, whenever and wherever they want. OnLive’s cross-platform capability extends to multiplayer gaming, enabling, for example, a tablet gamer to play with TV, PC, Mac and smartphone gamers. OnLive’s exclusive social features, such as international massive spectating and Brag Clip® videos, are available on mobile devices, as well as chat and Facebook posting of videos, messages and achievements. And unlike downloaded games, OnLive games are streamed over the internet just like streaming music and video, never taking up storage on the mobile device.

In addition to play over Wi-Fi, OnLive is also unveiling compatibility with AT&T and Verizon’s 4G LTE cellular service, enabling full, HD-resolution, low-latency cloud gaming everywhere there is 4G coverage on devices such as the HTC Jetstream, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom. With this new compatibility, OnLive is truly playable everywhere, whether indoors, outdoors or even in the back seat of a car at highway speeds, for the first time bringing complete mobility to console-class gaming.

The OnLive app is available for free download for mobile devices starting today (release dates and times subject to mobile app store certifications). The OnLive Wireless Controller is available for purchase in the US and soon in the UK through the OnLive web store at www.onlive.com/store and www.onlive.co.uk/store. As always, OnLive games purchased on one device or through the OnLive website can be played on all devices, and L.A. Noire and other touch-adapted games will continue to work with controller and/or keyboard/mouse as they did before, including with the OnLive Wireless Controller.

Launching the iPhone 4S in China

Since its launch in October, the iPhone 4S has become the most successful smartphone of all time, shifting four million handsets alone in its first weekend. With a full month of sales under its belt for November. Analysts believed that if this flood of popularity continues that by the end of 2011 sales of the iPhone 4S could be as high as 26 million. It means the Apple device could sell the same number of handsets as Samsung has of the Galaxy S2, but in a third of the time. Record sales are predicted for the holiday period.

One of the reasons for the continued success of the device has been its staggered launch around the globe, enabling it to generate headlines and engage with new users on a country by country basis. Initially in early October, the device launched in the UK, US, Canada, Japan and large parts of Europe including France and Germany. The rollout has then continued in Australia, and Ireland along with other areas of Europe. In mid-November the smartphone will be available in, among other countries, Portugal, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea and Guatemala meaning the iPhone 4S is available in more than 29 countries, aiming at 70 by the end of the year. Snaking queues and huge demand have met the device in each launch country.


One of the major targets for Apple, which could unveil the device before the end of November, is China. China has long been a target for Apple. With a large, plugged in population, China is the world’s fasting growing economy. The country is seen as a significant growth target for the iPhone makers. Chinese reports suggest the iPhone 4S is still pending regulation in China, but it is hoped the device will launch by the end of the year. Each device needs to be regulated before it can be made available on Chinese networks. It is expected the 8GB iPhone 4 will launch first, with the iPhone 4S available soon after.

The general manager of China Unicom Lu Yimin, leads the world’s third biggest mobile provider. He has released a statement suggesting the firm is keen to release the device as soon as possible. The iPhone 4S has already launched in Hong Kong and Singapore and it is believed there are many handsets available on the Chinese black market. Users suggest the offer of cloud computing, along with an application of artificial intelligence in Siri are an open market in China, one Apple could step into. Those buying an iPhone 4S through unofficial channels are paying between 5,500 yuan and 8,000 yuan, anywhere between $860 and $1,000. Some customers are waiting for prices to drop while others are focussing their attention on the iPhone 4 instead with prices for the 16GB and the 32GB reduced by 500 yuan and 1,000 yuan after the 4S was launched internationally.

The next step will be for Chinese Unicom to obtain a network access certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, suggesting a launch date could be in the hands of the Chinese government, rather than Apple or Unicom. Yet both companies will be working closely with the government to lobby their cases.

Preview: Hungribles

Chops had eaten the chicken, the pie, the sausages and the cheese, but he was still hungry. Then, behind the milk, he saw a strange glowing orb. He ate it immediately of course. Straight away, his yellow tummy grew bigger and he smiled in delight. "More!" he squeaked, but the fridge was empty.

Hungribles are tiny creatures with massive appetites. Their cravings are so powerful that they can pull food through the air and into their waiting mouths. Only by feeding them extra tasty orbs can you satisfy their incredible hungers but when Hungribles get together, you'll have your hands full trying to feed them all.

The trailer looks pretty cool and I'm interested to see more. Expect a full reveal at E3, but for now check out the teaser trailer for Hungribles!



Official site: http://hungribles.com

Online Poker for the iPhone

The Apple iPhone shows no signs of slowing down both in sales and in popularity, much of that success is thanks to the massive library of apps that are available in the market for it. A lot of its users actually use their iPhones a lot more for playing games rather than using it as an actual phone, and that especially includes poker fans. While being able to access online poker websites is limited on the iPad and the iPhone, there are a lot of great poker apps available so any poker aficionado can enjoy the game they love wherever they are.

Apple has a very strict stand against apps for gambling, and if you are currently in the US you will have a lot more difficult time using your iPhone to play for real money with poker, as a lot of apps has not given the approval to be included in the App Store. The gambling apps that has been approved in the App store, are directed solely for iPhone users outside of the US. Also the lack of support for Flash in Apple devices makes it impossible to access a lot of the browser-based gambling clients available on the interenet, so users in the US will have to turn to free money play poker apps available that are abundantly available at the App store.





Many poker apps that are now available includes variations of the games such as Apple's Texas Hold’em, where you get to play against various computer opponents from around the world. Like the majority of the poker apps, you will get the chance to test your poker skills against computer opponents, which have their own playing styles and tells that you’ll need to recognize in order to gain an advantage over these opponents. There are also a lot of poker utility apps for poker fans, such as training games, odds calculator and even poker timers to help you run your own home poker tourneys.


But if you want to play poker that is more similar to playing online (except for being able to play for real money, ofcourse) popular poker apps like Zynga Poker gives you the same experience of playing at online poker sites, the Zynga poker app lets you play against thousands opponents from around the world. You can compete in Sit'n'Go tournaments, and the advantage of having large network of users makes it easy to find a room, join in and play against any opponent any time of the day.

There are many choices out there for the iPhone user, but not many allow anything other than virtual currency to be used. Perhaps this is something that Apple should allow in the future if an adult's section is ever brought onto the App Store.

[iPad Central] Other Notable Releases

While we have covered releases by the developers who have made multiple releases onto the iPad App Store, it's time to showcase the better games that are the only additions from these developers. Don't let that fool you though, these games are as good as if not better than the other titles I've talked about (Plants vs Zombies anyone?)

Tapulous

I wanted to stop by to share with you Tapulous’ latest game creation designed specifically for the iPad – Tap Tap Radiation. As one of the iPhone / iPod touch biggest game developers with more than 25 million installs to date, Tapulous breaks new ground for the iPad with a FREE app loaded with more than 30 music tracks with premium content which is now available in the App store.

Departing from Tap Tap Revenge style of play, Tap Tap Radiation goes off its rails with free-style three dimensional game play and four difficulty levels that create intense single player action. The large screen size of iPad creates a large canvas for Tapulous' high-res eye-popping graphics. The game also features a Freestyle mode that allows users to enjoy the music and visuals in a non-competitive environment.

Additional game details at launch include:
o 33 awesome free tracks adapted especially for the app, including 12 Wives in Tehran by Serge Devant; I Like That by Richard Vission; Quiet Dog by Mos Def; and Lions by The Features.
o Premium content: Lady Gaga 6-pack featuring Telephone, Poker Face, Love Game, Bad Romance, Alejandro, and Speechless.
o Premium content: Pink 2-pack featuring So What and Get The Party Started
o Premium content: Ultra Records 6-pack featuring Imagination by Jes (Kaskade Remix), Love is Gone by David Guetta (Fred Rister & Joachim Garraud Radio Edit Remix), Satisfaction by Benny Benassi, Sorry by Kaskade (Dirty South Remix), Elements of Life by Tiesto, and Duck, You Sucker by Sharam
o Additional free and premium content will be added to the app on an ongoing basis.

"The iPad creates an amazing gaming experience for both serious and casual gamers," said Tapulous CEO, Bart Decrem. "Tap Tap Radiation was designed especially for iPad and takes advantage of the greater screen real estate and processing power. With its stunning graphics and killer playlist, Tap Tap Radiation is great fun to play. We hope it will become the must-have free app for the iPad."

Tap Tap Radiation - Free



Popcap Games

PopCap Games, maker of some of the world’s most popular video games, today announced its Plants vs. Zombies™ HD app for iPad® is now available on the App Store. Since its introduction on the iPhone™ and iPod® touch in February, Plants vs. Zombies has sold more than 650,000 units. With this latest adaptation, PopCap is propelling the Plants vs. Zombies franchise to new heights – delivering even more great gameplay and exclusive features tuned specifically for iPad. The Plants vs. Zombies HD app for iPad is available for US$9.99 from the App Store on iPad.

“The iPad is a fantastic platform for gaming, and Plants vs. Zombies HD allows us to show off the great new features and functionality of this exciting device,” said Andrew Stein, director of mobile business development at PopCap. “In this adaptation, we’ve focused on the iPad’s Multi-Touch capabilities and opportunities for new gameplay like the Buttered Popcorn mini-game that will excite both new and current players.”

The Plants vs. Zombies HD app for iPad offers all 50 levels of Adventure and QuickPlay modes as well as Survival mode from the original Apple Macintosh and Windows PC game. It also includes four all-new achievements (for a total of 17) and 18 mini-games, including Buttered Popcorn – exclusive to the iPad – offering frantic and fun gameplay where players attack zombies by first “buttering” them up before firing corn-cob cannons at them. To defeat the growing hordes of zombies, players can touch them to place butter on their heads. With the Multi-Touch user interface, players can select up to eleven zombies at a time, targeted for “buttering” by the powerful cob cannons. The game’s non-stop action is presented in full 1040x768 resolution, delivering stunning visual effects rarely seen in mobile gaming.

Originally launched on the PC and Mac in May of 2009 to universal acclaim, Plants vs. Zombies was introduced for iPhone and iPod touch earlier this year, where it quickly became a global phenomenon. The game reached the #1 position on the App Store Top Grossing charts in more than 20 countries worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, China, Russia, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, and Norway.

Plants vs. Zombies HD - $9.99



Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the availability of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad, a game for the Apple iPad that transports players to the seedy underbelly of 19th century London. Using the iPad’s multi-touch technology, players step into the shoes of the intrepid Sherlock Holmes who finds himself in an exhilarating whodunit puzzle adventure game. Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad is inspired by the motion picture from Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Village Roadshow Pictures and Silver Pictures.

In Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad, players follow clues through the gritty side of the 1890’s Victorian London where, along with Dr. Watson, Sherlock uses his keen wit and winning charm to prove a man is innocent of murder. Leveraging the powerful platform of the Apple iPad and its 1024x768 screen resolution, players will be treated to breathtaking graphics through 11 immersive 3-D environments as they work to solve the case.

Features for Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad include:

• Puzzle Boxing Tournament – Exclusive for the iPad, Sherlock must use his wit and mental acuity, by finding and exploiting his opponents’ weaknesses to neutralize the threat. Knuckle through a tournament of 12 unique characters using the iPad’s multi-touch functionality
  

• Auto-Flip and Rotate Support – Flip or rotate the iPad to play from any angle

• Full Screen Resolution for a High-def 3-D experience

• Increased Texture Resolution for the characters and environments

• Redesigned UI takes advantage of the larger iPad screen

• As players gather evidence within the game, they gain crucial information through compelling and insightful mini-games:

• Insights – Find hidden clues using Sherlock’s keen Insight, and put them together in Sherlock’s virtual mind to unravel the mystery

• Lock Picking – Find the perfect path through a lock’s inner workings to lift each of the tumblers, and gain access to the secrets within

• Foot Chase – Wind a way through London’s streets in pursuit of justice. Outmaneuver the culprits and emerge victorious!

Sherlock Holmes Mysteries for iPad - $2.99

[iPad Central] Firemint

Firemint don't release that many titles but when they do they do it right. It is quite possible that they have been the only developer to conquer the $9.99 price range as well as the $0.99 market, even though they have only brought out two titles. With a slight price increase we can buy the iPad versions of Flight Control and Real Racing, both with a few perks to make the price justified.

Firemint, critically acclaimed developer of games for iPhone® and iPod touch®, is delighted to announce that its Flight Control HD App for iPad is now available from the App Store.

The highly addictive gameplay in Flight Control casts players in the role of an air traffic controller in charge of an increasingly busy airport. Players must touch aircraft and drag a path to the correct landing zone while avoiding collisions. Flight Control HD brings new ways to play and beautiful new graphics to an App Store favorite.

Firemint CEO Robert Murray commented, “Flight Control HD is everything you love about Flight Control, re-imagined for iPad and packed with new features and content. We think this will be the best Flight Control experience yet – if you thought Flight Control was addictive before, wait until you play it on iPad!”

Flight Control HD contains everything included in Flight Control for iPhone and iPod touch, as well as many additions and improvements for its arrival on iPad:

- More ways to play, including multiplayer modes that take advantage of iPad’s innovative Multi-Touch interface.
- Split-screen “versus” mode: play competitively by sending your planes to capture aircraft from your opponent.
- Co-operative multiplayer on a single iPad: share landing duties with a friend on one of three HD airfields.
- Multiplayer on two devices (selected from iPad, iPhone or iPod touch): land aircraft of your own color, and direct others off the screen for your fellow Controller to land.
- More space to land your planes and bigger airports thanks to the large iPad screen, with three new HD airfields.
- Beautiful high-quality graphics throughout, including an all-new menu and updated graphics for the Classic airfields from the iPhone version.
- New Snow airfield with variable wind direction in addition to the four Classic iPhone airfields (Original, Beach, Carrier and Outback) and three HD airfields, for a total of eight single-player airfields.
- Quirky “3D view” airfield brings Flight Control to life like never before – use red/cyan glasses to see aircraft floating above the iPad (3D glasses not included, widely available from retailers such as amazon.com at low cost).
- Many more enhancements including all-new path continuation, improved collision warnings, a new “safe” fast forward function, and a longer version of the Flight Control song that you just can’t get out of your head!

Flight Control HD - $4.99

Firemint, critically acclaimed developer of games for iPhone® and iPod touch®, today announced its Real Racing HD App for iPad is now available from the App Store.

Real Racing is one of the most acclaimed racing games on any handheld platform, and has been extended and enhanced especially for iPad. Real Racing HD brings players all the excitement, competition and glory that only true championship racing can provide. Stunning new graphics make Real Racing HD the most impressive racer yet, perfect for showing off iPad’s large screen and processing power. Players can comfortably use iPad as a steering wheel for an incredibly immersive experience or they can choose from a number of touch screen control options and adjust the sensitivity to suit.

"We’re all very excited about the launch of iPad, and Real Racing HD really shows off the new possibilities that come with this breakthrough device," said Firemint CEO Robert Murray. "Real Racing is all about authentic pack racing action. iPad is incredibly immersive and personal so playing the Real Racing HD App will be an adrenaline-fuelled rush.”

* Car Skins - allows players to select photos from their Photo Album on iPad and Real Racing HD will automatically wrap the photo around the selected car. Artistic players can even use one of the many popular paint programs to create personalized racing decals, based on any of the existing car skins supplied with the game. Firemint will also release new Car Skins via its web site.
* Ghost Racing - lets players race against a pre-recorded ghost saved on iPad or downloaded from Firemint’s servers. Drivers can test their skills against the best in the world, or try to beat their own previous personal best. Ghosts will also be shown in Online League races, adding a whole new level of competitive fun to this popular play mode.
* Players can watch replays of their Time Trial races or any races uploaded to the leaderboards from within the game and select different camera angles while watching, providing an exciting new way to learn the best racing lines from the top drivers.
* Touch screen controls specifically designed for iPad, with a new sensitivity adjustment option.

Real Racing HD - $9.99

[iPad Central] Illusion Labs

Illusion Labs don't make the most games on the App Store, but when they do release a game it has been perfected. When I think of a game I want to use to show off my iPhone's capabilities as a gaming device, I turn to Illusion Labs. All their titles have beautiful graphics along with games that just belong on the device. The two titles brought over were screaming for a bigger screen and are must buys for iPad owners.

Illusion Labs today announced its Touchgrind HD App for iPad is now available from the App Store. The app is based on the skateboarding smash hit Touchgrind for iPhone and iPod touch and utilizes the iPad's large 9.7 inch screen to show a far-reaching view of the skatepark, making it easy for the player to see where they are going.

"The extended view the stunning iPad display offers makes it a lot easier to run smooth lines riding between obstacles in the park and doing different kinds of tricks," said Andreas Alptun, CTO and former skateboarder. "This really takes the game to the next level. I am able to skate in a way I couldn't earlier and it's just so much fun."

The two player split screen mode is available for all three gaming modes; Warm Up, Jam Session and Competition. This lets users play against a friend on the same device using one half of the screen each with a gauge showing who is in the lead. Users can play together to perfect synchronized tricks, or disturb each other by crashing as the other is just about to land that insane flip.

The size and the physics of the skateboard are unchanged, so that players of the existing app for iPhone and iPod touch can bring all their skills. The game and all the menus are fully orientation independent so that the player can play in either portrait or landscape mode on iPad.

Touchgrind HD App for iPad features include:
- True physics.
- Innovative Multi-Touch controls.
- Two player split screen mode.
- 13 unlockable boards with different abilities.
- Warm Up, Jam Session and Competition game modes.
- Tutorial videos.
- Stunning 3D graphics.
- Realistic sound.

Touchgrind HD is out now for $7.99

Illusion Labs today announced its Labyrinth 2 HD App for iPad is now available on the App Store. The app has been tailored perfectly for the large 9.7 inch iPad screen and supports the hundreds of thousands of levels already created by iPhone and iPod touch players. Graphics and artwork look spectacular on iPad and the game and menus have been made fully orientation independent.

"The large screen real-estate of iPad offers the thriving Labyrinth 2 community even more creativity and ingenuity in creating their own labyrinth levels," said Carl Loodberg, CEO of Illusion Labs.

"We think that being able to run in both landscape and portrait mode is important. The player does not have to consider how iPad is held - it just feels right," said Andreas Alptun, CTO of Illusion Labs.

Labyrinth 2 HD features include:
- Fun game elements: Cannons, Bumpers, Multiple balls, Doors, Magnets, Fans, Re-sizers, Merry-Go-Rounds, Duplicators, Lasers and more.
- Create your own levels and share them instantly with your friends and the world.
- Download and rate levels created by the community, both the existing iPhone/iPod touch levels and the new, bigger iPad levels.
- Up to 4 player multiplayer over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Compete against yourself with a ghost ball showing your best run.
- Awards for your achievements.
- Orientation independent, supports both landscape and portrait mode.

Labyrinth 2 HD is out now for $7.99