Appletell

It may be hard to believe, but the release date of one of the most anticipated video games in a long time is nearing. In recent months, starting with the Spore Creature Creator, we have been teased and taunted with little samples of the game, intended to keep our breath bated until the 12th of September. Now, the latest appetizer for the entree that is Spore has been released. The newest installment, titled Spore Origins, has been released for game-compatible iPods in the US. Through the 18 levels of Primordial Tide Pool goodness, EA hopes to give a taste of what the full version will present itself to be.

Read the full review of Spore Origins for the iPod after the break.

MORE »

FROM GAMERTELL - Millions of lifeforms have already been created, and these are the best they could find for the box? *sigh*…
MORE »

When Apple announced the iPhone Software Development Kit on March 6th, the iPhone version of Spore, introduced by Electronic Arts, stood out as one of the many amazing things coming with the iPhone SDK when it is released in June. More details on the iPhone version of Spore were announced today by Travis Boatman, VP of Worldwide Studios for EA Mobile.

The first thing that was reported is that the iPhone version of Spore has been reconfirmed to be the mobile version of the game, though the specifics of what that means for the game are still being withheld. The iPhone version of Spore may see a large visual difference from the other mobile version(s), as he stated that EA “[builds] our titles specific to the platform and the device and maximize features.“ Also stated was that the unique use of the iPhone’s accelerometer and Multi-Touch functionality will be implemented for the user interface and “evolution modification” of the game.

The cost and distribution methods of the game are currently uncertain, probably pending communication with Apple about the new initiative. The iPhone version of Spore is aiming to launch alongside the September launches of the various other versions of the game. Boatman also hints that there “will be other” titles in development for the iPhone platform, meaning that the iPhone is likely to become a unique gaming platform in the near future.

• Boom Blox 2 confirmed
• Walmart will sell iPhone, just not for the holidays
• Ocarina Wars: A challenger appears!

Apple has finally decided to release an iPhone software development kit (SDK), allowing companies to create applications for the phone. The beta version of the SDK is already in developer’s hands and the full version is expected to be released June 2008.

After Apple made the SDK’s announcement at a press conference last week (March 6, 2008), Apple’s VP for iPhone Software, Scott Forstall, demonstrated a space game (Touch Fighter) developed in only two weeks (“and only 10,000 lines of code”), promising touch controls and tilt-sensitive steering.

Perhaps an effort to help the expensive hardware more attractive to a larger audience, game companies have already been…

Read [Gamertell]

• Apple Releases Apple TV 2.3, couple nice new features
• Apple rated #1 in customer satisfaction in recent survey
• Walmart will sell iPhone, just not for the holidays

Whether they are trying to compete with Sony’s PSP and Nintendo DS, the iPhone will be one great gaming platform. When Apple previewed the iPhone SDK last Thurdsay, they previewed several games, including Super Monkey Ball, a popular title on the Wii. The writers at GamerTell would be able to tell best if this would happen, but I personally think this is the perfect platform. The iPhone is in many large markets, and has internet connectivity, so a game could upgraded a few months down the road.

The App Store combines Amazon and the iTunes Store together. Apple’s been testing gaming for awhile. They started with the Pipin, which failed miserably, then they build some mini games for the iPod. Next, they took those iPod games to the next level, making new ones available from the iTunes Store. Apple partnered EA to makes games like Sims Bowling, and Sims Pool, as well as Disney. With the iPhone, this isn’t any different, they’ve partnered with SEGA and EA, 2 companies that each have great titles behind them. The high-anticipated, “Spore”, will also be on the iPhone, which just shows what it can do and all the opportunities open to developers with the free SDK.

• Free Spore Patch 3 adds 24 limbs
• Walmart will sell iPhone, just not for the holidays
• Ocarina Wars: A challenger appears!