I can’t believe we’re already this deep into September already - I guess that means I’ll need to work up a Top 3 list (hint, it may be out on Tuesday), but in the meantime I have reviews and news to dispense, so lets hit up the Friday News Wrap-Up for the 7th of September, 2012.
Assassin's Creed Utopia - Sim City with stabbing
Despite the vague 'Winter' release date, the Assassin's Creed spin off title for iOS, dubbed 'Utopia', is looking mighty fine. I'm also happy to report that in a continued effort by Ubisoft to 'disconnect' from always-on Internet designed games, the only link between this title and Assassin's Creed 3 is that it will effectively lead up to the game, but it won't be required for 'bonuses' on the console title. The game is set to pit you and your friends in friendly, or not so friendly 3D brawls while spending time setting up your assassin guild over the span of 150 years.
Middle Manager of Justice - And like that... it was gone
For those of you excited by the upcoming release of Double Fine's superhero management title the idea of it being available is just too tempting to ignore and when the game accidentally went live many people jumped right on it. Unfortunately it turns out this was a mistake as it's a bug-filled release and has subsequently been pulled from the App Store. Double Fine has invited those who grabbed it early to continue playing if they wish, but that they'll prefer the final version which should be out in the 'coming weeks'.
Bad Piggies - "all-new, never-before-seen gameplay"
Continuing our shady theme of the week is yet another 'vague' announcement, this time from Rovio Mobile. You know, _that_ Rovio. Bad Piggies is dropping on the App Store on the 27th of September across most major mobile devices (iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android and Mac) and will turn 'the franchise on its head' with 'all-new, never-before-seen gameplay'. Bold words from the consistent Rovio. Hopefully more will be announced soon!
iPhone 5 - In case you didn't know
It's kind of hard to avoid this tidbit of news, but if you happen to be thinking of upgrading your iPhone or getting a new one, you'll want to hold off until Tim Cook hits the stage on the 12th of September to talk about the iPhone 5. Our site partner Pocket Gamer UK will be live-blogging the event from 5pm GMT - be sure to check it out!
Editor's Picks:
Bastion (Warner Bros Supergiant Games) $4.99 iPad Only
It seems almost unfair to have such amazingly successful titles nudge their way on to the App Store, but it's hard to complain when it means you get to enjoy them all over again. Bastion has barreled its way through just about every platform it can and iOS is no exception - that is if you happen to own an iPad. The remixed controls make it a snap to play without virtual sticks and buttons, but those who depend on them can still use them to beat down all the squirts they like.
The World Ends With You: Solo Remix (SQUARE ENIX) $17.99/$19.99
As for those of you without an iPad, you can hit up The World Ends With You: Solo Remix. Pricey though it may be, the game is easily worth the investment, touting a huge amount of gameplay time; unique Action-RPG gameplay; and even a teaser at a potential sequel (or expansion) to the original title (which will, with any luck, be natively ported to iOS).
Blast-A-Way (Illusion Labs) $4.99 Univ.
Lastly, if you're after something a little less pricy and uniquely 'iOS', you should grab Blast-A-Way by Illusion Labs. This excellent developer is churning out beautiful and unique titles at a steady (if slow) pace, but you can bet I'll be jumping on their next release without a second thought if they continually hit this high-mark.
Don't forget we're running a competition to give away five codes for Wild Blood by Gameloft over the weekend - all you have to do is head to our website, find the review and leave a comment. I know our site has had its issues in the past and there are still some hiccups to work out, but we're working on keeping it up so you can have easy access to our news, reviews and feature content! We're also on Facebook and Twitter, but don't forget to like and subscribe so we can spread the word to fellow YouTubers!
Have a great weekend!
Additional Links:
Middle Manager of Justice Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecmkt0tfHo8
Middle Manager of Justice community announcement - https://www.doublefine.com/forums/viewthread/7618/
Bad Piggies teaser - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNX-dEsf-sk
Pocket Gamer UK - https://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/
Blast-A-Way Review - https://www.appspy.com/blast-a-way-review
Bastion Review - https://www.appspy.com/bastion-for-ipad-review
The World Ends With You: Solo Remix Review - https://www.appspy.com/world-ends-you-solo-remix-review
