The game itself could be said to be a part of the popular “Swinging Games” genre recently highlighted by Apple on the App Store, along with favorites like ‘Hook Champ.’ This gameplay is then transposed to the world of arcade games circa 1979, with the player instead swinging a spaceship through an increasingly dense asteroid field.

Inspired by endless nights playing Atari’s ‘Asteroids’ and a fascination with the latest in Apple technology, Tractor Beam’s developers aimed to create an intuitive game with broad appeal that would recapture some of the glory of classic arcade games while offering the benefits of Apple’s platform, not the least of which is the ability to choose your own background music from the iPod application. Its own evolving loop-based soundtrack is something that would not have been possible in the games it emulates while the music itself is reminescent of classic science fiction movies.

Tractor Beam is among the new wave of games embracing the latest technology but with a nod to the classic games of eras gone by.

Device Requirements:
*iPhone or iPod Touch 3.12 or later

Pricing and Availability:
Tractor Beam 1.0 is only $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Tractor Beam 1.0: http://www.manufacturingcontent.com/tractorbeam/
Purchase and Download: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tractor-beam/id352841522?mt=8
YouTube Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scok2QNzwTE
Screenshot #1: http://www.manufacturingcontent.com/tractorbeam/s1.jpg
Screenshot #2: http://www.manufacturingcontent.com/tractorbeam/s2.jpg
Icon: http://manufacturingcontent.com/tractorbeam/Icon512.png

All aspects of flight safety are up to the user. Once they get a plane in the sky at the right altitude, users can make any adjustments necessary for the flight’s heading. Beginners are happy for the takeoff and landing tutorials that are included. The ATC Pro format differs from other air traffic simulation games. Many, if not most, use a normal radar interface. ATC Pro utilizes a USGS map approach for more interesting and realistic playing experiences. Players have the option of indulging in the disastrous side of air travel with ATC Pro. They can adjust settings to allow crashes, near misses and other emergencies, complete with a roaring fireball and other appropriate sounds and graphics.

There is a scoring system for each of the included simulated scenarios listed below:
* Handle 5 landings (practice)
* Handle 5 takeoffs (practice)
* Handle 10 aircraft landing and taking off
* Handle 20 aircraft landing and taking off
* Play Until Incident (crash or lost aircraft)
* Play 5 minute speed round
* Play 10 minute speed round

The app offers different maps with a choice of Detroit (DTW) or Chicago (ORD) airport locations and runway layouts. Zoom and pan features allow users to focus on a tricky landing and other situations that call for close attention. Future versions of ATC Pro will introduce new map areas with multiple airports and more challenges to keep the excitement alive and feed the addiction this app is known for. Users can take advantage of the new lower price of $1.99 to get in on the action now in preparation for the planned updates.

About Larry Roy
Larry Roy specializes in creating technical simulations and games for handheld platforms.  Larry was the creator of “Puzzles-In-Motion” on the Palm platform a number of years ago, and enjoys creating engaging simulations.

Device Requirements
* iPhone or iPod Touch 3.0 or later

Pricing and Availability
ATC Pro 1.3 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the website or blog you represent when making your request.

ATC Pro 1.3 : http://web.me.com/larryroy/index.html
Purchase and Download: http://www.itunes.com/apps/atcpro
Demonstration Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBBfuMXATJM
Media Assets: http://s769.photobucket.com/albums/xx340/lroy890/ATCPro/

How to make convenient and easy to use controls for action/arcade games (as well as other genres), is one of the most serious issues facing iPhone developers. Controls can make or break a game and despite the enormous variety of ways to interact with the iDevice (multitouch, accelerometer and even the compass in the 3GS), there is still no adequate replacement for the good old hardwired D-Pad.

Well, soon there may not be a need to reinvent the wheel. While Apple is making developers sweat over implementing workarounds, a small independent group of developers has set off to improve the built-in Bluetooth stack with the BTstack project. Of course it is only available to the Jailbreaking community, but before you slip off to read the latest review, take a minute to see what BTstack can do. With their recent update they have finally implemented full WiiMote wireless support!

ZodTTD, the legendary creator of mame4iphone (multi arcade machine emulator) and psx4iphone (a full-featured Playstation 1 emulator), was contacted by the BTstack team and has compiled a build that should be able allow the use of the WiiMote in iPhone gaming.

And here’s what it looks like:

So that’s it folks! Next on the list is the Holy Grail, the PS3 controller. While the WiiMote has both accelerometer and the D-pad, the buttons are too small for really comfortable gaming – though it’s still much better than overlaid d-pad controls.

So watch for his upcoming update which will make the WiiMote (and possibly the PS3 controller) available to iDevice gamers. And a note to you, Apple – maybe it’s time to rethink the Bluetooth policy? You could make a buckload of additional controls and make the lives of game developers a whole lot easier!

Tokyo, Japan – Hyperdevbox Japan today announces the release of LoveCatch version 1.0, a cute and fun Puzzle/Action game for iPhone and iPod Touch. You incarnate AI-KUN a little cute love angel who has the mission to spread love by collecting flying hearts. The game uses a brilliant combination of Smart Gesture Recognition and Action Touch.

Help AI-KUN to collect flying hearts before they crash on the ground and spread love all over the world. How can we help AI-KUN to succeed on that mission? Very simply! Each flying heart has a number from 0 to 9 attached to it, the player will draw the number he wants AI-KUN to aim to and our little angel will execute throwing his arrow of love in a blink of an eye.

The game provides the so called traditional Hit-Bonus scheme for hearts of the same color collected in a raw and borrow some mechanic from Japanese PACHINKO style of game where several events will happen during the course of the action. LoveCatch is aimed to anyone looking for a polished cute and casual game to enjoy alone or with family.

Feature Highlights:
* Fast, fun and addictive 2D action/puzzle game
* Amazing high quality vivid graphic & Stunning Visual Effects
* Up to 40 levels with progressive difficulty
* Bonus stages
* Hit-bonus scheme
* Single Play or Couple Mode play for “Love Test”
* State of the art realtime Gesture recognition
* Game events (Wheel of Luck , Slot Machine , Love Barrier)
* Gorgeous themed music and rich 3D sound effects
* Full animated Tutorial
* Autosave and Continue game
* WorldWide Realtime Leaderboard
* Unlimited replay value

Device Requirements:
LoveCatch is packed in a friendly size of 9 MB for a quick download and run on any iPhone OS starting 2.1.

Pricing and Availability:
LoveCatch for iPhone is only $1.99 (USD) with a special introductory price of $0.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple’s App Store.

Hyperdevbox Japan: http://www.hyperdevbox.com
LoveCatch 1.0: http://www.hyperdevbox.com/lovecatch
Purchase and Download: http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/lovecatch/id341743793?mt=8
Screenshot: http://www.hyperdevbox.com/lovecatch/quad.jpg
App Icon: http://www.hyperdevbox.com/lovecatch/icon.jpg

Features:
- Original game concept
- Unique and intuitive accelerometer-based control system
- 65 different levels (more coming soon)
- 3 gameplay modes (Challenge mode,Sandbox mode and X-mode)
- 4 game skins
- Various gameplay elements, levels are varied.
- Stable Framerate

Update 1.1 has been submitted for approval and should be out in a
couple of days.
Our game site:
http://www.vernxgame.com/

Youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QKkQN8L30g

VernX LITE Appstore link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=341609302

VernX Appstore link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=337460430

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Chaotic Box today announces the availability of Pollywog 1.0, a whimsical dodge’m/racing game for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Guide Pauly the Purple Pollywog on a quest for floating yum yums! Dodge obstacles at super speeds, collect time-bending powerups, and blast your way past the finish line to earn awards and unlock new levels.

Pollywog features a polished graphic style, realistic 2D physics, and a fun original soundtrack written exclusively for the game. Four level tiers and a total of nineteen unlockable levels are included in this initial release, with all new level packs planned for future updates.

Tilt your iPhone or iPod touch to dodge obstacles, and eat the floating yum yums to boost your speed. Falling behind is not an option! Tap the screen to shoot your water jet and blast obstacles out of the way – but watch out for immovable rocks! Collect super-boost powerups, time bonuses, and time warping yum yums to trigger awesome “bullet time” effects. Earn awards and cross the finish line with time to spare to unlock new levels.

Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Perfect awards are earned based on speed, dodging ability, number of yum yums collected, and overall skill. Earn Gold and Perfect awards to unlock increasingly difficult level tiers. Replay levels to improve your score and achieve that elusive “Perfect” run! Fast reflexes, memorization, and problem solving skills are all required to conquer Pollywog’s levels.

Pollywog is perfectly tailored for the iPhone and iPod touch with its simple and intuitive tap-and-tilt controls. The accessible gameplay is great for quick sessions at home, while waiting in line, or on the go.

Device Requirements:
* iPhone or iPod Touch 2.2.1 or later

Pricing and Availability:
Pollywog 1.0 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Chaotic Box: http://www.chaoticbox.com/
Pollywog 1.0: http://www.chaoticbox.com/pollywog.php
Purchase and Download: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=325221771&mt=8
Pollywog Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epjxJCT-CgE

In the Geology Tab, viewers are introduced to the geologic history and forces that shaped the park. The Tour Tab allows you to view stunning photos of many of the park features as if you were driving along the roads in the park. The Map Tab provides the National Park Service park map and the corresponding USGS topographic map. The maps can be enlarged for more detail. Touch points on the map display photos of the features along with the narration from the Tour section. The app makes full use of pinching, zooming, and orientation flipping. Narration is available, with just a touch, for each photo, illustration, and animation.

Device requirements: iPhone or iPod touch (2nd generation), iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later.

Pricing and Availability: Arches National Park Geology Tour is $5.99 (USD) and is available worldwide exclusively from the App Store in the Travel category.

Website: http://www.tasagraphicarts.com/arches.html

iPhone app development by Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc. Copyright (C) 2009 Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPod, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

In addition to producing iPhone apps, Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc. produces award-winning interactive, educational CD-ROMs covering planetary geology, plate tectonics, topographic maps, rocks and minerals, weather and climate, the processes that shape Earth’s surface, and more.

Cupertino, California – Broken Thumbs Apps, a family-owned mobile device developer and publisher, today announced the release of Santa’s Run 1.1, a fun, casual holiday game for the iPhone and iPod Touch. This update to the company’s most popular game adds a Christmas countdown, multiple gameplay enhancements and a bug fix for users with iPhone OS 2.2.1, which enhances the exciting and festive nature of Santa’s Run.

To date, Santa’s Run has received numerous praise from reviewers, including App Craver, which wrote, “Santa’s Run is all about spreading holiday cheer,” and the Daily App Show, which stated that Santa’s Run is a “very cool game, lots of fun, just in time for Christmas.”

In Santa’s Run, players help Santa deliver presents to houses across the globe. Easy to learn, but difficult to master, Santa’s Run features dual game modes (Around the World and Endless Delivery), a variety of locations around the world, an innovative strength meter, wind physics, original holiday music and colorful artwork. Santa’s Run is also Open Feint enabled, which allows users to track multiple achievements, compare scores worldwide and connect with their friends.

“Santa’s Run is a fun and festive way for iPhone and iPod Touch users to get into the holiday spirit,” said Justin Maples, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Broken Thumbs Apps. “When a player successfully delivers a present to a house, they get a wonderful feeling that’s perfect for this time of year. And, with Santa’s Run 1.1, the new Christmas countdown adds a special bonus to brighten the day.”

Device Requirements:
* iPhone or iPod Touch running iPhone OS 2.2.1 and later

Pricing And Availability:
Santa’s Run 1.1 is available worldwide exclusively on the Apple App Store, for $0.99 USD to new customers and as a free upgrade for existing users. Review copies are available upon request.

Broken Thumbs Apps: http://brokenthumbsapps.com
Santa’s Run 1.1: http://brokenthumbsapps.com/games.php
Purchase and Download: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=336851282
Screenshot: http://brokenthumbsapps.com/img/santasrun/Help_Screen-QuickTutorial.png
Santa’s Run Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fBBcqqgdqo

Traveler’s Quest is a phenomenal casual game that will have you checking for treasures wherever you go!  If you can get there, you can bury a treasure there, and dig one up too! Unlike GeoCaching, there are no physical treasures to find and put back. The treasures are virtual, giving you the ability to collect as any as you want or bury them anywhere. Using the GPS, get as close as you can to a treasure before digging it up and get bonus gold for accuracy! Around town or around the world, Traveler’s Quest is sure to be a game you come back to play!

Features:
* Built in GPS treasure detector show when hidden treasures are right under your feet
* GPS enabled treasure maps that take you right to the prize
* A trophy room to fill with your pilfered treasures
* Bury treasures of your own and collect gold for each day the treasure goes undiscovered.
* Treasures buried or located far from their origination point receive extra bonuses
* Sell maps to your buried treasures; collect gold for each sale
* News updates show who’s after your treasures and how well you have hidden your treasures
* Cash in or trade you treasures for gold, points or treasure hunting upgrades at the Traveler’s Quest store
* Fully Online Multiplayer
* Leaderboard shows how you match up against the greatest treasure hunters in the game!
* World wide support, if you can go there, you can hunt and bury treasure there!

Minimum Requirements:
iPhone 3.0 or later

Pricing and Availability:
Traveler’s Quest is only $3.99 (USD) and available exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. More information about Traveler’s Quest can be found at the official Traveler’s Quest website.

Kitty Code: http://kittycode.com
Traveler’s Quest 1.0: http://kittycode.com/products/travelersquest
Download and Purchase: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/travelers-quest/id337209160?mt=8
Screenshot 1: http://kittycode.com/images/TravelersQuest-1-0/GoldCoinsTreasure.png
Screenshot 2: http://kittycode.com/images/TravelersQuest-1-0/BuriedTreasure.png
App Icon: http://kittycode.com/images/TravelersQuest-1-0/DigTreasure.png