The TouchArcade Show – An iPhone Games Podcast

On this week's episode of The TouchArcade Show, we battle through idle chat on TVs, the upcoming consoles, and Magic: The Gathering in order to bring you the best, hottest, and the latest in iPhone and iPad. At the top of our games section, we talk about how Middle Manager of Justice has changed since we last played the game. We also touch on Karateka, the latest Metal Slug release, and card game sensation Fluxx. Sprinkled in the middle of all that is a discussion about how next-gen consoles may give some new life to new IP across every platform. We also dive into some news, as well as a user question as the podcast comes to a close. If you'd like to give us a listen, bang one of the links below. You can also subscribe to our podcast via iTunes and Zune. The latter is the best way to listen to us since the episodes come to your earholes instantly. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-082.mp3, 37.2MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Middle Manager of Justice - [Free] Skee-Ball 2 - [$0.99] Metal Slug - [$0.99] Karateka (PC) - Steam Link NEWS ‘Fieldrunners 2’ Gets An IAP Store Sci-Fi Shooter ‘Morning Star’ Unveiled ‘Space Hulk’ Announced for iOS This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is sponsored by About Fun's LETZ: The story of Zed HD. LETZ Match! HD, $1.99 - LETZ: The Story of Zed is a fun-filled exploding puzzle game where addictive “match-3” gameplay is combined with gathering letters to create words. Think Bejeweled on steroids! The game features simple, intuitive controls intertwined with a narrated, story-driven gameplay experience that comes alive in a colorful world full of fun surprises. With mind-blowing challenges, four unique worlds, 60 story levels and casual or expert word creation modes that keep players engaged from A to Z, LETZ: The Story of Zed HD is the perfect game for iPad and it's available now in the App Store for $1.99!

This week on a bonus episode of The TouchArcade Show, we sit down with Mark Jacobs. You might know the name. Jacobs was the VP and CEO of Mythic Entertainment, and saw over the release of two popular MMOs: Dark Age of Camelot and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Jacobs is now trying his hand at mobile. Recently, he co-founded a brand new studio called City State Entertainment and released a new game, March on Oz [$0.99 (HD)]. March on Oz is a lane defense game set deep in the universe of the Wizard of Oz. This is a far cry from what we expected Jacobs next project to be (an MMO), but you see a lot of MMO design sensibilities being applied to his new game. For example, even though it's released, core development hasn't stopped. Feedback will influence the direction of points of design in future updates and more content is slated to hit in the near future. We touch on Oz at several points in the show, but for the majority, we discuss the big themes and issues on mobile right now. Jacobs was releasing MUDs while some of us were in diapers. He's seen a lot, made a lot games, so he has an interesting perspective on phases like free-to-play, as well as in-app currencies and design as a whole. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-Bonus-047.mp3, 30MB He also shares some stories from his days as the figurehead behind Dark Age of Camelot, a game he certainly has fond memories of. We don't want to give it away, so we'll just tease this: his story about a contract is beyond awesome. If you'd like to give this listen, bang on one of the links above. You can also hit us up and subscribe to us on iTunes and Zune. The latter is the easiest way to listen to us since episodes download instantly and all. We'd like to thank Jacobs for sitting down with us this week. It was an awesome show, and we think you're all going to dig it. We'll be back later this week for a regular episode of The TouchArcade Show. Enjoy! App Store Link: March on Oz, $0.99 (iPad Only)

On this week's episode of The TouchArcade Show, we battle through thoughtful discussions on pants, personal hygiene, Magic: The Gathering, and building PCs in order to bring you the latest and greatest in this week's iPhone and iPad gaming slate. In our first segment, we chat about a surprisingly hip zombie game called Into the Dead. We follow that with deep discussions on two more zombie games: the Walking Dead: Assault and Minigore 2: Zombies. Zombies, guys -- they're a thing now. In fact, why are there even games without zombies in them anymore? In our second segment, Jared tells us about Modern Combat 4 while Eli fills our earholes with sweet Smash Cops nectar. We also break down some news before going in hard on a few user questions, one of which deals with the upcoming winter iTunes Connect freeze. We had a blast this week, and we hope you do, too. If you'd like to listen, just bang a link below. You can also subscribe to us on iTunes and Zune. The latter is the best way to get us in your earbuds; downloads queue up automatically and you'll hear us first. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-081.mp3, 39.1MB Here are your show notes, folks: GAMES Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour [$6.99] Into the Dead [Free] [TA Plays] The Walking Dead: Assault [$2.99] [TA Plays] Minigore 2: Zombies [$0.99] Smash Cops Heat [Free] FRONT PAGE ‘Cut the Rope’ Dev Announces ‘Pudding Monsters’ ‘Battle Dungeon’ Pulled Due To Piracy This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is sponsored by Renegade Kid's Mutant Mudds.   Mutant Mudds, $0.99 - Renegade Kid's critically-acclaimed 12-bit platformer, Mutant Mudds, makes a splash on the App Store! Our hero, Max, may be just a 2D sprite, but he can leap into the third dimension by jetting between the background and the foreground playfields with his trusty jetpack in this unique, dimensionally-woven experience. Armed with a heavy-duty water cannon, Max has what he needs to vanquish his long-term nemesis: the Mutant Mudds. Max must blast and hover his way across 60 soiled landscapes to seek out mysterious Water Sprites. Mutant Mudds for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is available now in the App Store for $0.99.

This week on the TouchArcade Show, we push through conversations about muscles, Jared's TV problems, Black Friday and other stupid stuff to bring you the latest, greatest, and the best in iPhone and iPad. At the top of our games section, we dive deep into Walking Dead: The Game and discuss the actual impact of your choices and how fantastic the last episode of the series ended up being. Later, we knock around Jet Set Radio a little bit before jumping into a chat about Ravensword 2. Of course, we also get to some news in addition to your user comments, questions, and bits of feedback. We appreciate the support. Keep the e-mails rolling in, guys! Oh: and if you're a fan of our more... off-beat episodes, buckle up for this week's episode. If you'd like to give us a listen, this is a good week to do so. Just bang one of the links just below. Additionally, you can subscribe to us on iTunes and Zune. This is the easiest way to grab us since it's automatic and all. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-080.mp3, 34.2MB GAMES Walking Dead: The Game [Free] Jet Set Radio [$4.99] Ravensword 2 FRONT PAGE 'Touchgrind 2' Dev Blog Is A Thing ‘Plague Inc’ Fun Facts New 'Minecraft Reality' App Brings Your 'Minecraft' Creations to the Real World, Sort Of

On this week's bonus episode of The TouchArcade Show, Eli and I chat with Overhaul Games president Trent Oster about Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. This is more of a follow-up kind of interview, as it explores the new stuff that has been added to the game since we last talked with Oster. At the top, Oster tells us about Enhanced Edition's new UI and usability features. He also talks specifically about how the iPad version of the game feels and what it was like to get Baldur's Gate's original code working on a new-fangled tablet computer. Later, we dive into a chat about cross-game saves and what's coming next from Overhaul after it releases Enhanced Edition this November 28 on PC and, maybe, iPad. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-Bonus-046.mp3, 11.3MB Just a heads up: the iPad version of Enhanced Edition is currently in submission, and it has been for a couple of days. We'll definitely let you know when it hits the App Store, so stay tuned. Also, enjoy the interview. It was a blast.

This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is a weird one. We recorded on a short week, so we weren't able to spend a ton of time with games we haven't already talked about. As a result, we're kinda all over the place. BLOPS 2, Borderlands 2, Wii U, and other games stuff takes center stage, while iOS takes something of a backseat. If you've yet to hear one of our fabled off-topic podcasts, you'll definitely want to tune in to this. There is some iOS games-specific discussion. When we break into the segment, we spend a few minutes on what's wrong with Madden Social. Later, Eli dives into Endless Drive, and Jared tells us all about Dragon's Dream. If you'd like to listen in this week, mash one of those links just below. Additionally, you can subscribe to us on iTunes and Zune. The latter method is the easiest way to get us the second we hit the Internet. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-079.mp3, 34.9MB Next week we'll be back and ready to talk about a lot more iOS stuff. We hope you had a great Thursday and we look forward to shooting audio into your earholes again soon. Stay frosty. Show notes: GAMES Dragons Dream [$4.99] [TA Plays] Madden NFL 13 Social [Free] Endless Road [$0.99] Meganoid 2 [$1.99] FRONT PAGE 'GTA: Vice City' has a release date A Quick Look At 'Madden Social' Nielsen Says Kids Want iPads This Christmas [TUAW] This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is sponsored by Amuses Me Games' upcoming iPad game, Go Go Redball. It'll be available November 29th at 99¢. Go Go Redball for iPad is a simple, beautiful, physics-based game. You toss a red rubber ball around the screen and it bounces with a satisfying "bop". There are four open-ended minigames that offer endless replayability -- just like bouncing a real ball. The graphics, sound, and interface have all been refined to a high degree. From realistic soft shadows to a shag carpet that *sounds* right, everything in this simple game has been carefully designed. Go Go Redball for iPad will be available on November 29 for the introductory price of $0.99.

This week, we didn't stay on topic so well. At the top, we don't discuss iPad mini or iPad 4. Instead, we talk about Eli's Magic: The Gathering Play Mat(R), how awesome COD BLOPS 2 is on both consoles and PC, the state of public restrooms during conventions, and other stupid stuff. If this is your first off-topic episode, buckle up: there's a lot of irreverent discussion all over the place. Later, we do manage to dig into iPad and iPhone games. Verticus leads off this section, as we talk about its ups and downs. We also spit some game about Beatdown!, Gear Jack, and Walking Dead: The Game. After all of this, we also dive into news and user comments and questions. One of the questions may or may not have been faked. If you'd like to listen in, feel free to do so via one of the handy-dandy links below. You can also subscribe to us on iTunes and Zune and get our stuff the second it hits the Internet. If you're hot on our show, the latter is the best way to get us. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-078.mp3, 39.0MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Verticus [Free] [TA Plays] Beatdown [$0.99] [TA Plays] Walking Dead: The Game [Free] Gear Jack [$0.99] Modern Combat 4 FRONT PAGE ‘Punch Quest’ Goes Paid 'Danny Trejo's Vengeance: Woz With A Coz' is Apparently A Thing That Is Happening ‘Temple Run’ Comics app Released Call of Duty: Elite Now Supports ‘BLOPS 2’ Walking Dead: The Game Episode 5 Coming Soon This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is sponsored by Captain Cat pocket and Captain Cat Captain Cat Pocket, $0.99 - Captain Cat is a one-click puzzle adventure game starring a cartoon cat who just can’t get enough fish! Guide Captain Cat's anchor (his improvised fish hook) around obstacles and enemies to catch fish, aiming for a 3-star finish. Try the extremely challenging Perfect Mode or enjoy playing against friends in Infinite Mode. How low can you go? Simple to play but hard to perfect, Captain Cat is addictive, enjoyable and available now for iPhone for only $0.99 in the App Store.

On this week's bonus episode of The TouchArcade Show, we speak with music wizard Sean Beeson about video game music. Beeson has a lot of experience as a freelance composer across every platform, including mobile and browser-based games. Beeson and I cover a lot of territory. We begin with how he got into the industry and what sparked his interest in game music. Later, we dive into how he manages to put his stamp on everything he touches, the growing importance of game audio, and his ultimate dream project. There's also a mini-discussion about how awesome music can really bring put a game over the top, like we saw with God of Blades. If you'd like to listen, just hit up a link below. You can also subscribe to us on the Zune or iTunes. This is the easiest way to get our stuff the second we release it. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-Bonus-045.mp3, 11.2MB As always, we'll have a regular episode of The TouchArcade Show for your earholes later this week.

This week on The TouchArcade Show we talk about chap stick and how gross it is. We also dive into iPad mini and iPad 4. Specifically, Jared and I spit some game about how iPad mini has made us not want another 10-inch monster tablet. It's that good. Later, we talk about games. Angry Birds Star Wars leads off the segment, while Curiosity and Clash of Clans bring it to a close. We're all kinda surprised that Clash of Clans is pretty fun for what it is, by the way. It's definitely a free-to-play game, but it's not something to just roll your eyes at. We also talk about some news. The latest Punch Quest update informs a discussion on IAP and live updates. While diving into Xbox SmartGlass, we end up talking about the ideal, super awesome companion app. If you'd like to listen to us, bang a link below. You can also subscribe to our podcast via iTunes or Zune. The latter is the easiest way to get us every week. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-077.mp3, 35.3MB We had a blast this week, hope you enjoy. And before you run off, here's those show notes: GAMES Angry Birds Star Wars [$0.99 / $2.99 (HD)] [TA Plays] Curiosity - What's Inside the Cube? [Free] Clash of Clans [Free] FRONT PAGE ‘Punch Quest’ Update Adds New IAP / Will Add Second Currency Xbox SmartGlass Launches, We Go Hands-on Over the Weekend with iPad 4 Over the Weekend with iPad mini

This week on The TouchArcade Show, we stay on topic again. At the top, we touch on what we expect from iPad mini and iPad 4. Later, we dive into some games. Borderlands Legends leads off our Games section. Arc Squadron and NFS Most Wanted bring up the rear. We also discuss our latest round of PR shenanigans and IAP while discussing these titles. Of course, we cover some news, too. Eli breaks down how the Halo 4 app works and why it's not so great, we get stoked about the latest Angry Birds footage, and we touch on the reveal of NimbleBit's next game. We also get into a couple of your user questions, some of which we accidentally addressed in the first segment. If you'd like to listen, please do so! You can hit us up via the links below, or you can bang "subscribe" on iTunes or Zune to get our episodes the second they hit the Internet. The latter is the coolest way to listen to us, IMO. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-076.mp3, 37.3MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Borderlands Legends [$4.99 / $6.99 (HD)] [TA Plays] Need For Speed Most Wanted [$4.99] Arc Squadron [$2.99 / Free] [TA Plays] FRONT PAGE Nimblebit Teases New Game 'Angry Birds Star Wars' In-Game Footage Shown ‘Halo 4: King of the Hill Fuled by Mountain Dew’ Is A Thing This week's episode of The TouchArcade Show is sponsored by British Bob, Jumping Craze! British Bob Jumping Craze!, $0.99 - Calamity! Every biscuit in the United Kingdom has been stolen by a gang of dastardly thieves commanded by the maleficent Lady Trudi and it's almost time for afternoon tea! What can you do? Let Bob save the day in British Bob, Jumping Craze!, a new challenging platform game that mixes game concepts from classics such as Arkanoid and Doodle Jump. Find all of the biscuits stashed throughout London, replete with myriad classic pinball elements and amusing rambunctious enemies, before tea time! British Bob, Jumping Craze! for the iPhone is available now in the App Store for $0.99 (a free lite version is also available).

This week on the TouchArcade Show, we stay on topic. That's two shows in a row! At the top, we talk about the reveal of iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad and how these devices are going to fit into our lives (among other things). Later, we dive into games: Pixld, Letterpress, and Crossword Dungeon get some time in this section. As far as the front page goes, we spend the most time on the subject of Fieldrunners 2 IAP and the myriad topics that revolve around that. We also get to some user feedback and questions, as always. Thanks for sending stuff in, guys. If you'd like to listen, just bang a link below. You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and Zune and get our latest episodes the second they hit wide. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-075.mp3, 38.5MB And here are your show notes: GAMES NY Zombies [$0.99] [TA Plays] Letterpress [Free] Crossword Dungeon [$1.99] Pixld FRONT PAGE: Here’s Some Actual Details About ‘Borderlands Legends’ IAP Comes To ‘Fieldrunners 2’ Team Meat Announces Next Game, New ‘SMB’ Not It From the Apple Media Event: iPad mini Announced / New, new iPad Announced

We've got a brand new edition of our "bonus" podcast series available for download this lovely afternoon. It's a good one, too, especially if you've ever wondered what goes in making things in games random. Specifically, we speak with Madgarden's Paul Pridham and Rocketcat Games Kepa Auwae about Punch Quest and how its random elements informs its design. We do dig into other stuff, including how to do free-to-play "right," high-level mechanics, and the games that influenced Punch Quest. It's been awhile since we've had one of these, so just in case you're new to this whole podcast thing, our bonus podcast series is all about having conversations with the minds and talents behind the coolest iOS games. Sometimes, we talk about history. Others, we talk directly about a product. Someday, we may just even ignore games entirely. But the goal is always to give you a better idea of who the people are behind these games. If you'd like to give this week's episode a download, go ahead and do so below. You can also catch this episode via our regular feed, which is available on iTunes and Zune -- the latter while it lasts. Catch it! iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-Bonus-044.mp3, 15.0MB POST SHOW NOTE: The audio quality in this episode is all over the place. You'll notice that it's especially quiet. We had to level it out like this though, or else it would have been mega-hard to listen to. Sorry about the inconvenience in advance.

So, on this week's episode of The TouchArcade Show, we managed to talk about iOS games almost the whole way through. We think that's a first. At the top, we discuss the iPad Mini and re-visit the iPhone 5. A bit later, we dive into games. A new zombie game with an awesome soundtrack leads off that segment, while a new Sonic and Punch Quest bring it to a close. We also talk about some news. Topics include retail studios re-positioning and moving to iOS, the recent Infinity Blade Dungeons postponement, and app rejection. If you'd like to listen this week, please do so! You can hit up the links below, or hey, subscribe to us on iTunes or Zune. The latter method is the easiest way to listen to us, as you'll get our new episodes the second they release. That's cool, right? iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-074.mp3, 40.9MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Punch Quest [TA Plays] Zombies [$0.99] [TA Plays] Carmageddon [$0.99] [TA Plays] Sonic Jump [$0.99] [TA Plays] A Wonderland Story [$0.99] FRONT PAGE ‘Starhawk’ Dev Goes iOS, Nihilistic becomes nStigate And Goes Downloadable ‘Infinity Blade Dungeons’ Delayed ‘Super Hexagon’ Developer’s New Game Gets Rejected That Upcoming Apple Media Event UPDATE: If you didn't get this podcast in your feed, try again! We've got the correct episode up now. Sorry about that.

Less than an hour after Eli got off his plane from Korea, we gathered for this week's episode of The TouchArcade Show. At the top, we dive into why Eli went to Korea, touching on his talk about the importance of community engagement and how web sites like ours work. If you've ever wondered "whoa, how do I get my game on TouchArcade," you might want to give this a listen. We also hit on some games. Adult Swim's Girls Like Robots leads off our section, while a skating game called True Skate closes it out. Of course, we also get to some front page: Angry Birds Star Wars, Jenga, and several other topics get discussed. If you'd like to give us a listen, be our guest. You can use the links below, or hey, subscribe to us on iTunes or Zune. The latter method is the easiest way to get our new podcasts the second they hit the Internet. iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-073.mp3, 28.7MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Girls Like Robots [$2.99] [TA Plays] Bad Piggies [$0.99 / $0.99 (HD)] [TA Plays] True Skate [TA Plays] FRONT PAGE 'Crazy Taxi' Announced / Reviewed [TA Plays] 'Angry Birds Star Wars' Is An Actual Thing Dishonored Map App Hits / What Happened To Companion Apps?

On this week's episode of the TouchArcade Show, we talk about Borderlands and discuss the power of loot lust coupled with first-person shooting. Later, we manage to throw a minute or two to the latest, hottest, and best in iPhone and iPad. Burrito Bison kicks off our games segment. Stunt Star: The Hollywood Years and Payback 2 bring up the rear, opening up discussions about open-world design and predictability. Of course, we also talk some news and get to your user feedback and questions. If you'd like to give us an ear this week, feel free to do so via these links below. We are also available directly through iTunes and Zune. Just type in "TouchArcade" in your search bar and subscribe. It's that easy! iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-072.mp3, 37.5MB And here are your show notes: GAMES Burrito Bison [$0.99] [TA Plays] Payback 2 [$3.99 / $5.99] [TA Plays] Stunt Star: The Hollywood Years [$0.99] Re-Volt Classic [$5.99] FRONT PAGE ‘FTL: Faster than Light’ on iPad? It could happen! Here’s some ‘Karateka’ on XBLA screens Gameloft Reveals $80 Controller