New software company, Publisher X, has targeted the iPhone and iPod touch in launching its first five games through the App Store. A pinball game, a puzzler, and three casino titles are available now at a price range between $4.99 and $9.99.
Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster brings a pinball table to the iPhone. 3D graphics show the action, while finger taps to any of the four corners launch the left or right flippers. An optional tilt mode even lets players nudge the table by twisting the iPod. In our initial experience with the game, the action felt fluid, resembling a physical table. Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster costs $4.99.
Critter Crunch drops three sizes of circular creatures towards you down vines. With screen taps, gamers move their character underneath the animals, suck one in, and spit it out at another column. Critters are then eaten by creatures one size larger than them, digesting them from the board, and clearing more space. The puzzle game has previously been released on other mobile phones. Critter Crunch costs $9.99.
Real Deal Blackjack, Real Deal Texas Hold 'Em, and Real Deal Slots complete the Publisher X lineup. From our first impressions, these casino games seem well crafted, with bold cards and buttons that are easily manipulated through quick taps. The slot machines also include brief mini-games in they style currently popular at Vegas casinos. Blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, and Slots, cost $9.99 each.
Stay tuned for complete reviews of these and other App Store games.
