Games/Apps where you're still waiting for those developer-promised updates...

[BrettArchibald]

This is a thread where you can list the games or apps that you're still waiting for those developer-promised updates.
All too often a developer publishes a game on the App Store with promises of "forthcoming features" that are not included in the current version, but are attractive enough for customers to buy knowing (hoping) that the promised update will come.
What is sometimes a delicate situation though is where we're still encouraged to buy the "feature-crippled" version that is currently available now, rather than later when the update comes, as it is on a limited-time half-price sale, or suchlike.

Personally speaking, I haven't found myself in one of those situations, yet, where I've been blatantly lied to by a developer, but maybe others have.

So I personally don't intend my post to be viewed as a "name-and-shame" type of thread (although others might want theirs to be), but rather a helpful gathering of titles where people can list the games that they're waiting for updates on, for one of two reasons:
(a) so that hopefully someone can provide further info on the game in question, or
(b) they can let everyone else here know the info that they have since learned when trying to find out further info themselves.

So, list the games, and where possible/relevant, please include:
- a link to the game.
- when the promise was initially made.
- when the update was promised for.
- what the update you're waiting is supposed to incorporate.
- the actual quote the developer said.
- any URLs that support the above.
- whether you have contacted the developer or not.

Then if anyone — especially the developers themselves — can respond with further info on these expected updates, I'm sure we would all appreciate it.



Here's my list:

High Speed Chase (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=295759209&mt=8)
The developer says on the App Store game-page:
Features in the new update (Awaiting Apple approval)
- Weapons for the player and enemies
- Sound effects
- New explosion graphics
- Additional graphic updates
- Gameplay tweaks and improvements
I don't know when this text was added to the game description, but the game is still at version 1.0.0.
I have just sent an email to the developer and also sent him a link to this post, so that he has the option of replying to more than just me personally.
Update: Just received an auto-reply from the developer saying "We have received your support request and aim to get back to you within 1 working day".



Loopy Laboratory (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=293579400&mt=8)
The game originally came with 50 levels, but a lot of people found those initial levels too quick and easy.
In an email from me to the developer, dated October 17th, I said:
"Do you have any plans to add more levels, over and above the original 50, in any future game updates?"
He replied shortly, saying:
"If the game does well I might consider releasing an update that adds new levels and/or perhaps some kind of mechanism where people can create their own."
Then on October 21st, the developer promised more levels, here:
http://toucharcade.com/2008/10/21/sales-on-loopy-laboratory-venger-nanosaur-2/#comment-5186
He concluded his post by saying:
"On a more cheerful note: I can confirm that additional levels are on the way."
I haven't heard anything about this since then, so I have no idea what the status on this is.
I have just sent an email to the developer and also sent him a link to this post, so that he has the option of replying to more than just me personally.



Neverputt ME (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292100886&mt=8)
The initial release of this game, although showing a lot of promise, was quite buggy, and seemed half-finished, and when I enquired on the forums here if anyone knew of any forthcoming updates to the game, the developer himself replied — http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=1667
Although he did say "Hope the update will be ready for xmas", which has since come and gone...
I have just sent a PM to the developer and also sent him a link to this post, so that he has the option of replying to more than just me personally.



FLOverload (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=284229816&mt=8)
I didn't buy version 1 of this game, based on the reviews I read, but instead decided to wait for the developer-promised version 2 of the game.
Having exchanged a few emails with the developer, he said development of the game had been put on hold while they were moving offices, simply saying that the 2.0 update "will likely be after the new year".



Pipes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=296105712&mt=8)
The developer says on the App Store game-page:
-- Planned future features --
- Saved records of best times for each board size
- Leaderboard
He hasn't said when these are coming, and I haven't heard anything about this anywhere else.
I have just sent an email to the developer and also sent him a link to this post, so that he has the option of replying to more than just me personally.


.

[Michael Kerley]

Hi all,
I'm the developer of Pipes. I've been actively working on the best times feature. I have local/offline times working, and the next step will be to put up the online leaderboard.

I'm hoping to submit something to Apple either this week or next week. I'll post here again (and update my description in the App Store) once it's been submitted.

[BrettArchibald]

Hi all,
I'm the developer of Pipes. I've been actively working on the best times feature. I have local/offline times working, and the next step will be to put up the online leaderboard.

I'm hoping to submit something to Apple either this week or next week. I'll post here again (and update my description in the App Store) once it's been submitted.

Thanks for the uber-quick response Michael! :)

For me, that's just the one feature that's missing from this super-simple-concept-but-fiendishly-addictive-and-moreish game!

[lazrhog]

Hi,
news on Neverputt ME, is that I have improved the performance enough to add a number of new very challenging holes over 2 new courses. I am play testing these at the moment. Ready for release to Apple for review in about a weeks time. The holiday season slowed up my game MiZoo's approval, so things lagged a bit. But that is the current situation.

I have also got rRootage running at much closer the intended speed, and will be submitting an update for that very soon too.

I have been working very hard on all of this honestly. Its not like I'm a slacker :)

Hope that helps....

[BrettArchibald]

Thanks for the update from your side of things too lazrhog - much appreciated.

(Typed on my iPhone)

[snow_mani]

You must have read my mind. I was going to post a question to the forum about the FLOverload update. Like you I have not purchased it yet. I'm waiting for the update. I regularly check iTunes and still no update. It looks like a puzzle game with a lot of potential. But I'm hesitant to purchase it seeing as so much time has now passed since the developer promised an update and still it is not available.

[dannys95]

Can't believe you forgot Urban Tycoon. The dev dissapeared. But I found him. He told me to get a life :rolleyes:. But also that they date was pushed back. If you search TouchSoft on the app store you will see he has another unity game so I have a little tiny bit of hope.

[JohnnyTwoShoes]

Hi there, it's Max from JohnnyTwoShoes here. We haven't forgotten about the promised features, in fact, we uploaded the new version on Friday evening. It's currently awaiting approval from Apple (like the description in the App Store states). The new version will be 1.1.0 and should be online in the next few days.

We're also planning further updates so stay tuned at JohnnyTwoShoes.

Thanks for getting in touch!

[BrettArchibald]

Hi there, it's Max from JohnnyTwoShoes here. We haven't forgotten about the promised features, in fact, we uploaded the new version on Friday evening. It's currently awaiting approval from Apple (like the description in the App Store states). The new version will be 1.1.0 and should be online in the next few days.

We're also planning further updates so stay tuned at JohnnyTwoShoes.

Thanks for getting in touch!

Thanks to you too Max for the reply — much appreciated, and I look forward to the update.

[moopf]

Can't believe you forgot Urban Tycoon. The dev dissapeared. But I found him. He told me to get a life :rolleyes:. But also that they date was pushed back. If you search TouchSoft on the app store you will see he has another unity game so I have a little tiny bit of hope.

I just noticed something about their other game (Pizza Dash) by using my review scraper. They have a sum total of 4 reviews, all 5 stars, for the game in the US store. And guess what, they're the same five people that rated Urban Tycoon 4 stars just after it was released. Coinky-dink? I think not :)

2 of them have only ever rated two games, Pizza Dash and Urban Tycoon, and another of them rated my game (the lite version) 1 star - I wonder why that could be ;)

Gotta love that dev :D

(Sorry, back on target. I think for many devs, they have big plans but need to get some income to offset the time spent developing in the first place. If they don't sell many, it's difficult to justify producing updates. best thing for a dev to do is not promise anything and then surprise people.)

[rootbeersoup]

Can't believe you forgot Urban Tycoon. The dev dissapeared. But I found him. He told me to get a life :rolleyes:. But also that they date was pushed back. If you search TouchSoft on the app store you will see he has another unity game so I have a little tiny bit of hope.

LOL he said to get a life????

[dannys95]

LOL he said to get a life????

Yep. Gotta love devs. I just LMAO and told him: W/E. I rather stay like this and not rip tons of peoe to get a life.

[rootbeersoup]

He is clearly the most F'd up iphone dev---not that there was a long list to begin with anyway

[dannys95]

Well on Pizza Dash; the unity devs rated that. He came up with idea for a support group. And since I had just found him and saw how well he was scamming people again; I simply bumped in and said Oh so touchsoft is here now? I see he's ripping people off again. I guess he knew what I was talking cause he posted the release for urban tycoon was pushed back. Anyway back on topic; devs help each other out cause of that group so that might be why.

I just noticed something about their other game (Pizza Dash) by using my review scraper. They have a sum total of 4 reviews, all 5 stars, for the game in the US store. And guess what, they're the same five people that rated Urban Tycoon 4 stars just after it was released. Coinky-dink? I think not :)

2 of them have only ever rated two games, Pizza Dash and Urban Tycoon, and another of them rated my game (the lite version) 1 star - I wonder why that could be ;)

Gotta love that dev :D

(Sorry, back on target. I think for many devs, they have big plans but need to get some income to offset the time spent developing in the first place. If they don't sell many, it's difficult to justify producing updates. best thing for a dev to do is not promise anything and then surprise people.)

[dannys95]

He is clearly the most F'd up iphone dev---not that there was a long list to begin with anyway
LMAO!!!! I have his adress; I might take a road trip to visit him. Maybe mek might want to join me. :-)

[JaSoN L]

The iBowl 'live' update adds new multiplayer, bowling alleys and other features. The pictures of the update are on the app and the website is all based on the update.

So SGN, whats up with the update???

[BrettArchibald]

So, it's been a couple of days now, and from my list at least, all but one of the developers has replied — and that one developer is the guy responsible for Loopy Laboratory. I don't know if that silence is indicative of anything or not...?

Although I have noticed that the News page on his website (http://web.me.com/bas.tossings/Loopy_Laboratory_website/News/News.html) has a few articles on it, but nothing since October 21st...
Hmmmmm...?

[nickels]

The iBowl 'live' update adds new multiplayer, bowling alleys and other features. The pictures of the update are on the app and the website is all based on the update.

So SGN, whats up with the update???

This update is now out, so there you go!
iBowl Version 3.0
What's new

iBowl, the 4th most popular free game on the iPhone in 2008 also nominated for a Crunchies Award, has gotten even better. You can now play against other bowlers LIVE, see their shots and know instantly how well you're doing. In addition we're proud to introduce new lanes, better balls, and increased pin action. And yes, Midnight Bowling is back! There isn't a better place to bowl on your iPhone.

I am still waiting for the Flick Bowling update with real pin physics.

[Sainter]

Bobble Surfer by Lemur Software, adding Barrels and Scoring apparently.. hasn't changed in months

[PoV]

Smiles update is in progress. By the end of the month for sure, but it might be ready sooner.

[JohnnyTwoShoes]

HighSpeedChase update is now available on the AppStore. Check it out.

[BrettArchibald]

HighSpeedChase update is now available on the AppStore. Check it out.

Thanks for the update JohnnyTwoShoes — much appreciated. :)

[rich_952000]

Hi,
news on Neverputt ME, is that I have improved the performance enough to add a number of new very challenging holes over 2 new courses. I am play testing these at the moment. Ready for release to Apple for review in about a weeks time. The holiday season slowed up my game MiZoo's approval, so things lagged a bit. But that is the current situation.

I have also got rRootage running at much closer the intended speed, and will be submitting an update for that very soon too.

I have been working very hard on all of this honestly. Its not like I'm a slacker :)

Hope that helps....

Thanks to BArchibaldand Lazthog, I had been wondering about this, and to be honest I was about to give up. Neverputt ME is fun and a challenge. What performance issues will you be addressing in the update? Thanks again.

[wastedyuthe]

Hi,
news on Neverputt ME, is that I have improved the performance enough to add a number of new very challenging holes over 2 new courses. I am play testing these at the moment. Ready for release to Apple for review in about a weeks time.

Any news on if you will be adding audio? You said you would be soon after it was first released, even if it's just a couple of sound effects for when you hit the ball or it bounces off walls etc.

[pablo19]

Rolly! I hope hes not another urban tycoon!

[Michael Kerley]

I just submitted Pipes 1.2 to Apple for review. Hopefully it will arrive in the App Store in a few days...

New in Pipes 1.2
- Added online leaderboard - compare your best times to other players around the world
- Added offline "personal best times" - try to beat your best times
- Redesigned user interface to be consistent with in-game graphical style

All scores (online and offline) are tracked for a specific combination of board size and difficulty options. For example, the online scores for "Easy" with wraparound enabled are separate from "Hard" with wraparound off.

I've attached a few screen shots of the new features. Enjoy!

Edit: That leaderboard sure is lonely right now... can't wait to get some company :)

[dannys95]

@michael: that looks sweet can't wait.

BTW; to the Neverputt developer; how is that update coming?

[BrettArchibald]

I just submitted Pipes 1.2 to Apple for review. Hopefully it will arrive in the App Store in a few days...

Looking good! Can't wait... :)

[Michael Kerley]

Update - Apple has approved Pipes 1.2, and it's now live in the US App Store.

[BrettArchibald]

Update - Apple has approved Pipes 1.2, and it's now live in the US App Store.

Excellent - I've just updated my review in the App-Store accordingly. :)

[Michael Kerley]

Thanks - much appreciated! :)

[Ahiru]

any news on Loot Master update??? it's been forever since the dev said something...

also waiting for floverload update (so many bugs), firewall (cool TD but glitched) and loop laboratory (faster gameplay, like Chip's challenge please) and some others i forgot cause i deleted a long time ago...

[DrJD]

Excellent - I've just updated my review in the App-Store accordingly. :)

Same here. I just wanted to chime in here about how much I like Pipes. It's the game I always play when I just want to kill a few minutes or unwind a bit. I've put up a few scores on the leaderboard so it isn't quite so lonely, but with all of the options there are a lot of spaces there waiting to be filled :).

[ploppo]

what a fool i was to buy that to begin with anyway, but i'm still a bit sore about it because of how long it's been since the dev promised a new update.
i bought it sometime in september, after he had said about a price rise after the update, so thinking the update would be soon, i bought it, and have been waiting ever since

"IPUPPY 2.0 COMING SOON AS A FREE UPDATE TO ALL 1.0 USERS
FEATURES INCLUDE -
NEW ACCESSORY STORE
MORE ANIMATIONS
2+ NEW SECRET MINI GAMES
GENERAL BUG FIXES AND PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS
BUY NOW AT 1.0 PRICE FOR FREE UPGRADE TO 2.0 BEFORE PRICE INCREASE!!!"

when you click on his website it comes up with "The URL is not valid and cannot be loaded" and clicking on support for it just sends you to the google homepage.
i doubt i'll ever see this update, but the naive trust i once had in budding devs has disappeared :(

[NotYou]

Armageddon Squadron:mad:

The game isn't that great, but when it came out they promised online multiplayer, which would have made the game 100x better. That was probably two or three months ago.

This was one of the few times I really felt ripped off.

[NotYou]

Armageddon Squadron:mad:

The game isn't that great, but when it came out they promised online multiplayer, which would have made the game 100x better. That was probably two or three months ago.

This was one of the few times I really felt ripped off.

It figures that one day after I make that post they update the app with online multiplayer.:rolleyes:

[snow_mani]

It figures that one day after I make that post they update the app with online multiplayer.:rolleyes:

Yep. It's the magic trick that is almost always guaranteed to work! All the more reason for everyone to list the updates they are tired of waiting for!

[THEDeliriumTrigger]

I havent heard from Illusion Labs in a while, i mean i know theyre busy with another game, but they promised us so much more!

[TheOZ]

Lol when you think the devs aren't watching guess what they are doing? Watching!

Mostly right now im just waiting for a fieldrunners update.

[tommy@polarbit.com]

We're always watching.


Some of you guys need to put some damn pants on, by the way.

[Herp]

We're always watching.


Some of you guys need to put some damn pants on, by the way.

Pants are for squares.

[lazrhog]

Neverputt update. I am trying to add a bit more into the next release than I planned, trying to make sense of all the comments from around the world.

Couple that with MiZoo taking far longer to get approved than expected, I am running behind (also made a MiZoo lite version in between too). However, current plan is to submit an update however far I have got at the end of this weekend 1/25. So hopefully not long now.

Cheers
Lazrhog

[BrettArchibald]

I am trying to add a bit more into the next release than I planned...

Any hints as to what we can expect?

However, current plan is to submit an update however far I have got at the end of this weekend...

I for one would prefer to wait a little bit longer for an update based on what's included in it, rather than just submitting it by a certain date regardless of whether it's finished or not...

[evanmav]

im really excited for the next update of Neverputtme. but also i hope your doing bug fixes and not jsut adding courses. you should add a in game menu because sometimes i do so horribly in games i just want to start a new onne and theres no menu so i have to quit out of the app and pic a new course. ALSO when choosing courses theres no back button. so say i pick course 1 by accident and i really wanted course 2 theres no way for me to go back and do that. also i'd like some records of courses. maybe the top 5 best scores for each course. I like to play games competitvely so im always trying to beat my best score so i really hope that u would add some sort of records.