Chain Link HD - Speed update coming

[Vexorg]

Based off the hit game, Chain Link Pro. Chain Link Pro was featured under Apple's "What's Hot" list in iTunes as well as being featured under the "Hot New Games" and "New and Noteworthy" iTunes lists!

Chain Link HD is out now for the iPad! Larger shapes, HD graphics and more room for longer chains! Only $1.99!

Also unique to the iPad version, multi-touch control of chains.

Original iPhone release thread of Chain Link Pro: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=48877

New screenshot:
http://chainlinkpro.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/screenshotipad01.png
http://chainlinkpro.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/screenshotipad02.png
http://chainlinkpro.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/screenshotipad03.png

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chain-link-hd/id364502857?mt=8

[Vexorg]

New power-ups coming in the next update. I'll be revealing one new power-up a day.

http://chainlinkpro.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/upcomingchainlink1_5_mon.png

[caltab]

Haven't played the iPhone version, but this game is awesome on the iPad, the best .99 game ive played so far on the ipad. You drag like shapes together to Gorman chains, it's a simple idea, but works really well on the ipads huge touch screen.

[Vexorg]

Haven't played the iPhone version, but this game is awesome on the iPad, the best .99 game ive played so far on the ipad. You drag like shapes together to Gorman chains, it's a simple idea, but works really well on the ipads huge touch screen.

Thanks caltab for the feedback! It is rare to find someone who actually owns an iPad so it is great to hear it plays great on one.

[caltab]

Thanks caltab for the feedback! It is rare to find someone who actually owns an iPad so it is great to hear it plays great on one.

Using 2 fingers is really cool too. But ya, the game plays extremely well and is very responsive, its uniqueness and fun remind me of how I felt when I first played tilt to live. I like how you can unlock new power ups too. This is an awesome game.

[pluto6]

Using 2 fingers is really cool too. But ya, the game plays extremely well and is very responsive, its uniqueness and fun remind me of how I felt when I first played tilt to live. I like how you can unlock new power ups too. This is an awesome game.

OK caltab - I'm in for one... I have been agreeing with most of your comments in the threads... I really liked the look of game, but was not sure it would play well...

[reaperhulk]

I just picked up a copy of this and I'm very happy. Simple and quick to play but keeps you coming back (especially with the openfeint integration for high score ranking). The framerate does feel a bit low once quite a few objects appear on the screen though. Either that or maybe it's just that the chains you drag around start to become jerky. If the game was a bit more fluid it'd be even better! Still, well worth the 0.99.

[Vexorg]

I just picked up a copy of this and I'm very happy. Simple and quick to play but keeps you coming back (especially with the openfeint integration for high score ranking). The framerate does feel a bit low once quite a few objects appear on the screen though. Either that or maybe it's just that the chains you drag around start to become jerky. If the game was a bit more fluid it'd be even better! Still, well worth the 0.99.

reaperhulk, I'll be releasing a new update in a few days that compiles the game in a way to take advantage of the iPad better and that should solve the issue.

[reaperhulk]

Great, looking forward to it!

[Vexorg]

Great, looking forward to it!

The 1.5 update that includes the performance improvement is currently in review with Apple.

[Carlos-Sz]

By the way, it'd be nice to have a static mode with more time to play each round so young kids could enjoy it more.

[scrapplejoe]

just snagged it, hope its good

[Vexorg]

By the way, it'd be nice to have a static mode with more time to play each round so young kids could enjoy it more.

Thanks for the idea. There is only a Normal and Expert mode for static for now, but I could add an Easy static mode that has no time limit.

[Carlos-Sz]

Thanks for the idea. There is only a Normal and Expert mode for static for now, but I could add an Easy static mode that has no time limit.
That'd be perfect! I hope you can add it soon. :)

[reaperhulk]

Hope the update gets approved soon. I can't stop playing this game, but it needs more people so they can challenge my scores! :)

[Vexorg]

Still in review after four days. Hopefully soon. It uses the new OpenFeint layout designed for the iPad and contains the performance improvement.

[Autopsy]

Just bought this & love it. Very addictive & a steal at .99 - by far one of the best apps I bought for my iPad.

[caltab]

Glad to see people are starting to pick this up, it's awesome on the iPad and a bargain at a buck.

[Wegmans]

I think once this update comes out, i'll snag this one. Looks great!

[Vexorg]

The iPad version, Chain Link HD, version 1.5 was released moments ago that contains all the goodies that the current iPhone release has. This contains an iPad performance improvement that will let it run smoother when there are lots of shapes on the screen and uses the latest iPad OpenFeint.

It also contains a special bonus, an Easy Static mode level with no timer.

[caltab]

Picked up the update I like the new power ups, they make a great game even better.

[Vexorg]

With the new 1.5 update, does anyone notice a performance improvement when lots of shapes are on the screen? I saw a video of Chain Link HD on the iPad today with the older version and it was running smooth for easy and normal levels.

[Natron]

Not a fan of this genre of games...that being said this game is awesome!! Simple and pleasing graphics that are vibrant, and insanely addictive. Ive had warpgate and other titles I've been waiting forever for that's shown up the past day or 2 and can't get aroud to them because I'm glued to this one. Thanks for the highly polished game that delivers the goods! Keep up the good work! An easy game to pick up and yet delivers intense challenging gameplay that can melt the hours off your day whether you can afford to waste em away or not.

[Natron]

Not a fan of this genre of games...that being said this game is awesome!! Simple and pleasing graphics that are vibrant, and insanely addictive. Ive had warpgate and other titles I've been waiting forever for that's shown up the past day or 2 and can't get aroud to them because I'm glued to this one. Thanks for the highly polished game that delivers the goods! Keep up the good work! An easy game to pick up and yet delivers intense challenging gameplay that can melt the hours off your day whether you can afford to waste em away or not.

[Vexorg]

Today is the last day to pick up this amazing game for only 99 cents. After tonight, the price will become 1.99 which is still a great deal for everything you get.

[Vexorg]

Picked up a nice shiny new iPad in Europe today but you don't have any great games to show when showing your iPad to all your friends? Chain Link HD is here to save the day!

[BazookaTime]

I love the iPhone version and it looks great on the iPad. Anything new coming for the iPad?

[Vexorg]

I love the iPhone version and it looks great on the iPad. Anything new coming for the iPad?

Thanks. The iPad version got all the great new features as the same 1.6 update for the iPhone version just a few days ago.

[Vexorg]

I've submitted a 1.6.1 update to Apple for the iPad version to include the latest version of OpenFeint to address the iPad crashing issues. Sorry to anyone who was affected. This issue doesn't affect the iPhone version.

[JoeBlonde]

I've just bought this and it doesn't run very smooth; it has obvious framerate issues.

[Vexorg]

I've just bought this and it doesn't run very smooth; it has obvious framerate issues.

On what level are you experiencing frame rate issues? How many shapes are on the screen when you notice it? Try rebooting your iPad and try the game again. The iPad has memory issues since it has 4 times the screen space but contains the same amount of memory as the iPhone. All it takes is a few websites loaded in Safari to slow down the iPad.

[JoeBlonde]

Now it seems to go a bit smoother but i keep noticing it when the pieces collide at the end of every game.

[Vexorg]

Now it seems to go a bit smoother but i keep noticing it when the pieces collide at the end of every game.

The shapes break into a lot of small pieces at the end of the game so it does tax things a little more. But since the game is over the lag won't interfere with your ability to score. Also OpenFeint does cause some lag at the end of the game since it is sending multiple scores to the online leaderboards. So a lot is happening at the end. You might want to try logging out of OpenFeint (or disabling wi-fi) to see if that helps.

[JoeBlonde]

I must say that, other than that, the game is a grower and gets very addicting once you get the grip of the mechanics.

One tiny complaint, is it possible to remove the message alert (the "1" on the red bubble) on powerups? I don't know if i'll buy them but is kinda annoying having it there all the time.

[Vexorg]

I must say that, other than that, the game is a grower and gets very addicting once you get the grip of the mechanics.

One tiny complaint, is it possible to remove the message alert (the "1" on the red bubble) on powerups? I don't know if i'll buy them but is kinda annoying having it there all the time.

The 1 that is shown on the main menu? It shows you there is 1 item in the store that you can get and is a similar system that I've seen other games use. But the 1 will go away after you've unlocked all the powerups manually by completing X number of quests.

[Caprone]

I played yesterday for the first time after i bought it and i found a little frame rate issue. I got Chain Link also on my iPhone and i got no frame rate issue on it. It's quite difficult to describe the problem but it's like the shapes are not moving smoothly.
Thx very much for any advice!

[Vexorg]

I played yesterday for the first time after i bought it and i found a little frame rate issue. I got Chain Link also on my iPhone and i got no frame rate issue on it. It's quite difficult to describe the problem but it's like the shapes are not moving smoothly.
Thx very much for any advice!

Caprone, since you've played both versions, would you say there are a lot more shapes on the screen vs the iphone version when the iPad version starts to slow down? Does it only happen for a second and then goes back to normal or is it a constant issue that gets worse the longer you play the game? Any extra details could help. I could add a limit on the total shapes on screen at once in the next update to see if that helps. It is strange that some people are reporting it feels different on the iPad when it is the same code as the iPhone version and the iPad has a faster processor.

[Caprone]

Caprone, since you've played both versions, would you say there are a lot more shapes on the screen vs the iphone version when the iPad version starts to slow down? Does it only happen for a second and then goes back to normal or is it a constant issue that gets worse the longer you play the game? Any extra details could help. I could add a limit on the total shapes on screen at once in the next update to see if that helps. It is strange that some people are reporting it feels different on the iPad when it is the same code as the iPhone version and the iPad has a faster processor.

I'll make a comparative play with both the versions and i'll let you know for extra details that could be useful.

[Caprone]

Well, i made some matches on both devices and, as i saw the first time, on the iPad version when many shapes are on screen at the same time i notice them not so fluid. When you make a chain and "bring" it around the screen, the slow issue it's more visible. However, it's not so annoying and doesn't prevent to play the game, but it's there and maybe limiting the number of shapes could improve things.

[Vexorg]

Well, i made some matches on both devices and, as i saw the first time, on the iPad version when many shapes are on screen at the same time i notice them not so fluid. When you make a chain and "bring" it around the screen, the slow issue it's more visible. However, it's not so annoying and doesn't prevent to play the game, but it's there and maybe limiting the number of shapes could improve things.

Thanks Caprone for testing this out. I made some tweaks and submitted a new version to Apple for review.

[Caprone]

Thanks Caprone for testing this out. I made some tweaks and submitted a new version to Apple for review.

That's a good news! As soon as the update comes out i'll try it and then i'll let you know.

[iJoe]

Thanks for making some tests out! I originally wanted to buy this but the frame rate looked horrible. But now with an upcoming update, I'll definitely put this on my wish list!

[Vexorg]

New update came out a few hours ago with the performance improvement and I already had one person tell me that the frame rate feels a lot better on the iPad with the update. Check it out guys and please let me know what you think about the performance.

[Caprone]

I played it with the new update and to me frame rate is just perfect.

[LordVader]

Update 1.7 is out:

What's new

- cocos2d engine upgraded to the latest version
- OpenFeint 2.5
- Fix freeze when there were lots of shapes

[JoeBlonde]

Game runs perfect now.

I'm lovin' it.

[LordVader]

Game runs perfect now.

I'm lovin' it.

What, McDonald's or the game?

[Caprone]

Game runs smoothly. No problems so far.
Keep up the good work!

[LordGek]

New update came out a few hours ago with the performance improvement and I already had one person tell me that the frame rate feels a lot better on the iPad with the update. Check it out guys and please let me know what you think about the performance.

Looking forward to verifying this! :)

[Thrak]

Just grabbed the iPhone version, and if I enjoy it, I'll definitely look into the Pad version

[andsoitgoes]

Ditto here!

I just wish the cost hadn't gone up on the HD version. The iPhone version looks pretty fantastic!

[Vexorg]

Ditto here!

I just wish the cost hadn't gone up on the HD version. The iPhone version looks pretty fantastic!

The HD version has been the same price for 3 months.

[LordGek]

Looking forward to verifying this! :)

It is playing nice and glassy smooth! I had a blast with it last night!

[Finandir]

The HD version has been the same price for 3 months.

Could you either change the title of this thread or request that an admin do it, then, please? It is always disappointing to see a post about a game being $.99 and then look only to see that it is more expensive.

Note that I don't think the game is priced too high, just that it is annoying to see the main discussion thread saying that it is only $.99 when it isn't.

[Vexorg]

Could you either change the title of this thread or request that an admin do it, then, please? It is always disappointing to see a post about a game being $.99 and then look only to see that it is more expensive.

Note that I don't think the game is priced too high, just that it is annoying to see the main discussion thread saying that it is only $.99 when it isn't.

Sorry, I've been checking for the past few hours to do just that but no admins have been online yet.

[Caprone]

Just a brief note for a bug i found playing many matches in the last two hours. Sometimes, in the middle of a game, the app crashes. Hope this can help devs for fixing it. Thanks!

[Vexorg]

Chain Link HD 1.8 update is currently in Apple review. This is a bugfix/speed improvement version. The iPad 1 has always had issues with rendering a full image background that would kill the frame rate and this update addresses this. I've also upgraded the physics and game engine code to fix a few random crashes reported over the months. Controlling two chains at once also wasn't working and is fixed in this update.

I've released it earlier then planned to give the new iPad 2 users something to play with. The iPhone version has always ran smoother so I'm holding off a bit before the iPhone version gets the same update.

I'm working on some other new features but they won't be in the 1.8 update to give me more time to work on them and to get this update out to people sooner.

[LordGek]

Chain Link HD 1.8 update is currently in Apple review. This is a bugfix/speed improvement version. The iPad 1 has always had issues with rendering a full image background that would kill the frame rate and this update addresses this. I've also upgraded the physics and game engine code to fix a few random crashes reported over the months. Controlling two chains at once also wasn't working and is fixed in this update.

I've released it earlier then planned to give the new iPad 2 users something to play with. The iPhone version has always ran smoother so I'm holding off a bit before the iPhone version gets the same update.

I'm working on some other new features but they won't be in the 1.8 update to give me more time to work on them and to get this update out to people sooner.


Cool, long time no hear from! :p

[Revlisoft]

It's been a while... almost the 1 year anniversary of this release... maybe a sale? ;)

[Vexorg]

1.8 update is now live for Chain Link HD. Please let me know if you notice a big speed improvement with this update.

Yeah, I've been quiet for awhile but I try to find a few hours a week to work on Chain Link improvements. It is hard to find some free hours when you're working full time.

[SuperWeird]

The framrate is smooth and dual finger chain control works now, but the game has crashed twice on me since the update, both times in Time Attack mode while listening to iPod music. After the first crash I did a hard reset on my iPad to make sure it wasn't a memory issue, but then it crashed again after the reset.

[Vexorg]

Does it crash when you play without listening to iPod music? How much time passes before the crash? What iOS version do you have?