Monthly Hidden Gems (October 09) Cast your opinions

Discussion in 'General Game Discussion and Questions' started by Prab, Nov 9, 2009.

  1. Prab

    Prab Moderator
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    #1 Prab, Nov 9, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2009
    This is a continuation from Skyye's thread on Pre-October hidden gems. Same rules apply: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=30181

    Coast Defense - Reloaded

    ###Coast Defense Reloaded ###
    -Total 60 levels
    -headshot bonus(rifle only)
    -new enemies
    -new weapons
    $1.99
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    ###Coast Defense Reloaded ###
    -Total 60 levels
    -headshot bonus(rifle only)
    -new enemies
    -new weapons
    -global ranking system

    ======================================
    #3 Paid App in the United States in November

    Coast Defense was in the #100 paid apps in more than 40 countries!
    ======================================
    Coast Defense is a game you can play either to shoot down the enemies or defense your bunker.

    ======================================
    Goal:
    Obtain special arms to defeat enemy force's landing and keep your bunker safe.

    ======================================
    FEATURES:
    -Awesome animation and detailed graphics
    -Realistic sound
    -Easy and intuitive control
    -Get paid on how well you have repelled enemy force
    -Obtain new weapons or upgrade your bunker at the shop
    -11 different weapons (Machine gun, TNT, Sniper rifle, Bazooka, Bomber, Nuke and etc..)

    ======================================
    Tip:
    -Tilt your Iphone/Ipod Touch to scroll left and right.
    -Bazooka causes collateral damage within its splash range.
    -Call for bomb drop to get help from a strategic bomber.
    -Wipe off all the enemy forces with a nuke.

    ======================================
    UPDATE HISTORY AND FUTURE PLANS:
    -v1.0(oct) : The Birth of CoastDefense
    -v1.1(dec):new levels,headshot bonus,new enemies,more weapons,global ranking system
    ======================================
    ** Visit our blog http://coastdefense.blogspot.com for more information
    ** follow us for hints, news, and updates!
    http://twitter.com/cgforce
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Arcade, Strategy
    Release:Oct 30, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    Lite Version: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coast-defense-free/id336431128?mt=8
    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=31206


    Fridger

    Fridger is a new puzzle game that involves sliding Fridger and everything else at the same time.

    While the ga…
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    Fridger is a new puzzle game that involves sliding Fridger and everything else at the same time.

    While the game may look simple, it's hard to master. Each level has the minimum number of moves required for it. (The best possible)

    Features
    - 60 Levels
    - Touch or Tilt controls, it's up to you!
    - Wide Range of Levels from easy to hard with varying obstacles
    - Fun quirky animations
    - An illustrative art style

    Test how smart you are, it even takes a computer program a while to solve these puzzles in the minimum number of moves, see if you're better =D

    Updates
    - Let me know what you want =D
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Family, Puzzle
    Release:Nov 06, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=28302


    Heron: Steam Machine

    Heron: Steam Machine is Triangle Studios' take on the pipe puzzle format. In Heron: Steam Machine, players have to conne…
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    Heron: Steam Machine is Triangle Studios' take on the pipe puzzle format. In Heron: Steam Machine, players have to connect pipes to keep the Steam Machine running. The gameplay mechanic is simple and addictive, anybody can learn to play Heron within minutes, but only experts are able to achieve the highest scores.

    Key features:
    * Addictive singleplayer fun for all ages.
    * High quality 2D Graphics.
    * Upbeat soundtrack.
    * Highscores.

    The story:
    For many years, a mechanic named Ron has been working at the factory for Rubber Duckies. One day, the owner of the factory decided to retire, and leave the family business to his evil son, who has different plans with the factory altogether. The evil son doubled production targets for the factory, and as a result, Ron has to work at least twice as hard to keep up with the high demands of his new boss. The player has to help Ron out in the factory, and together they face the challenge of keeping the Steam Machine from breaking down!

    Instructions:
    Heron: Steam Machine is a game about a factory where rubber duckies are being produced by a large steam engine. On this steam engine, there are four different gauges which you will have to watch carefully.

    These gauges represent steam (green), electricity (yellow), water (blue) and oil (red). When the gauges start to rise, you will have to connect a pipe with the color corresponding with the gauge. Green pipes for steam, yellow ones for electricity, the blue pipes for water and the red ones for oil. Gauges will only rise when an entry- and exit point of the same color appears on the screen.

    By connecting the pipes, you will earn points and relieve some of the pressure, keeping the machine running just a little bit longer! If one of the gauges reaches it's maximum, the machine will eventually blow up, and the game is over.

    About Triangle Studios:
    Dutch game development company Triangle Studios was founded in 2006, the now three year old company is developing games for Nintendo DS, Wii and iPhone. Last year, Triangle Studios has received a Dutch Game Award for best mobile/handheld game of 2008, for its Nintendo DS title: Stratego: Next Edition.
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Action, Puzzle
    Release:Nov 20, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=29539


    Lemming Rampage

    Lemming + Catapult = Fun

    ---- User Reviews ------
    "It's a must-have! Never get bored! Challenge your f…
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    Lemming + Catapult = Fun

    ---- User Reviews ------
    "It's a must-have! Never get bored! Challenge your friends!" -Meg1991

    "This game is fun and entertaining. The gameplay is nice and relaxed and the graphics are amazing." -Pelican117

    "A super fun and addicting app - should be number 1 app" -Tommy tomato3

    ------------------------

    Nominated for the Content Award Vienna '09

    TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi0Xje-adtM

    ------------------------

    Catapult a cute lemming into the air and fly through a lot of different levels by using bouncing trampolines, rocket-propelled jetpacks and accelerometer air control! Use Timeshift(tm) to manipulate time and correct your flight path.

    Become a godly aeronaut with your longest flights and send your lemmings to the Lemming Heaven, a highscore list containing lemmings from players all over the world. Unlock 12 unique levels, 18 different lemming skins and grow your lemming world as you are awarded with bronze, silver and gold medals.

    Features at a glance:
    - Unlock up to 18 lemming skins
    - Show your skills in 12 levels in 7 stages
    - Control your flight path via accelerometer
    - Manipulate the time when something goes wrong by using Timeshift(tm)
    - When your lemming dies, send it to Lemming Heaven (Global Highscores)
    - Experience realtime physics
    - Be rewarded with achievements
    - Pilot your lemming to hit funny objects (trampoline, jetpack, ...)
    - Avoid scary obstacles such as spikes or abyss
    - Do not avoid those scary obstacles to see what happens...

    ------------------------

    We appreciate your feedback sent to [email protected]!
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Action, Arcade
    Release:Nov 30, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating: (2)
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=30698


    Monster Ball

    Fight to dominate the bedroom floor in the most intense and humorous turn based game of the year!

    Monster Ball …
    $2.99
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    Fight to dominate the bedroom floor in the most intense and humorous turn based game of the year!

    Monster Ball is a turn based strategy game that builds on the simplicity of checkers without getting as complex (*ehm* and boring) as chess.

    Its simply chinese checkers on steroids!

    —————————————————————————
    The rules are simple!
    —————————————————————————

    Big guys eat smaller guys and grow bigger. But watch out! Once greed takes over and you grow too large, you will explode into 1000 pieces scattering the neighbors with green goo.

    Find the right balance, take tactical advantage of the myriad of special tiles like splitters, clone machines and bazookas and you will be victorious with a big, sarcastic smile on your lips.

    Monster Ball plays across platforms, so you can sit at school on your PC or Mac and battle your friend on his iPhone on the bus. Tired of the 10+ maps that ship with the game? Simply download some new ones!

    Welcome to the world of nasty green monster balls!

    —————————————————————————
    Features
    —————————————————————————

    • The game has two game modes - annihilation and capture the base.

    • Battle on more than 10 different maps in full 3d glory, and download additional maps free of charge.

    • Tons of special tiles to help you (or not!) to achieve victory in the most humorous way possible.

    • Single player, Head-to-head or competitive online multiplayer action!

    • Unlockable trophies for obliterating your foes in amusing ways.

    • Online multiplayer is compatible with PC and Mac version! So you can play on the bus against friends at school in a break.


    —————————————————————————
    Customer reviews
    —————————————————————————

    "Almost to much fun!
    Yes, that's right! This game is almost to much fun. I'm NOT an avid gamer, but this one is a complete blast to play. If you are not savvy at the turn based games, don't fear! You will understand this one. I haven't put it down in hours."

    "I Love It!
    Monster Ball is a fun gaming experience for the young and old alike. The graphics and sound effects are just awesome and the concept is a really unique (and much more interesting) take on chess. Give it a go-- what's not to love about monsters eating each other?!"

    "5 stars for the great concept and ingame graphics!"
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Board, Strategy
    Release:Oct 30, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    Lite Version: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/monster-ball-lite/id335948773?mt=8
    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=31248


    Neanderbal

    ********** ********** ********** **********
    NEW RELEASE SALE:
    Get our second iPhone game for 50% off the full p…
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    ********** ********** ********** **********
    NEW RELEASE SALE:
    Get our second iPhone game for 50% off the full price!

    48 Levels, 4 themes!
    Free updates!

    If you like Neanderbal, try BLUBBLE!
    ********** ********** ********** **********

    Neanderbal is a game of logic.. and brawn!

    The dinos have taken over your prehistoric home and it's up to you to save you and your family from these dangerous predators! How? Go for the nests! But dino eggs are notoriously hard - too hard to simply smash with your club (unlike those exploding mushrooms and balloon plants!). Luckily, there are plenty of giant boulders hanging around to help you with your cause?

    Smoosh the dino eggs by rolling boulders on them, but watch out! You only have so many boulders to use, and you can't risk letting even a single dino egg hatch!

    * Smooth 3D graphics
    * 48 mind bending puzzles
    * 4 colorful themes
    * Intuitive touch controls
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Family, Puzzle
    Release:Oct 19, 2009
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=29927


    Roswell Fighter

    You want this game in gorgeous HD? Check out **Roswell Fighter HD**!!


    The stunning arcade shooter is BACK …
    TouchArcade Rating:
    $0.99
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    You want this game in gorgeous HD? Check out **Roswell Fighter HD**!!


    The stunning arcade shooter is BACK with two more levels new enemies, music and a new MEGA BOSS!! Get it now!!

    Roswell Fighter is the ultimate classic arcade style shooter with improved and fresh game-play.

    Tons of aliens wait for you! And don't forget Mother Earth is in danger – so be fast and blow up everything in this beautiful mixed 2D/3D environment. Roswell Fighter will charm you with its great 50’s style art and music!

    The game-play starts classic but will get more and more challenging over time while you face totally new and innovative game features. Mini-games and huge bosses will force your adrenalin to the limit.


    Features:
    * classic shoot’em up with tons of new game-play elements,
    * amazing retro style (you will love the 50’s style art),
    * breathtaking 2D and 3D graphics,
    * tons of upgrades, special weapons and bombs,
    * 3 difficulty modes,
    * 2 control types (Accelerometer and Touch controls)
    * 11 huge levels + 1 bonus level
    * great 50’s soundtrack
    * over 40 different enemies with individual move patterns to fight!
    * 7 huge bosses
    * interactive environment
    * mini-games
    * Online Highscores (OpenFeint)


    Press:
    **Nodpad.com: "Roswell Fighter really shines is in its presentation and game play."

    **TouchArcade - It really is a beautiful game, and we were surprised at how fun the game was to play on the iPad.

    **nodpad.com : "The creators obviously understand that the best way to avoid monotony is simply not to be monotonous."

    **ThePortableGamer.com: " Good classic fun for the iPhone…Guns, bi-planes, falling meteors, and alien ships — what’s not to like!?!”

    **Touchreviews.net:  "Adrenalin pumping fun."

    **AppSpy.com: “If you grew up spending hard earned dollars on arcade games like Galaga, then you’ll want to give Roswell Fighter a look at.”

    **AppSafari.com “Easy to learn but difficult to master.”

    Follow us:
    twitter.com/GameLabApps
    facebook.com/GameLab

    Email us feedback and support:
    [email protected]
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Action, Arcade
    Release:May 23, 2010
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    User Rating: (2)
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=30254


    Totemo

    Unloose the spirit. Break the spell.

    Featured by Apple in "What We're Playing"

    TOTEMO is a g…
    $1.99
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    Unloose the spirit. Break the spell.

    Featured by Apple in "What We're Playing"

    TOTEMO is a game designed to soothe your mind and train your brain.

    Uncover the mystery hidden between the realms in a unique puzzle game. Travel to enchanted places of the past with your witch doctor guide and solve 100 logic tasks.

    Play at your own pace. Think hard and weight carefully your next move, or just stroke your moves intuitively and let the solution emerge in front of your eyes.

    Play the survival mode for extra challenge, make your stand against the time and write your name into the on-line leaderboards.

    REVIEWS

    "It is hard not to justify a look into Totemo at least, particularly if you consider yourself a puzzle fan."
    - TouchArcade.com

    "It carves a new path through the well-trodden Match-3 territory and puts on a lot of polish as well."
    - SlideToPlay.com

    "By the time you realize you're in love with Totemo, now, you're twenty levels in already."
    - DroidNews.net

    "Puzzle fans will absolutely love this title as it is one of the more complete games on the App Store, and the visuals are more than I could ever ask for."
    - NoDPad.com

    SUPPORT AND FEEDBACK

    Please contact [email protected] with any inquiry or feedback.

    Follow @hexage on Twitter for the latest development updates and news.
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Adventure, Puzzle
    Release:Oct 31, 2009
    Updated:Sep 30, 2014
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating: (1)
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal

    TA Thread: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=31398
     
  2. eggzbacon

    eggzbacon Well-Known Member

    May 17, 2009
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    The Golden State
    Totemo ftw!!
     
  3. New England Gamer

    New England Gamer Moderator
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  4. 5duc29

    5duc29 Well-Known Member

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    Is there another video for Galaxy Front. Only see one on youtube..
     
  5. Flickitty

    Flickitty Well-Known Member

    Oct 14, 2009
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    What does it take to be considered a 'Hidden Gem' exactly?
     
  6. Given the slow sales I think my game definitely qualifies as a hidden gem :eek:

    Word Fall

    Word Fall combines the best of both word games and the arcade for an innovative new game that will sharpen both your min…
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    Word Fall combines the best of both word games and the arcade for an innovative new game that will sharpen both your mind and your reflexes.

    Spell as many words as you can by maneuvering around the letters raining down to catch the ones you need and avoid the ones you don't. Spell longer words with less common letters to earn bonus points and a spot on the scoreboards. Word Fall's addictive gameplay will keep you hooked trying to get the last word in.

    FEATURES:

    - FOUR DIFFICULTY MODES: Anyone can enjoy Word Fall, whether on Easy, Normal, or Hard difficulty levels. Or try Survival Mode for an extra challenge!

    - AUTOSAVE: Don't worry about taking a phone call, Word Fall automatically saves your game on interruption/exit for a true pick up and play experience.

    - COMPETE AGAINST THE WORLD: Word Fall is OpenFeint enabled and has both local and online high score leaderboards. Compare your scores with your friends’ and see how you rank worldwide!

    - UNLOCKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Complete additional challenges to earn bragging rights and OpenFeint points -- achievements range from scoring a million points to spelling palindromes to using every letter of the alphabet. Unlocking the more than 25 achievements will keep you playing the game in creative new ways!

    - POST-GAME STATS: How many unique words did you use? What was your biggest score multiplier? What was the longest word you spelled? Word Fall tracks and displays these statistics and more after every round.

    - INTELLIGENT DICTIONARY: Word Fall utilizes a list of nearly 120,000 words ensuring you can spell just about anything and really expand your vocabulary.

    - ORIGINAL SOUND AND MUSIC: Word Fall features original sound effects and music created by Nick Karch of Toronto band Bolus. Or play with your own music instead – Word Fall automatically mutes in-game music when the iPod app is playing.
    Information
    Seller:
    Genre:Education, Word
    Release:Aug 18, 2010
    Updated:Nov 30, -0001
    Version:
    Size:0.0
    TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
    User Rating:Unrated
    Your Rating:unrated
    Compatibility:HD Universal
     
  7. Dark_Messenger

    Dark_Messenger Well-Known Member

    Oct 3, 2009
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    #7 Dark_Messenger, Nov 9, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2009
    Totemo is good for beeing a soft puzzler. I found Radiant from the same dev even more amusing, though its a space shooter a la space invaders. Very polished.
     
  8. mrchennyken

    mrchennyken Well-Known Member

    Mar 11, 2009
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    I'm pretty sure a Hidden Gem means a game that is good but isn't popular or isn't well known.
     
  9. Ravenblack

    Ravenblack Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2009
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    Adventure Zones.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. New England Gamer

    New England Gamer Moderator
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    This is from the first hidden gems post describing the criteria:

    This is how we will determine it at the end.
    -Position on the charts.
    -Trafficking of the game here at TA.
    -Regarding reviews or lack of.
    While it is not perfect and such parts subjective, this is what we will use.
     
  11. Devilishly Good

    Devilishly Good Well-Known Member

    May 1, 2009
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    The Underworld
    #11 Devilishly Good, Nov 9, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2009
    Bar Defender - came out in November...but well worth checking out now!

    Will include in the November gems. :)
     
  12. Prab

    Prab Moderator
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    Bar Defender came out on November 3rd :p
     
  13. Dark_Messenger

    Dark_Messenger Well-Known Member

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    #13 Dark_Messenger, Nov 9, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2009
    You kiddin me! That barbrawlgame im so downloading! Thx for tip

    EDIT: its insanly hard. I need a guide or something.
     
  14. Flickitty

    Flickitty Well-Known Member

    Oct 14, 2009
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    Okay, thanks for clarification.

    Our game entered the App Store in October and we had no position until November.

    We had 'okay' traffic here at TA, but nothing astounding. A few pages of posts.

    Right now, we have a grand total of 5 reviews and most of them entered in November. Most of those reviews are by people on this forum.

    We are featured in the App Store and TA did a PodCast (which was negative) but again, that didn't hit until November.

    Under these circumstances, I think it is amazing (at least to me) that we are in the position that we have achieved. Even TA hasn't done a proper review nor provided news, nor has pocketgamer.co.uk. Is it a requirement to buy ads before getting news, because I am not aware of the protocols.

    Now I think the games listed above are great examples of hidden gems. And believe me, I think there are a lot of games that don't get the credit they deserve. But given our specific circumstances, it is NO WONDER so many games fail to make a ripple.

    We are the lucky ones.
     
  15. Devilishly Good

    Devilishly Good Well-Known Member

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    The Underworld
    doh...I thought we were listing november gems :eek:
     
  16. itman

    itman Well-Known Member

    Sep 3, 2009
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    I don't see why eliminate is not here...:rolleyes:
     
  17. New England Gamer

    New England Gamer Moderator
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    Eliminate is hardly hidden.
     
  18. jyhjyh

    jyhjyh Well-Known Member

    Oct 21, 2009
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    +1 for Totemo.
    But I wish there was an option to stop the tiki guy chatting at every level.
     
  19. Prab

    Prab Moderator
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    lol... Agree with you on that one :p
     
  20. skyye06

    skyye06 Well-Known Member

    Jul 21, 2009
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    Lol galaxy front came out september and coast defense is #10 top paod apps

    Anyways I got a few but will post back later.
     

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