Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Angry Birds Rio for Symbian lands in Nokia's Ovi Store]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/angry-birds-rio-for-symbian-lands-in-nokias-ovi-store/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/angry-birds-rio-for-symbian-lands-in-nokias-ovi-store/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/angry-birds-rio-for-symbian-lands-in-nokias-ovi-store/#commentsAngry Birds Rio for SymbianAngry Birds is one franchise that sure gives new meaning to the word cross-platform. Angry Birds Rio, the latest installment in the bird-slinging series from Rovio Mobile, is now available in Nokia's Ovi Store, ready to fly to your Symbian device. Angry Birds Rio has so far been spotted on iOS, Android, and webOS.

As with the versions for all the other platforms, Angry Birds Rio for Symbian has a story that's a bit different to what fans of the franchise have seen so far. The original Angry Birds are kidnapped and taken to Rio de Janeiro, where they manage to escape their captors and subsequently set out to save their friends, Blu and Jewel -- two macaws that incidentally are also the stars of the movie Rio. The gameplay is mostly unchanged though, and you get two episodes right now, with more episodic updates promised, for free, in May, July, October, and November.

Angry Birds Rio is only available for devices running the 'new Symbian', also known as Symbian^3. At the moment, these are the Nokia N8, E7, C7, and C6-01.

Download Angry Birds Rio for Symbian from the Ovi Store

Download SquadAngry Birds Rio for Symbian lands in Nokia's Ovi Store originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsangry birds rioAngryBirdsAngryBirdsRioappsgamegamingnokiaSymbianSymbian 3Symbian3Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/angry-birds-rio-catapults-into-webos-app-catalog/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/angry-birds-rio-catapults-into-webos-app-catalog/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/angry-birds-rio-catapults-into-webos-app-catalog/#comments Angry Birds Rio webOS
After having been available for iOS and Android for around a couple of weeks, Angry Birds Rio, the latest edition of the casual gaming megahit, has finally reached webOS as well.

Angry Birds Rio has two episodes that contain over 60 new levels at the moment, but episodic updates are promised to arrive throughout this year. Let's not forget that Angry Birds Rio brings the biggest change to the franchise yet -- you no longer aim for little green pigs. This time, in fact, your anger is directed at monkeys who are to blame for holding other fowl hostage in cages.

Buy Angry Birds Rio for webOS for $1.99 from the webOS App Catalog

Download SquadAngry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsangry birds rioAngryBirdsAngryBirdsRioappsgamesgamingwebosFri, 08 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sand Trap is a fun and difficult physics maze game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/sand-trap-is-a-fun-physics-maze-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/sand-trap-is-a-fun-physics-maze-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/sand-trap-is-a-fun-physics-maze-game/#comments Sand Trap Sand Trap is one of those games that at first seem too hard to bother with, but when you try to stop playing it you discover you're hooked.

The goal is to get as much sand as you possibly can out of the maze and into the bucket at the bottom of the screen. You need to rotate your maze every which way to get the sand rolling around it. You then try to direct the sand to one of the exits of the maze, and hopefully into the bucket. It took me several tries to actually get sand into the bucket, but that might be due to the fact that I didn't even realize the bucket was there at first. Things improved significantly after that.

As you level up, the mazes get more complicated, with moving parts and other things making your life more difficult. Once you manage to get through all these obstacles and get enough sand into your bucket, you can move on.

As I mentioned, this is not an easy game, but it's highly addictive. The graphics remind me of some long lost game from the 80s, but this just proves that you don't need super graphics and crazy sound to make a game work. There's a soothing guitar track playing in the background and that's it, as far as I could hear, and you can enjoy it just as much with no sound at all.

If you like a fun physics challenge, don't miss out on this one!

Download SquadSand Trap is a fun and difficult physics maze game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungameSand Traptime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebMon, 04 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/line-grapefruit-is-a-tricky-flash-path-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/line-grapefruit-is-a-tricky-flash-path-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/line-grapefruit-is-a-tricky-flash-path-game/#comments linegrapefruit Okay, see that snaking line coming in from the right on the screenshot? That's you. And see those large round circles? Those are supposedly grapefruits, only they won't sit still - they keep moving up and down and cutting across your path. And if you touch one, you die!

That's what you have to deal with in Line Grapefruit. But that's not all - you're also on a time limit. In fact, you have a very limited amount of time to make it through the "path" (for lack of a better word). You need to snake your way through the winding trail without touching anything. The good news is that a grapefruit only kills you if it touches the end of the line - once you've made it past the grapefruit, nothing happens if it crosses the path you've made.

This is not an easy game, but it's quite unique - I can't recall seeing another game quite like it.

Download SquadLine Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungameline grapefruittime-wastertime-wasterswebFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSX games now available in the Android Market, if you own an Xperia Play]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/psx-games-now-available-in-the-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/psx-games-now-available-in-the-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/psx-games-now-available-in-the-android-market/#comments PlayStation One games on the Android Market If you're lucky enough to own an Xperia Play -- Sony Ericsson's new Gingerbread-powered smartphone-cum-gamepad -- you can now buy PlayStation (PSX) titles from the Android Market.

There are five titles currently available, all priced at £3.99: Syphon Filter, MediEvil, Cool Boarders 2, Destruction Derby, and Jumping Flash. They don't have an American price yet, but that will surely change once the Xperia Play launches in the States.

Two important questions remain unanswered: How big are these games? The Market descriptions say the games are only 5MB, but that sounds incredibly unlikely -- and more importantly, will it be possible to 'spoof' the Xperia Play and download PSX games onto other Gingerbread-powered phones, like the Nexus S?

In other news, the PlayStation emulator PSX4droid was recently removed from the Android Market. This obviously has nothing to do with today's release of first-party PlayStation games.

Download SquadPSX games now available in the Android Market, if you own an Xperia Play originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappscool boarders 2CoolBoarders2destruction derbyDestructionDerbygamesgamingjumping flashJumpingFlashmedievalmobileplaystationplaystation onePlaystationOnepsxsony ericssonSonyEricssonsyphon filterSyphonFilterxperia playXperiaPlayFri, 01 Apr 2011 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Interlocked is a three-dimensional brain teaser]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/interlocked-is-a-three-dimensional-brain-teaser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/interlocked-is-a-three-dimensional-brain-teaser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/interlocked-is-a-three-dimensional-brain-teaser/#comments interlocked Back when I was a kid, I used to love crafting ornate puzzle boxes out of Lego. There would be just one way to open the box, by carefully shifting and rotating a bunch of pieces. Well, either that, or breaking the box in frustration.

Interlocked takes that spirit and turns it into a beautiful Flash game. It's a good thing the soundtrack is soothing, because the game itself can get pretty frustrating.

At the start of each level, you're presented with a box built out of blocks in different colors. You can click and drag the mouse to rotate the box any which way. Once you decide you want to shift a part of the box, hit SPACE to switch into "move" mode. You can then click any part of the box and drag it. Of course, you can only move a part as long as nothing is in its way. So it becomes a matter of understanding how the box is built, and what parts you need to move around so you could eventually take the box apart.

It's a tricky, difficult game, but it's a great brain teaser -- and definitely a keeper.

Download SquadInterlocked is a three-dimensional brain teaser originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dflashfungameinterlockedpuzzletime-wastertime-wasterswebTue, 29 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitoza is a fun, freaky Web toy with an artistic look]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/mitoza-is-a-fun-freaky-web-toy-with-an-artistic-look/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/mitoza-is-a-fun-freaky-web-toy-with-an-artistic-look/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/mitoza-is-a-fun-freaky-web-toy-with-an-artistic-look/#comments mitoza While not a game per se, I found Mitoza intriguing enough to spend quite some time with it. You start off with a seed, and are then presented with two choices: you can either click a flower pot, or click a cute little birdie.

If you click the flower pot, a flower pot appears and the seed is planted inside. You're then presented with two further choices -- a water can or a bottle of fertilizer. Each choice you make causes your creation to morph, and presents you with two other choices.

There's no winning or losing, really. Each "game" usually lasts around four or five choices, at which point the plant/animal dies in some creative (but not too gruesome) way. At this point you instantly start over with a new seed.

The graphics are captivating; the whole thing has a cinematic feel to it, with a bit of artificial camera shake added for style.

All in all, it's a fun, peaceful way to spend a few minutes, and it might even make you think a little bit while you're at it.

Download SquadMitoza is a fun, freaky Web toy with an artistic look originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungamegamesmitozatime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebMon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burrito Bison is a simple game for gummy bear lovers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/26/burrito-bison-is-a-simple-game-for-gummy-bear-lovers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/26/burrito-bison-is-a-simple-game-for-gummy-bear-lovers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/26/burrito-bison-is-a-simple-game-for-gummy-bear-lovers/#comments burritobison Burrito Bison is a pretty simple game, but if you're into gummy bears you might find it addictive.

As you may have guessed from the name, you're a bison (not a burrito, though). In the course of your day-to-day grocery shopping, you're abducted into a bag of gummy bears, and must now fend for yourself.

At the beginning of each round you launch yourself onto the marching gummy (gummi?) bears, while you're being watched by a huge crowd of even more gummy bears. Your goal is to keep bouncing on the bears and earn more and more money while you do it. Every time you hit a gummy bear, you lose some momentum. If you hit the floor, you basically lose all of it.

But don't give up just yet! You have an emergency thrust which you can use to gain some momentum and keep bouncing on those bears. This extra thrust gets refilled as you hit more bears.

There are also special gummy bears that give you extra thrust or extra money. The money comes in handy at the end of each round, when you can shop for cool stuff to make your bison even more effective against those gummy bears.

It's a fun and colorful game that kept my interest for quite some time, and almost sent me running to the closest store to get some gummy bears!

Download SquadBurrito Bison is a simple game for gummy bear lovers originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burritoburrito bisonflashfungamegummi bearsGummiBearsgummy bearGummyBeartime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebSat, 26 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/elephant-quest-is-an-addictive-deep-platformer/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/elephant-quest-is-an-addictive-deep-platformer/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/elephant-quest-is-an-addictive-deep-platformer/#comments elephantquest When someone tells me about a "platformer", my first thought is that it's probably a simple game that mainly revolves around running and jumping around, with a minimal plot. [Play a Zelda game! -Ed]

Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.

Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.

The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.

The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!

Download SquadElephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elephant questElephantQuestflashfungamegamesgamingplatformertime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebFri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CrossOver Games for Mac and Linux updated, fixes Rift, improves WoW and Star Trek Online]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/crossover-games-for-mac-and-linux-updated-fixes-rift-improves-wow-star-trek/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/crossover-games-for-mac-and-linux-updated-fixes-rift-improves-wow-star-trek/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/crossover-games-for-mac-and-linux-updated-fixes-rift-improves-wow-star-trek/#comments Rift for Windows, on Mac, with CrossOver CrossOver Games, a commercial implementation of Windows emulator Wine, has been updated to version 10.1, bringing support for the new (and seemingly popular) Rift MMORPG to Linux and Mac PCs.

Beyond other bug and stability fixes, CrossOver 10.1 finally lets you install World of Warcraft with the Blizzard Downloader, and support for Star Trek Online's launcher has been improved a bit (but the game itself still doesn't perform fantastically).

CrossOver, if you've never heard of it before, is an emulation suite developed by CodeWeavers that lets you run many Windows programs on Mac and Linux computers. The list of supported programs is extensive, including Microsoft Office, and a ton of Windows games, such as Civilization, Fallout, EVE, Left 4 Dead, and so on.

There's a free trial available, but to get a full license of CrossOver Pro will cost you around $70 -- or $40, if you just want the CrossOver Games package. It's worth the money, though, if you don't want to play around with virtual machines and dual-booting.

Download SquadCrossOver Games for Mac and Linux updated, fixes Rift, improves WoW and Star Trek Online originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codeweaverscross-platformcrossovercrossover gamesCrossoverGamesgamesgaminglinuxmacmac os xMacOsXos xOsXriftstar trek onlineStarTrekOnlinewindowsworld of warcraftWorldOfWarcraftThu, 24 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxer is a free DOS game emulator for Mac]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/boxer-is-a-free-dos-game-emulator-for-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/boxer-is-a-free-dos-game-emulator-for-mac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/boxer-is-a-free-dos-game-emulator-for-mac/#commentsBoxer DOS game emulator for MacBoxer is a DOS game emulator for Mac, which we first covered all the way back in 2008. It's grown up quite a bit since then, but its essential mission is the same: to allow you to play MS-DOS games on your Mac, hassle-free. It has delivered on that promise from the beginning, and continues to do so.

Boxer is still based on the DOSBox emulator, but as you've undoubtedly gathered by now, adds its own secret sauce into the mix. It lets you run DOS programs straight from Finder, and wraps your games in game boxes that launch like Mac apps. Boxer allows you to focus solely on playing, not requiring you to struggle with hard to understand settings or DOS prompts.

The latest version is 1.0 RC 2, and it works on Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.5. If for some reason you're still stuck on Mac OS X 10.4, there's a version that will work on that, albeit without all the bells and whistles of the latest release.

Speaking of which, Boxer 1.0 has undergone a complete redesign, and is now faster and more stable than before. The game importer is smarter, clearer, and easier to use, while the new Inspector Panel lets you instantly tweak settings while you play. You can choose your favorite rendering style, make your game boxes prettier with cover-art from Boxer, and drag-and-drop folders and disc images to mount additional drives in DOS.

Boxer comes with four ready-to-play DOS games: Commander Keen 4, and demos of Epic Pinball, Ultima Underworld, and X-COM: UFO Defense. The developer's website also has a nice section that helps you find both free and commercial DOS games. That's where you can, among other things, find a demo version of Star Wars: Dark Forces. A screenshot of this game running in Boxer is available after the break.

Download Boxer for Mac OS X

Continue reading Boxer is a free DOS game emulator for Mac

Download SquadBoxer is a free DOS game emulator for Mac originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsboxerClassic gamesClassicGamesDOSdos emulatorDOS GamingDOSBoxDosEmulatorDosGamingemulationemulatorgamingMacmac os xMacOsXMS-DOSOSXTue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Rio now available: 99 cents on iPhone, free on Amazon Android Appstore for 24 hours]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/angry-bird-rio-now-available-99-cents-for-iphone-free-on-amazo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/angry-bird-rio-now-available-99-cents-for-iphone-free-on-amazo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/angry-bird-rio-now-available-99-cents-for-iphone-free-on-amazo/#comments Angry Birds Rio We told you it was coming, but now the latest installment in the Angry Birds saga and film tie-in, Angry Birds Rio, is now available for download for both the iPhone and Android. Bringing the now classic Angry Birds gameplay to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Birds are on a war-path to find their friends Blu and Jewel, the two macaws who are the 'stars' of the upcoming animated film, Rio.

The game features the same slingshot action as previous Angry Birds titles, including all your favorite furious feathered friends. You get 60 levels to start you off, with Rovio promising 'Episodic updates throughout 2011.' Rio also comes packing a set of new achievements, 'special hidden fruits,' and a 'spectacular boss fight.'

While the game costs 99 cents on the iTunes App Store, the Amazon Appstore exclusive on the Android platform is free for 24-hours as part of Amazon's free app of the day promotion. So if you're an Android wielder, get over to the Amazon Appstore for Android (only available in the US) and download Angry Birds Rio now.

Download SquadAngry Birds Rio now available: 99 cents on iPhone, free on Amazon Android Appstore for 24 hours originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon App StoreAmazon App Store for Androidamazon appstoreAmazonAppStoreAmazonAppStoreForAndroidAndroidAngry BirdsAngry Birds RioAngryBirdsAngryBirdsRioappsgamingiOSiPhoneTue, 22 Mar 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/kinect-hacked-to-work-with-playstation-3-plays-killzone-3-badly/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/kinect-hacked-to-work-with-playstation-3-plays-killzone-3-badly/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/kinect-hacked-to-work-with-playstation-3-plays-killzone-3-badly/#comments PS3 controlled using Kinect Microsoft's Kinect, the fastest-selling gadget ever, has now been hacked to work with the PlayStation 3.

The Kinect isn't directly plugged into a PS3, though (that would be too awesome). Instead, it's plugged into a conventional PC laptop, where PrimeSense's first-party drivers are used to interface with Kinect. The data from Kinect is then converted into a format that the PS3 can understand, and output directly to the console using using diyps3controller, which lets the laptop USB controller interface with the PS3.

There's a video of the developer logging in and playing Killzone 3 on his PS3 using the Kinect after the break. Well, attempting to play Killzon 3, we should say. It seems like the hack has a little way to go before it's actually usable...

Continue reading Kinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly

Download SquadKinect hacked to work with PlayStation 3, plays Killzone 3 badly originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgaminghackkillzone 3Killzone3kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmovementpcprimesenseps3windowsMon, 21 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds iOS update ends their Frontier Badlands adventure with 15 new levels, a Golden Egg and ads]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/angry-birds-ios-update-ends-their-frontier-badlands-adventure-wi/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/angry-birds-ios-update-ends-their-frontier-badlands-adventure-wi/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/angry-birds-ios-update-ends-their-frontier-badlands-adventure-wi/#comments Angry Birds Angry Birds, everyone's favorite casual gaming juggernaut, has just been updated to version 1.5.3 for iOS. In 'yet another blistering update' the Birds conclude their adventures in the Frontier Badlands with 15 new levels 'each more challenging than the next.' There's also another Golden Egg to be had too, and it's apparently 'good, band and ugly' all in one deliciously difficult to obtain challenge.

It's no wonder Angry Birds remains so popular with the constant stream of updates Rovio rolls in. With new contenders like Tiny Wings on the block, the Birds that kicked it all off will need to keep it coming, and with $42 million in the bank, there's no reason to think the Angry Birds production line should halt any time soon.

Hit the App Store for the update, and let them Frontier Pigs have it, one last time.

Update: Looking at the App Store reviews, Rovio's decision to include some promotional material for other Angry Birds-associated content on the pause screen (screen shot after the break) has angered some.

What do you think dear readers? Should a 99c game contain any ads and would you even class these as ads?

Continue reading Angry Birds iOS update ends their Frontier Badlands adventure with 15 new levels, a Golden Egg and ads

Download SquadAngry Birds iOS update ends their Frontier Badlands adventure with 15 new levels, a Golden Egg and ads originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry BirdsAngryBirdsappsgamingiOSiPhoneRovioFri, 18 Mar 2011 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kongregate Arcade for Android gets a new UI, Honeycomb tablet compatibility]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/kongregate-arcade-for-android-gets-a-new-ui-honeycomb-tablet-co/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/kongregate-arcade-for-android-gets-a-new-ui-honeycomb-tablet-co/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/kongregate-arcade-for-android-gets-a-new-ui-honeycomb-tablet-co/#comments Kongregate Arcade, the one-stop shop for Flash games on Android, has been updated with a new welcome screen and Android 3.0 Honeycomb compatibility.

Every screen in the updated app supports landscape-mode, the welcome screen sports a "hot new games" carousel and huge buttons that allow quick access to just about every part of the Arcade, and users can now earn badges in games without signing in (and save them once they do sign in). Other changes in the update include bug fixes, performance increases, and notifications for new badges or games.

A cleaner look and easier access to sections of a somewhat sprawling app are nice, but the biggest news here is Honeycomb compatibility. Android tablets are quickly rising in popularity, but most apps have been slow to update for the new UI guidelines. With the impending release of a Honeycomb-compatible Flash player, Kongregate Arcade is about to become one hot item for Android-loving, slate-happy early adopters.

You can update or download Kongregate Arcade right now at the Android Market.

Download SquadKongregate Arcade for Android gets a new UI, Honeycomb tablet compatibility originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe flashAdobeFlashandroidappscellphonesflashgamesgaminghoneycombkongregatemobiletabletWed, 16 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Hotpot Challenge NCAA Championship easter egg Web game celebrates College basketball]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/googles-hotpot-challenge-ncaa-championship-easter-egg-web-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/googles-hotpot-challenge-ncaa-championship-easter-egg-web-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/googles-hotpot-challenge-ncaa-championship-easter-egg-web-game/#comments Google Hotpot challenge To celebrate the start of the 2011 NCAA Championship season, Google's gone and got a little basketball crazy. But there's more -- if you click-through to the College Basketball Google site, and click on the hoop on the right of the page, a ball will roll in from the left and ask you: 'Are you ready to take the Hotpot challenge?'

Clicking 'Start game' takes you to a simple Web game where you have to shoot some hoops by controlling the ball flight arc using your mouse. Sounds simple, but the ball is placed at varying distances from the basket, making scoring big pretty tricky indeed.

After a couple of attempts all I could manage was a measly score of 70, but I bet that you can do better than me, so hit up the Hotpot challenge, prove you're the best and share your high scores in the comments.

Download SquadGoogle's Hotpot Challenge NCAA Championship easter egg Web game celebrates College basketball originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Basketballeaster eggEasterEgggamingGoogleHotpot challengeHotpotChallengeNCAANCAA ChampionshipNcaaChampionshipWebTue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrabble Helper helps you improve your Words With Friends gameplay]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/scrabble-helper-helps-you-improve-your-words-with-friends-gamepl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/scrabble-helper-helps-you-improve-your-words-with-friends-gamepl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/scrabble-helper-helps-you-improve-your-words-with-friends-gamepl/#comments scrabblehelper If you play Scrabble (or a scrabble-like game) from time to time, you may want to check out Scrabble Helper. This simple website is a godsend when you're at a loss for words. Simply enter whatever letters you have, and the word you'd like to connect with. Scrabble helper comes up with a whole bunch of suggestions sorted by score.

The site lets you select one of five dictionaries - Scrabble International/US, Lexulous International/US, and Words With Friends. Some people might say this constitutes cheating -- I think if the other side knows you're doing it, it's definitely not cheating. And it doesn't take the challenge out of the game, because implementing Scrabble Helper's suggestions and deciding which words you'd like to connect with still takes a fair bit of thought.

Very handy, though perhaps not one for the Scrabble puritans in the crowd.

Download SquadScrabble Helper helps you improve your Words With Friends gameplay originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationgamingscrabblevocabularywebwords with friendsMon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Balance is a challenging mouse-based physics game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/balance-is-a-challenging-mouse-based-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/balance-is-a-challenging-mouse-based-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/balance-is-a-challenging-mouse-based-physics-game/#comments balance Years of computer use have taught us that the mouse cursor is "above" the windows. It doesn't push anything around; at least not without you clicking anything.

Balance takes that ingrained bit of knowledge and cancels it out. Suddenly your cursor (a blue dot) is solid - and if it touches the blue block, it pushes it around.

Your job is to use your cursor to nudge the blue block over to the orange block. You will have to push it, lift it and even flip it on its side, and then balance it. It's a very tricky game - one I wouldn't recommend tackling with a laptop trackpad.

Still, if you have a mouse and a hankering for a little physics gameplay, this is a cute little game. I like how the blue block never stops smiling, it makes me feel better about the world.

Download SquadBalance is a challenging mouse-based physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceflashfungamemousetime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebThu, 10 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BattlePaint is an addictive geometric shooter game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/battlepaint-is-an-addictive-geometric-shooter-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/battlepaint-is-an-addictive-geometric-shooter-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/battlepaint-is-an-addictive-geometric-shooter-game/#comments battlepaint In BattlePaint, you play a cube. In fact, you're not even a cube -- just a square. But boy, are you fast! And you can shoot in all directions. That's important, because there are baddies coming in from all over the place.

The "baddies" are swarms of other squares, in all sorts of pretty colors. They track you all over the screen, and you run around very quickly and just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. If that doesn't sound very emotionally deep, it's because it isn't. But it's fun!

After you shoot a baddy, it splashes paint as it disappears. You need to skate across this blob of paint and "eat it up" to get points. This game is fast. It clocked in at around 60-70 FPS on my system, and was loads of fun to play. It does tend to insult you when you die, though, but don't be offended -- I don't think it's personal.

Download SquadBattlePaint is an addictive geometric shooter game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlepaintflashfungametime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebWed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tasty Planet is a fun flash game where you eat everything in sight]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/tasty-planet-is-a-fun-flash-game-where-you-eat-everything-in-sight/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/tasty-planet-is-a-fun-flash-game-where-you-eat-everything-in-sight/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/tasty-planet-is-a-fun-flash-game-where-you-eat-everything-in-sight/#comments tastyplanet So this professor comes up with a new toilet cleaner that works by "eating" the dirt; or so he thinks. That's how the plot starts for Tasty Planet. You play the role of the toilet cleaner, but you're not really a toilet cleaner after all -- you're a blob of gray goo that can eat anything that's smaller than yourself.

As you chomp away, you grow -- and as you grow, you can eat bigger and bigger stuff. The first level pits you against microscopic particles; by the time I stopped playing, I got all the way to eating cats and dogs. I know that sounds disturbing, but it's a really cute game, and there's no gore or anything like that.

Supposedly you keep growing and growing until you're able to eat whole planets (hence the name). The challenge factor comes when you realize you can't touch any critter larger than yourself - you'll get "bitten" and become smaller. In the beginning you're so small, that a single touch can kill you. Later on, you're big enough that touching larger animals doesn't kill you on the spot, but it does reduce your size. Each level is timed, so if you're not large enough by the time your clock runs out, you need to start again. As long as you don't touch the larger animals, you should be fine.

All in all, a fun, addictive little game. It's available for iOS, too.

Download SquadTasty Planet is a fun flash game where you eat everything in sight originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungameiostasty planettime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebTue, 08 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Immersion haptic feedback SDK for Android released]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/immersion-haptic-feedback-sdk-for-android-released/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/immersion-haptic-feedback-sdk-for-android-released/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/immersion-haptic-feedback-sdk-for-android-released/#comments Immersion haptic feedback SDK for Android Haptic feedback, which all began with the mythical introduction of the Nintendo Rumble Pak and its use in Star Fox 64 and GoldenEye, is about to get a big boost on the Android platform thanks to the release of the Immersion SDK.

Immersion Corporation, which has long provided haptic feedback technology for a variety of other applications, has only really dabbled in video games before. This SDK is targeted straight at Android game developers, and is free to download immediately -- and royalty-wise, it's free up a $50,000 threshold, too. There's a video of the Immersion development platform after the break.

As for the effects that can be achieved with haptic feedback, the only real limit is the designer's imagination. The SDK comes with a bunch of pre-defined haptic responses which developers can simply plug into their games, but there's also a tool called MOTIV Studio that lets you design your very own rumbles. Hopefully this heralds a new age of games that don't try to vibrate their way out of your hand.

'Haptic,' if you were wondering, comes from the Greek haptikos, which means 'to grasp or touch.'

Continue reading Immersion haptic feedback SDK for Android released

Download SquadImmersion haptic feedback SDK for Android released originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddeveloperdevelopersgamesgaminghaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackimmersion corporationimmersion sdkImmersionCorporationImmersionSdkmobilesdkTue, 08 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds landing on Facebook in under a month]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/07/angry-birds-landing-on-facebook-in-under-a-month/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/07/angry-birds-landing-on-facebook-in-under-a-month/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/07/angry-birds-landing-on-facebook-in-under-a-month/#comments Angry Birds Facebook The phenomenally successful Angry Birds is heading to the world's largest social network. Yep that's right, productivity is going to take a massive hit, because Rovio is bringing Angry Birds to Facebook.

Move over Farmville, there's a new Facebook-game obsession coming into town. According to All Facebook the game as heading to the social network within a month, while the official Facebook page is requesting Likes for further information. As of writing, over 1.3 million people have given Angry Birds the thumbs up.

Rovio's CEO Mikael Hed recently said that Angry Birds on Facebook would give the pigs a more prominent role, with "completely new aspects that haven't been experienced on any other platform." Exciting news for Angry Birds addicts indeed, but your Facebook news feed is likely to take a beating in the near future as Angry Bird blasts updates out as all your friends start battering those dastardly pigs.

Download SquadAngry Birds landing on Facebook in under a month originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsAngryBirdsappsFacebookgamingRoviosocial networkingSocialNetworkingWebMon, 07 Mar 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Words With Friends for Android updated, promises "smoother game experience"]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/words-with-friends-for-android-updated-promises-smoother-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/words-with-friends-for-android-updated-promises-smoother-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/words-with-friends-for-android-updated-promises-smoother-game/#comments wordswithfriends As several of you noted in the comments to our post asking for cross-platform iOS/Android games, Words With Friends for Android does not provide the smoothest gaming experience... and that's being rather charitable.

You might be happy to hear that a couple of days ago Zynga released an update which promises to solve many of the Android-specific issues, such as notifications not popping up.

Sadly, installing the update is not a smooth experience; you have to manually uninstall the previous version, and then go to the Android Market and install it. What's nice is that it doesn't lose your saved games - this screenshot shows a game I've started before the update and continued after updating.

How's the new update working out for you? Let us know in the comments!

Download SquadWords With Friends for Android updated, promises "smoother game experience" originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamingscrabblewords with friendszyngaFri, 04 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[N64oid for Android completes the retro Nintendo emulator trinity]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/n64oid-for-android-completes-the-retro-nintendo-emulator-trinity/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/n64oid-for-android-completes-the-retro-nintendo-emulator-trinity/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/n64oid-for-android-completes-the-retro-nintendo-emulator-trinity/#comments N64oid Nintendo 64 emulation
Yongzh, the same developer behind NESoid, SNESoid, GameBoid, Ataroid, and more (!), has finally released the last and most important Android retro emulator: N64oid.

N64oid looks and feels like Yongzh's other emulators, and like NESoid it has the option of using hardware keys (if you have them!) or an on-screen gamepad. We won't lie: gaming with an on-screen controller is nothing like the real thing; it works, but pulling off combos, like those required in fighting games, is not easy.

There's an option to use your Android device's accelerometer as the N64's analog stick, however, which could make RPGs like Zelda a lot easier to play. Also, all told, Yongzh's emulators have been downloaded around 5 million times, so the on-screen gamepad is obviously not that bad.

Game compatibility is apparently very good, and if you have a high-end device like the Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy or Droid, games should run very smoothly. As far as finding games to play with N64oid, if you still have your old N64 cartridges in a cupboard somewhere (who doesn't?), you can find ROM backups with a quick Google search.

We'll hopefully have a hands-on review of N64oid later today, so we'll be able to tell you first-hand just how good (or bad) it is.

Read our hands-on review of N64oid.

N64oid on the Android Market - $5.99

Download SquadN64oid for Android completes the retro Nintendo emulator trinity originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsemulationemulatorgamesgamingmobilen64n64oidnintendo 64nintendo 64 emulatorNintendo64Nintendo64EmulatorromromsyongzhFri, 04 Mar 2011 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask DLS: Cross-platform multiplayer games that work on Android and iOS]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/ask-dls-cross-platform-multiplayer-games-that-work-on-android-and-ios/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/ask-dls-cross-platform-multiplayer-games-that-work-on-android-and-ios/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/ask-dls-cross-platform-multiplayer-games-that-work-on-android-and-ios/#comments askdls Here's one for our knowledgeable commenters: I recently bought my girlfriend an iPad. I, on the other hand, own an Android device. And now we're looking for games we can play using both devices.

There's no dearth of multiplayer games either for Android or for iOS. But finding multiplayer games that can cross the platform boundary is an entirely different matter.

Jay recently posted Words with Friends which is one such game. It's actually an ideal example, because it's turn-based so you don't necessarily both have to be next to your device at the same time (great for long-distance gaming).

But what other examples are there? What multiplayer games are there that let iOS users play with Android users?

[Why am I now humming 'Ebony and Ivory'? -Ed]

Download SquadAsk DLS: Cross-platform multiplayer games that work on Android and iOS originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsask dlsAskDlscross-platformgamesgamingiOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmultiplayerWed, 02 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some green levels]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/angry-birds-will-celebrate-st-patricks-day-with-some-green-levels/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/angry-birds-will-celebrate-st-patricks-day-with-some-green-levels/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/angry-birds-will-celebrate-st-patricks-day-with-some-green-levels/#comments Angry Birds St. Patrick's Day In the next few days, the awesomely adventurous, angry, avians will find themselves flying through the lush, emerald greens of St. Patrick's Day-inspired levels. The new levels are expected to be a free upgrade to the free Angry Birds Seasons game, which is available on Android, iOS, Symbian and WebOS.

St. Patrick, if you're not an any-excuse-for-a-party American, is the patron saint of Ireland. Green is national color of Ireland, which is why everyone wears green for St. Patrick's Day, and thus why the new Angry Birds levels will be green too. The game is expected to arrive "before St. Patrick's Day," March 17.

In other news, Angry Birds: Rio, which accompanies the big-screen film of the same name, is also due out later this month.

[The image above is not official artwork from Rovio!]

Download SquadAngry Birds will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some green levels originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry birdsAngryBirdsgamesgaminggreeniossaint patricks daySaintPatricksDayst patricks dayst. patricks daySt.PatricksDayStPatricksDaysymbianwebosWed, 02 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge is a space-shooter in which you have no weapons]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/dodge-is-a-space-shooter-in-which-you-have-no-weapons/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/dodge-is-a-space-shooter-in-which-you-have-no-weapons/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/dodge-is-a-space-shooter-in-which-you-have-no-weapons/#comments dodge Space-shooters are usually a fairly fiery affair, with many types of guns, weapon upgrades, power-ups and more. Dodge does away with all of that, while keeping the very essence of a space shooter: Dark background, fast action, and stuff blowing up all over the place.

Your vector-looking spacecraft is the fastest thing on the screen, most of the time. And as the header implies, you have absolutely no weapons; you can't get any, either. All you have is agility and maneuverability.

Your opponents shoot heat-seeking missiles at you; the missiles lock on and start tracking you. The trick is to dodge the missiles while putting them in the path of one of your enemies, thus letting them have a taste of their own medicine.

There are three types of enemies, at least in the first few levels: "simple" spaceships which fire slow projectiles, "tanks" which seem to be more serious and take more hits to destroy, and "circles." The circles simply explode, spewing twenty or thirty very fast projectiles. This sounds dangerous, but is actually great once you learn to use them; they are very destructive for tanks, and can even blow up other circles.

The soundtrack is very techno, but it meshes very well with this type of game. Intense fun!

Download SquadDodge is a space-shooter in which you have no weapons originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgeflashfungameshooterspacetime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebTue, 01 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eightbit.me is an 8-bit retro avatar builder, will eventually be a game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/eightbit-me-is-an-8-bit-retro-avatar-builder-will-eventually-be/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/eightbit-me-is-an-8-bit-retro-avatar-builder-will-eventually-be/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/eightbit-me-is-an-8-bit-retro-avatar-builder-will-eventually-be/#comments eightbit.me avatars If you've started to notice your Twitter friends looking a little blocky lately, it's probably because they've got trendy 8-bit avatars from Eightbit.me. This site lets you create a full-body 8-bit avatar in your own image, from hair color, glasses and facial hair down to the outfit you're wearing. The plan is eventually to let all these personal avatars participate in some kind of game experience, but Eightbit.me hasn't yet said what the game will be.

Facial detail is obviously limited with only a couple dozen pixels to work with for each character's face, so sometimes it comes down to the clothes when you're trying to make your avatar distinctive. That shouldn't be a problem in the Eightbit.me user gallery or in the mysterious forthcoming game, but it's a bit of a pain on Twitter. When all your friends have gone 8-bit, one brunette with glasses looks just like another.

I hope Eightbit.me turns into an amazing game, but I also hope people stop using their 8-bit characters' heads as Twitter icons.

Download SquadEightbit.me is an 8-bit retro avatar builder, will eventually be a game originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitavatar creatorAvatarCreatoravatarseightbit.megamesgamingretrotwitterTue, 01 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Survival Lab is a fun pixelated game where dying doesn't matter]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/survival-lab-is-a-fun-pixelated-game-where-dying-doesnt-matter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/survival-lab-is-a-fun-pixelated-game-where-dying-doesnt-matter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/survival-lab-is-a-fun-pixelated-game-where-dying-doesnt-matter/#comments Survival Lab
In most games, dying is a bad thing. You have to start all over again, or at least revert to the last save point and lose some progress. Not so in Survival Lab: in this pixelated gem you play as a lone individual pitted against ruthless weapons in a sealed chamber. You have to run, jump and duck, collecting little yellow things (I have no idea what they're called).

For each donut-like yellow thing you pick up, you gain a bit of experience. If you manage to collect several in a row without getting hit, this counts as a combo. You can see my mad combo skills in the screenshot, of course. Collecting combos is a good thing, because a ten-point combo gives you for more experience than just collecting ten dounts one by one (getting hit in-between).

Having experience is useful, because once you die, you get to a screen where you can upgrade your skills. You can learn to run faster, double-jump (and then double-jump higher), and duck. You can also gain more armour so that getting hit won't kill you so quickly.

What makes this simple game so addictive is that when you die, your experience doesn't reset. You just go back to the same level, or another level of your choosing, and keep accumulating more and more experience. Lots of fun, especially if you're into the whole retro-gaming thing.

Download SquadSurvival Lab is a fun pixelated game where dying doesn't matter originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungameretrosurvival labSurvivalLabtime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebMon, 28 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny Wings for iOS is a simple, beautiful flying game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/tiny-wings-for-ios-is-a-simple-beautiful-flying-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/tiny-wings-for-ios-is-a-simple-beautiful-flying-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/28/tiny-wings-for-ios-is-a-simple-beautiful-flying-game/#comments Tiny Wings is an iOS game from Andreas Illiger starring a bird, but it doesn't have much else in common with Angry Birds. For one thing, it's a lot prettier. For another, gameplay is less destructive and more relaxed. You control a bird with tiny wings who dreams of flying. All you have to do is put your finger on the screen to gather speed on the downhills, and then let go to watch your bird fly up the other side and catch air.

Aside from the very satisfying game mechanics -- who doesn't love hitting ramps over and over? -- the graphics and details in Tiny Birds alone would be worth the 99-cent price of admission. The levels are colorful, and the setting sun that serves as the game's timer is a very nice touch.

While it might not fuel your destructive id the way Angry Birds does, Tiny Wings is an addictive little game in its own right.

Gallery: Tiny Wings

Continue reading Tiny Wings for iOS is a simple, beautiful flying game

Download SquadTiny Wings for iOS is a simple, beautiful flying game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgamingiosiphonetiny wingsTinyWingsMon, 28 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/angry-farm-is-an-angry-birds-knockoff-for-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/angry-farm-is-an-angry-birds-knockoff-for-blackberry/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/angry-farm-is-an-angry-birds-knockoff-for-blackberry/#comments angry farm angry birds knockoff for blackberry Angry Birds hasn't been officially ported to the BlackBerry, but a company called Smarter Apps got tired of waiting and produced an unofficial "alternative" called Angry Farm. The gameplay is virtually identical to Angry Birds, but you control farm animals instead of birds, and your opponents are foxes instead of pigs.

Angry Farm has 30 levels and free upgrades for life, and it works on BlackBerry devices running BlackBerry OS 4.6 and up. The cost: $4.99. How blatant can an Angry Birds clone get before Rovio attempts to shut it down? I have a feeling we may be about to find out. Either that, or the real Angry Birds for BlackBerry will come out ...

Download SquadAngry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsangry farmAngryBirdsAngryFarmappsblackberrygamesgamingsmarterappsFri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Farragomate is a social fridge magnet game where you make up sentences]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/farragomate-is-a-social-game-where-you-make-up-sentences/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/farragomate-is-a-social-game-where-you-make-up-sentences/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/farragomate-is-a-social-game-where-you-make-up-sentences/#comments farragomate You know those fridge magnet kits composed of a whole bunch of words? The ones you put all over your fridge door and then try to arrange into all sorts of juvenile and/or amusing sentences. Well, Farragomate is the social, webby version of that very same pastime.

You get to play with a bunch of random strangers in real-time, and make up sentences out of a pre-set collection of words, including some fairly naughty ones, and all players' nicknames. As you can imagine, some of the results are not child-friendly.

There are ten rounds to a game. Once a round is done, players get to vote for their favorite sentence from that round. You can't vote for your own creation, of course. There's in-game chat, too.

I think the vocabulary could be made a bit more eclectic, but even as it is, it's a nice way to spend a few minutes and meet random strangers on the Internet (always a thrilling experience).

Download SquadFarragomate is a social fridge magnet game where you make up sentences originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farragomateflashfungametime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebFri, 25 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HD games optimized for NVIDIA Tegra tablets arriving in Android Market]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/hd-games-tegra-tablets-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/hd-games-tegra-tablets-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/hd-games-tegra-tablets-android-market/#comments tegra HD games android With an avalanche of Android tablets powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 2 on display at CES 2011, it stands to reason that game developers would start releasing titles which can tap the platform's 3D power. A search on the Android Market website shows that's now starting to happen.

Several Tegra-optimized HD games are now listed -- including Samurai II: Vengeance, Spectral Souls, Backbreaker football, Dungeon Defenders, and an HD version of Fruit Ninja. The games range in price from $3 to about $14.50.

The descriptions proclaim smoother 3D, more realistic textures, and an overall superior gaming experience -- and not just when compared to the original Android versions. Samurai II proclaims "even more visual stunning graphics and polished gameplay" than its iOS version.

Take the jump to check out some sweet gameplay footage!

Continue reading HD games optimized for NVIDIA Tegra tablets arriving in Android Market

Download SquadHD games optimized for NVIDIA Tegra tablets arriving in Android Market originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamegamesgaminghdmobilenvidiatablettegrategra 2Tegra2Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shot Shot Pirate is a fun, simple physics game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/shot-shot-pirate-is-a-fun-simple-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/shot-shot-pirate-is-a-fun-simple-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/shot-shot-pirate-is-a-fun-simple-physics-game/#comments shotshotpirate Shot Shot Pirate is very satisfying, because each level is short and to the point. You know what you have to do and you just do it.

As you may have gathered from the name, you're cast in the role of a pirate. Your goal is to shoot at a diamond and make it fall off a tower of bricks. The height of the tower changes as you progress through the levels. It's not enough to just make the diamond fall off the tower of bricks - it has to fall below a certain line (drawn on the screen) for the level to be completed.

There are also different kinds of bricks, with some heavier than others, and different kinds of ammo. You only get a certain amount of ammo for each level, and when it's gone, you lose. But don't worry! If you don't make it on the first try, it's very easy to restart the level and just give it another shot (or three).

All in all it's a cute game. I've seen similar games with better graphics and music, but the game delivers on its main promise - a few minutes of pure time wasting!

Download SquadShot Shot Pirate is a fun, simple physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungamepiratestime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebThu, 24 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies for Windows Phone 7 arrive April 6]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/#comments Angry Birds plants vs zombies windows phone 7 wp7 Microsoft may have jumped the gun when it displayed an Angry Birds icon at the launch of Windows Phone 7, but it turns out that the hit game will be coming to Microsoft's newest mobile platform, and soon.

According to a Microsoft blog post on the matter, Angry Birds and well as five other well-known games are all set to become available for WP7 starting on April 6. The other games are: Plants vs. Zombies, Doodle Jump, Hydro Thunder Go, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, and geoDefense.

All five new additions will be Xbox Live-friendly, showing achievements and leaderboards. For more details on each of the games, go to Microsoft's Must Have Games site on Xbox.com.

Download SquadAngry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies for Windows Phone 7 arrive April 6 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsangry birds for windows phone 7AngryBirdsAngryBirdsForWindowsPhone7appsbreakingdoodle jumpDoodleJumpgaminggeodefensehydro thunder goHydroThunderGoplants vs zombiesPlantsVsZombiesSonic the Hedgehog 4SonicTheHedgehog4windows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NEStalgia is a retro-tastic 8-bit multiplayer online RPG]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-is-a-new-8-bit-multiplayer-rpg/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-is-a-new-8-bit-multiplayer-rpg/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-is-a-new-8-bit-multiplayer-rpg/#commentsNEStalgiaFor those of you longing for the long lost days of NES RPGs, NEStalgia brings the classic 8-bit action into the 21st century -- with a few added perks here and there.

Dubbed by its own developers as "Dragon Warrior 3 meets World of Warcraft," NEStalgia lets you wage turn-based battles using a multiplayer system while also having a full-featured quest system, plenty of loot to find, and even an Auction House for item trading.

After you join the game, you create a hero and then play against friends and strangers. Customization is a big part of the game, as you can dress up your character in whatever clothes and armour you like, choose whichever class suits your playing type, and even create your own guild -- which comes with its own customizable cape.

NEStalgia is free to download and play, however you need to register with the BYOND game system so you can save your games and stats. If you want to support the developers, you can go for an optional yearly subscription that will give you a few extra, but non-essential features, such as additional character classes and even more ways to customize your character's appearance.

To play NEStalgia, head to this page and start your download. You'll need Windows, a 500 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and (obviously) an internet connection.

Download SquadNEStalgia is a retro-tastic 8-bit multiplayer online RPG originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitappsgamingNESnestalgiaNintendo Entertainment SystemNintendoEntertainmentSystemrpgwindowsThu, 24 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/let-it-slide-is-an-engaging-difficult-puzzle-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/let-it-slide-is-an-engaging-difficult-puzzle-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/let-it-slide-is-an-engaging-difficult-puzzle-game/#commentsletitslide I have a thing for physics games, and I've been known to post the occasional platformer or action game here and there. But Let it Slide is one of the brainiest games I've posted to date.

The idea is very simple, and far from original: You get a board with pieces arranged in a particular pattern; you have to slide those around until you get the special piece into its target location.

It's not even about finding out where the target location is - you can just hover over "dim tiles" and instantly see where you're supposed to bring the special piece. But getting it there is a whole different story.

There are five tutorial levels, which I strongly recommend you do. Then there are twenty "beginner" levels, but that's really a misnomer. If those are the beginner levels, I don't want to know what the intermediate and advanced levels look like!

Every time you finish a level you get a score based on how many clicks it took you - each level has a "par" (the minimum number of clicks it could be completed in), and your performance is compared to that gold standard. Because it's such a brainy game, getting it right is quite satisfying. I was downright proud of myself when I managed to finish a few levels. All in all, quite recommended, especially if you've got a few minutes of quiet. It might actually help you focus better later on.

Download SquadLet it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungamelet it slidepuzzletime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebWed, 23 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft coming to Android devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/minecraft-coming-to-android-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/minecraft-coming-to-android-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/minecraft-coming-to-android-devices/#comments minecraft android Hot on the heels of the announcement that Minecraft, the popular world-building game, would be coming to iOS devices, Minecraft has been announced for Android, too. No release dates have been set yet, and we don't know whether iOS or Android will get Minecraft first. What we do know is that both mobile versions of the game will hit before the desktop edition that comes out later this year.

Download SquadMinecraft coming to Android devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamesgamingminecraftmobilevideo gamesVideoGamesWed, 23 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cueboy Quest is an adorable 8-bit style physics game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/cueboy-quest-is-an-adorable-8-bit-style-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/cueboy-quest-is-an-adorable-8-bit-style-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/cueboy-quest-is-an-adorable-8-bit-style-physics-game/#commentscueboyquest Yes, that's right, I said adorable. Because Cueboy Quest really is!

You play an 8-bit cowboy whose goal on each level is to get to the door (and thus to the next level), but the door is often locked. To get it to open, you must shoot at one or more targets, and those targets aren't always in your line of sight. For example, on one level the the target is a balloon which is stuck all the way at the other end of the screen. You must first nudge it free, and then watch it float up and try to shoot it before it floats clear off the screen. Your bullets are chunky pixels that have some weight - the have arcing trajectories, so you don't always hit exactly where you aim.

There's another level where you must jump on the balloon as it floats up, use it as a platform to get to the other end of the screen, and then turn to shoot it very quickly before it flies away. Each level is very short, and most of them are quite easy. And not only are the graphics 8-bit blocky, but they're large too. Simply beautiful!

Download SquadCueboy Quest is an adorable 8-bit style physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cueboy questflashfungametime-wastertime-wasterswebTue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/21/tarzan-ball-is-a-tricky-hook-and-pull-physics-game/#commentstarzanball So, you're a ball. A Tarzan Ball, to be precise. You've earned the nickname thanks to your astonishing ability to shoot out a lengthy 'vine' (I hope it's a vine) at objects, and then pull yourself towards those objects.

That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?

Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.

You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.

[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]

Download SquadTarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfungameiq ballIqBalltarzantarzan balltime wastertime-wastertime-wastersTimeWasterwebMon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST