Astraware have released the classic side scroll shooter, Platypus. The game, famous for it’s clay-mation style graphics, was a cult hit on the mac. From the brief hands-on I’ve had with the game, I can say that it’s a great port of the original, looks great on the iPhone screen, and the tilt controls work great (for a change!) Read on for an excerpt from the press release and a video of the game in action. Look out for a review soon.
PRESS RELEASE
Handmark Brings Cult Mac Game Platypus to the Apple App Store
KANSAS CITY, MO Dec. 8th, 2008 Handmark(R) today announced the release of Platypus, its cult side-scrolling shooter game for iPhoneTM and iPod(R) touch, on the Apple App Store.
The award-winning game, based on the highly-acclaimed Mac and PC game from Idigicon and developed by Astraware(R) – the Handmark Games StudioTM, is a unique arcade game based off of characters and scenes made from modelling clay.
The original creator hand built every ship, tree, and explosion using clay art, photographed them and created digital graphics for the game. Explosions within the game “splat” instead of “bang”, and the fruit bonuses make the game graphics seem almost tangible.
“We are so pleased to see one of our most successful titles make its way onto this new and exciting platform,” said Giles Hunter, Managing Director, Idigicon.
Using a choice of control methods including the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer, players pilot the venerable F-27 ‘Platypus’ across squashy fields and trees, avoiding the snowy mountains to defend peaceful Mungola from invasion. Enemy ships disappear in a splat, and several different power-ups are available to assist with the 20-level mission across 4 huge clay scenarios.
“Platypus is a game that feels so real you just want to touch it – and now on the iPhone and iPod touch you can!” said Howard Tomlinson, Director of Game Development, Astraware. “Its arcade blasting fun at your fingertips!”
Platypus is available for $4.99 from Apples App Store on iPhone or iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.
