We told you about our experience with the just-announced Apple iPad yesterday; this morning, we'll show you, by way of the above video. You'll note that both Need for Speed Shift and NOVA are the same non-iPad versions available on the App Store today – the enhanced versions shown during the keynote are works-in-progress and weren't available to demo. On the down side, the versions we played included the "2X" upscale button; on the up side, they benefited from the larger screen and increased tilt sensitivity.
While the above video isn't representative of what the iPad is capable of, it is representative of how we think many iPhone owners will use the device, since iPhone and iPad games won't be cross-compatible.
Reader Comments (67)
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:16AM (Unverified) said
people need to stop using flash and start adopting HTML5.
end of story.
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end of story.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:51AM WiNGSPANTT from TopTierTacticsco said
Yes eldee, 2 billion people have to stop using a universally pervasive software technology that is slightly outdated right now! Clearly that is the issue, and not Steve Jobs being an asshat.
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:58AM AcresOfSpace said
But why not just allow support for Flash and HTML5 in the mean time. What is wrong with a fair fight? Do you really care what tech is delivering the game/video or whatever?
If HTML5 is the way forward it will get there on its own, why the need to try and kneecap Flash? This doesn't seem to be anything noble on Apple's part they're probably just worried Flash would eat into their app sales and they are trying to boost support for their own h.264 video format.
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If HTML5 is the way forward it will get there on its own, why the need to try and kneecap Flash? This doesn't seem to be anything noble on Apple's part they're probably just worried Flash would eat into their app sales and they are trying to boost support for their own h.264 video format.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:22PM leinareins said
I see a particular problem here: Most games are controlled by moving the iPhone/iPod Touch back and forth using its built in accelerometer. It’s easy to hold a small physical device like the iPhone in two hands and tilt it every which way. It’s not as easy to do that with a 10 tablet computer. If games are the biggest thing being downloaded, it would seem to me that either there are a lot of freecell and scrabble enthusiasts out there, or these games aren’t being downloaded to a tablet sized device.
Apple Tablet Compiled Details: http://alturl.com/ffth
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Apple Tablet Compiled Details: http://alturl.com/ffth
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:39AM Coldplay619 said
Is Nova a rip-off of Mass Effect but in first person?
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 10:39AM (Unverified) said
Every game is a ripoff of another game with a few exceptions like Katamari.
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:44AM CaptainProtonX said
How is this NOT awkward?
It's like having a controller the size of a Marble Notebook.
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It's like having a controller the size of a Marble Notebook.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:45AM (Unverified) said
Meh.
This isn't going to be a contender of the PSP or DS. The only reason the iPhone was considered a "game platform" was because it's portable (it's still not a gaming device).
The iPad is no more portable than a Macbook, and doesn't seem to be any more capable. It may be successful in something besides gaming, but it's going to suffer from a lack of buttons.
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This isn't going to be a contender of the PSP or DS. The only reason the iPhone was considered a "game platform" was because it's portable (it's still not a gaming device).
The iPad is no more portable than a Macbook, and doesn't seem to be any more capable. It may be successful in something besides gaming, but it's going to suffer from a lack of buttons.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:50AM Temidien said
"iPhone and iPad games won't be cross-compatible"
Saw this coming, but honestly, can't they atleast set it up so that when you purchase one game you get the option to download it on to both platforms?
Not that it matters to me, I have more useful tech to waste money on (like a second netbook that runs Flash).
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Saw this coming, but honestly, can't they atleast set it up so that when you purchase one game you get the option to download it on to both platforms?
Not that it matters to me, I have more useful tech to waste money on (like a second netbook that runs Flash).
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:57AM flett said
if it doesnt run flash... whats the point? its a tablet? not really. plus they used the ipod home screen, i think they shouldve made it a real tablet and made it the same as the macbook. the surprising thing is that i think this will sell, just like every apple product
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:04AM Korova Pamplona said
The fact that you think that every Apple product sells well shows the success of Apple's recent marketing, because it is definitely not true. Apple has had many duds, some in the same category as the iFatTouch - like the Newton that bombed.
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:01AM Korova Pamplona said
iPad is not intended primarily as a "gaming device", but its nice that there are some games for it.
I am thinking of getting it, but only because I am allergic to Windows.
Reply
I am thinking of getting it, but only because I am allergic to Windows.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:10AM Korova Pamplona said
no. at least not the original one. iTouch is more so, but without dedicated controls its not a gaming device.
And how are we supposed to play NFS without 2x - little finger ballet in the middle of the screen?
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And how are we supposed to play NFS without 2x - little finger ballet in the middle of the screen?
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:11AM Korova Pamplona said
no. at least not the original one. iTouch is more so, but without dedicated controls its not a gaming device.
And how are we supposed to play NFS without 2x - little finger ballet in the middle of the screen?
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And how are we supposed to play NFS without 2x - little finger ballet in the middle of the screen?
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:58AM Korova Pamplona said
yeah, I turned my back on Windows almost 10 years ago and I dont want to waste the time learning all the settings. while I use Win at work, there is an IT dept which maintains it. Yeah, I am not interested in the tech side of the OS.
It makes me severely depressed to have to figure out settings, compatibility and stuff. I dont fix my car, I dont fix my oven or refrigerator - I dont want to fix my computer. I just want it to work.
So, in a way I am a tech idiot and like it that way. So Apple makes thing for the likes of me.
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It makes me severely depressed to have to figure out settings, compatibility and stuff. I dont fix my car, I dont fix my oven or refrigerator - I dont want to fix my computer. I just want it to work.
So, in a way I am a tech idiot and like it that way. So Apple makes thing for the likes of me.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 11:29AM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said
@ Korova Pamplona
Does your mother still wipe your ass too?
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Does your mother still wipe your ass too?
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 2:51PM Korova Pamplona said
Oh, god. You got seriously defensive there, Captn. You should not have brought my mother into it, cause you very well know that I pay your mother to wipe it for me.
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 5:31PM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said
Well I suppose it's better than what I pay your mother to do for me...
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 8:42PM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said
I guess my mom forgot to give you your sippy cup of apple juice this morning too eh?
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:05AM (Unverified) said
ideal for your avarage tentacle fingered hentai character
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:06AM phobic99 said
I like the concept of this iPad (*snicker*) but the implementation is lackluster IMO. If I can't surf to Joystiq and watch embedded videos (among others), what's the point? Netbook killer, indeed eh Steve?
Really though, this iPad is just another avenue to reach iTunes for Apple. I'm looking forward to seeing all the other manufacturers "copy" on the iPad and improve it. Should be fun.
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Really though, this iPad is just another avenue to reach iTunes for Apple. I'm looking forward to seeing all the other manufacturers "copy" on the iPad and improve it. Should be fun.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:15AM (Unverified) said
yet again, this is a device that will be made by it's applications rather than it's technology, it's the gizmodo all over again
no, wait...
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no, wait...
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 12:18PM Rawrmander said
Definitely not an alternative.
Last I checked, netbooks where for basic web-browsing and Microsoft Office (or your alternative) work.
They also cost about 300$ at most and have >100GB of free space, the ability to render flash, and actually do everything you'd need to do with a netbook.
Watching movies is the last thing in mind for a netbook.
Netbooks aren't a multi-media device, they're to get shit done. Which an iPad can't seem to do.
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Last I checked, netbooks where for basic web-browsing and Microsoft Office (or your alternative) work.
They also cost about 300$ at most and have >100GB of free space, the ability to render flash, and actually do everything you'd need to do with a netbook.
Watching movies is the last thing in mind for a netbook.
Netbooks aren't a multi-media device, they're to get shit done. Which an iPad can't seem to do.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 1:01PM Chibi Chaingun said
@rawr:
iWork is available for the iPad, so you can "get shit done", whatever "shit" you are referring to. No Flash sucks, but I'm not going to write off the whole device for that. My iPhone doesn't do Flash, but it probably surfs the web as much as my PC. There are many times I don't want to be bothered booting up a computer to check something really quick. This has a 1 month stand by battery life. It will sit in my living room and be ready to surf the net in an instant, as well as be my newspaper in the morning. If people will spend $300 on a eBook reader, no one should have a problem with a $499 device that not only has a much better eBook experience, but allows you to do fairly normal netbook activities. I don't think it's for everyone, but will fit into my lifestyle just fine. :)
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iWork is available for the iPad, so you can "get shit done", whatever "shit" you are referring to. No Flash sucks, but I'm not going to write off the whole device for that. My iPhone doesn't do Flash, but it probably surfs the web as much as my PC. There are many times I don't want to be bothered booting up a computer to check something really quick. This has a 1 month stand by battery life. It will sit in my living room and be ready to surf the net in an instant, as well as be my newspaper in the morning. If people will spend $300 on a eBook reader, no one should have a problem with a $499 device that not only has a much better eBook experience, but allows you to do fairly normal netbook activities. I don't think it's for everyone, but will fit into my lifestyle just fine. :)
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 4:59PM Chibi Chaingun said
@james: Why would it kill the point of it? You hook up a mouse to a laptop when you need better control but you don't bust it out when you are mobile. Keyboard syncs for home use when you need to write a "thousand word essay".
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Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:20AM cozmic0 said
seriously... even though I'm an avid user of iphone who has downloaded more apps than I ever could play in a lifetime... there still isn't a single hardcore game that match-up to a DS standard, Zenonia and Real Racing might come close... but still it isn't something for serious gaming...
Maybe the low-price point and race-to-the-bottom mentality encourage this, but how could it ever be considered as serious contender to DS/PSP??
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Maybe the low-price point and race-to-the-bottom mentality encourage this, but how could it ever be considered as serious contender to DS/PSP??
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:36PM (Unverified) said
It's sad, but I can't wait to give Worms a try on the iPad (I've bought many games on my iPhone, but that's the one that I return to time after time. Well, that and Monopoly). Nice thing is that the graphics should upscale pretty nicely, and there are points during it (at least on my 2G iPhone) that it does beg for more processing power.
Personally, I can't wait for it. That said, I will be buying it primarily for business purposes, but the games will be a great side benefit. I do agree with the previous posts that as a game-centric machine, it's lacking. Though with the increased screen real-estate, I can't wait to see some RTS games (or something like Civilization) take full advantage of it.
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Personally, I can't wait for it. That said, I will be buying it primarily for business purposes, but the games will be a great side benefit. I do agree with the previous posts that as a game-centric machine, it's lacking. Though with the increased screen real-estate, I can't wait to see some RTS games (or something like Civilization) take full advantage of it.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 9:51AM Redbeastmage said
"iPhone and iPad games won't be cross-compatible."
Um, not sure if you're aware, but:
"Developers can now start planning for universal applications, allowing them to take full advantage of the technologies found on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch with a single binary"
So to recap, the iPad can use ipod/iphone apps as they currently are, apps that are specifically designed for it (such as the iBook reader and iWork suite) and future iPhone/iPod games that have enhanced features for iPad. It's really up to the app devs to decide how they want to code.
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Um, not sure if you're aware, but:
"Developers can now start planning for universal applications, allowing them to take full advantage of the technologies found on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch with a single binary"
So to recap, the iPad can use ipod/iphone apps as they currently are, apps that are specifically designed for it (such as the iBook reader and iWork suite) and future iPhone/iPod games that have enhanced features for iPad. It's really up to the app devs to decide how they want to code.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 1:05PM Chibi Chaingun said
I think the article is saying you can't buy it on one device and play it on the other.
@Brian: Troll.
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@Brian: Troll.
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 10:47AM (Unverified) said
I imagine something different with the name "Ipad":
http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/ipad.jpg?w=500&h=500
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http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/ipad.jpg?w=500&h=500
Posted: Jan 28th 2010 10:56AM Ninjalawyer said
I really don't understand who the iPad is for. There's no stylus and no multitasking, so most business people won't want it and it's too big and clunky to carry around with you all the time for gaming.
Seriously, when I first saw the iPad, I thought it was a giant tv remote for the elderly or an iPhone for a race of long-dead giants.
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Seriously, when I first saw the iPad, I thought it was a giant tv remote for the elderly or an iPhone for a race of long-dead giants.
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