Joystiq

More Puzzle Quest coming from reborn indie Infinite Interactive

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST

Yesterday's announcement regarding EA's Firemint and IronMonkeys merger actually had a sideplot to it, in that Infinite Interactive, which was "acquired" by Firemint last year, quietly split off this past January to be independent again.

"There was never an actual acquisition of Infinite, it was more of a merger. It was all amicable stuff - as much as it would be fun to have a bit of a scandal. Unfortunately there isn't one," Infinite Interactive's founder and creative lead Steve Fawkner told us. "I think everybody agreed that Infinite does its best work when it's independent, and so we headed back out into the wilderness to work on our own stuff again."

Fawkner explained he couldn't get into the "nitty-gritty" details about intellectual property ownership and that things are "a little more complicated" than before, but that Infinite do still retain the Puzzle Quest and Warlords IP rights.

"While I don't have a specific announcement that I can make at the moment, if you shook a Magic 8-Ball and asked it 'Will Infinite's next game be a Puzzle Quest title?', then it would quite probably say 'All signs point to yes!'," Fawkner explained.

"In the short term, we will continue to build and innovate in the genres and settings that we know and love. That means games that combine fantasy, puzzles, strategy and tactics. It's doubtful we'll ever move too far from those genres, because they are our favorites, and you always do your best work when you're building games that you're passionate about."

[Thanks Aaron S.]

More Puzzle Quest coming from reborn indie Infinite Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IronMonkey and Firemint merging into Firemonkeys, jungles burn across the world

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST

Electronic Arts is smooshing its two Aussie mobile developers together to form one studio known as Firemonkeys. IronMonkey (Mass Effect Infiltrator, Dead Space) and Firemint (Flight Control, SPY mouse) combined now form "Australia's largest game development studio." Awkward.

Firemonkey will continue working on separate projects, along with "collaborating on new ones out of the EA Melbourne office."

It should also be noted that shortly before it was acquired by EA, Firemint purchased Puzzle Quest developer Infinite Interactive. Now, the only thing more dangerous than Firemonkeys would be Infinite Firemonkeys.

Update: Turns out Infinite Interactive quietly split away this past January.

Continue reading IronMonkey and Firemint merging into Firemonkeys, jungles burn across the world

IronMonkey and Firemint merging into Firemonkeys, jungles burn across the world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Real Racing 2 update adds four-player AirPlay streaming

JC Fletcher — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

Firemint already showed off Wii U-esque iPad-to-Apple TV streaming play of Real Racing 2. Now, along with the announcement of the iPhone 4S and the impending release of iOS 5, it's updated that capability to allow for up to four players to stream to an HDTV using AirPlay.

One player, the "host," needs an iPad 2 or iPhone 4S, according to Pocket Gamer; the other players can use any device that runs the game. That just leaves the question of why, if every player has their own screen, they'd want to go through the trouble to play in split-screen. The answer to that, of course, is because they can.

The update will also boost graphical output for 4S and iPad 2 devices, and it'll be out alongside iOS 5.

Real Racing 2 update adds four-player AirPlay streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Mouse is Firemint's latest iOS joint, available now

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:10:00 EST

We don't take very kindly to pesky rodents sneaking around our places of residence, and we like the concept of said rodents spying on us even less. Still, we can get down with some Firemint-developed iOS games and tell you about the studio's latest title: Spy Mouse, wherein a sneaky vermin codenamed "Agent Squeak" can navigate 72 different themed levels while avoiding enemies, grabbing cheese, and employing a variety of power-ups.

Considering that Spy Mouse is from the folks who created Flight Control, it's not a huge surprise that it looks like a twist on that game's control scheme and central concept, albeit with many fewer paths to address. Firemint head Rob Murray claims that, after two years working on the new game, it's "Firemint's best game yet." It's available now for $0.99.

Gallery: Spy Mouse (iOS)

Spy Mouse is Firemint's latest iOS joint, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Real Racing 2 announces wireless iPad to TV streaming, waves at Wii U

Christopher Grant — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:30:00 EST

Real Racing 2-dev (and recent EA acquisition) Firemint took the opportunity at WWDC today to announce AirPlay support for its latest iOS racer. When the just-announced iOS 5 is released later this year, it will enable AirPlay video mirroring support, which Firemint will be using to do a lot more than just mirroring; the iPad 2 will be able to wirelessly send an HD signal to your Apple TV while using the iPad 2 to handle real-time racing telemetry and tilt-based steering.

Of course, this is the reverse of Nintendo's just-announced Wii U functionality, which sends a wireless signal from a console to the WiiPad. Notable differences between the two platforms include the fact that the iPad is a standalone portable device that can be used without a TV and this will be available sometime in the next four months, as opposed to late next year.

Real Racing 2 announces wireless iPad to TV streaming, waves at Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA agrees to buy Firemint, devs behind iOS hits Flight Control, Real Racing

Christopher Grant — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:15:00 EST

Electronic Arts continues to chase the mobile market, today announcing an agreement to purchase Firemint, the Australia-based developer behind iOS hits like Flight Control, Real Racing and, notably, "an attractive future slate of games." Flight Racing, anyone? While it may be true love, EA and Firemint aren't ones to kiss-and-tell; the purchase price isn't being disclosed.

EA isn't just buying Firemint, however. The developer recently purchased fellow Australians Infinite Interactive, the devs behind the popular Puzzle Quest series. For its part, EA recently purchased a company called MPP, a "leader in high quality cross-platform development and porting of games for smartphones." We don't know about you, but we detect a faint whiff of synergy.

Oh, here it is: "The added technical expertise of MPP, combined with the creative talent of Firemint and our EAi studio teams, fuels EA's leadership in delivering top selling, high quality games across mobile phones and smartphones, tablets and future digital interactive entertainment platforms," EA Interactive's Barry Cottle said in a press release.

This courtship has ostensibly been going on for some time. Before it struck it rich on the App Store, Firemint labored in the EA Mobile mines working on the Madden NFL 3D series, a 2006 mobile release of Need for Speed Most Wanted, and something called The Sims DJ. You can't say Firemint hasn't paid its dues.

EA agrees to buy Firemint, devs behind iOS hits Flight Control, Real Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firemint acquires Puzzle Quest dev Infinite Interactive

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

You'd think after selling a billion iPhone games, the Firemint crew, makers of those Flight Control and Real Racing games on your phone, would go buy a boat or something. But, oh no, they had to be "smart" with their money, acquiring Puzzle Quest developer Infinite Interactive to form an even stronger, more independent operation, which "works exclusively on self-published original games." Who do these guys think they are ... PopCap?

It would seem that Firemint starter Rob Murray and Infinite Interactive founder Steve Fawkner, both Aussies, have been casually strategizing for years now. "Steve and I have been talking about working together for a long time, and I remember him showing me an early version of Puzzle Quest," Murray recalled. "This inspired me to make a game during my own holidays two years later, which was Flight Control -- and now, another two years later, we've finally found a way to work together!" (The financial terms of the deal haven't been disclosed.)

Infinite Interactive will merge into Firemint's "recently expanded" (how convenient!) offices in Melbourne and continue work on some kind of infectious game that could endanger world health at a bargain price. And then, they'll all probably buy a fleet of boats and retire into Port Phillip Bay.

[Image credit: Firemint]

Firemint acquires Puzzle Quest dev Infinite Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Phone 7 review: Flight Control

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST

Ahh, the fun of having one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Flight Control puts you in the shoes of a flight controller, having to manage landing planes and helicopters on a variety of landing strips while avoiding (you guessed it) crashes. It's a simple concept that needs no explanation, as evidenced by the total lack of an in-game tutorial. It's easy to grasp, but difficult to master. I didn't even make it to ten landings on my first attempt at the game!

There are many reasons behind Flight Control's rapid proliferation across platforms-- iOS, Android, PlayStation Move, and more. The simple drag-and-drop interface works perfectly with these devices, and the premise is immediately understandable. However, developer Firemint's classy design is what helped it succeed in the crowded App Store. The visuals are easy to read, the style is charming, and the music is oh-so-perfect. This is a game that will make you smile, even if you do accidentally kill hundreds of people in a horrific plane crash.

There are a number of levels, each with a distinct look and tarmac layout. However, they all play out essentially the same. Once again, this is a game meant for players that want to chase high scores. Other than a few Achievements (like one which requires you to crash three planes at once), rarely does the game offer you something new or different to do. But perhaps Flight Control doesn't need to offer anything new. It's certainly addictive enough to make the hours pass on by.

See also: Windows Phone 7 launch games reviews hub

This review is based on a retail Samsung Focus provided by Microsoft and AT&T.

Windows Phone 7 review: Flight Control originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flight Control HD lands on PSN Sept. 15 with Move support

Randy Nelson — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Having already soared onto millions of iPhones, iPods and iPads (and maybe like a couple dozen DSis), Australian developer Firemint's casual "plane landing game," Flight Control HD, is officially set for arrival on PS3 as a downloadable title on September 15. We first learned of the port last month, when it was revealed as an upcoming title by Sony Computer Entertainment Korea.

The PS3 version of the game will run at 1080p resolution and feature support for two heavily hyped technologies: PlayStation Move and stereoscopic 3D. Though it supports Sony's motion controller for guiding aircraft to a safe landing via "line drawing" gameplay that spawned an entire genre on iOS devices, Flight Control HD will also support old-fashioned DualShock 3 control and will bring to PS3 a four-player, drop in / drop out co-op mode, as well as an exclusive "Metropolis" map with changing day/night cycle.

Flight Control HD for PS3 will also arrive in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia on September 15, followed up by an October 21 release in Japan. This post may also be used as a flotation device in the event of a water landing.

Continue reading Flight Control HD lands on PSN Sept. 15 with Move support

Flight Control HD lands on PSN Sept. 15 with Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Korea outs Move-compatible Flight Control and new PS3 racer

Randy Nelson — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

In announcing a September 15 launch for PlayStation Move in its territory, Sony Computer Entertainment Korea (intentionally?) slipped out the identity of two new PS3 titles, both with Move support. The first will be familiar to anyone who's browsed the iTunes App Store in, well, ever. It's a downloadable version of the popular "line drawing" casual strategy game Flight Control from Firemint, which has lifted off from iDevices and DSi to land on the PSN store ... at some point. (No date was listed.)

Also new and included in the "supports Move" category, Ignition is a Blu-ray Disc based racer from Hungarian developer Nemesys. The game was actually unveiled this time last year, was supposed to arrive in fall 2009 and doesn't have a publisher to speak of -- but hey, who needs that when you have looks? Check out screens of the game below and see for yourself. (While we try and find out who's actually releasing it.)

Gallery: Ignite

Sony Korea outs Move-compatible Flight Control and new PS3 racer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your first five iPad games

Justin McElroy — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST

You weren't going to be that guy. Your friends could fall in line all they wanted, but you were going to be strong. You didn't need an iPad, after all, you had your iPhone! Besides, the thing can't even make calls, what's the point? But then, your friends started coming around, magically flipping through USA Today with a swipe of their fingers like news genies, and you cracked, guiltily sliding your last $500 bill across the Genius Bar and walking out of the Apple Store defeated, but one iPad richer. It's OK, could have happened to the best of us.

But now that you have the thing, what do you play on it? We've tried dozens of apps specifically made for the device and have culled a list of the top five you should buy without hesitation. Don't have an iPad yet? No problem. Just bookmark this page and come back later, we'll be updating with the new hotness whenever it sweeps us off our feet.

Continue reading Your first five iPad games

Your first five iPad games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flight Control rated for Wii

JC Fletcher — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:15:00 EST

Firemint's air traffic control game Flight Control, currently available for handhelds like the iPhone and DSi, appears to be moving to the big screen -- and no, we don't mean the iPad. (That already happened.) We mean the even bigger screen: your TV.

Australia's OFLC media review board has rated a Wii version of Flight Control, which would most likely point to a WiiWare release. This would be the first home console version of the game, and also the first not to use a touchscreen interface. Thanks to these altered controls, Flight Control for Wii could be either novel or annoying to fans of previous versions.

[Via Gamerbytes]

Flight Control rated for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

David Hinkle — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST

With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flight Control DSiWare cleared for landing on Feb. 19 and Feb. 22

JC Fletcher — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST

Firemint's DSiWare version of its iPhone hit Flight Control is preparing to descend to the DSi Shop. It'll be out in Europe this Friday, February 19, arriving in North America the following Monday, Feb. 22, for 500 Points. And even if you've landed thousands of planes in the iPhone version of this air traffic control game, this version includes new maps!

The trailer after the break demonstrates the simple gameplay. Using the stylus, you direct the flight paths of swarms of tiny airplanes so that they all land safely. And then you declare "I am an air traffic controller!" Oh, no, that's a different game.

Continue reading Flight Control DSiWare cleared for landing on Feb. 19 and Feb. 22

Flight Control DSiWare cleared for landing on Feb. 19 and Feb. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flight Control to be 're-imagined' for iPad

JC Fletcher — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST

Developer Firemint is one of the first iPhone devs (though not the first!) to announce an upgraded version of an iPhone game for Apple's new iPad tablet thingy -- specifically, its two-million-selling action/strategy/air traffic control game, Flight Control. The developer announced that it will release an "optimised and re-imagined version of Flight Control" for the iPad. A DSiWare version is also expected to release at some unspecified time, though this announcement didn't mention it.

Though no concrete information about what the re-imaginings would be for iPad -- beyond imagining it on a bigger screen -- it sounds like Firemint anticipated porting the game up. "We are already building our next generation of games for higher definition, more powerful devices than are available today," Firemint said in its press release. "We like to imagine what the devices of tomorrow will be capable of, and invest in bringing our games to the next generation of hardware."

[Via Mobile-Ent]

Flight Control to be 're-imagined' for iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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