funky smugglers
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Mac Game of the Week: Funky Smugglers offers funky fun
Funky Smugglers continues the trend of bringing iOS games back to the Mac. The game is from Polish developers 11 bit Studios (who also made the Anomaly: Warzone Earth series). It's a somewhat silly, but still addictive, arcade game, where you have to use an airport scanner to try and grab offensive and dangerous items off of (mostly) reasonable air travelers. The really killer part of this one is the presentation. Not only does the app kick off with a hilarious bit of live action video, but the funky sounds and songs of the game are really terrific. And then, as you move into the actual game itself, the graphics look great and clear on the Mac's bigger screen, and 11 bit smoothly ramps the gameplay up as you play through flight by flight. There's not a lot of complexity here -- you essentially just need to move your mouse through as delicately as possible. But the game's mission-based progression (and that seriously awesome funk soundtrack) keep you moving forward through the stages. Funky Smugglers is a great title. I don't know that it's one I would have picked out of a lineup to bring over to the Mac from its iOS version, but I'm glad 11 bit did port it over, because that soundtrack just begs to be played out of something better than the iPhone and iPad's speakers. The game's available on the Mac App Store for just 99 cents right now, so definitely sneak it through security the next time you need something to play.
Three new games, three different genres, 11 bit studios
Anomaly: Warzone Earth has seen success on XBLA, PC and mobile devices, with a PSN launch incoming, allowing 11 bit studios to explore other genres with rapid proficiency. The developer showed us three of its coming titles at Gamescom, each one emphasizing variety and high-quality design on mobile devices.Funky Smugglers has players pick illegal items off a line of fresh thugs as they pass through an airport X-ray machine, and is headed to iOS, Android and Mac in September. The touchscreen versions allow five-finger swipes, and the game is cross-platform, with multiplayer and an in-game currency focused on visual customization. 11 bit is still deciding on a price, but is considering a freemium model or selling Funky Smugglers for a small fee.Sleepwalker's Journey will be the following title for iOS, Android and Mac, planned for a launch in October. It's a puzzle platformer in a bright, dreamy art style, with players moving platforms to get a sleepwalker across the landscape. Sleepwalker's Journey channels Braid, allowing players to rewind time if they fail or want to try a particular move again, and with three worlds and 45 levels total, there appears to be plenty to do in dreamland. 11 bit hasn't yet decided on a price.Anomaly Korea is a sequel to the mobile version of Warzone Earth, hitting iOS and Android in late October or early November, 11 bit hopes. It features Captain Evans and Lieutenant Park running through 12 campaign levels, with a new Boost ability and a new enemy unit.Check out some screenshots and video of Anomaly Korea, Funky Smugglers and Sleepwalker's Journey below.
11 Bit Studios announces Funky Smugglers, Sleepwalker's Journey, and an Anomaly sequel
Mobile gaming dev 11 Bit Studios (probably most notable for putting together Anomaly: Warzone Earth for iOS, Android, and the PC) has announced three new titles coming out in the next few months for mobile platforms. First up, Anomaly Korea is another take on the popular reverse tower defense title, featuring new units, new powers, and new levels to battle through.Funky Smugglers is a colorful, cartoony game that puts the player in the role of a '70s airport security agent, trying to keep crazy characters from sneaking certain items past the checkpoint. Sleepwalker's Journey is the last release, a sleepy, artistic puzzle platforming game that has you guiding a "Moonboy" through a fantasy world.11 Bit promises more information on all of these games at Gamescom next week, so we'll look for that then.
