[11.09.13] LucasArts and Nimblebit announce ‘Star Wars: Tiny Death Star’

Disney, LucasArts, NimbleBit

Yesterday, Lucas Arts in collaboration with Nimblebit announced their brand new title, “Star Wars: Tiny Death Star”. It’s a spin on their immensely successful 2012 hit, “Tiny Tower”. Fortunately, it’s more than just a reskin. The game has been completely revamped and updated to make it more fun. Your mission is to fully fund the completion of the Death Star by turning it into one gigantic shopping center and leasing out space to Galactic bitizens.

Everything from the menus to the bitizens themselves have been beautifully adorned with a Star Wars theme. Not only are the floors Star Wars themed – such as The Cantina or Rebo’s Karaoke – but there’s an entire new floor type, the Imperial levels, which are built in the basement and used to craft special items. Missions are now a variety of activities assigned to you directly from Emperor Palpatine which range from building specific floor types to taking a look at Holonet, the intergalactic version of BitBook. Upgrading your elevators do more than just increase the speed now. Each new elevator adds a multiplier which applies to the tips received from delivering bitizens to floors. This adds more incentive to taking time away to transport them, especially when you start getting a really tall tower. There’s also chiptune versions of the soundtrack, goofy little 8-bit animated scenes staring your favorite characters to collect, and a whole heap of achievements to unlock through the new Google+ integration.

It’s still suffering from a few bugs, but nothing completely game-breaking. Occasionally elevators get stuck, sounds run in the background, and every time an achievement is unlocked, the game disconnects and has to reload. Thankfully, it’s nothing other than a mild annoyance and a few seconds of lost time. The game is also frequently being updated to squash as many bugs as possible. If you’re a fan of Star Wars or a fan of Nimblebit’s other classics, such as “Pocket Planes”, it’s definitely worth the download.

“Star Wars: Tiny Death Star” is available now as a free download on Android, iOS, Windows 8, and Windows Phone.

Anthony Ortale writes news and reviews on behalf of Examiner.com. He does so much gaming in his spare time, it’s practically a full time job! If you like what you read here, please subscribe to his articles! You can also follow Tony on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook! If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email Tony any time at ortale.anthony@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you

[07.16.13] Rovio announces 'Angry Birds Star Wars II'

Rovio Entertainment

This morning, Rovio announcing the release of the highly anticipated sequel to 2012’s “Angry Birds Star Wars.” Blending the both of two universes together, it featured all of your favorite “Angry Birds” characters reimagined within the Star Wars universe. Launching on September 19, “Angry Birds Star Wars II” will be available on all mobile platforms.

“Angry Birds Star Wars II” is set to have the largest cast of characters for any Angry Birds title to date. There will also be the option to “Join the Pork Side” and play as the villainous pigs. For the first time, the game can actually be customized and expanded with the use of “Telepods” which are little collectible figurines that can be ‘teleported’ into the game to change you bird lineup on a level. The Telepod characters will be sold at any store that sells toys and will be available by game launch on September 19.

Anthony Ortale writes news and reviews on behalf of Examiner.com. He does so much gaming in his spare time, it’s practically a full time job! If you like what you read here, please subscribe to his articles! You can also follow Tony on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook! If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email Tony any time at ortale.anthony@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you

[02.28.12] Microsoft announces Special Edition Kinect Family Bundle

Microsoft

Today Microsoft has announced they’re releasing a new limited edition 4GB Kinect Family Bundle which features two free games, 3 months of Xbox Live, and an all-white 4GB Xbox 360 Slim, controller, and Kinect for $299.99.

The white Kinect is nothing new; however, it was previously thought to be only available through the upcoming Star Wars Special Edition Bundle. Likewise, the white controller isn’t shocking to anyone who’s been with an Xbox for more than a year. In fact, it was the standard from the release of the console up until the new slim design came out. What’s puzzling is what Major Nelson had to say about the controller.

“A special edition white Xbox 360 wireless controller will be available for purchase separately for US $49.99”

Judging by the images provided, it doesn’t seem to be special at all. Even the new transforming d-pad that Microsoft recently developed is absent in favor of the traditional disc-shaped d-pad that was on the original white controllers. Everything down to the little bumps on the joysticks is intact. So what’s so special about this controller then? Probably nothing. This might be a publicity stunt to push out the remaining stock of white controllers they had sitting in a warehouse after discontinuing them. Then again, if Microsoft truly is starting production again for these ‘special edition’ controllers, perhaps they are just that naïve to believe the white controllers have gone vintage in just a year.

Regardless of the reason, if you’re dying to get your hands on one in a day or two as both the console and controller start shipping to retailers today.

Source: Announcing the the Xbox 360 Special Edition 4GB Kinect Family Bundle – Major Nelson

Anthony Ortale writes news and reviews on behalf of Examiner.com. He does so much gaming in his spare time, it’s practically a full time job! If you like what you read here, please subscribe to his articles! You can also follow Tony on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook! If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email Tony any time at ortale.anthony@gmail.com, he would love to hear from you!