Like a sneeze, Contra: Evolution made an abrupt appearance on the App Store at the start of June. But as quickly as you could say "gesundheit," CocoaChina removed it from the service, stating that "The version that was (briefly) available was the version built for the Chinese app store, but CocoaChina is building a version optimized and translated for western audiences. They're still in the development stage of that version, but the plan is to launch it at some point later this year." CocoaChina added that they were "definitely considering the best available options for people who purchased the earlier version."
It's hard to expect any sort of real innovation in match-3 games nowadays. You'll either get a game that sticks with a tried-and-true match-3 formula, or a match-3 game that's mashed-up with another genre. Fresh thinking, like we saw in last year's PC release Atlantis: Pearls of the Deep is the exception rather than the rule. We're pleased to report that 7 Elements is another one of those rare exceptions.
FreeSkate Xtreme is the latest in the 3D endless runner genre-- or at least it would be if you were running. Instead, you and your bad-boy (or girl) virtual self are skating and grinding your way down a long stretch of road which is filled with numerous blockades, shipping crates, traffic cones, and more, yet on which pedestrians drive their cars anyway.
Skateboarding isn't a crime, man. Free yourself! Grind that rail! Skate or die!—unless, y'know, you don't want to make a fuss or tick anyone off. If you'd like a little warm-up before you spraypaint "NO RULES" on your on board and hit the pavement, you can try out FreeSkate Xtreme for iOS. It's a skating title that you play with your whole body, but if you wipe out you won't leave a streak of your own skin across the pavement. Score!
Pop quiz! Have you ever heard of Crazy Climber, an arcade game released back in the early 80s? Don't worry if your answer is no: Aside from an Atari 2600 port and a handful of Japan-exclusive remakes, it's remained dormant ever since. That is, until the recent release of Pocket Climber, the remake-slash-sequel you were all clamoring for! Maybe.