Let’s continue our look at "comfort food” games for you Windows Mobile converts to the iPhone.  Last time, we looked at a number of games from Astraware.  Today, we are going to take a look at Concrete Software.  This is another company which I have worked with almost as long as I have been writing here at JAMM.  I reviewed quite a few of their offerings on Windows Mobile, and I was pretty excited to find two of their more unique games in the iTunes App Store.  Today, we will take a look at the iPhone versions of 3D Lawn Darts and 3D Constructo Combat.

Both of these games, when they were released for Windows Mobile, really offered something unique.  With their 3D graphics, and cool motion sensing technology, both games really stood out.  The problem was that these games stood out in the world of Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.  While both were updated for the iPhone, I really thought the updates could have gone a lot deeper.  On the iPhone, these games felt like that hair dye that covers your gray, but not all of it.  You still look your age, just a little less so.

The biggest disappointment for me, however, was the graphics.  What looked great on a Windows Mobile 2003 device just does not cut it on the iPhone.  Both of these games had very retro looking, boxy graphics behind the 3D look and feel.   I really think there was an opportunity to significantly update the graphics in both of these games, and I think the minor updates we saw represented a real missed opportunity to really move these games forward.

The other thing that confounded me  was the motion sensing mode (or lack thereof) in Lawn Darts.  When Lawn Darts was first released for Windows Mobile, it had a revolutionary new feature.  It could use the camera on your device as a motion sensor which could control the action in the game.  This was pretty wild.  So, I was quite perplexed when this mode was dropped from the iPhone version of Lawn Darts.  The iPhone is well known for introducing us to the accelerometer and its motion sensing properties.  And it is obvious from the controls in Constructo Combat that Concrete Software knows how to incorporate these controls into their games.  As such, 3D Lawn Darts must stand alone as the only game to incorporate motion sensing controls in a pre-Windows Mobile 6 device, but not in the iPhone.

Putting those relatively minor issues aside, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed both of these games.  3D Constructo Combat is a fantastic twist on the tower building genre.  In this one, rather then simply dropping bricks on top of one another and hoping their balance; you are going to be building towers in a full blown war zone.  In this one, you control a small craft which flies around the building area (use the tilt controls and accelerometer to steer).  You can use your tow cable to grab building blocks, and drop them on the building foundations.  The higher the tower, the more points you can score.  There are even six different landscapes for you to keep things interesting.

Did I mention, however, that this is a war zone?  You are no alone trying to build here.  And not only is your opponent trying to steal your blocks and build his own towers, but also there are offensive weapons which can be used to attack.  You can use missiles to stun your opponent; bombs to destroy your opponent’s buildings; or balloons to float him away from the scene.  Of course, your opponent will be trying to throw all the same weapons at you, so watch out.

The second offering from Concrete Software is 3D Lawn Darts.  Now, I know I said this when I reviewed the Windows Mobile version, but come on…what is not to love about this one?  I mean, anyone who grew up in my generation remembers this game.  Essentially, it consists of taking long, sharp, pointy stakes and hurling them across your lawn.  The inherent danger associated with the risk of getting jabbed by one of these darts was part of the excitement…and also a big reason they were banned pretty much everywhere.  Today’s resurgent lawn darts with the rounded plastic weight just does not carry the same thrill.

Anyone who remembers this game would welcome the opportunity to revisit it for just one moment.  And that is exactly what Concrete Software has done here.  And not just revisited it, but significantly improved the game by adding bombs, lasers, fire, and other special darts into the mix.   So, select your character and get ready to throw those lawn darts…without the risk of serious backyard injury.

I loved the originality and unique approach on both of these games.  I just wish Concrete Software had done a better job of updating the graphics for the iPhone platform.   Both 3D Constructo Combat and 3D Lawn Darts are available from the iTunes App Store for $0.99 each.  Compare that with the whopping $9.99 price tag on the Windows Mobile version of these games.  There is hardly a better deal to be found in the iTunes App Store.

Related posts:

1. Concrete Software Releases PBA Bowling
2. Nintaii: Now on the iPhone, thanks to Concrete Software
3. Concrete Software Announces Nintaii 2
4. Press Release – Aces Mahjong by Concrete Software
5. Windows Mobile and Palm OS on Your iPhone Roundup Part I: Astraware Games