A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to review a fantastic little iPhone game called Flight Control.  This $.99 gem quickly became one of my favorite games.  And apparently, I was not the only one, because it quickly shot up the charts to become the number one paid app in the U.S. iTunes App Store.  I play this game almost daily, and yet there are a few noticeable omissions.  Enter the new release, which is set to come out on April 24.  The new update will include two significant upgrades, both of which were among the most requested features among the user community:

• Save Game will allow you to close the game and pick up right where you left off when you open it back up again.  No longer will you get shut out of that road to the latest high score just because of a phone call.
• Global High Scores will allow you to compare high scores with users from around the world.  Now you can see whether those 94 planes you just landed were really as impressive you thought by comparing your scores with those of other users around the world, in your location, or from your selected skill level. 

Both of these are fantastic upgrades, but the are not the feature I looking forward to the most.  It will not be ready in time for this release, but Firemint is laying the groundwork for new airports and even new airplanes, making the game even more exciting and challenging.

Hit the jump for the full press release, and watch for the upgrade in the iTunes App Store soon.

Firemint announces the Flight Control updates you’ve been asking for!

Online high scores, new maps and save game features will extend the most addictive game on iPhone

Firemint has announced some details about its highly anticipated updates to Flight Control. The developer has been carefully designing new features to build on the charm, simplicity and addictiveness of the original. Since its launch on 6 March 2009, Flight Control has gathered a large and enthusiastic fan base, and the updates will deliver on the most popular requests.

The first update will deliver:

· Online highscores – by far the most requested feature, Flight Control will receive online leaderboards with a simple but clever design, to cater for many of the different ways people are playing. Firemint will use itscloudcell.com technology to go beyond a simple list of names and high scores and offer location based leaderboards and a skill based ranking system. Cloudcell.com has already been used in I-Play’s Fast & Furious game and will also be used in Firemint’s upcoming title Firemint Real Racing.

· Save game – if the app exits mid-game (for example, closing with the Home button or receiving a phone call) the player will be able to pick up exactly where they left off.

Firemint will follow up with future updates to add new airports and aircraft to the game. “As long as people keep buying the game and loving it, we will keep supporting it” said Robert Murray, CEO of Firemint. “We’re putting in place a framework that will allow us to add new content more quickly in the future.”

Flight Control has reached the #1 paid app position in 19 countries including USA, UK, Germany, Australia and Canada, and has been highly rated by players as well as receiving critical acclaim from top reviewers:

“…makes brilliant use of the iPhone and iPod Touch’s interface… surprisingly rich and devilishly addictive gameplay… an exceptionally entertaining and satisfying game.”

- Jason Parker, CNET

“I dare you to play it just once… a fun, quick fix game that has me coming back for more”

- Mark Bozon, IGN

“Flight Control is one of those essential games that you’ll continually return to and will remain on your iPhone forever”

- Spanner Spencer, Pocket Gamer

“Incredibly fun… the winning balance of easy pick-up gameplay, ramping difficulty and tickling the need to try “just one more time”… we’re big fans of the game”

- Arnold Kim, Touch Arcade

Firemint hopes the first update will be available on the App Store by 24 April. Flight Control is currently available at the opening sale price of US0.99 cents.

Price:          US$0.99 (on sale )

Update Release Date:           24^th April 2009 (expected)

Developer/Publisher:           Firemint

Website:                       http://www.firemint.com/flightcontrol

iTunes URL:                             http://tinyurl.com/c3sp2s

Press Pack:                         
Download from http://www.firemint.com/fcpp.zip

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