There's a lot of controversy over the launch of Apple's new iPhone 4S - as it seems to have fallen short of some people's expectations. However, while the iPhone 4S may look just like the iPhone 4, it is packed full of new technology - including dramatically improved graphical power and the ability to output video to an Apple TV using AirPlay Mirroring.
Developers have started announcing upgrades to existing games that will use the power of the improved A5 chip found in the iPad 2 such as Real Racing 2 HD and Sky Scramblers: Rise of Glory as well as new titles for the iPhone 4S including Infinity Blade 2.
We have previously seen demonstrations of single player AirPlay gaming using the iPad 2 but developer Firemint is taking it to the next level by adding multiplayer to Real Racing 2. Infinity Blade 2 was used in the Apple keynote as a demonstration of the gaming power packed into the iPhone 4S and Namco says that, with the A5 chip, they'll be able to launch their new World War I dogfight game very soon.
As mentioned, an upcoming update to Real Racing 2 HD will feature "Party Play" in which four players will be able to play together simultaneously on an Apple TV connected television over WiFi and using an iPhone 4S or iPad 2 as a host. The update also promises significant graphics upgrades to make use of the improved power of the A5 found in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxj1QuKebdQ
The iPhone 4S will graphically blow away the previous iPhone 4 with seven times more power - giving game developers additional tools including increased particle rendering and more realistic lighting effects. These improvements were demonstrated at the Apple iPhone 4S reveal keynote as Infinity Blade 2 was revealed. In the sequel to the most graphically advanced game on iOS, players will be able to customize their weapons and wield two swords at a time as they battle to find the creator of the Infinity Blade.
Check out the trailer for the upcoming, iPhone 4S only title, Infinity Blade 2 below:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDLRSmv9rk4
The falling leaves, Koi fish in the pond, and textures all look significantly improved over the original title - and the increased number of polygons is evident in the design of the hero and the monster the detailed fights. Infinity Blade offered several hours of replay value - as players could battle different monsters and level up new armor, weapons, and abilities. We firmly expect Infinity Blade 2 to surpass the original by delivering these improvements on graphics and introducing fun, new gameplay elements.
Lastly, Namco mentioned that the iPad 2-only game Sky Scramblers: Rise of Glory will be launching when the new iPhone is released. Now that the iPhone 4S has been announced, we can expect to see some high quality WWI dog fights on both the iPad 2 and the Apple's new phone in the near future.
Take a look at the trailer for the tilt controlled air battle game Sky Scramblers: Rise of Glory below:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KLEVVnOdCA
The new iPhone 4S using the A5 chip is clearly capable of some high quality mobile games with some impressive features. While many technology blogs might be upset with what Apple brought to the table with the new iPhone gamers should be happy to see the graphical power of mobile devices steadily increasing. Keep an eye out eye popping games like these and more as the iPhone 4S and iOS 5 launch next week.
Infinity blade 2 is set to release on December 1st 2011, Sky Scramblers: Rise of Glory is prepared for release sometime after the iPhone 4S arrives on October 14th, and an update to Real Racing 2 HD is expected soon after iOS 5 launches on October 12th.
Are you intrigued by AirPlay multiplayer on the Apple TV? Are you impressed by the games that Apple's newest devices can play?