For all those times when you’ve got an itching for some sea faring and smuggling I think we have the answer for you today. Another classic game from the Astraware archives has made the jump to Apple’s golden child. Tradewinds 2 brings you onto the high-seas in a swashbuckling tale of trading, fighting and smuggling. If you’re unfamiliar with any of the original Tradewinds games from Astraware, think Dope Wars in the 1700s with ships, battles and side missions. This means that the basic premise of Tradewinds 2 is buy goods, sail to another port, sell them for a profit, buy low, sell high if you like. I don’t know about you but I find these types of trading games particularly addictive and therefore I had high hopes for Handmark’s latest port.

Read on to see whether it makes the grade.
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Those of you who have been either a Windows Mobile or a Palm OS user will probably be familiar with the venerable Astraware Solitaire. As one of the best card games available on many platforms, Astraware have now brought some slick and full featured Solitaire to the iPhone.

Hit the read link to see what we thought. (more…)

Today we’ll be having a look at the latest game for the iPhone from Handmark. Developed by Pazzazz, the guys behind GTS World Racing and Helfire: Apache Vs Hind, Phaze is another product from the now Handmark integrated Astraware games studio.

If you’ve ever played Wipeout, F-zero or Xtreme G you’ll be pretty familiar with the concept behind the game. A Zero G racer, you pilot various ships around 16 twisting and turning tracks using the accelerometer to control both throttle and steering. Accelerometer control schemes have come a long way since early iPhone games included them and Phaze is one of those games that just feels right using the accelerometer. Calibration is included for the accelerometer should you want to play upside down or find you’re getting the dreaded red screen of too much tilt. Weapons are of course included for your blasting and zooming pleasure, which are activated with an onscreen button.

Hit the read link for more from Phaze including a play through video.

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