Use The Force. Or the App Store. Either way, you can get some saber-/sword-fighting action happening right quick.
iSamurai Bluetooth is a game app that lets players use their handsets for imaginary swordplay, complete with steel-on-steel sound effects when the phones are in close proximity. Holding their iPhones/iPod Touches, users can strike or block, with the devices clanging every time the “swords” meet.
Gameplay is reminiscent of the Nintendo Wii, since iSamurai uses the iPhone’s built-in motion sensor to render Wiimote-like functionality. Until recently the handsets communicated over Wifi, but the latest version works over Bluetooth, which means users can relive their Star Wars or Lord of the Rings fantasy fight sequences wherever the mood strikes.
“Using the iPhone’s new Bluetooth capabilities, developers can now make multiplayer games that don’t need a Wi-Fi connection,” said Robert Hogg, CEO and founder of Toy Kite Software. “And with iSamurai that means gamers can have a real life sword fight at the park, in line at the movies, or anywhere!”
Be warned that the app is only for the steadiest of hands. (Being a butter-fingers, I’d probably lose my grasp and send my phone hurdling into a brick wall or something.)
It’s either totally dorky or a hand-slapping-forehead kind of genius — I’m not sure. Either way, the iSamurai app does herald the beginning of something unique and interesting — true multi-player, face-to-face game interaction on a cell phone. It’s another step on the road to the iPhone becoming a real gaming device.
Here’s a vid of the app in action, Mortal Kombat–style.
Adriana Lee - Mobile lifestyle editor / iPhone editor
Adriana Lee, a journalist and admitted gadget freak, has covered everything from business and tech trends to fashion and pop culture. Published in consumer and trade titles, she’s been showing...
Thank you for the review.
How iSamurai works
There are 4 different attacks and 4 different blocks. If one player attacks and the other player blocks in time, both iPhones ring out with the sound of clashing swords. But if the defender is too late or used the wrong block, his/her iPhone emits a cry of pain (some of the sounds are humorous). Of course the defender can also attack. What happens if they both attack at once? Both players get "hit". The iPhones keep track of the score and announce the results after the battle.
There is also a single player game with 4 characters to battle, each with 3 levels of difficulty. In single-player mode, the iPhone calls out an attack and the player has to quickly block it and counter attack.
We have been using our iPhones and iPods to play iSamurai for months during testing and none of our devices have been damaged. However I think that a good case is a good idea. Also stand back at least 8 feet so the iPhones don't hit each other.
:-)
Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software