Brisbane, Australia – Knight Defense HD for Apple iPad has been updated to version 1.5.0, featuring retina graphics optimised for the new iPad. The random level generator, previously an in-app purchase, is now integrated into the base game. To mark the release of the new iPad the app is on sale at half price ($0.99 USD) for a limited time.
This strategy/action hybrid game features elements of tower defense and chess, dressed in bright, glowing neon graphics. In each level the player needs to keep their king alive at all costs through waves of attacking enemy pieces. The player’s forces fire at the enemy and can use special abilities such as shielding, freezing, healing and a laser blast. As the player gains points for destroying the enemy, they can choose to upgrade their forces to increase their attack power and health. The player is able to move their forces at any time to best adapt to the incoming waves of enemy pieces.
There are 32 hand-crafted levels grouped into easy, normal and hard difficulties, as well as an infinite amount of levels available via the included random level generator. As the levels become harder, the player will need to plan out the best positions for their forces, time their upgrades strategically, use special abilities at critical moments and even sacrifice pieces to keep the others alive.
Kotaku called it “catchy, unique and enjoyable”. Slidetoplay gave it 4/4 and called it “creative and intelligent”, while touchgen gave it an editor’s choice award. Localised into Japanese and French, it was the #1 paid strategy and board game in Japan in April 2011.
The update features remastered artwork for both the new iPad and older 1st and 2nd generation iPads. Double resolution textures suitable for the new iPad’s retina display offer crisp visuals at the retina display’s native resolution. The app is compatible with all versions of iOS 3.2 and above, and includes Apple Game Center and Openfeint integration for online leaderboards and achievements.
The player’s forces are comprised of the standard chess pieces, but with a glowing neon twist: pawn, bishop, knight, rook, queen, king. Pawns can freeze enemies in place for a short period, bishops heal nearby pieces, knights double the attack speed of nearby pieces, rooks fire deadly laser beams, queens unloose devastating shockwaves and the king shields nearby pieces for a short while. All the prices have a standard attack they perform any time an enemy is in their sights. Enemies move toward the king, so by moving him the player can direct the flow of enemy forces into the traps they have laid out for them.
Enemies include the spinning pawn, the spinning rook which moves slowly but packs a punch, the bouncing horse which moves rapidly, the spinning cat which moves very quickly but only does light damage, and the bomb which deals damage in a wide area. Destroying multiple enemies at once will give extra combo points and can greatly help in achieving a good high score.
Device Requirements:
* Compatible with iPad
* Requires iOS 3.2 or later
* 46.9 MB
Pricing and Availability:
Knight Defense HD 1.5.0 is only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.
Knight Defense HD 1.5.0
Purchase and Download
Screenshots
App Icon
Slidetoplay Review
Touchgen Review
Zebrica is an iOS indie development studio based in Brisbane, Australia. Zebrica has 2 major app product families, Knight Defense and Time Warp Alarm Clock, with more releases scheduled in the near future. Developer Milan Nikolic leads the small team, which strives to produce apps that are innovative, fun and creative. Copyright (C) 2012 Zebrica. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
