Ultimate4 ready for sale!

A lot has happened since my last post. I get so busy coding that I don't keep this site up to date sometimes.

My first submission of the app was rejected because they did not like me selling the multiplayer features as an in-app purchase. So, I had two choices: 1) sell two versions of the app, one for free without multiplayer and one premium with multiplayer, 2) change what I sell for in app purchase. I chose the latter because I do not want two versions of the game. I also determined that opening up multiplayer for free would help it gain more players as friends invite friends to play.

I decided to make the advanced levels available as an in-app purchase. The only problem was that I did not think that the genius level was smart enough so I had to spend a bit of time writing a new genius level. I will elaborate on the genius level in a future post.

But, now it is set for sale tomorrow. I was really surprised because I just submitted it yesterday. Apple must fast track apps that are resubmitted after a reject. Way to go Apple, I really appreciate that.

App status "In Review"

Ultimate4 went to "In review" status at about 10:30pm Eastern yesterday. I've read that the time from app submission to ready for sale is only about a week. So as long as it is not rejected for some reason it may be available next Wednesday.

Here are some of the screenshots that are included in the app submission.

Utlimate4 submitted to app store - again

I determined that releasing the game without multiplayer capability was not wise. So, I pulled it from the app store in early March to implement Game Center and bluetooth game play. As usual, it took longer than I thought. I had both Game Center and bluetooth basically working in a week but it took another 3 weeks to to get it working the way I wanted. Multiplayer adds much more complexity to everything.

I am so glad I decided to pull it back. Multiplayer is so fun.

So, I submitted the new version to the app store last night. Not sure how long it will take to get through the review process.

Ultimate4 submitted to the app store

I started this project mid December 2010 and submitted it to the app store on March 6, 2010. I am very happy with the way it turned out. The ability to rotate the game board adds a new level of strategy that no other Four in a row game currently has.

Here is the app description for the app store:

Ultimate4 is a four in a row game but with an amazingly fun twist. Each player can rotate the game board by turning the iPhone/iTouch causing all the game pieces to fall into new positions accordingly.

The computer player can also rotate the game board on its turn. Rotation time is limited for each turn, so you must think fast. Be careful, turning the board at the wrong time can cause your opponent to win.

Rotations are limited to quarter turns to the right or left. Play against the computer or another player on the same device.

The object of the game is to get four game pieces in a row while blocking your opponent.

Features
-Choose standard version or allow rotations
-4 levels of difficulty which affects computer ability and rotation time
-Turn sound on or off
-Play against the computer or another player on the same device