Hot Five: Mafia Wars soft-launches, app prices take a hike, and Gladiator Heroes finally arrives

Oh my lord, would you look at the time? Another week's rolled by in the blink of an eye and here we stand on a Sunday afternoon.

Aside from being the nerdiest week of the year, what else has happened these past seven days? There's been releases and updates, some good and bad news, and more.

So, let's stop leading up to it and just get our hands dirty in this Hot Five.

Mafia Wars soft-launches...again?

This one confused me a tad when I first looked into it - after all, Mafia Wars launched fully about seven years ago. But, it looks like Zynga's revamping the game and giving it a bit more refinement and flesh on its bones. Obviously you guys were pretty happy to see it come about.

Her Majesty's SPIFFING; indeed she is

After arriving on Steam last year, the game's got mainly positive reviews as players enjoyed its satirical humour, especially in this post-Brexit world we Brits have now found ourselves in. But, alas, we can at least enjoy some point-and-click entertainment in this adventure, and at only £3.99/$3.99. Phoar.

A hint at Pokemon Stars?

Alright, I hopped on the rumour train this week, but I couldn't help it. After Pokemon merchandise reared its head featuring Pikachu and Cosmog looking through a telescope at constellations of other Pokemon, it had a few people raising their eyebrows. Plus, using a caption like 'Look upon the stars' may indeed make people speculate in the direction of the unconfirmed Pokemon Stars, don't you think?

Gladiator Heroes arrives at last

Our Editor, Glen Fox, is have a right good time with this one this week as the long-awaited Gladiator Heroes is finally out on iOS and Android. Kind-of like Clash of Clans but with more interaction, you've got to build up your empire to bursting point and fight for honour and glory in the ring. Apparently it's rather addictive.

Apple's putting its app price up

Sorry to say, but Apple's tweaking its pricing in Mexico, Denmark, Taiwan, and Europe in general. As well as reducing its affiliate earnings from 7% to 2.5%, the price increase will certainly make some people think twice before buying a more expensive game. Hopefully it's not too telling of things to come.

Well, that's it. Another week come and gone, and alas we'll have to spend these next seven days awaiting yet another Hot Five to come a'knocking. But, I'll be here as per usual - same time; same place.

Until next week, folks.