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Flashback iPhone 1.1 update submitted to Apple

Full-screen, auto-rotate, improved controls

Flashback iPhone 1.1 update submitted to Apple
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| Flashback (2009)

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks in the world of Amiga classic Flashback. First, it was ported to the iPhone, much to the general rejoicing of the wrinkly old Pocket Gamer team. But early feedback suggested that it wasn’t a particularly good port, and questions about its legality were raised. Joy turned to bitter sorrow.

Now, we’re more hopeful. Flashback - which isn’t actually Flashback but rather a software emulator that downloads and runs Flashback - has already received a much needed 1.1 update, with changes reflecting user criticisms.

Here are the details:

  • Full Screen Mode (stretched 3:2 ratio)- This is the default now
  • Revised and significantly improved controls. Full screen is great, but even the ‘game in a shell in a phone' mode has improvements
  • Detailed in-game help - you'll find this in the slide-out panel under the ‘Help' tab.
  • Help overlay for controls - when you tap the ITEMS button, a [HELP] button appears to get quick help
  • Auto-rotate for left / right landscape (for Touch users, as some asked that it work both ways)
  • Restart game - again found in the slide-out panel
  • Fixed the job details issue on Level 2

It’s worth pointing out that, as of writing, this update has been submitted to but not approved by Apple. Assuming all goes smoothly, though, Flashback may have become a better prospect than it was in its first iPhone incarnation.

Why do we care so much? Because Flashback is a great game, and its arrival on the iPhone may prefigure the arrival of many more like it. Fingers crossed.

Rob Hearn
Rob Hearn
Having obtained a distinguished education, Rob became Steel Media's managing editor, now he's no longer here though.