I’m an Apple user, one search of my name through Google alone will prove that as a well published fact. Despite this, I have witnessed over the years a great demise in the industry in a whole. Although I can’t comment on the state of the Android market (I have owned Android devices but never used them for games) I can comment on iOS, which I have been writing about, testing, and playing for many years.

When the market was first in its infancy and early stages, it was fantastic and was partially because of how simplistic the games were. At launch they used the tilt controls and swipe controls of the iOS device perfectly. Games like Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds and Flight Control (RIP) were very popular and put all three of those developers on the international map (Halfbrick, Rovio and Firemint). One thing they all had in common was they were all cheap, yet paid.

Over the years people tried to replicate these successes and failed. With failure came other ways developers were to release games and thus that came about the dreaded IAPs. That said, it was very rare that a game that came out had a fair and well working payment system for downloadable content. This was really the downfall of the more recent App Store, which hasn’t been the same ever since.

Now the App Store is transitioning into the more hardcore market, which in truth the iPhone isn’t built for. You can add better processors, better screens, better this and that, but it doesn’t change the fact its a small mobile device that lacks real buttons. Meaning the only way to implement these buttons is to take up screen space, which lessens the gaming experience. Sure you can add a mobile controller, but then you might as well just use a bigger screened device like a PC.

This is why I am excited for Apple TV. Sure it will have its flaws, specifically its lack in storage (REALLY APPLE!!!?), but it is a step in the right direction. Hopefully though, the Apple TV will pull the App Store out of its horrible IAP state and into one that has reasonably priced games that people will buy.

If everything works out, the Apple TV will really allow Apple to compete in some way against PC and console gaming. Sure, we aren’t expecting it to go up to the levels the Playstation and Xbox has, but they are in their fourth generations and have AAA games. The Apple TV is on a lower level, aimed to compete against the likes of Steam and the many indie games that can be found on Playstation’s online store.

The addition of the controller is great and allows you to play the many games on the App Store, all on your home TV. Even though the standard controller is fairly basic, it’s great Apple is working with controller manufacturers to make third party controllers. With a good controller and an easy to use interface, the new Apple TV could lead to the addition of AAA games onto the store, and with games like Guitar Hero stepping on board it is a step in the right direction.

Is it not weird that the two most successful games on the App Store in Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja were paid!? Hopefully with Apple TV, the iOS market will go back to its roots.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of arguably the third most successful game on the App Store, Fruit Ninja, the game’s developer Halfbrick has released updates across their iOS games. In Fruit Ninja there is an all new tournament mode, 6 new mini games and the most powerful blade yet for players to acquire.

Found in the games new festival section the mini games require you to manipulate bombs, juggle fruit and master new tricks. The new tournament mode requires you to beat six iconic Fruit Ninja characters, the prize being the new fifth anniversary blade which allows you to slice the same fruit twice.

Not only has Fruit Ninja been the only one to get an update to celebrate the occasion. My personal favorite Halfbrick game Monster Dash has also received new content. There is now a Fruit Ninja blade to master which comes with a special attack. The blade also accompanies five challenges where you can gain the skill required to master it. You will however have to pay for the blade to use it out of the challenges.

Jetpack Joyride has also got in on the juicy action receiving a new game event titled Cut & Run! The mode brings faster gameplay, new zappers, mountains of fruit and characters that look fruitier than usual. Band Stars has also received a new Fruit Ninja dojo with lots of fruit styled goodness.

It doesn’t stop there — Bears vs. Art has a new Fruit Ninja event and costume. Yes Chef has a new Fruit Ninja world with 25 levels, and Top Farm has a new sensei statue and Fruit Ninja characters will make random appearances on the farm with special jobs to offer.

New game Radical Rappelling is also getting in on the act with new Fruit Ninja rappelling suits allowing you to dress up as Fruit Ninja‘s Rip and Roxy. Finally there are also new stickers and outfits for Fruit Ninja Academy.

Halfbrick have gone to extreme lengths to celebrate the games fifth anniversary, and I am sure there is an update out there to make any gamer happy. Happy fifth anniversary Fruit Ninja!

Just like how we reported earlier this month, Halfbrick has finally released the much anticipated Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 onto the Xbox One. Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 sports a ton of content for new and returning players, featuring nine different game modes, four-person multiplayer, exclusive mini games, as well as a progression system. Thanks to an Halfbrick‘s increased focus on movement and dexterity, Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 is designed to get gamers moving on their feet. Players can dodge shurikens, avoid spotlights, or strike a pose in comical mini games.

The new Kinect sensor plays a pivotal role, allowing implement of various features which were not previously possible on other Fruit Ninja games. Party Mode is a perfect example of this — up to four players have the ability to jump in and out of the action as matches progress. For the first time also, all modes can be played cooperatively with a friend or family member. Those looking for a more serious challenge take up Battle Mode, where new power-ups like Bomb Attack and Fast Forward are used to weaken opponents.

Interested? Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 is available for $14.99 through the Xbox Games Store.

While we normally don’t cover gaming console-related news, this piece of information we were sent couldn’t be rejected. The same Fruit Ninja game that we all know and love is set to move onto the next generation with the release of Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 for the Xbox One. Developed by Hibernum Creations out of Montreal, Canada, Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 will launch for Xbox One on March 18th, 2015. The game will feature five new game modes, four-person multiplayer, a new progression system, and an expanded lineup of characters as well.

Each game mode takes place at the Blueberry Moon festival, and is presented by one of the new Fruit Ninja team members — Katsuro, Mari, Han and Nobu. Players must dodge shurikens, slice through a forest of bamboo, and avoid spotlights to become the true masters of the game. The brand new multiplayer modes allow up to four players to compete, while a new progression system allows players to earn blades, dojos and belts as challenges are completed.

For those interested, Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 will sell for $15 USD on the Xbox Games Store. As of now though this is all the information available, however, we’ll keep you updated if anything new comes our way.

In addition to One Man Left‘s awesome holiday sale, Halfbrick is joining in by hosting a pretty special sale where all of their games are available to download for free for a limited time only. Yes that’s correct folks, two of Halfbrick‘s most popular games — Yes Chef! and Top Farm — can be downloaded completely free of charge. In addition, players can also download Fruit Ninja and Age of Zombies: Season 2 for free. Here’s the entire list:

• Age of Zombies: Season 2
• Band Stars
• Birzzle Fever
• Colossatron: Massive World
• Fish Out of Water
• Fruit Ninja
• Jetpack Joyride
• Monster Dash
• Top Farm
• Yes Chef!

Whether it’s a flight or a long road trip this Christmas season, we highly suggest you check out these titles from Halfbrick to keep yourself busy and pass time. Tread carefully though, some of the games mentioned above include optional in-app purchases and if you get hooked, you may end up spending some money. You can view these games on the App Store by clicking here.