Indie developer Andreas Illiger has released a major update to his popular Tiny Wings iOS game tonight. The 2.0 version is a free update to the original $0.99 game and offers Retina support and a new game mode called "Flight School". From the update notes:
Hi Tiny Wings fans! The long-awaited Tiny Wings 2 is finally done! I’ve put a lot of love into creating this major update, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. You’ll be getting a completely new game mode with 15 hand-designed levels, a whole flock of baby birds, fish, and other surprises! And here’s the best part: Tiny Wings 2 is a free update, as a thank-you to my loyal fans (and because I don’t particularly like in-app purchases). :)
Thanks, and have fun!What’s new:
• A new game mode: "Flight School"
• 15 hand-crafted levels that really "flow"
• A few new additions to the bird family
• Hello shiny Retina Display! Tiny Wings is now as lovely as you are.
• Night flights
• iCloud support (even syncs your game between the iPhone & iPad versions)
• Revised menu
• New languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch
In addition, the developer released an iPad native version of the game called Tiny Wings HD. The HD version of the game is a separate purchase at $2.99. In addition to the above content, Tiny Wings HD also offers a split-screen multiplayer mode. As described in TouchArcade's review of the game:
Speaking of multiplayer, Tiny Wings HD on the iPad comes with a 3rd Chapter called Hill Party. This is a same-device multiplayer mode which splits the screen in half and pits two players against each other in a race to be first to 10,000 points or to see who can get the best score on a 5-level playthrough. This local multiplayer mode works a treat, and is easy enough that you can shove one end of your iPad in practically anybody’s face and be having a blast together within a matter of seconds.
The original game was highly rated and has seen millions of downloads. The new version appears to be as highly recommended with a 5 star recommendation from TouchArcade. [Tiny Wings, Tiny Wings HD]
Top Rated Comments
Now that's how you treat your loyal fans, bloodsuckers at EA (or some developers who abuse In-App Purchases)
Looks like I'm headed over to purchase Tiny Wings HD as a 'thankful nod' to the developer.
He could have made an in-app purchase, however. I'm glad he made it a free update, though! :D
This.
I was, in all honesty, probably going to buy the HD version without being bothered, but this is outright good will. He doesn't make money on a free update and making no money isn't good for longevity. I want to support him because he makes good stuff and clearly values those who have bought his game.