Accelerometer Based Baseball Game

Everything Techs has introduced Home Run Derby Challenge 1.0, their accelerometer based game for iOS. Featuring realistic graphics and animation, the player swings by flicking his wrist quickly, a movement which is measured by the iOS device and translated into the corresponding action by the batter. Pitches come at various speeds, and only well hit balls will go over the fence for a home run. The player's speed and reflexes are tested as they attempt to swing as hard as possible at exactly the right time, adding points by hitting home runs. Unlike some similar games, Home Run Derby Challenge provides added realism by allowing the batter to swing and miss, and to hit balls deep but not over the fence.

The game launches in landscape orientation with a wide-angle view of the field and stadium from directly behind the batter. The pitcher is set and the batter warms up with small, rhythmic swinging movements. In the center of the screen appears the instruction: "Tap For Pitch." Tapping anywhere on the screen activates the pitcher, who goes through a full wind up and pitch. The ball is released and soon crosses the plate. By quickly flicking the wrist the device's movement is translated into the batter's swing. Both the timing and speed of the swing are dependent upon player's wrist movement, and they can bat right or left-handed.

There are four possible outcomes after a player swings: a hit, a miss, a home run, or a check swing. Players can hit grounders or fly balls, or deep balls that go over the fence. If the player does not execute the wrist movement with sufficient speed, the built-in accelerometer interprets it as a check swing or half swing, and the batter misses. The speed of pitches is random, adding an additional challenge. The game designers have included a "hot spot" vertical bar display to the right of the screen which represents the distance from the mound to the plate. After the ball is thrown, a small baseball travels from the top to the bottom of the bar display, providing an overhead view of the pitch. A red "hot spot" on the bar display indicates the point at which the batter should swing, approximately 10 feet in front of the plate.


Feature Highlights:
* Home run game tests player's speed, reflexes, and coordination
* Realistic graphics, animation, and sound
* Accelerometer measured swings
* Random pitch speeds
* Batters can get a hit, a miss, a home run, or a check swing
* Extra points for fastball home runs
* Bonus points for home runs on a streak

Home Run Derby Challenge is a single player game, and the objective is to score as many points as possible before getting five outs. A normal home run is worth 100 points; a fastball home run, 200 points; five home runs in a row and the player is on a streak, or "on fire"; "on fire" home run, 200 points; and "on fire" fastball home run, 300 points. The game includes music and sound effects.

"In most HR Derby games every swing is a hit," stated company co-owner Patricio Caldera. "But in Home Run Derby Challenge 1.0, you must swing at exactly the right time to get a hit or a homer."

Pricing and Availability:
Home Run Derby Challenge 1.0 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Review copies are available upon request.


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