Astro Duel 2.0
I've been working towards a big Astro Duel update for a while. Early last year Apple started requiring 64-bit support in all app updates. Astro Duel on iPad relied on Joypad, but unfortunately Joypad was never updated with 64-bit support. So Astro Duel was stuck as is.
It's been frustrating. I've wanted to add new features and content, but couldn’t. To fix this, I needed to either remove iPhone controller support or write a new controller app from scratch.
Astro Remote
With the launch of Apple TV, I decided to "bite the bullet" and built Astro Remote, a controller app for the Apple TV version. It took a bit more time, but now I'm finally adding Astro Remote support on iPad. Astro Remote adds widescreen iPhone support, improved connectivity, and visuals+sounds tailored to the game.
New Features
There's quite a lot of changes and polish. Here are the highlights:
New Dash ability – Originally in the Mac version, the dash now fully replaces the original Dodge Boost. Double-tap Thrust to dash forward. Each dash consumes one ammo.
Three new maps – includes a bomberman-inspired conveyer belt level that moves in a loop.
No Powerup option – Many players requested this. Particularly here for tournaments.
Unlimited Dash modifier – Players can now dash without using ammo, but with an increased cooldown.
More details in the changelog.
Astro Duel 2.0 and the accompanying Astro Remote update are now live! Play on iPad or Apple TV.
I'm relieved to finally have the game back under my control. Astro Duel wouldn't have happened without Joypad and the amazing folks who created it. But over time the cool iPhone remote feature became a shackle that was not easily broken. This experience has made me wary of creating future core product dependancies. A tough lesson to learn, but it feels good to be free.