iSamurai has been upgraded to iSamurai: Critical Strike. Critical strike is a power-up which is earned by blocking three attacks without attacking in return. When activated, the next attack is worth 4 hits if successful (ie not blocked). Basically this means that you really have to pay attention to what your opponent is up to if you want to win the sword fight.

<a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa..." target="_blank">http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa...

There is also a free version, iSamurai: Critical Strike Lite, for people who want to try out this new feature. And we have upgraded iSamurai: Two-player Sword Fight Lite as well.

:-)

Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software

Hi,

We are celebrating the release of our Bluetooth version of iSamurai which allows sword fights anywhere, so iSamurai is FREE for a few days.

The single player game now has 12 levels of difficulty instead of 4 - easy, medium and hard for each of the 4 characters.

It is available on iTunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa...

We have another update coming soon which will add some more cool features.

:-)

Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software

Hi,

I forgot to mention that we have a new iSamurai video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_izqANAH3JE

:-)

Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software

Hi Cory,

Thanks for the review.

We have an iSamurai update that just came out today, and it adjusts the difficulty level of the Samurai and adds some other enhancements. Also we are working on another free update to handle any overlapping sounds and to add 8 more levels of difficulty (2 more for each character). This will further smooth out the runway from the Peasant to the Samurai.

People have been emailing us feedback from within iSamurai and it is 90% very positive. People enjoy battling with their friends. iSamurai does not work with an iPod Touch 1G and we have noted that on iTunes.

During development, we have been working with iSamurai for 6 months and haven't had any damaged iPhones (or people) but it is a good idea to stand back from your opponent to avoid colliding iPhones--you can actually battle at 10 feet or more from each other. Also I have a case on my own iPhone that provides a good grip which I recommend for people who play iSamurai a lot.

As with any physical activity, it is probably a good idea to pace yourself and increase game play gradually. (It sounds like you had a good workout :)

We will also be releasing a bluetooth version which will allow two-player games anywhere without a Wi-Fi connection--at a park or in the back yard.

We held a mini-tournament in front of the Santa Monica Apple store on Friday, and it was a lot of fun.

:-)

Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software

Hi,
Thanks for post.
We have been testing iSamurai for 5 months now and we haven't had any broken iPhones or iPod Touches. However, I do think that it is a good idea to have a cover that provides a good grip.
:-)
Doug Hogg
Toy Kite Software