Today is the long awaited day for apple fans, today is new iphone day. As expected, Apple has officially announced the iphone 5. This new device boasts an impressive set of features, unfortunately some of these bells and whistles have already been present in its android counterpart. So while a new screen size, a 4G connection and a slim case is great, it is nothing new. However, the one thing that did interest me is the new processor dubbed “A6.” We all know how good a game can look on a phone, take for example Epic’s Infinity Blade II. If you take into consideration that the iphone 5 is roughly “twice as powerful” as the 4S, does this mean that full fledged handheld gaming has arrived to the iphone?
The answer is both yes and no. Apple finally seems to be pretty serious about expanding into the gaming division since Rob Murray, Executive producer from EA studios, debuted a brand new game during the announcement of the new phone. That game is Real Racing 3 and it showcased what the next generation of the apple chipsets can do. The game demonstrated a beautiful race featuring realistic cars and showcasing real time reflections in both the rear view mirrors and the metallic chassis of the cars. It blew the Nintendo 3Ds out of the water and gave the PSVita a run for its money.
While the game looks beautiful, it is not graphics that make the core of a game. Good gameplay and well executed mechanics will always triumph over dazzling graphics. In the case of Real Racing 3, we have yet to see how this new game handles under touch controls. It is in this department that the 3DS and PSVita cannot be matched. Both of the handhelds are made to play games. Now matter how good a touchscreen is, it cannot replicate the accuracy and sensitivity of native analog and button control. So while apple may be boasting “console quality” gaming, I remain very skeptical about that prospect.
The iphone 5 will release September 21, if you want to get your hands on one I’d suggest you pre-order one. Pre-orders start in two days (September 14) so be sure to sign up if you want to get in on the first batch.