Insaniquarium Deluxe by Astraware and PopCap Games

Astraware(R) and PopCap Games, Inc. are excited to announce the release of one of PopCap's flagship titles for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) smartphones. Insaniquarium DeluxeTM offers hours of frantic aquarium fun as you feed your fish, watch them grow and protect them from alien invaders!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is the craziest aquarium game ever - tend to your fish and keep them happy and they'll reward you with precious coins and jewels. Use the money you earn to buy upgrades for your tank or egg parts which hatch lots of different in-tank pets with special powers. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank and wreak havoc. You can also use the money you earn to buy better weapons to see the aliens off quicker!

Insaniquarium Deluxe includes 3 fun ways to play:

• Adventure - keep your fish healthy and protect them from aliens through 4 fun aquarium stages each with multiple levels of mayhem;

• Time Trial - feed your fish and fight off the alien invaders to make as much money as possible against the clock. A new time trial is unlocked as you complete each stage in Adventure

• Challenge - once you've mastered Adventure, face the ultimate challenge as you feed your fish and try to protect them from ever increasing alien attacks. The challenge ends when the last fish is zapped!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is available for Palm OS(R) 5 smartphones and PDAs with at least a 320x320 screen, and for smartphones and PDAs running Windows Mobile(R) 2003 and later. For more information, to try and to buy, visit http://www.astraware.com/insaniquariumdlx.

Astraware Hot Summer Summer Sale!

Summer's here and it's time for some fun! Whether you're on vacation, or just want something new to play, Astraware(R) has the solution - the Astraware Hot Summer Sale!

Starting on 1st August, Astraware is offering 25 games each with at least 25% off the regular price. Several of the games are as low as $9.95 each!

If you're looking for action games like Platypus or GTS World Racing, strategy titles like Westward or Tradewinds 2, word games like Bubble Babble, or favorite classics like Astraware Sudoku - they're all included with special prices for a limited time! The Hot Summer Sale only lasts until midnight on 17th August, so make sure you don't miss out.

For all the details and to bag yourself a bargain, visit the Hot Summer Sale page at: http://www.astraware.com/promo/summer08.

Club Astraware offers for May 2008

The Club Astraware Member-only discount offer for May 2008 is Golden Skull for just $9.95, that's a huge saving of $10 off the regular price!

Golden Skull is a puzzle adventure game that will take you on an unforgettable journey through undiscovered Mayan pyramids and long forgotten ruins.

Featuring amazing graphics, and an entertaining story mode, Golden Skull delivers challenging gameplay with unbelievable production value. It's a puzzle adventure game the whole family will enjoy.

There are 3 double points offers in Club Astraware this month, so members can build up their points even quicker and get even bigger discounts on games in the future! The games offering double points this month are Text Twist, Platypus, and Astraware Boardgames. Simply buy any of these games at full price and get twice the regular number of points! For example: buy a game for $19.95 and you'll get almost $4 worth of points to use against your next purchase!

These offers are only available in Club Astraware until the end of May 2008. To get your hands on them simply join or login to Club Astraware at http://www.astraware.com/club. It's quick to join and completely free too!


Readers of Foleo Fanatics and listeners of my weekly 1SRC.com podcast know that I'm a huge fan of Astraware's games. Joining Club Astraware is a great way to pick up some outstanding games for your favorite Palm OS or Windows Mobile smartphone or PDA handheld.

Astraware Casino Review

Astraware’s latest game, Casino, brings all the fun an excitement of a trip to the casino without the risk of losing your shirt.

Last week saw the release of yet another high-quality game for the Palm OS and Windows Mobile platforms: Astraware Casino. Astraware Casio is a collection of eight popular casino games: Texas Hold ‘Em Limit Poker, Baccarat, Video Poker, Craps, Video Keno, Slots, Roulette, and Blackjack.

I enjoy playing card games in a casual setting when friends stop by to visit, but I’ve never been one to spend much time at the casino. After downloading and installing the demo, I was happy to learn that Astraware Casino is geared for the casual gamer. When you start the game, you are given $1,200 ($1,000 in your wallet, $200 in the bank) and all the games start off in “Tourist” mode. This mode is intended for the casual casino game player and there are limits on the minimum and maximum bets. For example, the Blackjack table has a minimum bet of $1 and a maximum bet limit of $250. In the third gaming level, “Regular”, the table limits are changed with the minimum bet set to $100 and the maximum bet set to $5,000. New modes of play are unlocked based on how frequently you play and win at the games in the Astraware Casino.

Playing Astraware Casino is a breeze. As with other recent games from Astraware (Solitaire and Boardgames) you move around the game board with the 5-way navigator, or if you prefer, the stylus. The first time to select to play a game that you have not previously played, the game’s rules are displayed in a How to Play window. The directions are well written and easy to understand. You can always view the game directions by tapping the Menu button and selecting Instructions from the menu. (I am still having trouble with the Craps game. I may have to get my book of Hoyle games out and read up on game play strategies.) Moving between the different games and the bank is easily done. Just select Bank or Choose Game from the menu and you will be back to the high stakes action in no time. Adding to the fun are unlockable souvenirs that you win while playing the game. So far my favorite souvenir is the Hawaiian Shirt, with the Ace of Spades a close second.

Astraware Casino is available for both Palm OS handhelds and Treo smartphones, and Treo smartphones running Windows Mobile 5 and 6. This includes the newest Palm smartphones, the Treo 500v (Europe) and the Centro (United States). I tested the game on the Palm TX, Treo 650, and 700p and the game experience was good. Astraware has made a time limited trial available for download. That is a great way to try the game out before you buy and the make sure your hardware is supported. Astraware Casino for Palm OS and Windows Mobile is available now from the Astraware online store and sells for $19.95.

Regardless of weather you are a casual card player or an adrenaline junkie who likes to live life on the edge, with Astraware Casino loaded on your Palm you will be able to take a little piece of the Las Vegas thrill with you wherever you go.

For more information or to download the demo, visit the Astraware website.

Astraware announces their BIG Fall sale

For a limited time you can get 25% off on over 90 titles from Astraware for the Palm OS and Windows Mobile platforms. I've been playing games from Astraware for a long time and this is a perfect time to pick up some of their games like Bejeweled, My Little Tank, and Solitaire at a reduced price. Astraware's press release appears below.

KEELE, UK - October 3rd, 2007 - Astraware is pleased to announce The Astraware BIG Fall Sale which offers 25% off a huge selection of games on their website.

The Astraware BIG Fall Sale runs from 3rd - 18th October 2007 and offers a fantastic 25% discount off over 90 games and packs! Brain-teasing word games and puzzles, epic adventures, exciting action games, and compelling card games are all included, so there really is something for everyone.

As well as enjoying these special low prices, Club Astraware members can also earn points on any games they buy in the sale - 1 point for every cent they spend!

To take advantage of this massive offer visit the Astraware website at http://www.astraware.com.

Astraware Sudoku Updated

Astraware Sudoku updated with a new look and new features.

KEELE, Staffordshire, UK - August 8th, 2007 - Astraware is excited to announce a major update to its award-winning Astraware Sudoku game for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) Smartphones and PDAs.

Astraware Sudoku,version 1.40, has been given a full makeover. Behind the scenes the game has been transferred to a brand new games framework, and graphically has an updated look and support for more new resolutions, as well as some brand new features.

Suitable for all players from beginners through to experts, Astraware Sudoku is packed with features.

There are several ways to get puzzles: from the pre-built puzzle packs available at http://www.sudokuoftheday.com; by using the integrated Puzzle Builder which creates literally billions of puzzles; or download any of the Puzzles of the Day over the air and then compare your times with other players worldwide. Players can also play puzzles from newspapers or books they've entered and get Astraware Sudoku's expert help and assistance to solve them.

Astraware Sudoku offers a range of different options to help players solve puzzles including manual or automatic pencilmarks in a choice of styles; a smart hints system; and the brand new hold and highlight system which can display an overlay for a specific number or pencilmark helping players to see where to look and what to look for. In touchscreen devices there's the added bonus of the notepad overlay, allowing players to make their own pencilmarks and notes on screen too.

Following requests from existing users, Astraware Sudoku version 1.40 now includes an extensive Puzzle Manager which allows players to select a specific puzzle to play, or delete puzzles they've already completed.

The game also offers a choice of control methods where players can move around and enter numbers using the 5-way, number keys, stylus and touchscreen, keyboard shortcuts, or any combination of these, so you can play it the way you want to.

Astraware Sudoku is available for Palm OS 5.0, and Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, 5 and 6 Classic (Pocket PC), Professional (Phone Edition) and Standard (Smartphone), priced $19.95. The game is available at a very special price to Club Astraware members during August 2007. Version 1.40 is a free update for registered owners of Astraware Sudoku and is available from http://www.astraware.com/sudoku. The existing version of Astraware Sudoku for Palm OS4 will continue to be available from the Astraware website.

Tradewinds 2 Now Available on Palm OS, Windows Mobile

KEELE, Staffordshire, UK and BOTHELL, Wash USA - July 2nd, 2007 - Astraware and Sandlot Games are excited to announce the release of the highly anticipated Tradewinds 2TM on handheld devices. Based on the highly-acclaimed PC game, Tradewinds 2 has been developed by Astraware for Palm OS and Windows Mobile handhelds and smartphones.

Tradewinds 2 is the sequel to Tradewinds - a best-selling game of Far East trade and pirate adventures. Tradewinds 2 offers players a brand new adventure based in the exotic seas of the Caribbean. Building on the trading fun of the first game, Tradewinds 2 features 20 all new ports to explore, new ships and weapons to buy and upgrade, new goods to trade in, and a brand new feature - tasks to complete for honor and reward. In each port, the Governor may request the help of your captain - from simple shopping tasks to rescuing fair maidens and defeating dangerous pirates. Elicit help at the Inn, and buy charms and amulets from the trader to help your safe passage to the next port.

Choose from 5 characters to Captain your ship, or even create your own with the character generator, and then set sail for your adventure. Tradewinds 2 offers two play modes - Story Mode and Free Trade Mode - both offering many hours of game play. With over a hundred different tasks in a range of different character combinations encompassing different ports, Story Mode has excellent replay value. Free Trade Mode offers a different challenge, where players sail the seas to trade amongst ports and build their fortunes.

Tradewinds 2 is available for Palm OS handhelds with hi-res screens running OS5, and for Windows Mobile devices with a touch screen running WM2003, 5.0, and 6.0. Priced at $19.95, visit http://www.astraware.com/tradewinds2 for more information, to download a trial, or to buy. Tradewinds 2 for Palm OS, Windows Mobile and for PC can also be purchased from Sandlot Games - http://www.sandlotgames.com

Celebrate 4th July with Fireworks from Astraware!

KEELE, Staffordshire, UK - June 28th 2007 - Astraware is pleased to announce a brand new version of their fun application Fireworks which is available for a limited time.

Fireworks is a simple FREE application, showing sequences of fireworks flying and exploding into the air. As 4th July is traditionally a time for fireworks and celebrations in the USA, the features have been created to help our American friends highlight one of their major holidays - Independence Day! Fireworks features a selection of patriotic backgrounds including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Stars and Stripes, and offers a choice of stirring tunes including the Star Spangled Banner and Stars and Stripes Forever!

Fireworks is available for devices running Palm OS and Windows Mobile including support for 240x240 square screens and QVGA landscape smartphones. What better way to celebrate 4th July than with some Fireworks? Download your copy today at http://www.astraware.com/fireworks - it's available for a limited time only! Oh, and did we mention, it's FREE?!

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include Astraware Sudoku, Zap! 2000/2016 and Astraware Solitaire, PopCap Games Bejeweled, Zuma, and Insaniquarium, and Sandlot Games Tradewinds. Astraware is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.

Astraware Solitaire for Palm OS and Windows Mobile

PRESS RELEASE

Pick up a great pack of card games with Astraware Solitaire!

THE MIDLANDS, UK - June 13th, 2007 - Astraware(R) is excited to announce their version of the classic card games pack - Astraware Solitaire for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) PDAs and Smartphones.

Astraware Solitaire features 12 of the most well-known and best-loved single player card games, chosen based on direct feedback and suggestions from Astraware customers. The games include Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, and Freecell, and to make the playing experience both familiar and fun, each game has custom gameplay options so everyone can enjoy the games using their favorite variation on the standard rules.

The game's controls have been specially designed to be simple and comfortable with both stylus or 5-way play, and along with just the right balance of effects really make it easy to play and feel like you would when playing with a real pack of cards.

"We really wanted to capture the best things about Solitaire, easy to get into, enjoyable to play, and the nice feeling of playing with cards that sometimes computer games don't capture." Said Howard Tomlinson, Astraware CEO and Game Designer. "Playing just one game at a time is great, but we added the extra incentive of collecting trophies for various achievements within each of the games for those people who want to have a longer goal too. You can play straight off with the normal settings, or customise it in all kinds of ways - it's your game, so we feel you should be able to play it the way you want to!"

PDAs and Smartphones are very personal and everyone loves to customise the look of their handheld. Astraware Solitaire also offers lots of choices including decorative backgrounds, changeable color themes, and a beautiful selection of cardbacks to enhance the look of your game.

Most important of all, there is a choice of card front including a familiar traditional set with beautiful face cards, and a clear card face which is better for those with visual impairments, or for playing in bright daylight.

If you like to track your progress, the game statistics will tell you how long you've played and how often you win, and Astraware Solitaire also includes a fun trophy system which unlocks extra card graphics and the highly sought-after golden trophy pack of cards. Once you've collected them all, you can even be use them to play with!

With 12 highly-absorbing, traditional card games, Astraware Solitaire is the perfect pastime for everyone's handheld.

Astraware Solitaire is available for PDAs and Smartphones running Palm OS 5 (with hi-res screens), and Windows Mobile for Pocket PC and Smartphone 2003, 5.0 and 6.0, priced $19.95. To save $10 off the regular price, get Astraware Solitaire before 30th June 2007!

The complete list of games included is: Calculation, Canfield, Clock, Four Seasons, Freecell, Golf, Idiot's Delight, Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Sultan's Harem, and Yukon. To try Astraware Solitaire for yourself, visit the Astraware website: http://www.astraware.com/solitaire.

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include PopCap Games� Bejeweled�, Zuma�, and Insaniquarium�, Sandlot Games�� Tradewinds�, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft� Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.

Astraware honoured with Passport Exporter of the Year Award

KEELE, Staffordshire, UK - May 21st, 2007 - Astraware is very excited to announce that they have been honoured with the award for Passport Exporter of the Year for West Midlands, from UK Trade & Investment.

The Passport Exporter of the Year award is given to the company that is judged to have made the best use of innovation, improving processes and/or products/services whilst entering new markets, and the panel particularly commended Astraware's approach to market entry by building up key relationships with companies such as Palm, Inc. and Microsoft. Astraware was also praised for its product development, and for choosing tactics and growth rate with care.

"It is tremendously exciting to receive this recognition by UK Trade & Investment," said David Oakley, Astraware's CTO. "This award will help us to continue to expand our exports into new territories."

"While it has been relatively easy for us as a British company building links with US companies," said Howard Tomlinson, CEO of Astraware, "it has been great to get the additional support to help us make the right links to succeed in the Far East - a huge market and opportunity for us!"

Doug Mahoney, international trade director for UK Trade & Investment in the West Midlands, said: "I congratulate the team at Astraware on their thoroughly deserved success following their work on the Passport scheme with the Staffordshire international trade team, who will continue to provide them with ongoing support.

"Not only do they have highly sophisticated products and services, but they have gone to great care to select the right international markets at the right time, and to nurture excellent relationships with overseas partners."

The awards ceremony was held at The Thinktank in Birmingham on Friday 18th May and Astraware's CEO, Howard Tomlinson, and CTO, David Oakley accepted the award from Doug Mahoney, International Trade Director, UK Trade & Investment, West Midlands, in front of an audience of other award winners and nominees. Also in attendance from Astraware were Alison Barclay, CCO; Priscilla Cordova, Partner Manager; Roland Glew, QA Tester; Iain Moore, Windows Mobile Lead Developer; and Kirsten Tomlinson, Customer Service and QA Tester.

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include PopCap Games� Bejeweled�, Zuma�, and Insaniquarium�, Sandlot Games�� Tradewinds�, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft� Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.

About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. It brings together the work of teams in British embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, international trade support is coordinated by nine International Trade Directors working in partnership with each Regional Development Agency. UK Trade & Investment services are delivered locally through a network of International Trade Teams. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services. For more information visit the website http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Packs of Fun - save bagfuls on selected value packs of games!

KEELE, Staffordshire, UK - May 18th, 2007 - Astraware is excited to announce their Packs of Fun promotion, where you can save bagfuls on their most popular value packs of games. From Friday 18th May to Monday 28th May you can save on a selected range of game packs with up to 6 titles in each.

Packs of Fun is a fantastic opportunity to pick up a bargain on PopCap Games Pack 1, featuring Bejeweled, Alchemy and 3 other great titles, or the Family Games Pack including Insaniquarium, Bzzz! and 4 more fun, family-friendly games. There are 6 different packs to choose from and every one is discounted by $10, so get them now, this offer is only available for a limited time!

To bag yourself a bargain, head over to the Astraware website at http://www.astraware.com, but hurry, the sale ends on May 28th 2007!

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include PopCap Games� Bejeweled�, Zuma�, and Insaniquarium�, Sandlot Games�� Tradewinds�, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft� Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.