The AppBlaster: Taking iPhone Gaming Accessories to the Next Level

Though we’ve seen quite a few gaming accessories hit the iOS scene, we’ve never come across anything like this. The appBlaster has to be one of the most innovative gaming add-ons that’s ever made it to market.

Although it may look like a souped-up Duck Hunt Zapper, the appBlaster utilizes cutting-edge technology. The accessory uses the iPhone’s camera and accelerometer to create an immersive first-person shooter. And the result, I must say, is awesome…

I actually came across the appBlaster on RandyJacksonNext (odd, I know). The accessory caught my eye because of the way that it uses augmented reality. I’ve seen a variety of mapping apps use the technology before, but the way the appBlaster implements it is near-genius.

“If you are the proud owner of a shiny iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 you can make use of the rear facing camera to overlay the game against your surrounding environment. When your iPhone is docked it transform into a high tech sight complete with cross hair and game data. Now the alien swarm will appear from your walls, ceiling, floor, dog or whatever else…”

These “aliens” that Red5 refers to are found in appBlaster’s complimentary game, Alien Attack, by Apptoyz. The game works perfectly in conjunction with the accessory. Check out the demo video below.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKIxZErMcc&feature=player_embedded[/tube]

I like how it uses the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer. It makes reloading your weapon as easy as tilting the appBlaster up in the air. It also makes for more entertaining gameplay, as on-screen graphics seem to react to every movement.

While the appBlaster is a super-cool accessory, at nearly 20 Euro (about $33 U.S.) it might just get lost in the pack. I don’t see many folks dropping $30 on plastic gun that makes playing a single game more entertaining. Maybe if there were more compatible titles available?

What do you think? Would you buy the appBlaster?