Fancy playing the new Starcraft 2 game on your iPad? A small program called iSwifter that would normally stream small flash games through the cloud to your iPad has been modified to play Starcraft 2.
The custom version of Starcraft 2 is now equipped with buttons down either side to control your troops, together with the touch screen options of pinching and dragging to move units.
How iSwifter Transforms Gaming on the iPad
iSwifter is a cloud-based streaming service that allows users to play flash games on their iPads. Originally designed for smaller, less demanding games, the developers have now pushed the boundaries by enabling it to support more complex games like Starcraft 2. This modification is a significant leap, as it brings a full-fledged real-time strategy game to a mobile platform, which is traditionally dominated by simpler, touch-based games.
The modified version of iSwifter for Starcraft 2 includes intuitive touch controls that make use of the iPad’s capabilities. Buttons are strategically placed on either side of the screen to control your troops, and familiar touch gestures like pinching and dragging are used to move units and navigate the battlefield. This setup aims to replicate the experience of playing on a PC as closely as possible, making it easier for seasoned players to adapt to the new platform.
Exploring Remote Access Alternatives
Unfortunately, there are no details as to when or even if the modified application will be added to the iTunes App Store. However, if you are eager to play Starcraft 2 on your iPad, there are alternative methods you can explore. One popular option is using remote access apps such as LogMeIn, TeamViewer, or Parallels Access. These applications allow you to run Starcraft 2 on your main PC but access and control it through your iPad.
Remote access apps work by streaming the desktop of your PC to your iPad, effectively turning your tablet into a remote control for your computer. This method has its advantages, such as maintaining the full functionality and performance of your PC while providing the convenience of a mobile device. However, it also comes with challenges, including potential latency issues and the need for a stable internet connection.
I haven’t tried it as yet but will give it a go later to see if it will work. If you give it a go, let me know. You can check out a video of the modified iSwifter app running Starcraft 2 over on the Kotaku website.
In addition to remote access apps, there are other emerging technologies and services that aim to bring PC gaming to mobile devices. For example, cloud gaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Google Stadia offer the ability to stream high-quality games to various devices, including tablets. These services handle the heavy lifting on powerful servers, delivering a smooth gaming experience over the internet. While these platforms are still evolving, they represent a promising future for mobile gaming.
In conclusion, while the modified iSwifter app for Starcraft 2 is an exciting development, it is not the only way to enjoy PC games on your iPad. Remote access apps and cloud gaming services provide viable alternatives, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. As technology continues to advance, the line between PC and mobile gaming will likely continue to blur, offering gamers more flexibility and options than ever before.
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