Handmark announced the release of Platypus, its cult side-scrolling shooter game for iPhone and iPod touch, on the Apple App Store.

The award-winning game, based on the highly-acclaimed Mac and PC game from Idigicon and developed by Astraware – the Handmark Games Studio, is a unique arcade game based off of characters and scenes made from modeling clay.

The original creator hand built every ship, tree, and explosion using clay art, photographed them and created digital graphics for the game. Explosions within the game "splat" instead of "bang", and the fruit bonuses make the game graphics seem almost tangible.

"We are so pleased to see one of our most successful titles make its way onto this new and exciting platform," said Giles Hunter, Managing Director, Idigicon.

Using a choice of control methods including the iPhone's built-in accelerometer, players pilot the venerable F-27 'Platypus' across squashy fields and trees, avoiding the snowy mountains to defend peaceful Mungola from invasion. Enemy ships disappear in a splat, and several different power-ups are available to assist with the 20-level mission across 4 huge clay scenarios.

"Platypus is a game that feels so real you just want to touch it – and now on the iPhone and iPod touch you can!" said Howard Tomlinson, Director of Game Development, Astraware. "It�s arcade blasting fun at your fingertips!"

Platypus is available for $4.99 from Apple’s App Store on iPhone or iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information and to view a demo video, visit http://www.astraware.com/iphone/platypus.

Read the official mygamer review of Platypus on Palm mobile devices here.

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