"If there is an app for that"

Battle to Victory in Mech Rush

May 27, 2016 by macjeff

Reviewed by Marilyn Chau

Booty Bay Limited brings Mech Rush to the ever expanding lineup of endless runner games.

Mech Rush is well designed fun and challenging game that really sets itself apart from average endless runners with fun personalization features throughout.

Features:

The features of this app could pretty much be guessed just based on its name alone. Mech Rush is a mech-based free runner app that sets players free to create their own characters.

Each decision you make can alter the way your Mech conquers in-app obstacles; this makes it possible to switch up the skill sets of your character really easily to allow for maximal personalization.

In-game levels are all different, with impressive graphics throughout the different worlds you have to run/battle through.

Thankfully the controls on Mech Rush are easy to use and really make sense, particularly if you’re used to other similar endless runner games.

Bosses of each world keep this game interesting, with each one being an entirely different challenge to conquer.  Mech Rush loads and operates smoothly on compatible iOS devices; I didn’t have any problem with lag when playing this app.

Appearance and Layout:

Mech Rush iPhone Game

Mech Rush, like many other games in its genre, doesn’t have to focus on graphics and appearance as the main contributor to its appeal.

However, the makers of Mech Rush definitely put a good deal of attention into the graphics of their game; Mech Rush’s characters and levels all have details in them that are way above par for free apps of its type.

The screen for setting your particular Mech options seems a little bit crowded, but this can be expected when considering the number of different ways that Mech Rush allows you to vary your character design.

Navigation through Mech Rush is easy as well, and for anyone who is already familiar with endless runner concepts, Mech Rush won’t be hard to get the hang of at all.

Value:

Mech Rush is a free app. It has got great graphics for a free runner game, and the controls work well for the style of the game.

Mech Rush is definitely a challenging game, but the level of difficulty is far from impossible.

While it’s hard to recommend Mech Rush over a lot of the other free runner apps on the market today, it is fair to say that this app can certainly hold its own.

In fact, for fans of Mechs, Mech Rush just might be the ideal free runner game.

Mech Rush iPhone app requires iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

TheiPhoneAppReview’s rating:

Test Your Skills with WordSwish

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Reviewed by MC

WordSwish promises to challenge word puzzle enthusiasts. Featuring cleverly created challenges, this app by Jorgen Wede is a great addition to the library of anyone who loves a good mind-bending game.

Features:

The name of this app provides an accurate description of its gameplay. Players in WordSwish are given game boards of letters and are challenged to find the words hidden in each of those gameboards; once found, letters are connected into words via a “swishing” action with your fingers.

Hints for the categories of the words that you’re looking for are provided in each level, and the entry levels of WordSwish are created simple enough to make it very easy to get the hang of the app.

The number of letters per word is also provided, and each level always has more than one word hidden in it. This inclusion of multiple words certainly adds to the appeal and challenge of WordSwish.

Levels are unlocked sequentially as you successfully complete challenges, and your in-game score rises with your expertise.

Appearance and Layout:

WordSwish iPhone App Review

While the challenges in the gameplay of WordSwish are impressive (particularly as you get further into the game), the graphics of the app are a bit lacking. The game screen is simple and clean enough, but the levels menu seem a bit cluttered.

The app didn’t translate very well onto the larger screen of a full iPad. There were no problems with the graphics resolution on smaller iOS screens, but things seemed a little blurry on the tablet. All items were still readable, but this app is best played on smaller devices.

Value:

WordSwish is a fun and unique game. Its level of difficulty varies greatly, with the beginning levels seeming almost too elementary at times. This ease will probably attract more players to this app than it will turn away; WordSwish may ease you in but it isn’t long until you’re being challenged. 

It’s a free app, with optional in-app purchases for hints in levels if you find yourself stuck at any particular spot. However, the in-app categorical hints (which also show you how many letters a word is) are likely more than enough for most players.

WordSwish is a terrific puzzle app. Offered for free, it’s sure to be of incredible value for word-lovers.

WordSwish iPhone app requires iOS 6.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

The iPhone App Review’s rating:

Find your next iPhone app or game at TheiPhoneAppReview.com

Warp Shift is an Enchanting New Puzzler from FISHLABS

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Warp Shift ($2.99) by FISHLABS is a gorgeous puzzle game that forces you to think outside the box, at least just a little bit. If you’re a fan of puzzles, then this one is definitely a must-have in your game collection. Warp Shift is somewhat of a surprise, considering that FISHLABS is a studio known for the Galaxy On Fire series, which is a space shooter, and definitely not related to puzzles.

FISHLABS is no stranger to iOS gaming, as they’ve given us amazing hits like the original Galaxy On Fire, Galaxy On Fire 2, and Galaxy On Fire – Alliances. While these are great games, I didn’t get too into them personally since I’m not the best at these action-packed space shooters (I have terrible aim). So when the news that FISHLABS was coming out with a puzzle game, I was instantly intrigued, as puzzles are more my forte. After spending some time with Warp Shift this morning, I have to admit that I’m pretty impressed with a puzzle game from a studio that normally does action games (like the reverse of Bushido Bear).

Visually, Warp Shift is absolutely gorgeous. The entire game is rendered in 3-D with beautiful landscapes and environments in the background that appear to be hand-painted. The character model of Pi, the little girl that you’re guiding through a boxy labyrinth, is incredibly well done, as it feels like she is truly alive on your screen thanks to the fluid movements. The colors are bright and vivid so it’s nice eye candy on your screen, and all animations are buttery smooth, even when navigating through the level selection screen. To top things off, the soundtrack to the game is calming, and the sound effects of nature or your robotic friend are fun and cheery.

Like most puzzle games, Warp Shift features five different worlds that contain 15 levels each. You’ll have to get through each stage in order to move on to the next, but there isn’t too much of a need to rush through the game. It’s designed to be a title to help you unwind and relax after a long day, though if you like to challenge yourself, there are three stars that can be earned on each puzzle. You’ll need the stars to unlock the other worlds though, so keep that in mind even if you aren’t a perfectionist.

The nice thing about the stars, though, is the fact that the game tells you how many moves you can make until you lose that star (as shown in the upper left corner). This is good because it also indicates that a puzzle can be solved in just that many moves if you try hard enough, though getting one or two stars is not that bad either. For those who like to be perfectionists, though, this helps give them a clear cut answer on how to solve a puzzle.

The gameplay in Warp Shift is simple, but gets tricky as you progress through the game. Each stage consists of an arrangement of boxes, some with openings for Pi to traverse through. Your objective is to get her to the portal so she can get back home from these maze-like ancient chambers that have trapped her. In order to do this, you have to arrange the boxes so that there is a clear path for Pi to reach the portal. Arranging them is done by swiping the rows and columns — the box at the end just goes to the other side when moved. Each swipe counts as a move, and if you want three stars, you’ll need to solve the puzzle in as few swipes as possible.

While the game looks easy enough at first, there are many new obstacles that await you as you explore new worlds. You’ll eventually have to deal with multiple portals, laser-guarded doors, and more. The puzzles can get rather tricky but it is always a fun challenge, and it helps keep your mind occupied since sometimes you’ll have to think outside the box to complete a level.

Even though I’m still fairly early on in Warp Shift, I’m finding the game to be enjoyable and well worth the money. The visuals are stunning (though it’s not surprising since it’s FISHLABS), the music and sounds are super soothing, controls are simple and intuitive, and the gameplay is challenging. The only thing I didn’t care for are the hints, since you only start out with a few and have to purchase more through in-app purchases despite this being a $3 game already. Of course, the hints are optional and only a last resort if you’re stuck, and naturally, every puzzle can be solved through some trial-and-error.

I highly recommend checking out Warp Fish if you’re looking for a zen-like puzzle game to check out over the long weekend. Or if you’re just a fan of FISHLABS and want all of their games in your collection, this is a refreshing change of pace from their normal fare.

Warp Shift can be found on the App Store as a universal download for $2.99. There are in-app purchases for more hints if needed.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/reviews

I Hate You Is a Great Game to Face Your Fears Head-On

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Reviewed by Sarah Hanlon

No matter how old you are, chances are you’re afraid of something. Whether it’s your boss, colorful clowns, or spiders, your fears can sometimes get the better of you.

What if there was a way to take out your aggression and face your fears from the comfort of your chair?

I Hate You is a brand-new game by Dmitriy Melnichuk that lets you commandeer a vehicle and literally face your fears head-on, and run them over.

I Hate You is definitely an interesting and engaging game that’s different than anything you’ve played and offers quite a bit of comedic appeal.

Concept and Gameplay:

It’s always a good thing when I get to try out games that are totally off the wall; it keeps things fresh and entertaining. As you can probably imagine, I Hate You fits that bill and is a game that took me a little time to figure out, but has led to quite a few maniacal laughs.

Finding your way around the game menu is tricky at first, but the developers of I Hate You did a pretty good job of providing a helpful overview of button locations and controls.

I Hate You iPhone Game

The controls are pretty straightforward and controlling your car is as easy as tapping on the left or right side of your screen. Other than that, you don’t have to do much except steer straight for your enemies.

Graphics are surprisingly sharp and detailed. You won’t see anything too over the top, but I Hate You isn’t exactly an eyesore either. The environment is pretty dynamic and colorful, meaning you shouldn’t lose interest in the game too quickly.

Features:

One thing that surprised me about I Hate You is the fact that it’s very customizable. The number of fears you can choose from is pretty impressive; I counted 10 to unlock and I’m sure more will be added in later updates.

Fears and cars can be unlocked using coins that are earned by completing mission objectives while playing the game.

I was caught off-guard when I Hate You asked for access to my device’s location while playing the game. I’m not sure what the game would use location data for, but I denied location access and didn’t notice any adverse effects during gameplay.

Value:

I Hate You is available to download from the App Store for free and is universally compatible with iPhone and iPad. The only in-app purchases are for currency packs to buy fears and cars, but you can earn coins by playing.

Overall, I Hate You is a pretty amusing game that’s sure to offer a few good hours of entertainment.

It’s fun to unlock fears and cars, and you can mix-and-match the two for even more laughs.

I Hate You requires iOS 6.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Dash and Slice Through Foes in Bushido Bear from Spry Fox

May 25, 2016 by macjeff

Bushido Bear (Free) by Spry Fox, LLC is the latest game that features our favorite cuddly little square-shaped bears. If you’re a fan of Triple Town or Alphabear, then you must add Bushido Bear to your game collection now.

I’ll admit it — I’m a fan of cute things. I mean, how can anyone not like adorable little animals that are the stars in games? While Triple Town came out many years ago, I didn’t get into it back then, because I believe I was on a match-three burnout at the time. But I was definitely aware of Triple Town, so when I heard that Spry Fox were going to come out with a word game featuring little bears, I couldn’t resist. I became addicted to Alphabear, and even ordered an iPhone case last year that had an adorable pattern of the different bears that you could collect in the game. Even though I haven’t played Alphabear in a while now (the levels got ridiculously difficult for me), I was excited about Bushido Bear when I heard about it a few months ago. Unlike the other two games with Spry Fox’s bears, Bushido Bear is a full-on action game that will keep you on your toes.

Visually, Bushido Bear is stunning, but that is to be expected from Spry Fox. The game sports a gorgeous hand-drawn aesthetic and the bears, like in previous games, all have their own unique outfits and personalities. The colors in the game are fairly bright and vivid, breathing even more life into Bushido Bear. Even the enemies have their own special outfits and behavior patterns, and all animations in the game are smooth and fluid. If you played Alphabear or Triple Town, then you won’t be too surprised, but it is still great to see that Spry Fox has retained their style throughout all of their games, as different as they may be from one another. And since this is an action game with warrior bears, the soundtrack follows the traditional samurai-ninja warrior theme, which I found to be relaxing and soothing.

Bushido Bear features one mode, and that is to survive as long as possible. There are no levels to complete, just endless hordes of enemies to slash your way through. However, each day there will be three different quests that are generated for players to complete, which earns them some nice rewards. This adds to the longevity of the game, since you can’t just rush through every possible quest in one day.

The gameplay in Bushido Bear is simple and straightforward, but it does take a bit of practice and getting used to. In short, circles appear on the arena to tell you when incoming enemies are appearing, so you’ll want to avoid standing idle for too long. Each wave of enemies is different too, so it’s never quite the same thing. To attack, just draw a path for your bear with your finger. Your bear will dash on that path with swords on both sides, slicing up any nearby foe. To just move around without attacking, just tap on the spot where you want to go — this is good for collecting those bonus rewards. The game starts out with the forest arena, but after you complete enough quest sets, more environments become available.

The game continues until you die by running into an enemy or getting hit by their attack (watch out for projectiles). If you have collected multiple bears already, then there will be an option to “avenge” your fallen bear with another one in your cute arsenal. Each bear has their own traits too, such as being slower but harder to hit, carrying big swords, and plenty of others.

As you play Bushido Bear, there’s opportunities to earn gold coins. These coins can be used in the Dojo to purchase upgrades for each of your bears, which means longer sword reach, faster attack speed, or better dash control.

But if you’re looking for more bears and even customizing the trails that the bears leave behind in their whirlwinds of fury, then you’ll have to be a bit more patient. That’s because these require collecting several tokens of each before they are available for you to use. The tokens can be acquired from the Shrine, or you can watch a video and get a free gift, which may have coins or tokens. While this is fairly annoying, it does give you more reason to keep coming back to play the game, at least. And to keep things even more interesting, each bear that is available in the game has their own ultimate special attack that can be activated with certain conditions on the battlefield.

I used to be an Alphabear addict, but now I’m becoming a Bushido Bear fiend. It’s incredibly fun to draw paths and watch your endearing little bears lay waste to their foes, but the variety of enemies means some strategy is also involved, rather than just going ham on the battlefield. Like other Spry Fox games, Bushido Bear looks amazing and has relaxing tunes, and the gameplay is just downright fun. Who knew a studio well known for puzzle and word games could come up with an awesome action game too?

I recommend checking out Bushido Bear if you’re a fan of Spry Fox, just like bears in general, or want something fun to keep you busy. Bushido Bear is available as a free universal download on the App Store with in-app purchases.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/reviews