"If there is an app for that"

Magnetism is the Key to Matches in the Puzzling Color Magnet

July 13, 2017 by RSS Feed

Color Magnet ($2.99) by The One Pixel, Lda is a brain teasing puzzle game that is all about colors. If you liked titles such as Polycolor and Open Bar, then you will like what Color Magnet has to offer.

When I’m stressed out, I like to sit back with some video games to take my mind off of things. For the most part, this methodology works well, because I end up losing track of time for hours. One of my favorite genres of games to help me unwind are puzzle games, as they’re stimulating, challenging, yet relaxing at the same time. Plus, I love seeing if I can beat my previous high score on another attempt. While it feels like I’ve gone through all the App Store has to offer in terms of puzzles, I’m always on the lookout for something new. So when I saw Color Magnet on the App Store this week, I had to check it out for myself.

App Feels Like

$0.99

polycolor

alper iskender

$2.99

Open Bar!

Gingear Studio Inc

Visually, Color Magnet features a minimalist aesthetic that is pleasing to the eyes. The game appears in 2-D throughout, but there’s a slight depth to the tiles due to the perspective, so it pops out a bit more than you’d expect. There’s two color modes: Day and Night. Day features a grayish, off-white background with a soft, pastel-like color scheme that stands out well. Night features a pitch black background with brighter and more vibrant hues that provide excellent contrast. When tiles get cleared out, there’s a subtle explosion to go along with it, and the particle effects are fun to watch. Animations are smooth and fluid with no lag on my iPhone 7. To top it all off, there’s a quirky and catchy jazz-like soundtrack, which I found to be soothing. The clicking sound effects are fun to hear too.

There are three game modes in Color Magnet: Classic, Universal, and Puzzle. Classic Mode gives players five turns per level (at which another row comes in from the top) and you must shoot both magnets and locked blocks. Universal grants three turns per level, and you only get to shoot magnet blocks. Plus, everyone who plays this mode gets the same sequence of blocks, so it’s almost like a daily challenge. Puzzle allows players to choose the color magnets that they want to use in order to clear the board. This mode involves the most thinking, because you want to clear everything in one shot.

Controls in Color Magnet are simple enough: just drag your finger along the bottom of the screen to move the next tile and align it with the column that you want to shoot it into. Color magnets will change the color of blocks in between the magnet and another color block in the row or column. To get matches and clear out tiles, you need at least five of one color to make them pop off. Locked blocks change to a random color if they’re between two color magnets, and cross blocks will stop any color changes going past them and can’t match. Your clusters of like-colored blocks can be both horizontal and vertical, with bigger groups causing chain reactions that lead to more points.

The more chain reactions and combos you can pull off, the more points you earn. When the tiles cross the threshold at the bottom of the screen, that means it’s game over. Your score depends on how many tiles you’ve cleared out, and combos reward more points. Color Magnet features leaderboards so you can compete with friends and other players all over the globe. There’s also achievements that keep you coming back for more.

Color Magnet is a unique puzzle game because it adds a fresh new concept to the traditional match-three formula that we all know and love. The game’s minimalistic visuals are appealing, especially with the two different color modes so you can play anytime of day. Controls are intuitive and feel natural enough for anyone to pick up. The game modes are all distinctive enough to feel different but have the same premise.

I’ve seen all of the different types of puzzle games out there, but Color Magnet’s concept of magnets to change block colors and make matches is definitely an interesting and refreshing change.

While Color Magnet is great, there are some flaws. I found that the game wants you to have your finger precisely on the tile to shoot it. Personally, I would rather just be able to slide my finger along anywhere on the bottom to have the block move, because the precision isn’t necessary when it highlights the column you’d be aiming at.

Another thing is the fact that the game does not let players listen to their own audio in the background because the game music takes over. I’m not a fan of games or apps that take over the device audio for themselves only, so I hope that the developer changes this in an update.

As a puzzle game fan, I love the uniqueness of Color Magnet. The game mechanic is definitely different, so it’s not like anything you’ve tried on the App Store. While it is a match-three (technically five) at its core, the magnet aspect means a lot of possibilities as far as making matches goes, and it requires a good amount of critical thinking at some points to get out of a sticky situation. Plus, the simple and clean graphics look great, and the music is soothing. This one is definitely a keeper.

I recommend checking out Color Magnet if you’re looking for a puzzle game that isn’t the same old match-three that you’ve played before. Color Magnet is on the App Store as a universal download on your iPhone and iPad for $2.99. There are no in-app purchases.

8.4

OVERALL

Replayability 9

Gameplay 9

Game Controls 8

Graphics 8

Sound/Music 8

$2.99

Color Magnet

Andre Santos

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

Apple’s free app of the week: illi

July 13, 2017 by RSS Feed

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game illi. For the next 7 days you can pick up this popular puzzle-platformer for free on both iPhone and iPad, a solid savings of $3.

From the App Store Editors’ Notes:

We’re not sure exactly what kind of creature illi is-“adorable, furry slug-thing” seems pretty close-but we definitely love hanging out in her gorgeous, gravity-bending worlds. This luscious puzzle-platformer gently ramps up the variety of gravity-based challenges our squishy heroine must overcome. Illi makes us rethink the meaning of up and down and delights us every time we guide our bouncy blob to her glowing goal.

And here’s a clip of the game in action:

Illi is available in the App Store for free.

Source link: http://www.idownloadblog.com/2017/07/13/apples-free-app-of-the-week-illi/

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/13/2017

July 13, 2017 by RSS Feed

illi , I imagine , Rapto - Make Music Using Artificial Intelligence and more

iPhone:

Rapto - Make Music Using Artificial Intelligence ( $0.99 → Free ) Akhil Tolani Rapto is going to brighten your day. We’re sure of it. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze whatever is in your camera’s view and rap about it. Once the object is identified, you’ll see rap lyrics on your screen. You’re able to capture screenshots of your favorite lines and share them. The app also includes four beats to choose from.

Universal:

illi ( $2.99 → Free ) Set Snail [videojs autoplay="true" mp4="https://springboard-cdn.appadvice.com/generated-app-plays/1064093693/157521920-1499960430332-half-no-audio.mp4"> Illi is one-button gaming at its finest. You’re put in control of a weird little creature known as Illi. She’s not only a bit odd looking, she’s also capable of some pretty amazing things like bending the fabrics of her world. As she glides ahead across the platforms, it’s up to you to time your jumps and collect the light crystals in order to reach the portals at the end of each level. Each unique world you enter will introduce new mechanics, traps, and obstacles to conquer. The game includes more than 60 levels and 170 quests.

I imagine ( $1.99 → Free ) Bizzibrains [videojs autoplay="true" mp4="https://handoff-cdn.appadvice.com/generated-app-plays/771569926/143686656-1473808140536-half-no-audio.mp4"> I Imagine puts you and your child directly into the story. You’re able to type the names of your characters, add your own faces using the front-facing camera on your iDevice, and design their outfits. Then flip the pages and enjoy the interactive story as its narrated. The text will be highlighted as the story progresses, and loads of interactive elements will appear on each page.

Farm Story Maker Activity Game for Kids and Toddlers Premium ( $2.99 → Free ) Eggroll Games LLC [videojs autoplay="true" mp4="https://handoff-cdn.appadvice.com/apptributes/117674847103633430806/1467894921538-Choose-from-9-different-base-scenes-3830-half-no-audio.mp4"> There’s so much to do on Lily’s farm. Your child is able to choose from nine different base scenes and populate their favorites with over 100 fun and cuddly stickers. The stickers can be placed anywhere in the scene with a drag and drop, and they can be resized and rotated with common gestures. Tap on a sticker to bring it to life. Stickers are sorted be category, so it’s easy for your child to find exactly what they’re looking for.

Tentatrio! Jellyfish, Octopus & Squid Pals ( $0.99 → Free ) Michelle Rodriguez Tentatrio is filled with 24 animated stickers to enjoy. It provides the cutest possible way to show that you’re confused, feeling social, annoyed, hungry, laughing out loud, smug, and so much more. The emotive tentacled critters will brighten anyone's day. The original artwork was created by Shelly Rodriguez of Inki-Drop.com. Just peel and stick.

Source link: http://appadvice.com/apps-gone-free

Learn the Piano the Easy Way with Flowkey

July 13, 2017 by RSS Feed

Flowkey – Learn Piano summons out your inner piano prodigy and is a great app for anyone looking to learn piano for the first time.

With a free starter package download, users can try out this app with very little initial commitment, if desired.

Features:

This is one of those apps that has a name that really sums up its features and provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to brush up on their long-lost piano skills.

Flowkey, by Flowkey gmbH, monitors your practice progression through either MIDI connection or microphone, depending on your keyboard’s capabilities.

The music selection featured in Flowkey ranges from basic, beginning pieces to impressively complicated concert selections.

Additionally, this app features both classical and contemporary music options.In order to get the most out of your Flowkey subscription (or free starter package), I would advise actually getting a real keyboard or piano.

While the app can work with another keyboard based app, to really learn keyboard skills (including finger spacing placement), using an actual keyboard/piano is ideal.

As a whole, this is an excellent app for anyone working to teach themselves the keyboard.

Appearance and Layout:

The layout of Flowkey – Learn Piano is just another of the great things about this app. This app is obviously intentionally designed, created with a layout that makes navigating through Flowkey an incredibly smooth sailing experience.

Starting questions get your account set up at the appropriate keyboard skill level, and figuring out how to personalize your experience as you move through the app is fairly intuitive.  

In-app graphics are beautifully designed as well

Value:

While downloading Flowkey is  free, anyone really serious about utilizing the services the app has to offer will probably need to purchase at least one of the subscription service packages offered in the app.

Ranging from monthly options of $20/month to yearly subscriptions of $120/year to a “lifetime” option of $300, how much or how little you wish to invest in your musical ventures is really up to you.

While obviously much more expensive than the average app, the lessons offered through Flowkey are still definitely cheaper than actually paying a private piano tutor.

As a whole, Flowkey is a unique, well designed app that offers users the opportunity to either learn brand new keyboard skills or to improve their already existing skill base.  

Flowkey – Learn Piano iPhone app requires iOS 8.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Source link:http://www.theiphoneappreview.com/2017/07/flowkey-learn-piano-iphone-app/

Squash Space Snails as Star Vikings Forever

July 12, 2017 by RSS Feed

Star Vikings Forever ($2.99) by Akupara Games is a puzzle RPG that’s chock full of humor and good fun. If you enjoyed games such as Ticket to Earth and Beglitched, then you will like what Star Vikings Forever has to offer. It’s even a bit reminiscent of Plants vs. Zombies.

As I grew up, I was always fascinated by puzzles, even if I wasn’t able to solve everything. When I got stumped by a puzzle, it probably just meant that it was a good one. I still appreciated the stimulation and challenge that it brought into my life. When I got older, I started to play more RPGs, and when they have puzzles in them, I just fall in love with the creativity. So when I see puzzle RPGs on the App Store, I know I have to get my hands on them. Star Vikings Forever is just one of those many titles, and it is one that doesn’t disappoint.

App Feels Like

$6.99

Ticket to Earth

Robot Circus Pty Ltd

$3.99

Beglitched

Alec Thomson

Visually, Star Vikings Forever packs in quite a punch. The game features an awesome cartoony art style that is sure to delight everyone. Though the graphics appear in a 2-D fashion, due to the angle, perspective, and lighting of the game, there appears to be a bit of depth to it, so it’s more between 2-D and 3-D. Star Vikings Forever also makes use of a bright and vibrant color palette to ensure that everything, from the rooms in the spaceship to the character sprites of viking and foe, looks bold and enticing. Animations are smooth and fluid with no lag on my iPhone 7. There’s also an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack that’s sure to get players in the mood for some space-snail-squashing action.

Since Star Vikings Forever is a puzzle RPG, you can expect it to be level-based. The game’s split up into different chapters and sections, with a handful of stages for each area. There’s a set objective that must be completed to clear a level, but Star Vikings Forever does things a bit differently.

Rather than have the same objectives set in stone each time you replay a stage, Star Vikings Forever randomizes goals when you go back and play a level again. So the objectives don’t change on the first time you play, but each time after that. This keeps things fresh and interesting, and even gives you even more of a reason to go back and replay stages. If you’re the type who needs a lot of replay value, well Star Vikings Forever has it.

Controls in Star Vikings Forever take a bit of getting used to, but are easy once you get the hang of it. Each stage consists of several rooms connected together. You have to guide each space viking in their lane from start to finish in order to reach the next room. The vikings can only move forward in their assigned lane.

To move forward, just draw a line from them to the spot you want to position them at. A tap on a viking will select him or her, and then you’re able to activate their special ability by tapping on the target. Your vikings automatically hit whatever is in front of them when they run into them.

Your team consists of up to four vikings at once, and each one carries their own unique stats and abilities. For example, the tank has much more health points, but can only push enemies in adjacent spaces. Another class is able to use a laser to hit enemies from farther away than one space. The only catch to using special abilities is the fact that they require energy, and there’s only a limited supply of that for each viking until they reach the next room.

With the varying objectives and puzzle layouts, sometimes a level can last for some time. After you finish a stage, deployed units earn experience points. Once a unit levels up, they’re able to spend their skill points to upgrade their abilities and stats to be even more formidable.

Space Vikings Forever starts off pretty easy, but the difficulty ramps up as more enemy types get introduced, as well as having more foes to deal with at once. All enemies have a line of hearts on them — this is the number of hits that they can take before they go down. Some exert special behaviors when attacked, such as attacking whatever is in front or adjacent to them. This leads to some awesome chain reactions, which are key to getting combos in the game.

You’ll have to keep in mind the abilities of your units as you enter a level. That’s because sometimes the puzzle layout depends heavily on the position of your units and their abilities.

There’s only a campaign mode in Star Vikings Forever, but it packs in about eight hours of gameplay. And when you beat the game, there’s also a New Game Plus mode, so the replay value just skyrockets. There’s six viking classes to discover and upgrade, so eventually you’re able to fully customize your team to fit your play style.

Star Vikings Forever has a lot going for it, and it’s all good. The game’s super cartoonish visuals are pleasing to look at, and the music is quirky and fun. There’s a good sense of humor to all of the dialogue and story, and it’s not your typical cliché either. Controls are simple and the game mechanics are pretty different and interesting. There’s a lot of content to go through, and the replay value is extremely high.

Even great games are not without some flaws, and Star Vikings Forever is one of them. While the controls work out in the end, I did find that it takes a bit of getting used to, and sometimes it just felt a bit clunky. However, it can be overcome with a bit of practice and patience, so it’s not a complete deal breaker.

I’ve only just started Star Vikings Forever, but the experience has been super enjoyable so far. The game features an awesome aesthetic, the music gets the blood pumping, and the gameplay mechanics are different enough to make the game stand out on its own. Controls take a bit of getting used to but work well in the end. And as far as replay value goes, Star Vikings Forever has a ton of it, so you get your moneys worth.

I recommend Star Vikings Forever to anyone who is looking for a lengthy puzzle RPG adventure with a lot of replay value. Star Vikings Forever is on the App Store as a universal download for $2.99. There are no in-app purchases.

9.2

OVERALL

Replayability 10

Graphics 10

Sound/Music 9

Gameplay 9

Game Controls 8

$2.99

Star Vikings Forever

Akupara Games

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