"If there is an app for that"

Mama Mia! Let’s-A-Go in Super Mario Run

December 16, 2016 by macjeff

Super Mario Run (Free) by Nintendo Co., Ltd. is the latest mobile craze to hit the App Store before the end of the year, and is the second major Nintendo franchise to officially have a mobile game, the other being Pokémon Go. If you’re a huge Nintendo and Mario fan, then it’s needless to say that this is a no-brainer.

As someone who grew up in the late ‘80s into the ‘90s, I have incredibly fond memories of having a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) back in the day, and playing whatever Super Mario Bros. games I had been given to me by my parents. No matter which game it was that I played, I would spend a good chunk of my carefree childhood days on it, trying to get as far as I could and beating my previous records. To me, there was nothing better than hearing the original Super Mario Bros. chiptune theme song and hearing Mario with his classic “It’s a me, Mario!” line. As I got older and earned my own money to buy video games, I’ve always had a soft spot for Nintendo, getting their consoles whenever I can (though I skipped out on the Wii U but eager to get a Switch). Heck, I even managed to snag an NES Classic Edition this year to fulfill my nostalgia needs. Like everyone else on the planet, I’ve been wanting Nintendo to release mobile versions of their classic games, like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and many others. This year, so far we’ve gotten Miitomo (kind of dead at this point), Pokémon Go, and now Super Mario Run. If you were expecting a full-on port of Super Mario Bros., sorry to disappoint, but they won’t be doing that for certain reasons. Still, if you’ve been craving any kind of Mario game on mobile, then Super Mario Run will fulfill that yearning.

In terms of visuals, Super Mario Run is beautiful and truly feels like a Nintendo game. If you played Mario games before, then everything will feel right at home for you. The 3-D character models for Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, the Goombas, Koopas, and everything else are delightful and bouncing with personality and charm, just as one would expect from Nintendo. The Mushroom Kingdom is as bright and colorful as ever, and the various environments that all of the stages take place in will bring back a sense of nostalgia for many, myself included. And if you could never get enough of the Mario font from more recent titles, then the typography here will delight you. While most of the graphics are incredibly sharp and crisp for Retina displays, I did notice that some parts of the levels, such as the green leaves on the ground, were a bit fuzzier than the rest, as if they were not optimized for Retina screens. Not a terribly big issue, but consistency would be nice. Still, it’s just a nitpicky detail. Animations in Super Mario Run are smooth and fluid, and I had no lag on my iPhone 7 while I was playing. The sound effects and music stay true to their roots and will bring a smile to all gamers.

There are two game modes in Super Mario Run: World Tour and Rally. The World Tour is essentially the story mode, and contains six worlds that have four stages each. You know how the story goes: everything is peachy in the Mushroom Kingdom until Princess Peach is taken away from Mario once again in the clutches of Bowser. You’ll have to help Mario navigate through all of the stages to eventually reach the goal pole at the end, while collecting coins (including pink and secret black coins) and avoiding or eliminating as many foes as you can along the way.

Rally mode is a battle mode that you need “Rally Tickets” for (not too hard to obtain) and you can compete with other players to impress Toads with style and flair as you run and jump to collect the most coins and squash more enemies. The more Toads that you impress, the more Toads you will gain for your kingdom that you’re trying to rebuild after Bowser’s wrath. When you want to customize your kingdom, just choose the “Build” option to purchase decorations, buildings, and special items. From there, you can customize the positions of each item in your collection or put them away if you don’t want to use them at the moment. I’m not too big of a fan of these kinds of building sims, so I don’t think I’m going to spend a lot of time with this aspect of Super Mario Run. However, a bonus to the Kingdom Builder is the fact that you can have buildings that provide extra bonus games, which are more opportunities to get Rally Tickets. The other method is by clearing worlds.

As I mentioned earlier, if you were wanting a Mario game that is like the originals, then you should stop reading. In Super Mario Run, Mario runs forward automatically, and the game even prevents him from running too far back too, so timing is everything in this game. Rather than have the players control the direction that Mario runs in, all players have to do is tap anywhere on the screen to have Mario jump. You can just do a light tap for a small jump, or hold your thumb down for a longer jump. He can also do a small jump automatically to avoid simple obstacles and enemies that are directly in front of him. Mario has different behaviors that occur depending on the timing of your jumps, so it’s important to learn what he does when and how, and take advantage of that during Rally trials especially, as it’s the best way to impress the Toads when you have some panache. Even though this is a Mario game that can technically be played with just one hand, there is actual skill involved if you want to be good at the game — I’m still trying to get the hang of it, honestly.

The only caveats to the Super Mario Run that I can think of right now is the fact that the game does require an always-on Internet connection to run, and the fact that you only get the first three levels in the free download. If you want to play stage 1–4 and beyond, then you’ll have to get the $9.99 in-app purchase. While I don’t have a problem with this (gamers pay $60 for most console games nowadays anyway), I can see why many others may have an issue with it. But to that I say — it’s a Mario game for mobile, what do you honestly expect?

I’ve been waiting a long time for a Mario game on iOS, and it still feels a bit weird that the day has finally arrived. Honestly though, it took me a bit of warming up to the fact that this is not the traditional Mario platformer where you have complete control over Mario, but the more I play it, the more I’m enjoying it for what it is: a one-handed Mario platformer for mobile. The modernized graphics are gorgeous on Retina screens (albeit have some minor flaws with textures), the sounds and music just make me smile, and the controls are intuitive and responsive. While this is not the classic Mario games that I remember growing up with, it’s not a problem — that’s what my NES Classic Edition is for.

I recommend giving Super Mario Run a try if you’re a Nintendo and Mario fan in any way, shape, or form. It’s not your traditional Mario game, but it’s a great option for getting your Mario fix on-the-go without a 3DS.

Super Mario Run is on the App Store as an initial free universal download for your iPhone and iPad. An in-app purchase of $9.99 unlocks all levels after the first three.

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from : Mid Atlantic Consulting, Inc.

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 12/16/2016

December 16, 2016 by macjeff

The Pedestal , Drop The Chicken 2 , Blur Bokeh - Light Photo Effect Background and more

Universal:

The Pedestal ( $FREE → Free ) Daniel Ivanov Akira is a young ninja on the path to becoming a Sensei. The only way to achieve this high order is to survive the pedestal for three minutes. Shurikens and scythes will enter the screen from all angles, and you must tap to jump or double-jump to avoid a direct hit. As time passes, the pedestal itself will also begin to move. You have three lives to try and outlast the timer.

Drop The Chicken 2 ( $FREE → Free ) Jesse Kuronen Chuck has been captured by an evil monkey ring master. To escape from the circus, you must help Chuck perform pool diving tricks while catching bugs along the way. While Chuck is on his platform, you’re required to move a wide variety of objects to ensure he safely lands in the pool. When you believe you have everything just right, flip the switch and see how he performs. The game includes 100 puzzles, five bonus levels, and in-game helping hands.

Blur Bokeh - Light Photo Effect Background ( $FREE → Free ) Nine Curves Any photo in your library is fair game. After importing one, you’re able to add shapes and light leaks with a tap. You’re also able to take a new photo with live bokeh effects. After settling on an effect, you’re able to reduce or delete parts of it by swiping your finger across the screen. The app includes 85 effects in all.

Adventure Beyond Time ( $FREE → Free ) Aircamp Games Adventure Beyond Time takes players on a journey across a mysterious island. Lost and without a way off the island, you must pursue the ever-elusive Dr. Teresa Von Awesome to get some answers. Make your way through 150 atmospheric environments in search of clues, and collect more than 100 unique items in order to help solve puzzles.

Windy ~ Sleep Relax Meditate & white noise sounds ( $FREE → Free ) Franz Bruckhoff Windy combines natural wind recordings with stunning artwork to help you sleep, relax, study, or meditate. It utilizes stereoscopic 3-D audio that’s optimized for headphones, so you can drift off into your own little world. The six natural wind recordings can be mixed with rain, river sounds, birds, and crickets. There’s also a whimsical story embedded within the app, allowing you to follow Windy on her journey to breathtaking locations.

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Minimize is a Beautiful Puzzler About Simplification

December 15, 2016 by macjeff

minimize ($2.99) by BorderLeap, LLC is a relaxing puzzle game about matching tiles. If you’re looking for a simple puzzle game that will help you take some stress off from the pre-holidays, then Minimize has you covered. It is from the same guys who brought you the Harmony series, Drop Flip, and Alpha Omega, all of which were fine games themselves.

Even though the holidays are coming up in a little over a week, I’ve been feeling the stress this week with finals and last minute holiday shopping. When I am feeling the pressure, I like to just hide from reality for a bit and bury myself deep into video games, whether it’s my 3DS, PS4, or just my iPhone. But since my job is to cover iOS games, I spend a lot of time with them and one of my favorite genres are puzzles that keep my mind stimulated with a challenge while also being relaxing at the same time. Since Borderleap came out with the aforementioned games a while back, I’ve been fans of what they churn out onto the App Store. Naturally, when the news of Minimize hit my inbox a few weeks ago, I was eager to give the game a try. Now that it’s here for everyone, it surely doesn’t disappoint.

Visually, Minimize features a super minimal aesthetic that is sure to appeal to fans of simple design. The game consists of a 3-D isometric appearance that is made up of a flat game board with various colored tiles scattered on top of it. As you progress in the game, the board will build upon itself and expand on the previous level, and the colors will gradually change, while the game throws in more hues into the mix to make things a bit more complex. On top of the clean interface, Borderleap went with some nice soft colors that still provide good contrast with the pastel backgrounds and white game board, so it’s an overall pleasing look and feel. Animations are smooth and fluid with no lag on my iPhone 7, and the ambient soundtrack is soothing. I definitely recommend using a good pair of headphones while you play the game for a truly immersive relaxing session. Like their previous games, Borderleap has done an excellent job with Minimize in terms of visual and audio design.

Like many other puzzle games, Minimize is level-based and you’ll have to solve the puzzles in chronological order. At the moment, there are 100 levels to go through. However, since the game’s stages build on top of one another, this makes perfect sense here, and it’s fun to watch the game board grow to become more intricate and complex as you advance. There is also no level select screen, but you can navigate back to previous stages from the game menu when you’re on a puzzle. The goal in Minimize is pretty straightforward: match the colored tiles on the board in groups of at least two or more to clear them out until no tile remains. While this sounds easy, it gets trickier the further you get. Fortunately, the game does not have timers or move restrictions, so you can play at your own pace, which I love. There are also no hints of any kind, because when it comes down to it, every puzzle can be solved through simple trial-and-error.

Controls in Minimize are as simple as they come. To move all of the tiles at once, just swipe your finger on the screen in the direction you want them to go. It’s either all-or-nothing when it comes to tile movement here. The tiles will stop moving once they hit a dead end or the edge of the board. Since all of the tiles move together, you’ll have to plan your swipes strategically so that you can match all of the like-colored tiles together in groups of two or more. If a single tile gets left behind, then you’ll have to restart the level. Seeing as the game does not penalize you in any way, failure is completely acceptable and you can always just jump right back into it later if you’re feeling a bit flustered at a stage.

Even though there are no penalties for failure in this game, Borderleap has included some achievements and leaderboards. There is also full game save sync through iCloud so that you can pick up where you left off on any iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV.

I’ve been playing Minimize whenever I have some spare downtime lately, and I’m in love with it so far. I’m a sucker for puzzle games and Minimize delivers flawlessly. The game is gorgeous to look at, the music is captivating, and the controls are intuitive and responsive. The game mechanic is not exactly new, but it’s still fun to play when you want to just unwind for a bit, and being able to play at your own pace and not be under pressure for anything is nice. It’s also fun to watch the levels grow from their predecessor, as it adds another layer of depth to the game.

I highly recommend checking out Minimize if you’re a fan of relaxing puzzlers. You can get Minimize on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV for just $2.99. There are no in-app purchases.

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credit : appadvice

from : Mid Atlantic Consulting, Inc.

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 12/15/2016

December 15, 2016 by macjeff

Tally Counters , Sunday Lawn Seasons , BrainWave Tuner - Binaural beats & white noise and more

Universal:

Tally Counters ( $FREE → Free ) Thomas Tsopanakis Tally Counters allows you to count whatever you want, whenever you want with ease. It’s able to be used in portrait or landscape orientation, and its big buttons make it easy to accurately count your things. Counters can take on different background images to help set them apart, and there’s no limit to the counter value. You’re also able to search for counters, sync them with iCloud, share them, and control them through a widget.

Sunday Lawn Seasons ( $FREE → Free ) Donut Games Charlie’s landscaping business has been going so well he has decided to expand. Now it’s a year round business that offers leaf clearing, snow shoveling, grass fertilizing, and lawn mowing services. You’re able to guide Charlie and his machinery around the screen with swipes. Try to create streaks by going down paths without crossing back over already cleared areas to earn bonus points. You’ll also want to try and avoid dog poop, toys, angry hedgehogs, and other crazy obstacles. The game includes four modes, MFi controller support, ION Arcade controller support, and achievements and leaderboards via Game Center.

BrainWave Tuner - Binaural beats & white noise ( $FREE → Free ) PPL Development Company LLC BrainWave Tuner includes 26 professionally built brainwave entrainment programs to choose from. Each program focuses on a specific need such as pain relief, relaxation, creativity, energy, and even headache treatments. You’re able to mark the most frequently used programs as favorites, and you can adjust the strength of the brainwave and ambient sounds. The app also includes adjustable durations for your sessions.

Solve - A colorful graphing calculator ( $FREE → Free ) Pomegranate Apps Solve is not only the best graphing calculator around, it’s also the best overall calculator thanks to its unique colorful interface. The colors aren’t there just to pretty things up. They also serve as separate calculators that can interact with each other. For example, if you store an answer within one calculator, you can swipe across the color bar to recall and use it in another calculator. Whenever you have an equation with variables that can be plotted a “Touch to Plot” button will appear, allowing you to quickly turn it into a graph. The app is loaded with other great features, and thankfully in-depth tutorials are available to help you take full advantage of all of them.

Tiggly Christmas: Fun Creative Holiday Game for Preschool Kids ( $FREE → Free ) Tiggly Tiggly Christmas is filled with wonderful interactive experiences. Your child can go through all of the Christmas traditions like decorating a tree, opening gifts, playing with toys, taking family photos, and sending postcards. All of the activities include voiceovers and visual cues.

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Find Your White Noise Zen in Wildfulness 2

December 14, 2016 by macjeff

Wildfulness 2 - Relaxing Nature Scenes & Sounds (Free) by Wild Ventures is a gorgeous white noise app for those who love the sounds of nature. If you need a simple app for helping you unwind and relax after stressful times, then this is a great way to do so. It joins the ranks of other fantastic white noise apps on the App Store, including Away and Sunny.

As someone who gets stressed out relatively easily, when I’m not taking my stress out in video games, I like to relax with white noise, especially before bed, where my mind always seems to be going full speed still. White noise is great because it is ambient and calming, and if you have a preferred set of noise, such as rainfall or the sound of the ocean’s waves, then you just think about relaxing there and it’s easy to fall asleep. I’ve gone through my fair share of white noise apps over the years, and while I have stuck with my all-time favorite, Thunderspace, that doesn’t mean I am not going to try out new options on the App Store. When I got a message in my inbox regarding Wildfulness 2, I was intrigued, despite never using the original Wildfulness. Needless to say, as a fan of white noise and minimalism, I am not disappointed with what Wildfulness 2 offers.

Visually, Wildfulness 2 is gorgeous and will definitely appeal to fans of minimal design. The app features several different nature scenes that are all hand-illustrated, featuring rich and vibrant colors in the background and dark silhouettes of trees and animals in the foreground. While most of them appear static at first, if you look closely enough, there will be some smooth and subtle animations for some of them, such as pounding rainfall or fluffy snow falling to the ground. The sans serif typography used throughout the app is also simple and clean, giving the app a completely refined look. Regardless, the scenes in Wildfulness 2 are stunningly beautiful and you’re sure to find a new favorite. Plus, Wildfulness 2 uses psychoacoustic 3-D sounds recorded from real life for a truly realistic experience.

Wildfulness 2 initially comes with one scene, the forest, there is an in-app purchase of $2.99 that will unlock all of the naturescapes, which means a total of 10 for every mood that you may be in. If you don’t mind the limitation of just having a forest scene, then the initial free download should be enough to suffice for those times you need white noise. But honestly, I checked out some of the other scenes that are available and they are both pretty and fairly realistic, and having the variety in a single app is fantastic.

To change scenes, just tap anywhere on the screen and then tap on the “Scenes” button. Optionally, you can just swipe from the left edge of the screen, which is much easier. The scenes list gives you a nice thumbnail of each scenario, along with the name, which reveals the kind of noise that you’ll be hearing. When you find one that piques your interest, just give it a tap and the app will take you away to zen.

Since white noise apps are best used before bedtime, it’s always good to have a sleep timer enabled. To access the sleep timer, just tap anywhere on the screen of the scene that you’ve selected. From here, you can tap on the stopwatch icon in the middle of the screen to bring up the sleep timer, and then choose how long until the app stops playing from the dial. It’s simple and intuitive, so you can make sure that the app doesn’t continue to run when you don’t need it to.

Another nice option that is included in Wildfulness 2 is the addition of guided breathing exercises. To get to this section of the app, just navigate to the scene list and then tap on the empty circle in the top right corner. Once you tap on the large, hard-to-miss “breathe” button, the app will tell you to breathe in and out for 60 seconds, but you can also quit at any time. It’s a nice extra that the developers have included in case you need more stress relief in your life and don’t have an Apple Watch to tell you to breathe a few times during the day.

I’ve only been using Wildfulness 2 for the past day, but so far I’m loving it so far. As a big fan of the trendy minimalist aesthetic, I appreciate the simplicity of the nature scenes in the app, and the animations are subtle and never too over-the-top. The 3-D sounds of each scene are lovely and immersive, making you feel as if you are truly there. I also enjoy the fact that a guided breathing exercise is included in the app, as it’s a perfect fit as you listen to white noise. If you enjoy a variety of natural scenes and sounds, then the $2.99 in-app purchase is also well worth getting.

I recommend giving Wildfulness 2 a try if you are in need of a minimal white noise app that gives you a lot of variety in a single app. You can find Wildfulness 2 on the App Store as a universal download for the iPhone and iPad for free with an in-app purchase for more scenes. Headphones are recommended for the best experience.

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from : Mid Atlantic Consulting, Inc.