"If there is an app for that"

Find Your Quell Zen in This Gorgeous Maze Puzzle Game

July 19, 2016 by macjeff

Quell Zen ($3.99) by Fallen Tree Games Ltd is the latest in the relaxing Quell series of puzzle games. When you’ve just had a long day and want to kick back with a soothing game, then you should look no further than Quell Zen. It’s a must-have if you’re a fan of the previous games, Quell Reflect and Quell Memento, and even their other puzzle game, Swapperoo.

I’ve been playing video games for most of my life, but there’s a bit of a difference in the type of game I go for most of the time when it comes to mobile: puzzles. I’m not sure why, but puzzle games are definitely my favorite when I feel like spending some spare time on games on my iPhone 6s Plus. They’re stimulating so my brain gets a nice workout, and most of them are rather relaxing. I’ve been a fan of the Quell games for a long time now, ever since I discovered Quell Reflect back in 2012, and I had no idea at the time that it would be an ongoing series of puzzle games. Fortunately that seems to be the case, and they’ve only gotten better as time goes by. If you’re like me and like zen-like puzzle games like Quell Reflect and Quell Memento, then you’re definitely in for a treat with Quell Zen.

Visually, Quell Zen is a delicious treat for the eyes. It’s incredibly well polished, like the other Quell games, but this one even adds some more nice finishing touches, like the whole Japanese zen garden theme. The puzzles themselves take place on a 2-D layout, but as you’re going through the level select screen, it has a nice pseudo 3-D feel to it that makes you feel like you’re there. The colors are a nice mix of soft and rich, and players can definitely tell that the developers made sure all of the textures and environments were rife with small details. Animations and reflections in Quell Zen are beautifully smooth and fluid, and the ambient, atmospheric soundtrack is a delight to listen to. Quell Zen is just the perfect visual and audible treat after you’re done with the day.

As with the previous games, Quell Zen features different chapters, though you have to go through them in chronological order. The chapters have four sections each, and then you have four levels for that section. Once the four stages are complete, you can move on to the next section, and when all sections are done, then you’re able to move on to the next chapter. Quell Zen, like its predecessors, has a story behind all of the puzzles, and you’ll find out what it’s trying to tell you as you are introduced to new mechanics and elements along the way. The game starts out relatively simple enough, but things get trickier and more challenging as you make progress. But even when the difficulty gets ramped up, it’s still a relaxing experience overall, so you won’t get overwhelmed with frustration.

Controls in Quell Zen are straightforward and intuitive. Since it’s a maze puzzle game, the objective is to guide the raindrops through the maze layout safely while collecting all of the shiny metallic orbs and uncovering the narrative of a Japanese family. To do this, all you have to do is swipe your finger in the direction you want the raindrop to slide over to. The raindrops will continue sliding until it hits a wall or obstacle. Sometimes there are openings in the walls, but don’t worry — your raindrop just goes to the other side of the maze when they slide through the wall opening. If there are multiple raindrops, you’ll have to slide your finger on top of the one you want to move. New mechanics are introduced as you go, such as spikes, portal rings, lasers, and more, which means a gradual difficulty spike and new challenges that await you.

As you play, there is a number in top left corner: this is the number of moves required to solve the puzzle. If you go over, then that means you made a mistake somewhere. However, you are not penalized if you don’t get a perfect on each stage, and you can always go back and replay it again until you get it since there’s no time limit. But if you do get a perfect, it means you’re awarded more coins and solution keys. The coins and keys are used to unlock chapters early if you’re feeling stuck and can’t move forward, though a lot of the puzzles can be solved by trial-and-error.

However, the game is not as straightforward as you may think. While you’ll see the obvious obstacles, orbs, and levels, there are many secrets that you must discover for yourself in the game. These include hidden gems somewhere on each level (breakable wall blocks) and even hidden levels to find and play. I’m still early in the game so I haven’t found hidden stages, but it is great motivation to keep one searching and playing.

One thing I’m not too fond about is the fact that Quell Zen is a premium game that costs $3.99 up-front, yet it still includes in-app purchases. Granted, all of the IAPs are completely optional and not required at all to play (unless you’re impatient), but I still don’t like the business practice of premium games having IAPs in general. Just something worth noting, despite not affecting gameplay itself at all.

I’ve been playing Quell Zen this morning (while waiting for Pokémon Go servers to get back up) and have found the game to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I love the stunning graphics, the music and sounds are soothing, and the controls are simple enough to play anywhere. The puzzles themselves are challenging and I love the fact that there are many secrets to discover, which extends the longevity of the game. Quell Zen is a great addition to the Quell series, and hopefully it continues for a long time to come.

I highly recommend getting Quell Zen if you’re a fan of maze puzzle games, or just enjoyed the previous game releases from the developer (Quell Reflect, Quell Memento, and Swapperoo). Quell Zen is available on the App Store as a universal app for your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV for just $3.99. There are optional in-app purchases for coins, keys, and a jewel detector.

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

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/19/2016

July 19, 2016 by macjeff

Super Arc Light , Pen and Paper , Done - manage your life with ease and more

iPhone:

No matter how you prefer to get things done, Done will help. It allows you to create notes, reminders, and voice memos with just a few taps. Your reminders can send push notifications based on your location or a set time. Notes can include photos. Important items can be flagged, and all content can be organized with labels. A handy widget allows you to see all of your upcoming tasks and most recent notes.

Universal:

Super Arc Light is what you’d get if Super Hexagon and Geometry Wars had a baby. It’s a minimalistic arcade shooter that requires you to defend your base from all angles. Your ship will move around the base all on its own. Simply hold your finger on the screen to fire, which also slows down the speed of your rotations. The moment you lift your finger your ship will take off in the opposite direction. Collect power-ups to unleash new and more powerful weapons. Above all else, survive.

Pen and Paper is an open canvas. It allows you to choose from a variety of page styles, or you can simply create your own. Then put your finger to the screen and start drawing. Your doodles can be resized, recolored, and moved at any time. You’re also able to add text and text boxes, shapes, and photos to pages. Pen and Paper includes iCloud support, Dropbox and Box support, and the ability to import PDFs.

You’re able to join the Avengers and battle with your friends for leaderboard dominance. Launch your ball onto the table by pulling back on and releasing your finger from the plunger. Tap each side of the screen to control your flippers. The table features multiple camera angles to choose from and stellar artwork. Multiple additional themed tables are available via in-app purchase.

Each of the 100 puzzles require you to drag and drop pieces from the lower half of the screen into the top in order to completely fill in the shape. Pieces can not be flipped or rotated, so you’ll have your work cut out for you. The game also includes an unlimited number of hints and undos, creating a rather relaxing environment. Although, if you do utilize a hint you won’t be able to earn a perfect rating.

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

Test Your Reflexes as You Spin Around and Around in Polyforge

July 18, 2016 by macjeff

Polyforge (Free) by ImpactBlue Studios Pty Ltd is an endless zen puzzler that will take you through a journey of various colors, sounds, and shapes. If you enjoy zen-like games with a dash of reflex skill testing, such as Alto’s Adventure or even Super Hexagon, then you’ll get a kick out of Polyforge.

While the world seems to be encapsulated with the entire Pokémon Go craze at the moment, let’s not forget that there are plenty of other (smaller) mobile games that you can check out while you’re in-between Pokémon hunts. I’ll admit that even though I’ve spent the entire weekend playing Pokémon Go, I am still always on the lookout for other exciting new games that don’t require me to get outside to enjoy fully. And these types of games include quick-play arcade-like puzzles, which can be played and enjoyed in just mere minutes-at-a-time, making them the perfect entertainment as you wait around in line somewhere. Polyforge fits this bill well, and it’s a rather enjoyable experience too.

Visually, Polyforge is beautiful, and definitely makes you think of zen while you play. The game features a minimalistic aesthetic with what reminds me of lo-poly graphics that just get more complicated as you progress in the game. The color palettes in the game vary greatly, as you’ll find soft pastels to rich and vibrant hues, but they all come together and meld into stunning gradients that are pleasing to the eye. The shapes themselves are rendered in 3-D and are intricate with their highlight and shadow detail, striking each side with the arrow causes the shape to end up with a pretty glow, and animations are as smooth as butter. Polyforge also has an atmospheric and soothing soundtrack that is delightful to listen to, so I would recommend playing this with your favorite earbuds or headphones. You’ll be whisked away to a state of zen after a long day.

While Polyforge is based on levels that you have to clear before moving on to the next one, the game does not have a point system as you’d expect. Instead, the objective is to reach the highest level that you can, and the leaderboards reflect that with the “Top Levels” board. The thing is, if you fail on a level, you don’t have to start over from the first level, you just have to try the current level you’ve reached again until you can pass it. If you don’t want to play the standard mode, there is also an Endless option as well, which has its own set of leaderboards to go along with it.

Regardless, the goal of each mode is the same: forge new shapes by striking the side of the current shape once — don’t strike it twice. In the regular mode, the game ends if you hit a side twice, so you’ll have to try that level again. In Endless, the shape gets smaller with each mistake, but it can grow larger again (making it easier to hit the sides) if you can get a good streak going. Once the shape is too small and disappears, Endless mode ends and your score is how many total sides you managed to strike properly.

The controls in Polyforge are simple and easy enough to be played with just one hand. The shape in the center will be spinning counterclockwise, and a small triangle will be orbiting around the shape in a clockwise fashion. To strike a side with the triangle, just tap on the screen at the right moment. If you hit a side twice, you’ll get a noticeable quick red glow on that side, and the shape will shake. And the game ends if you’re in the regular mode, or the shape gets smaller each time you hit a side twice, until it disappears and Endless mode stops. If you’re able to rack up a nice combo in the Endless mode, the shape gets larger, making things slightly easier. While the objective and controls of the game are easy to pick up, it can be challenging as you get further along, since the speed of the triangle and shape increases each time. You’ll have to be careful with your timing, because even one second makes all the difference here.

I’ve only spent a little time with Polyforge so far, but I’m finding the game to be a great little time-waster. The graphics are simple and clean, the music is delightful, and the controls are intuitive enough to just require one hand to play. The gameplay itself is rather straightforward but challenging since things move faster and require better reflexes for you to succeed, but hey, who doesn’t like to challenge themselves, right? It’s much more rewarding once you finally get past that point you were stuck at for the longest time, after all. I think the only improvement that could make the game better is another mode where your score is determined by how fast you’re able to complete a shape, or something along those lines. The game is also a free download so there will be ads, but you can remove them with an in-app purchase if they bother you.

I recommend giving Polyforge a try if you’re interested in adding another infinite zen puzzle game that will test how good your reflexes are. Polyforge is available on the App Store as a universal download for free with an optional in-app purchase to remove ads.

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

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 07/18/2016

July 18, 2016 by macjeff

Tofu Go! , GANGFORT - online 2D platformer shooter! , Chemio - A Student's Chemical Reference and more

iPhone:

You’re able to choose any one of nine characters, each with different attributes and abilities. Then pick a side and head into battle. Refined on-screen controls allow you to run and jump to avoid attacks and return fire to take down your enemies. The game includes a single player mode where you can compete against bots, and an online multiplayer mode where you can play with friends.

Universal:

One lucky piece of tofu has escaped the grasp of the chopsticks, and it's your job to help him survive for as long as possible. Tap and hold on the screen to compress the piece of tofu, and release to jump over obstacles and gaps. The longer you tap and hold, the higher he will jump. You can collect soy beans and milk to gain lives and health. Just be sure not to waste any time since the chopsticks are in hot pursuit. The game includes retro pixelated graphics, over 60 types of food to avoid, and Game Center integration.

With Chemio, so much chemical information is available at your fingertips. Tap on an element to view detailed information including its name, atomic mass, electron configuration, atomic radius, density, molar volume, melting and boiling temperatures, and much more. Specific groups of elements can be highlighted to make discovery easier. The app also includes a solubility table, molar mass calculator, and interactive electron configuration models.

Path Input allows you to record your thoughts faster than you could with a regular keyboard. Just draw the path of the word you want to record. If you get a little off track, don’t worry, Path Input will figure out what it is you’re trying to say. You can even record words by simply drawing their prefixes. Those with iOS 8 or later may use Path Input as a third-party keyboard.

The story begins when two children wander away from their campsite and accidentally stumble upon the world’s most unlikely teenager. You and your child get to tag along as they head out on an adventure of a lifetime with Lochfoot. The app includes 26 pages of content, which are filled with rich illustrations, music, and sound effects. You’re able to follow along with the narrator or simply experience the tale together with your child.

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

Build Your Memory Skills with MemPal

July 18, 2016 by macjeff

Reviewed by Marilyn Chau

MemPal is a fun free memory challenge game that’s hard to put down.

With in-app customizable options, this app takes a simple memory game concept to a much more fun and personalizable level.

Features:

MemPal, by Dynetix Design Solutions Inc, has features that are easily summed up in its name. Specifically, this app is designed to be a fun memory challenge, similar to a game you might play with a friend.

In this case, however, your “pal” is this little app; fortunately for those who might not have photographic memories, MemPal is a nice friend and starts out with really simple memory challenges.

At first, these challenges are actually so simple that some players might lose their interest in the app.

For those who decide to push through, the farther you get into MemPal the more intense, exciting, and fun the memory challenges become.

The overall concept of the game, however, remains the same so there isn’t any new technique you have to learn to stay successful at higher levels, which is really appreciated.

Some extra complicated memory challenges can be purchased through in-app purchases if desired as well. If you like a good memory challenge, do not overlook these.

Players who want to personalize their MemPal experience can do so by making in-app purchases to add their own photos into the app. The app even includes an option to create your own MemPal-playing playlist while you work through the app’s puzzles.

Appearance and Layout:

MemPal iPhone App

“Simple” would probably be the best way to describe MemPal’s graphics.

While this simplicity is part of what makes the game so fun, it would be appreciated if the graphics/layout of the app were a little more impressive.

I appreciated the easy-to-navigate interface of MemPal, but at the same time I think more work could have been done to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

The memory icons themselves within the app are actually impressively detailed, however; if you aren’t succeeding at MemPal, you certainly don’t have the graphics to blame at all!

Value:

MemPal is a fun app. It’s easy to get the hang of, and the levels all build up gradually enough to challenge you but not overwhelm you.

The concept of MemPal is similar to many other memory-challenge apps, but  the level of personalization via the in-app purchases is definitely greater.

While some consumers probably won’t have any interest in these purchases, those who are won’t be disappointed.

As a whole, MemPal is a well-designed, easy to understand app that can definitely help you workout your “memory muscles.”

MemPal requires iOS 8.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

TheiPhoneAppReview’s rating: