"If there is an app for that"

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

Minimal arcade game Octagon goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game Octagon. This means that for the next 7 days, you’ll be able to download the popular minimal arcade title on both iPhone and iPad for free, a solid savings of $2.

For those unfamiliar with Octagon, players are trapped inside an 8-sided, constantly-moving tunnel that features gaps and other obstacles. You must jump, dodge and do whatever you can to survive each torturous 60-secound round.

From the App Store Editors’ Notes:

If you took Super Hexagon, Impossible Road, and Tempest and shoved them in a blender, the resulting smoothie would probably taste like Octagon. It’s a psychedelic infinite runner backed by lean-mean electronic music and a difficulty that’ll have you begging for mercy while you tap to Retry.

And here’s a clip of Octagon in action:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJZOCTEeepk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

Octagon is available in the App Store for free.

Free Apps to Download TODAY ONLY 05/26/2016

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Jack Lumber , BendyBooth Full Version Face+Voice Changer - Make crazy funny videos , Dwelp and more

iPhone:

This intelligent alarm clock will ensure you get out of bed on time and in the right mood. Its main display provides you with the current time, weather, and what’s on your schedule for the day. You're able to access the alarm set-up screen by swiping up. You can then create multiple repeating alarms with custom sounds and snooze durations. When it's time to get up, you'll be required to connect the dots to disable the alarm. Cleu is also able to tap into your Nest thermostat in order to change the temperature without leaving bed and control your Philips Hue light system.

Universal:

Poor old granny was cut down in her prime by a tree. Now it’s up to you to exact revenge on the forest by chopping every pine, oak, and maple that stands in your way. Logs are flung up into view. The moment your finger touches the screen you’ll enter “LumberTime,” which slows things down and allows you to cut right through the middle of each log. This adds a strategic element to the game since you’re rewarded for stringing together perfect cuts. Don’t harm any of the animals in the forest, however. Jack Lumber actually loves the critters. He just hates the trees.

BendyBooth allows you to use 28 crazy effects to distort your face. The effects are applied in real-time, and you can adjust the position and intensity to ensure your photo or video comes out just right. The non-destructive editing also allows you to edit your face and voice even after you record. Captured clips can be sped or slowed down as well.

Dwelp is familiar yet unique. The idea is to link same-colored dots in as few moves as possible by placing them next to each other. The catch, however, is that once two dots have been linked up, the rest of the same color will become locked in place. Each puzzle has more than one solution, but your ultimate goal is to find the one with the least amount of moves. You’re able to undo moves at any time. The game includes a total of 120 hand-crafted puzzles.

Who Was? Adventure has a rather unique mechanic for a trivia game. The heads of famous figures will drop down into the screen. It’s up to you to tap on the person described at the bottom as quickly as possible. Each correct selection will remove the head from the screen, freeing up valuable space. If you guess incorrectly, the head you tapped on will remain and more and more will fill the screen. Power-ups and other objects will also populate the screen. The game includes 85 levels, an arcade mode, and more than 4,500 questions.

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

Best app deals of the day! 8 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

May 26, 2016 by macjeff

Everyone likes free apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up fast. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

The post Best app deals of the day! 8 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time appeared first on Digital Trends.

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.