148Apps Main |
- Piclings Review
- iOOTP Baseball 2011 Review
- Gears Review
- Etsy Lovers
- Monsterz Revenge Review
- Destructopus! Review
- Sync Music & Playlists Wirelessly with Spotify Update
- Get Your Defense on with TapDefenseHD
| Posted: 05 May 2011 12:30 PM PDT  Piclings ReviewBy Carter Dotson on May 5th, 2011Our Rating:   :: PICTURE THISUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Piclings is a platformer where levels are created with user-supplied photos that serve as the backgrounds, and elements of the photos used as platforms.
Developer: Pan Studio AB Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G, iPad 1G Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Piclings makes level creation easy – when a photo is imported, the platforms and other elements are automatically generated. However, it is easy to go in and edit levels and create platforms in any place, in a very user-friendly way. Any photo that is a minimum of 480×480 can be imported – shots of landscapes or urban architecture work best. It is also possible to take a photo straight from the app for use with the game. The game is a universal app. There are Game Center leaderboards and achievements, as well, although there is only one collective leaderboard for custom levels.
Piclings doesn’t have a lot to meat to it, but it does have a unique concept that works well, and makes for an interesting technological concept. It needs some more work to be a fully-fledged game, but it is a fun curiosity. [ Piclings Review is a post from 148Apps ]  PiclingsBuy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-05 :: Category: Games :: PICTURE THISRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Piclings |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 12:19 PM PDT  iOOTP Baseball 2011 ReviewBy Carter Dotson on May 5th, 2011Our Rating: :: HOME RUNiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad iOOTP Baseball 2011 is a baseball simulator, giving players the ability to control a baseball team on both a managerial and general managerial level.
Developer: Out of the Park Developments Price: $4.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G Graphics / Sound Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The fun of iOOTP is in having control over a team, managing the games and its transactions. There is the ability to have influence over every at-bat, or to just simulate weeks at a time. This makes it possible to play either the daily grind of a season, or to control and see results over the long-term. There is the ability to play with multiple historical leagues, including the 2004 season where the Red Sox won the World Series. The game can be incredibly addictive, as I found myself playing the game over and over, playing and managing games on a daily basis. I even found myself getting confused between how my iOOTP version of the Texas Rangers were performing and how the actual team was doing, that’s how engrossing the game is.
iOOTP Baseball 2011 can often be convoluted, but I had tons of fun with it. As a huge baseball fan, I found myself engrossed and entirely addicted by the game. There could be a lot of work to improve the user interface, but that shouldn’t deter other baseball fans from picking up and enjoy this game. [ iOOTP Baseball 2011 Review is a post from 148Apps ]  iOOTP Baseball 2011Buy Now: $4.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-05 :: Category: Games :: HOME RUNRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: iOOTP Baseball 2011 |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 10:04 AM PDT  Gears ReviewBy Carter Dotson on May 5th, 2011Our Rating: :: FLAWED MACHINEUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Gears is a ball-rolling game from Crescent Moon Software that tasks players with navigating a ball through 27 hazardous levels.
Developer: Crescent Moon Games Price: $2.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G, iPad 1G Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Gears is absolutely beautiful. The graphics on the Retina Display and iPad are just top-notch, and there’s even advanced graphical options for the iPad 2. That and the sound design create a wonderful atmosphere to the game, that is slightly enigmatic as to the story’s nature. It may ‘just’ be a ball rolling game, but there’s clearly a lot of work into making this look and feel like something special, as it is one of the most beautiful iOS games out there. The problem is when the game actually has to be played.
I don’t like to fight my games – this isn’t to say that I don’t like challenge entirely, but that I like the challenge to come from the content of a game, not the interface. Gears has compelling content, but an interface that dissuades me from playing. I know that a game like this can be done well, I’ve played other example of ball rolling games that have great control schemes? Why can’t this otherwise stunning game be one of those games? [ Gears Review is a post from 148Apps ]  GearsBuy Now: $1.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-04 :: Category: Games :: FLAWED MACHINERead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Gears |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 09:04 AM PDT  Etsy LoversBy Bonnie Eisenman on May 5th, 2011Our Rating: :: DECENTiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Etsy Lovers is a fun app for browsing items on Etsy. Unfortunately, you can’t buy items, and it crashes occasionally. Those issues aside, it’s a fun, solid app.
Developer: Jeybee Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.1 iPhone Integration Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.17 out of 5 stars
Etsy Lovers trumpets that it’s the “most comprehensive app for browsing Etsy.” That may well be true. Etsy Lovers emulates the main Etsy website, and presents items through three tabs: Home, which displays recently added items; Browse; and Featured. The Browse tab contains the real meat of this app, with options to view items by category, color, tag, or material as well as the ability to search through curated Etsy “treasuries.” For a focused search, the Advanced Search option is very precise, with fields for tags, materials, price, and even location. Each page of items is displayed as a grid of tiles, with item photographs given prominence and price and name displayed below each photo. There are many ways to search for things with Etsy Lovers, but of course the real draw comes from finding that special something. Tapping on an item brings up a more detailed view, with a description, detailed pricing, extra photos, and all the other extras normally shown on an Etsy page—other items from the seller, for example, and the option to share an item via Facebook, Twitter, or email. It’s a lot of fun to just flick through the listings and explore different items on the site.
Overall, the experience presented by Etsy Lovers is good…but only when it works. I experienced occasional crashes as well as general lag. There are very few things more frustrating than having discovered the perfect gift only to be booted back to the home screen. On the other hand, when Etsy Lovers works, it’s a lot of fun; in many ways it captures the experience of browsing on Etsy’s real site, though some features are missing. (Trying to actually use the Etsy website from mobile Safari, meanwhile, is a huge pain.) So, for Etsy diehards who love browsing, or sellers who need to check their stores on the go, Etsy Lovers is a decent app. Just be aware that you can’t actually purchase items, and that the app may crash. [ Etsy Lovers is a post from 148Apps ]  Etsy LoversiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-03-15 :: Category: Social Networking :: DECENTRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Etsy Lovers |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 08:04 AM PDT  Monsterz Revenge ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on May 5th, 2011Our Rating: :: SOCIALLY SPOOKYiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Monsterz Revenge offers social gaming with some extra depth.
Developer: Astro Ape Studios Price: FREE (in-app purchases available) Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.81 out of 5 stars The basic structure to Monsterz Revenge will appear immediately familiar to players of many casual social games, even more so if they’ve played Astro Ape Studios’ previous hit Dessert Heroes. Pleasantly however, there’s a bit more to Monsterz Revenge making it a title with more depth than the average game of this type.
You’re not forced to just sit back and wait though. Besides being able to visit friends’s graveyards to clear the flowers infesting their land, there’s also a series of entertaining minigames.
Each of these minigames adds a much needed layer of interest to Monsterz Revenge. It makes everything that bit more hands on than other social games. Sure, you can go the usual route of simply buying your way to level ups with real money but the satisfaction stems from working your way through the minigames and acquiring new bits and pieces the slow and steady way. Monsterz Revenge doesn’t quite go so far as to revolutionise the casual social gaming market but it does go some way to feeling more like a game than something that you simply sit back and watch progress. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’re going to love it. [ Monsterz Revenge Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Monsterz RevengeBuy Now: FREE Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-04 :: Category: Games :: SOCIALLY SPOOKYRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Monsterz Revenge |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 07:04 AM PDT  Destructopus! ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on May 5th, 2011Our Rating: :: DESTRUCTIVE FUNiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad An homage to 16-bit beat em ups with a nod to environmental conservation.
Developer: GlitchSoft Price: $1.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.81 out of 5 stars The main character of Destructopus is technically a bad guy, but much like real life, nothing is quite that black and white. You see, while fearsome octopus Destructopus is wreaking havoc at every turn, it’s because he’s disgusted to see what’s happened to the wildlife and environment of the world. Even worse, cuddly panda bears and loveable elephants are being killed all in the name of industrialism. Not good at all.
A tap of the top half of the screen enables Destructopus to bite buildings while tapping downwards allows him to punch surrounding foes and structures. Holding a finger to the screen invokes a laser beam which can strike down airborne enemies such as helicopters and missiles. Controls are a little flaky at times. Finding the exact line between punch and bite is a little hit and miss but it’s not too much of a problem. Being able to control movement from the right hand side as well as the left would have been useful too and presumably of great help to left handed gamers. Minor gripes aside, Destructopus offers plenty in a simple yet addictive package. As enemies and some impressive bosses are defeated, players also accrue coins which can be used to purchase upgrades. These upgrades range from simple dash moves to improved aim, faster speed and health boosts. The continued lighthearted tone behind the game is also evident in the form of the shopkeeper too. Destructopus is a fun game. The amount of levels means there are a good few hours to play through here and most importantly, it’s enjoyable. Fans of the 1990s 16-bit games of old will be most at home here but there’s still enough going on for everyone to appreciate. [ Destructopus! Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Destructopus!Buy Now: $1.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-04 :: Category: Games :: DESTRUCTIVE FUNRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Destructopus! |
| Sync Music & Playlists Wirelessly with Spotify Update Posted: 05 May 2011 06:04 AM PDT
A new download service has been unveiled too, making it a simple process to buy every song in a playlist. "Spotify's new MP3 download service makes it possible to own your playlists in one easy step … we've been able to offer you some of the most competitive prices available – from as little as 50p per song." The download prices are tiered, depending on how many tracks you buy: 10 will cost £7.99 (80p per song); 15 will cost £9.99 (67p p/s); 40 will cost £25 (63p p/s); and 100 will cost £50 (50p p/s). "From today, Spotify really is the only music player you'll ever need" writes Daniel Ek, CEO & Founder of Spotify. "Our users don't want to have to switch between their music players, but they do want to take their playlists with them wherever they go … now we've made that possible." The new features will be packed into a new version "rolling out to users … over the coming days." iPod Classic, Nano and Shuffle users haven't been left behind, with new functionality to manage music from the Spotify desktop application. Simply connect an iPod via USB and watch it appear under 'Devices' in Spotify. iPhone and iPod Touch owners – check your updates now, there's at least one waiting for you. [ Sync Music & Playlists Wirelessly with Spotify Update is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: |
| Get Your Defense on with TapDefenseHD Posted: 04 May 2011 11:30 AM PDT Never did I image when I was playing the flash game Desktop Tower Defense back in High School that the genre would explode into the global gaming phenomenon that it has become. Yes, it is true that you can pretty much find this style of game on virtually every platform imaginable, but rarely are they available on the iPad for absolutely free.
Now the real question becomes what are the developer TapJoy’s motivations for releasing this game for free? Lets just hope they are as pure as the subject matter. Give it a download and hit us up with a mini-review in the comments.  [ Get Your Defense on with TapDefenseHD is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: TapDefenseHD |
Piclings is a novel technological concept – instead of levels being explicitly designed with specific artwork, levels in this game can be created through user-imported photographs that serve as the background and form platforms that can be navigated on. The player character, a creature named Picazzo can fly through the levels via a joystick placed anywhere on the screen with a finger. Picazzo navigates the levels collecting coins and avoiding enemies who can kill each other if the player can entice them into killing each other, or by way of a powerup that lets Picazzo kill enemies by touching them. Levels are completed when all the coins are collected, with bonuses given for killing extra enemies and completing the level in under the given time.
Unfortunately, by basing levels on real photos, errors do occasionally happen, as platforms can be in weird places. The editor can edit platform locations, but item and enemy locations are still randomly generated. There isn’t much in the way of actual gameplay progression – there’s only high scoring, and level creation.
iOOTP Baseball 2011 has finally been released for the iPhone and iPod touch. 
iOOTP’s problem is largely with realism – there were a lot of little things I noticed. For example, a lot of my players felt like their stats were slightly out of whack. A lot of relief pitchers felt more wildly out of control than they would be in real life, especially on my Rangers. Also, transactions don’t work as realistically as they do in real life – player can be called up to and from the major leagues without any kind of delay. While the minor league system is just a list of players in the minors, this is because having a full minor league system would require more RAM than the current iOS devices have, according to the developers. The menu system is often convoluted, and the stat/rating display views persist, without changing based on the position viewed, so if batting stats are displayed, then pitchers are viewed, the batting stats are still displayed. This a game chock-full of menus that can often be confusing to navigate, especially as there are menus tucked away under submenus, and it can be adventure navigating back to the screen you want. The app is also not enabled for the Retina Display yet.
Gears is such a frustrating game. It has so many good elements to it, but is so hampered by the difficulty of actually playing it that it becomes unworthy of actually playing. The player rolls a ball around the various levels, trying to collect icons along the way in under a given time limit (that can be removed by playing on Easy – something that makes the game far less frustrating). The goalas are twofold – there’s just pure progression through all of the game’s 27 levels, as well as medal collection, with better medals awarded for faster times and greater numbers of icons collected. The game comes with universal app support and Game Center integration for leaderboards and achievements.
See, the problem is that the controls are horrid. The swipe controls that are enabled by default never feel natural. You often have to fight the controls to get going where you want, and when hills come up, I never felt like I was trying to roll a ball up a hill. There was a very real disconnect between the control system and the game and the controls, and that’s what kept me basically quitting the game in frustration many times. There are tilt controls, but they are bad as well, and I suffered from the same kind of disconnection as I did with the swipe controls. Tilting is supposed to be a more intimate control scheme, one where I can feel actually in control of what I’m controlling, but I found myself going back to the swipe controls every time I tried to use the tilt controls. Compare this to games like Tilt to Live or the Dark Nebula games, where once proper calibration is achieved, the game feels very natural, and there’s little question that my success is based off of me, and not just the control scheme. Is it easy to achieve this kind of synchronicity between player and device? No. But I feel like Crescent Moon Games has lots of talent to make a game that feels beautiful, surely they have the talent to make one that plays closely as well as it looks.
Etsy is a pretty amazing website. A sort of online community market where people buy and sell handmade things, it has a lot of fans and is the platform of choice for a number of talented artists. Recently, Etsy challenged developers to use their APIs in the Etsy Handmade Code contest, and Etsy Lovers was one of the winners.
Unfortunately, buying items through Etsy Lovers is still impossible. Items can be added to wishlists, but there’s no way to actually purchase that awesome necklace. Additionally, Etsy sellers are supposed to be able to log in and be able to update shop orders, update messages on buyers’ orders, and edit listings from the app. However, as I’m not an Etsy seller, I was unable to test these features.
At first, it all looks very familiar indeed. This time round, play as a monster, an owner of a graveyard threatened by huge franchises nearby and the neverending spread of flowers and happiness. You have to make your graveyard the most inviting by cooking various concoctions such as Pupil Pasta, Bone Pie and Nachos & Slime. In turn, these recipes reward you with experience and coins, thus enabling you to make even more meals and unlock new extras. It’s all quite standard stuff with a form of snowballing effect to initiate how you level up. Just keep plugging away at the same things and you can buy more chimneys and burners to cook even more food. You can decorate your graveyard and expand it further and further. By customising your place, you then accrue better tips. It’s all very carefully interlinked. 
One such minigame is the battles that commence against rival franchises. These involve a battering ram to destroy their structure. You get an easy to use power gauge that just requires a tap at the right time to inflict damage. The depth comes from the ability to upgrade your ram steadily through the coins you’ve acquired previously. Another game, Electrify Frank, requires you to tap buttons in the correct order thus acquiring more experience and coins. As you progress, even more is unlocked such as the Swampy game in which you drag bubbles into Swampy’s mouth. 
In order to protect these cuddly endangered species, players have to smash, punch and shoot their way through the various levels. Combat, and indeed the basic game mechanic,s are very much like the side scrolling beat em up games of old such as Streets of Rage with a hint of Rampage. It’s great too. Sure it gets a little repetitive but this was a flaw of the older titles too. It still didn’t detract from the fundamental joy of playing such titles and it’s a similar case here. 
Wireless music syncing? Wireless playlist syncing? It seems the 21st century is finally starting to live up to its expectations, thanks to an update from Spotify. A new version of the application will provide users with the ability to sync MP3s and playlists wirelessly, in addition to the "offline playlists" mode that finds local tracks in the Spotify and iPod app. That includes Spotify Free users.
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