148Apps Main |
- Imaginary Range Combines Comics With Gaming
- Namco Bandai’s Weekend Spring Fever
- Spider Jack Review
- Air Force vs Luftwaffe Review
- Run 5K / 10K with Olympian Jeff Galloway’s App
- Streets of Rage 3 Review
- Five for Friday: Week of May 06, 2011
- Location Aware Technology With A Purpose Thanks To Neer
- Facebook & Chat for iPad Review
- Trailer For Demolition Dash Has Been Unleashed
- MaXplosion Review
- iCasual Video: Drop Zap 2
- Slewpi Review
- FrEEday Vol 43
| Imaginary Range Combines Comics With Gaming Posted: 06 May 2011 05:01 PM PDT A new hybrid form of game and comic is set to be released by Square Enix for iOS devices.
The project has been overseen by Motomu Toriyama, director of Final Fantasy XIII, with novelist Souki Tsukishima handling the storyline, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series artist Toshiyuki Itahana in charge of the artwork. With pedigree that strong Imaginary Range is looking rather interesting indeed. The comic/game is set in France during an attack by an evil creature known only as Omega and it’s down to Cid (yes, Final Fantasy fans, another character called Cid) and Ciela to stop this menance. Once you complete the story, you can then unlock further comic commentary as well as the ability to play the game separately from the comicbook. If gameplay is anything like the visuals then Imaginary Range could well be something special. Even better, it’s free to download and an universal app so iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch fans alike can enjoy it.  [ Imaginary Range Combines Comics With Gaming is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Imaginary Range |
| Namco Bandai’s Weekend Spring Fever Posted: 06 May 2011 01:03 PM PDT Spring is in the air, and Namco Bandai is celebrating with a sale. From Friday, May 6 through Monday, May 9, take advantage of markdowns on some of the company’s biggest iOS games. Below is a full list of games that will be on sale but please note that some or all games may only be on sale within the US iTunes store. Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima (iPad) -> $0.99 [ Namco Bandai’s Weekend Spring Fever is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima, Buccaneer Blitz, House of Glass, Isaac Newton's Gravity, Lost in Time: The Clockwork Tower, Mishap, More Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima, More Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima HD, Mr. Driller, Ms. PAC-MAN, Ms. PAC-MAN for iPad, PAC-MAN, Pole Position: Remix, Pool Pro Online 3, Pool Pro Online 3 for iPad, Star Trigon, Tamagotchi: 'Round the World, The Stroke of Midnight |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 12:30 PM PDT  Spider Jack ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on May 6th, 2011Our Rating:   :: ADDICTIVEiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Spider Jack offers Cut the Rope style gameplay with slightly more involving mechanics
Developer: Chillingo Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.94 out of 5 stars Spider Jack is a classic example of a casual game that works so well on iOS devices. Fans of Angry Birds and Cut the Rope might as well bypass the next couple of hundred words and just download it, they won’t be disappointed. Indeed Spider Jack owes a lot to Cut the Rope with some very familiar gameplay afoot.
As with many titles of this ilk, players have the added option of collecting up stars as well as simply completing each stage. Indeed, this is vital if you want to unlock new levels themes such as the Bathroom and Laboratory opening up after you’ve acquired a sufficient number of stars. In all there are 75 levels, each gradually becoming more complex than the last. Players swiftly have to learn to traverse more than just cutting the web at the right time, with the likes of electrical barriers, fans and teleports also getting in the way and requiring some very precise adjustments. Some levels are pretty challenging but in the typical addictive way that means players will continue to try again until they succeed. The blessing and curse of a game centered around such brief levels means that there’s always time for ‘one more go’. For the price, Spider Jack offers just what fans of Chillingo’s past games will adore. 75 levels is plenty to start out with and there’s already a promise of new levels to be added in a future update. This one has enough potential to be as huge as its older siblings: Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. [ Spider Jack Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Spider JackBuy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-06 :: Category: Games :: ADDICTIVERead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Spider Jack |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 12:03 PM PDT  Air Force vs Luftwaffe ReviewBy bobby.gooding on May 6th, 2011Our Rating:  :: DOGFIGHT-TASTICiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Take to the skies in an RAF Spitfire or a German Messerschmitt in this side-scrolling, dogfighting flight game.
Developer: Bitmen Studios Price: $1.99 Version Reviewed: 1.07 Device Reviewed On: iPhone Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars Unlike most flight games on the market where the camera would be positioned either behind, inside or above the aircraft, Air Force vs Luftwaffe takes the rather interesting idea of using a side-scrolling aspect, and it works really well. Tilting the device left causes the plane to ascend, while tilting to the right points the nose down – tilt for long enough and your Spitfire, Hurricane or whichever of the many aircraft on offer being controlled, will loop around in order to fly in the opposite direction. Mixed with on-screen buttons for firing weapons, dodging attacks and turbo-boosts, it’s a control scheme that works well, albeit leaving the screen a little crowded. As mentioned, there’s a large number of aircraft available that are unlocked by earning XP throughout missions. Missions which are varied and include dogfights, air-to-ground bombing runs and intercepting enemy bombers. There’s loads to do, with lots of upgrades to unlock, different missions and aircraft for the Royal Air Force and Luftwaffe, as well as OpenFeint achievements, all of which offer a nice incentive to come back for more.
It’s certainly pleasing to see this mix of real-life aircraft and scenarios alongside a more arcade-like gameplay style. Flight-simulation fanatics may be a little disheartened by this, but it’s certainly a lot more suited to the platform the way it is. With a little practice and patience (and a good look through the detailed but somewhat convoluted tutorial) satisfying manoeuvres, such as purposely stalling to decrease an aircraft’s turning circle, will ensue – and it’s a lot of fun. On the other hand though, those wanting to jump straight in and play immediately may want to look elsewhere. [ Air Force vs Luftwaffe Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Air Force vs LuftwaffeBuy Now: $1.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-06 :: Category: Games :: DOGFIGHT-TASTICRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Air Force vs Luftwaffe |
| Run 5K / 10K with Olympian Jeff Galloway’s App Posted: 06 May 2011 11:30 AM PDT Earlier this week, I completed the Belfast Marathon Fun Run for charity – a five kilometre stretch of road with riverside scenery along the way. My time of 24 minutes is average at best, and something that needs improving for next year. That's where Ultimate 5K and Ultimate 10K come in. In association with Olympian Jeff Halloway, lolo have released a new 10K version of 'Ultimate 5K', a running application tailored to each runner's needs. The application features programs dedicated to those looking to complete their first 10K run (or improve on existing times), as well as a music-matching service that plays fast when you run fast, slower when you run slower (think of it like Genius taken up a notch). Change pace at any time, and the music changes on-the-fly. Of course, GPS tracking is in there too, as well as customized speed and walk/run interval times based on personal ability. The worst mistake is to run too far too soon.   Jeff Galloway's Ultimate 5KiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $3.99 Released: 2011-03-21 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness [ Run 5K / 10K with Olympian Jeff Galloway's App is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Jeff Galloway's Ultimate 10K, Jeff Galloway's Ultimate 5K |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 11:04 AM PDT  Streets of Rage 3 ReviewBy Carter Dotson on May 6th, 2011Our Rating: :: WELCOME TO THE ANGRYDOMEiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Streets of Rage 3 is the finale of the Sega Genesis beat ‘em up trilogy, now available on iOS.
Developer: Sega Price: $2.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPod touch 4G Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.63 out of 5 stars
Streets of Rage 3 is deeper than the previous entries in the series, offering more attacks, new maneuvers like multi-directional dodging, and even unlockable characters. One such character, a boxing kangaroo, can be unlocked by defeating his evil trainer without killing him in level 2, for example. The power bar for special move usage expands the combat more than the first two games, as there’s more to do than just mash on the B button. While this may just be my perspective, the game feels more obscure than the first two, and this was the first significant time I’ve gotten to spend with this game, despite being very familiar with the first two. The emulator still works well, supporting wireless multiplayer, and running at full speed on later-generation devices.
Streets of Rage 3 is absurdly challenging, and maybe not quite as classic as the first two games, but this is still an entertaining beat ‘em up, and is plenty of fun in wireless multiplayer as well. While virtual d-pad tolerance is necessary as well, this is a solid 90′s throwback that may even be new to some people. [ Streets of Rage 3 Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Streets of Rage 3Buy Now: $2.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-06 :: Category: Games :: WELCOME TO THE ANGRYDOMERead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Streets of Rage 3 |
| Five for Friday: Week of May 06, 2011 Posted: 06 May 2011 10:30 AM PDT Puppetshow: Mystery of Joyville:   Spelunk: Dragon Chaser:  On the way to Woodstock:  Custom Keypad:  [ Five for Friday: Week of May 06, 2011 is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Custom Keypad, Dragon Chaser, On the way to Woodstock, Puppetshow: Mystery of Joyville (Full), Puppetshow: Mystery of Joyville HD (Full), spelunk |
| Location Aware Technology With A Purpose Thanks To Neer Posted: 06 May 2011 09:30 AM PDT Neer has been referred to as Foursquare for adults and it’s understandable why. It’s even more obvious with its latest update offering To Do functionality.
The To Do list is location aware meaning that it’ll keep track of what you should be doing depending on where you are. Everything is done automatically right down to Neer updating when you enter or leave a building. You can just leave the app to go about its business and give you a buzz as and when it needs to. Sharing features are there but you can choose what places you share and with who so that you can still have some much needed privacy. It’s an interesting move for location based technology and one that’s got a lot of potential. Being reminded by your phone at the appropriate time to pick up your dry cleaning or buy some milk could be a real timesaver. Neer is a free app but currently only available in USA and Canada.  [ Location Aware Technology With A Purpose Thanks To Neer is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Neer |
| Facebook & Chat for iPad Review Posted: 06 May 2011 09:03 AM PDT  Facebook & Chat for iPad ReviewBy Timothy Smith on May 6th, 2011Our Rating: :: GET CHATTYiPad Only App - Designed for the iPad High Fidelity provides unofficial but much needed Facebook support with their amusingly named Facebook & Chat for iPad – Friends With Benefits app.
Developer: High Fidelity Price: $0.99 iPad Integration Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4.17 out of 5 stars
Due to the obvious lack of Adobe Flash on iOS I didn’t have much hope for Facebook games or viewing shared videos, but I gave them a try just to be sure. Games were a no go, and videos were spotty. I couldn’t get them to play on the page, but I was able to follow their links and watch them (if they were from YouTube). The app’s interface defaults to a slate grey theme which threw me off at first, but after tinkering with the settings I found a generous amount of theme options. Everything from the original Facebook theme to book and magazine style themes are available. The themes are nice and add a personalized touch to browsing Facebook. I also found the option to increase and decrease font size very helpful in several situations.
Facebook & Chat works as it should, and until there’s an official iPad app it’s one of the best options available. The custom themes and built in chat are great features, but due to the limitations of the iOS platform it still feels like a mobile version of Facebook instead of its computer counterpart. The main draw of the app is its ability to handle casual Facebook surfing without having to go to the iPad’s web browser, and it happens to look good doing it. [ Facebook & Chat for iPad Review is a post from 148Apps ]  Facebook & Chat for iPad - Friends with BenefitsBuy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-05 :: Category: Social Networking :: GET CHATTYRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Facebook & Chat for iPad - Friends with Benefits |
| Trailer For Demolition Dash Has Been Unleashed Posted: 06 May 2011 08:30 AM PDT It feels like only yesterday that we first heard about cutesy monster Zilla, probably because it was only last week that we let you know about the impending release of Demolition Dash. But already we’ve got a trailer and screenshot to entice us into being even more interested in this cute but destructive jump n runner.
The screenshots looked appealing enough but now in real time, Demolition Dash is shaping up to look pretty fun indeed. Here’s hoping the brief trailer is a sign of great things to come. As always, we’ll keep you updated on more revelations. I for one am rather interested in the development of this adorable little critter. [ Trailer For Demolition Dash Has Been Unleashed is a post from 148Apps ] |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 08:03 AM PDT  MaXplosion ReviewBy Rob Rich on May 6th, 2011Our Rating: :: POP POP FIZZ...iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad It “borrows” a lot from a fairly obvious source, but MaXplosion doesn’t come close to the real thing.
Developer: Beeline Europe Price: $0.99 Version: 1.0.0 App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars User Interface Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars Gameplay Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
MaXplosion is about an anthropomorphic explosion trying to escape a research laboratory by way of doing the one thing he can do well: blow up. That other game is about the exact same thing. He can blast through glass barriers, detonate on enemy scientists and robots, bounce himself from wall to wall and generally cause random havoc as he makes his way to each level’s goal. Ditto for the game about the “man” that “‘splodes.” There are also collectible energy orbs and such sprinkled throughout each stage and a timer with a “par” goal to promote replayability, assuming people want to get that 100% rating. Again, similar offerings can be found in Twisted Pixel’s offering.
Unfortunately Max uses up all of his tricks pretty early, and they aren’t even his tricks. The controls are usually hit-or-miss, resulting in lots of over or under-shooting when leaping between platforms or between spike traps. They also tend to pick and choose when they want to work; having Max grab a ledge when he jumps at it, but totally missing the same exact ledge on other attempts is just one example. The stages lose their luster pretty quickly and rely too much on a “go here, flip switch” grind. As for those “three epic boss fights” they tout in the description: They’re not epic. They’re more obnoxious than anything, what with their badly placed health pick-ups and Max’s tendency to not jump quite as high or at the angle one would expect him to.
[ MaXplosion Review is a post from 148Apps ]  MaXplosioniPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Buy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-01-06 :: Category: Games / Action :: POP POP FIZZ...Read Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: MaXplosion |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 07:30 AM PDT Title: Drop Zap 2 Developer: Amir Michail Price: $.99 Version: 2.0 Reviewed on: iPod Touch and iPad 2 Acquired: Promo Code Supplied by Developer Written and Recorded by: Michelle Lopez iCasual is a free audio podcast that we deliver to you! |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 07:03 AM PDT  Slewpi ReviewBy Jennifer Allen on May 6th, 2011Our Rating: :: REWARDING CREATIONUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Combining majestic simplicity, both musically and visually, Slewpi is an immensely attractive music synthesizer.
Developer: Rumi Humphrey Price: $0.99 Version Reviewed: 1.0 Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4 iPhone Integration Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Music synthesizing apps, while frequently useful, are rarely particularly attractive to look at. In many cases, a convoluted interface also means that they feel unwieldy and intimidating to those still finding their way in music creation. Enter Slewpi, an app that ensures it’s simple for all users to figure out, both young and old, while never scrimping on the majority of features required of such an app. It also makes for a soothing and relaxing experience too.
The size of the brush also affects not only the visual appearance but the waveform or timbre of each sound. As well as that, it’s possible to set up loops of music and color as well as adjust the tempo and BPM of the music. For the music professional, Slewpi could perhaps do with a few more features such as a metronome or the ability to import and export specific sounds. It’d be nice if it was possible to share creations too. For the novice however, Slewpi is pretty impressive. For children in particular, it’s bound to be a hit with it being simple to get to grips with and providing instant results. Being able to make sound beautiful to look at as well as hear is a great idea and will no doubt look even better on an iPad or through a projector. [ Slewpi Review is a post from 148Apps ]  SlewpiBuy Now: $0.99 Our Rating: Released: 2011-05-05 :: Category: Music :: REWARDING CREATIONRead Our Full Review >> Apps mentioned in this post: Slewpi |
| Posted: 06 May 2011 06:03 AM PDT Legends of Yore:  DojoBreaker:  Nyan Cat!: Office Chaos: Unpaid Overtime:  Crazy Tiny Skier HD:  [ FrEEday Vol 43 is a post from 148Apps ] Apps mentioned in this post: Crazy Tiny Skier HD, DojoBreaker, Legends of Yore, Nyan Cat!, Office Chaos: Unpaid Overtime |
Known as Imaginary Range, the app sets out to allow players to flick through comic pages while also playing through a variety of different game sequences. Games look to be mostly mini-game in nature within a full-color comic book and similarly detailed plot.
While in Cut the Rope, you cut the ropes, Spider Jack you have to traverse each level with your web, with a hint of cutting the webs to be seen too. It’s very similar and players of the older title will immediately be at home here. Spider Jack expands on the Cut the Rope mentality to an extent as while you do cut webs, you also have to set them up in the first place adding an extra level of strategy in how to approach each stage. 
During World War II Winston Churchill once said, "We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air." A sentence which Bitmen Studios have tried to encapsulate in their latest release, Air Force vs Luftwaffe, which allows you to take part in a battle of the skies from both an Allied and Axis point of view.
There are a few little niggles, most of which are purely aesthetic: the visuals aren’t amazing, machine-guns fire very slowly, on-screen dials take up valuable screen-estate (for very little gain) and the turning mechanic means that whenever flying from from right to left the plane is upside down. But, these gripes are definitely outweighed by nifty little inclusions such as aircraft stalling during a steep climb and a nice ‘Kids Mode’ that can be enabled, saving anybody that tilts the device too enthusiastically from hitting the deck. Although even with this enabled I’d not really call the game suitable for kids, the difficulty level is still fairly high.
Sega has a dream that someday, their entire library of Genesis games will wind up being playable on iOS. The latest game to make the jump is Streets of Rage 3, the final game in Sega’s beat ‘em up trilogy. This game puts players in control of returning characters Axel, Blaze, and Skate, along with new character, the android Zan, who features electrical special attacks. The goal is the same as the other Streets of Rage games – walk right, beat up enemies, avoid beating up the other player, try not to die. The story is largely irrelevant, although there are cutscenes to try and explain what is going on,as well as multiple endings available, although getting past the first couple of levels is a challenge enough as it is!
As far as the game itself goes, it is very difficult – a brisk stroll through the raging streets this is not. It will take patience and practice to keep from constantly dying even early on in the game. As far as the iOS side of the game goes, I will keep hounding on this, but these emulators need iPad support for two reasons. First, having the larger device size would make it easier to use the d-pad, which is decent, although double-taps for dashing and rolling are difficult to pull off. Second, there are definite possibilities for single device multiplayer – have mirrored screens with controls on each side for 2 player play on one device. 
Neer is more about the potential uses of knowing where people are than simply checking in and competing for badges. 
When it comes to Facebook on the iPad most apps have been pretty hit or miss, and using the built in web browser is less than ideal. Enter Facebook & Chat – Friends With Benefits by High Fidelity. The app is a little daunting at first, but after some time with it I was flying around Facebook like a pro. It isn’t perfect, but it adds a multitude of customization options and streamlines the Facebook experience on the iPad. Facebook & Chat has all the features I expected: profile viewing, integrated chat, photo browsing, friend requests, events, and almost everything else Facebook offers. 
The built in chat feature works like a charm. Tapping the little chat bubble on the user interface brings up a new window with a list of available friends and a large chat window. I was able to easily carry on several conversations through the tabbed chat system without any slow down. The scrolling option during chat was a little wonky because it required two fingers, and it doesn’t support flicks or gestures. Needless to say, scrolling through chat is slow and becomes very tedious at some points.
The video is a bit of a teaser trailer not giving away too much but the signs are that Zilla’s a playful little monster desperate to explore the world, covering the likes of Paris, New York and Sydney amongst others in his quest to destroy mostly everything in his path. 
It’s impossible to talk about MaXplosion without referencing Twisted Pixel’s 
The controls for Max are simple, if a little touchy: There’s a slider on the left side of the screen to make him run left or right and a single button on the right side that makes him ‘spl- I mean blow up, leaving a large portion of the screen clutter-free. And if Max gets killed during his run he’ll pop back into existence at the last checkpoint with everything staying exactly the same as it was before his demise. So flipped switches stay flipped, downed enemies stay downed and it’s a much less frustrating time overall.
Questionable origins aside, MaXplosion is a relatively decent platforming romp, albeit one marred by repetitive levels and uninspired boss fights, as well as occasionally unresponsive controls. Fans of “the original” may like the idea of having something comparable to play on the go, but it’s more of a stripped-down rehash devoid of everything that made ‘Splosion Man so charming. Lovers of all things involving jumping from platform to platform, who’ve never heard of Twisted Pixel or played their version of this game, will probably get a kick out of it.
Loading up the app, there’s an immediate sense that users have purchased a painting app rather than a music app. The interface is entirely geared around drawing. A menu subtly hides within the screen, never feeling obtrusive in any way. The simple menu belies the fact that there’s some great depth here. Users can simply start drawing straight away and noticing what tones come out from Slewpi but a dig around reveals more to it. Each color offers a different key, red represents low keys, green covers middle keys while violet provides a high key. With more than a dozen color variations, the tonal shift is also varied. 
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