iPhone App Reviews

Reiner Knizia’s Knights of Charlemagne

James | Feb 28, 2010 Games

User rating: (6 votes, average: 3.17 out of 5)

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Reiner Knizia’s Knights of Charlemagne is another great Dr. Reiner Knizia and Conlan Rios card game. Again, this is based off an actual card game that was published in 1995 to very favorable reviews. The game is themed after knights, estates and… round tables? Really, the theme is not so important because the game is pretty abstract like most of Dr. K’s games. I do love the period background music though. It’s a lute version of Scarborough Fair and it has me singing/mumbling subconsciously “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme” all day. The newest update allows you to play your own music but I’ll be sticking to Simon and Garfunkel.

Knights of Charlemagne is a two player game that can either be played against several difficulties of AI or a second person on the same device. The basic idea is that you have ten estates in the playing field labeled 1 through 5 and colored blue, violet, green, red and orange. Each player is dealt a hand of eight knight cards, which have both numbers and colors, and plays one per turn. The knights can be played on estates with either the same number or color. The players take turns doing this until they run out of cards, at which point, the player with the most cards played to each estate, wins that estate. The different estates are worth different amounts and there are several bonuses to take into account, so all in all, Knights of Charlemagne is a pretty complex game. It definitely falls into the “easy to learn, hard to master” category.

The original card game plays with 2 to 4 players and from what I’ve read, a three person game is the sweet spot. I would love to see this implemented in the application. I guess we’ll just have to get the real life card game to experience the thrill of three player KoC. It would also be nice to play against people over the Internet, although the AI can still be pretty challenging.

Dr. K is really becoming one of my favorite game designers and not just in the iPhone and iPod Touch world. I challenge you to check out his games and not like them. Good luck. And don’t forget to throw Conlan some love as well for making these games possible on this platform.

When playing a game, the goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important, not the winning. -Dr. Reiner Knizia

iTunes Link – Reiner Knizia’s Knights of Charlemagne
Version 1.1
Reviewed on iPhone 3GS OS 3.1.3

Tags: $1.99, Games

Mole – Quest for the Terracore gem!

James | Feb 27, 2010 Games

User rating: (8 votes, average: 3.25 out of 5)

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Mole – Quest for the Terracore Gem! by Roo Games is a digging game. You play as Mark the mole and unsurprisingly, he digs. That’s pretty much all we know about Mark, as the game is pretty light on story. He’s a mole that owns a mining operation and has an unquenchable urge to find the Terracore Gem. Think “Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Terracore Gem”, but with moles. It belongs in a museum! Actually, don’t think that…

Like I was saying, Mark digs deep down into the earth or “mole planet” and finds literally tons of jewels, gems and metals. The jewels and gems pump up your score but the metals are the real treat. With these metals, Mark can upgrade his equipment. He can upgrade his pickaxe, metal and gem detector, bombs and most importantly, his airtank. The pickaxe allows him to dig faster, the detector obviously lets him see further, the bombs can blow more rocks more quickly and the airtank lets him stay underground longer. If he runs out of air down there, he has to be rescued and everything he found on that dig is lost. Yes, at the beginning, Mark is a fragile backyard digging enthusiast but as you upgrade his equipment and dig down deeper, Mark becomes a professional one mole mining operational maniac.

You find large drills at certain points during your spelunking that allow you to ride them back up to the surface instantly. This is especially helpful, because you can then use these drills to get back down to where you found them. They are basically unlockable shortcuts. There are also several different layers of soil underground and each has it’s own properties. Properties like not being able to use bombs, detector not seeing as far, or just really slows down your digging speed. These layers add some extra flavor to the world and make it exciting to keep digging.

Did I like this game? Yes. Did I beat this game? Yes. Did I play the crap out of this game? Yes. You can take it from me that Mole is fun to play. It has a great art style and very nice graphics. The digs are quick enough that you can easily sneak a few in here and there. Also, I’m a total sucker for equipment upgrades. It’s all around a very well polished game and I cannot wait to see what Roo Games does next.

iTunes Link – Mole – Quest for the Terracore gem!
Version 1.1
Reviewed on iPhone 3GS OS 3.1.3

Tags: $1.99, Games

gogoDocs Google Docs Reader

Michael E. | Feb 22, 2010 App Sale Alert, Productivity

User rating: (4 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)

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WYSIWYG.  You’ve seen the acronym before and I’m sure just about everyone knows what it means:  What You See is What You Get.  Of course, nearly every iTunes app is a WYSIWYG on some level or other, but there are some apps that are more obviously WYSIWYGs than others.

gogoDocs is a perfect example. It is a Google Docs reader whose strength lies in the fact that it can sync your Google Docs to your iPhone or iPod Touch in order for you to view them anytime, anywhere.    It also incorporates a number of features, including a document sync that allows you to access your docs anywhere you can pull a signal.  You can star documents for later reference or use the star as a way to make certain those documents are always synced.  gogoDocs Google Docs Reader can bookmark documents and pdfs so that when you reopen the document, you can easily go right back to where you left off.  gogoDocs Google Docs Reader also does document sharing, list filtering, portrait or landscape viewing, and can email docs directly from the app.

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Tags: $1.99

Pocket Reference

Michael E. | Feb 21, 2010 Reference

User rating: (7 votes, average: 3.14 out of 5)

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Psst!  Hey, you!  Yeah, you with the iPod Touch.  Oh, it’s an iPhone?  3GS?  Ok, that’s alright. 

Listen close because I’ve got a tip you’ll want to remember.  Chances are, you probably own a reference app or two, right?  Most of us do. I got about five myself.  Or at least I used to.  These days, I’ve just got one. And it’s everything I need.  It’s all I need, in fact, so I gave up all the other ones.  What’s that?  You wanna know the name of this app?

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Tags: $1.99

Reiner Knizia’s Monumental

James | Feb 15, 2010 Games

User rating: (8 votes, average: 3.13 out of 5)

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Reiner Knizia is a world renowned game designer that always seems to hit his mark.  While he has designed hundreds of games over his career, most of them have been board games.  He has only recently delved into the electronic gaming world.  He has teamed up with Conlan Rios to bring about Reiner Knizia’s Monumental.  Trust me, this is good news for us.

At first glance, Reiner Knizia’s Monumental looks like a relatively simple or casual game.  Given a few minutes of play, it becomes obvious that Monumental is actually a game of skill and careful planning.  There is a column of stone blocks stacked in the middle of the screen and there are four rows of three on either side of that column.  The blocks can be pushed into any of these columns, but it is the order of the placement that is the most important.  When you slide the blocks to either side, the blocks above move down.  This makes sense, but could trap you in an unfortunate position if you are not careful.

The point of the game is to make matching lines.  These lines can match based on block color, symbol or number of symbols adding another layer of strategy that is very interesting.  As you play, more colors and symbols are introduced, making it increasingly difficult to make matches.  They also include broken blocks that can only be matched based on their color.  If things get too tense, you can utilize the dynamite that stacks up as you play.  Dynamite can clear out any block from the column, giving you another edge.  Only use these when you need them, because you will certainly need more and more as the game progresses.

There are a couple of game modes to choose from; Challenge and Action.  The difference is that Challenge is untimed so you can strategize all you want and Action requires you to make fast decisions.  Personally, I’m a fan of the Challenge mode because I don’t need a countdown clock to screw me up.  I screw up just fine on my own.  The graphics are beautiful and the music is fun.  Very Aztec.  If you get tired of the music, though, there is an option to play your own.  The controls are solid and moving the blocks around feels “right”.  If you enjoy puzzle games but want a bit more depth, Reiner Knizia’s Monumental is for you.

iTunes Link – Reiner Knizia’s Monumental
Version 1.0
Reviewed on iPhone 3GS OS 3.1.3

Tags: $1.99, Games

Flipside – Digital Studying

Tony Mei | Feb 5, 2010 Education, Productivity

User rating: (27 votes, average: 3.07 out of 5)

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It’s a shock to see a flashcard app that’s actually useful.

Flipside – Digital Studying made a fantastic first impression. The app’s interface is slick. The controls and options are easy to find and use. It’s a breeze finding your way around. After locating the multitude different buttons and features, the process is intuitive and efficient. JBB Productions made a fantastic app that is easy on the eyes and easy to use.

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Tags: $1.99, flashcard, Productivity, study, useful

Lone Star Hold’em

Sara | Feb 5, 2010 Games

User rating: (7 votes, average: 2.14 out of 5)

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Living in Texas, knowing how to play Texas Hold’em is almost required as lots of people like to play it. Lone Star Hold’em by Adduce Studios is a great way to hone your skills on the go and without needing others to play with you.

When I first launched the app, I was met with nice graphics. The art was great and was a nice touch to a great game. The navigation throughout the game was easy and was not confusing to find your way through the app. For those of you who don’t know what Texas Hold’em is, it is a type of two-card poker. At the beginning of the app, you get to choose your opponents for the round who range in difficulty. When you choose the opponent, their stat card appears with their description, games played and games won. There is also a play now button to choose them. After choosing three other opponents, you get $50,000 to start off. The game deals you your cards and you can check, fold, or raise the bet. I found the system of using a scroll wheel type thing to raise the bet inaccurate to use. I would have rather had a keypad input to raise the bet rather than scrolling and taking forever to get exactly to what I wanted to bet.

The game lengths were sufficient if you want to play a long game but isn’t going to finish in five or so minutes. Luckily, there is an automatic save feature so that you can resume your game when your launch the app. Overall, this game is a great game for beginners to pros. It is a great pick me up game and can be very entertaining. The graphics are great, and although I don’t like the way you bet, it is still a cool app. Check out Lone Star Hold’em in the App Store today.

iTunes Link – Lone Star Hold’em

Version 1.0

Reviewed on iPhone 3GS OS 3.1.2

Tags: $1.99, Games

Godzilla – Monster Mayhem

Sara | Feb 5, 2010 Games

User rating: (6 votes, average: 1.83 out of 5)

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RAWR!!! At first I thought they were extinct and these were just cardboard cut outs. Really big cardboard cut outs. But then the one that looked like Godzilla moved. I gulped. This was no cardboard cut out. This was the real Godzilla!!!! I tried to run away, but he swallowed me. I thought I would fall into a giant belly of acid and be dissolved, but instead I fell into a control panel. Hmm, strange I thought, “It is almost as if Godzilla is a robot!” I played around with the joystick and figured out how to move and attack. Then, I realized the other monster was still outside. Within five minutes, I defeated the other monster. I was suddenly transported out of Godzilla’s belly, and in a blink of the eye, he was gone.

Okay, I didn’t really get to control Godzilla like that, but in the Indiagames app, you do get to control Godzilla and other characters. The controls are simple, swipe forward to attack, hold behind your character to block, and do some other finger swiping to do special moves. If you build up a combo, you can do a super move that will inflict tons of damage on your opponent.

What I liked most about this game was the arcade style graphics. It reminded me much of when I used to play fighting games like this on the original Playstation with my cousins. It has simple controls and no blood or gore, so it’s safe to let your kid play.

It also features an interactive tutorial, which is a plus since the instructions isn’t all reading. The best part about this app is that it is only $1.99. With great graphics and a fun game that won’t become boring, this is a steal, so check out Godzilla- Monster Mayhem today!

iTunes Link – Godzilla

Reviewed on iPhone 3GS OS 3.1.2

Version 1.0

Tags: $1.99, Games

Mortal Skies

Michael E. | Jan 31, 2010 Games

User rating: (22 votes, average: 3.05 out of 5)

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Have you ever continued to do something you knew was probably not good for you?  I have.  Recently, in fact.

Mortal Skies is a perfect example.  I love this game- even though my hand gets so tired it starts to cramp up after a mission or two.  But I keep playing.  So the obvious questions are what is Mortal Skies and what makes it so good? 

The year is 1944 and it’s World War II. You’re a flyboy (or girl).  Your orders are to stop a hostile invasion force from taking over the world.  You up to the task?

Mortal Skies, from Erwin Jansen, is a shoot ‘em up that reminds me of the arcade game 1942 from Capcom that I used to play way back in the day.  Video game graphics have come a long way since 1984, though, and this one looks great. 

Mortal Skies consists of 7 levels, or missions, in which the player engages enemy planes, bombers, tanks, and choppers.   By shooting and blowing things up, players earn extra planes and open a bonus level based on their achievements.  At the end of each mission is an endboss that must be defeated in a one-on-however-many-they-choose-to-throw-at-you dogfight.  

Along the way, players can receive gun upgrades, reflective shields, increase health, unlock planes, and earn gold, bronze, and silver cups.       

I enjoyed playing Mortal Skies.  It’s a straightforward shooter game that requires a minimum of strategy.  Yes, the enemies you’re fighting have different abilities you must adapt to in order to beat them, but if you’ve acquired enough weapon upgrades, you can last a while in a straight-up dogfight.  If you haven’t the weapons, it’s nearly impossible to defeat the endbosses at the tail end of each mission.

That brings up another point: the game’s difficulty.  Players can control their plane using either touch controls or the accelerometer and can adjust the difficulty setting to make it easier.  However, it’s still very tough even on the easiest slider setting.  A pending update (1.1) will make it easier to play, however, and should also lighten the plane so it doesn’t drag to the degree it currently does.

I would definitely recommend Mortal Skies: the gameplay is solid, graphics are superb, and it’s quite a challenge.

But one of those nifty carpal tunnel hand casts is almost certainly in my future.

Mortal Skies

Version 1.0

Tested on iPod Touch 3.1.2

Tags: $1.99, Games

Doodle Bomb

Michael E. | Jan 21, 2010 Games

User rating: (5 votes, average: 3.60 out of 5)

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Bottle Rocket’s Doodle Bomb: Physics Puzzle with a Bang wasn’t the game I was expecting it would be.  It was better.  Much better.  The game’s story is simple enough: You are a Doodle.  But you’re not just any Doodle, you’re a Doodle Hero.  But you’re not just any Doodle Hero.  You’re The Doodle Hero, the one prophesied to restore peace and balance to a world of chaos.

How do you accomplish this?  By becoming a Bomb Master, of course.  Ironic?   If you look at it from a certain point of view, I guess so.  I chose not to.

The game consists of a series of missions (or puzzles) that must be solved by exploding your ever trusty, ever present bombs.  You must throw bombs that, in the process of detonating, can activate or deactivate machines designed to move you closer to or farther away from your goal of opening doors that allow you to proceed to the next puzzle.

And did I mention the bomb-bouncing mice?  No?  Well, they’re in the game.  Plus, you get to stun, maim, or kill Doodle soldiers.

Doodle Bomb features 50 total missions, 15 of which are designated as Master Missions.  There is an in-game tutorial to guide you through your first few puzzle missions and then you’re on your own.  The objective is to solve the puzzle within a predetermined number of bombs.  The number of bombs can vary with each new mission.  If you successfully solve the puzzle mission with the predetermined number of bombs, you’ll be awarded a bomb badge.  If you exceed that number of bombs, you can “retake” the puzzle however many times it takes for you to earn your badge.  Or, if you’d prefer, you can skip any regular puzzle mission in favor of the next one and come back to the one you skipped later.  Each mission requires the right balance of timing, strategy, and bomb placement.

Doodle Bomb is fun, entertaining, and challenging.  The game’s design is clean and although additional missions are currently in development, the replay value of the current missions is quite high.  It’s the perfect game, whether you’ve got five or fifty minutes available.

But be careful.  It’s addictive.

iTunes Link- Doodle Bomb

Version 1.0

Reviewed on iPod Touch 3.1.2

Tags: $1.99, Doodle, puzzle

App Sale: Let’s Golf!

Michael (Admin) | Jan 4, 2010 App Sale Alert

User rating: (5 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)

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Let’s Golf! is on sale for free – normally $1.99

Notice something different here? That price image above looks weird, and I’ll get to why in a minute. What you need to know right now, though, is that this kickass golf game is free! Gameloft has “lite” versions for just about all of their games, but this is the full version.

Let’s Golf! is remarkably similar to Hot Shots Golf which you might have played on Playstation or PSP. The graphics can get a little choppy at times, but this game still rules and features Instant Play, Tournament, and Multiplayer modes that support pass ‘n play and wifi. If you like humiliating your friends get them all together, download this game, and try beating each other’s asses!

Now back to why the price image looks odd… for some unknown reason, Let’s Golf! isn’t showing up in App Store searches. Only the lite version is showing up, so the only way I know to get this game is to download PandoraBox first (yes it’s free), look for Let’s Golf! under the On Sale tab at the bottom of the screen (or search for it), and then tap the FREE button which will take you to the App Store page where you can install it. Seems like a big hassle for getting this game, but PandoraBox is great too… where do you think I keep finding these app sales to announce? 8)

Update: Looks like they fixed the problem and Let’s Golf! is finally showing up in the App Store again.

iTunes Link – Let’s Golf!

Tags: $1.99, 3D

App Sale: Cornhole All-Stars

Michael (Admin) | Dec 23, 2009 App Sale Alert, Games

User rating: (No Ratings Yet)

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Cornhole All-Stars is on sale for free – normally $1.99

I *LOVE* it when makers of high-quality games hand out their awesome work for free! Cornhole All-Stars is an iPhone-ized version of that beanbag game you see people playing on sidewalks and outside bars. Call it what you want… cornhole, bean bag toss, tailgate toss, whatever… this is a quality game that offers both CPU and pass-n-play modes where you can go either head-to-head with a friend or play in teams.

The physics of the bean bag tossing only qualify as “pretty good” in my book, but the 3D graphics are great and the level of polish on Cornhole All-Stars is way up there. This is a fun game that you’ll definitely enjoy if you’re a fan of the real thing, and it should make for a great bar companion in these winter months when freezing your ass off to play outdoors just isn’t an option.

iTunes Link – Cornhole All-Stars

Tags: $1.99, 3D, pass-n-play