iPhone App Reviews

Pocket God

Chris J. | Feb 8, 2009 Entertainment

User rating: (165 votes, average: 3.32 out of 5)

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Let’s face it, who hasn’t imagined playing god now and then? Maybe you want to fry someone with a lightening bolt or just fling them into the atmosphere. For the less vengeful, perhaps you just want to toy with the laws of physics a little. Now Bolt Creative gives you a little island of cute, big-eyed islanders to spare or destroy (mostly destroy) at your whim.

Pocket God is an entertaining app that lets you explore multiple ways of tormenting your cute little islanders. Toss a couple in the volcano, fry one with a bolt of lightening, or tilt your iPhone and watch them slide right into the ocean. If you run out of islanders, simply add some more and continue at will.

Tossing islanders in the volcano can be a little challenging at times, which is probably where most people will find the replay value for the time being. If you manage to toss three islanders in the volcano, you are rewarded with an eruption that will rain molten lava onto the remaining inhabitants of the island. You can watch the islanders run around and leap into the ocean where they promptly drown. Sure it’s sadistic, and yet strangely cute.

Admittedly, this app may quickly become tiresome for some users. This is where the promised updates of Bolt Interactive become a tempting part of the lure of this app.  The creators promise in the description on iTunes: “We aim to update every week for the next few updates.” If they hold themselves on this schedule, this should go a long way towards making this a much more appealing app over the long run.

Pocket God is entertaining, but as it is, it falls short in the long run. There simply is not enough to the app to keep my attention for an extended period of time. While really entertaining for a few minutes, the joy of destroying islanders fades quickly.

There are really only a few ways of making the islander’s lives miserable, and no ways of making their lives better. The application description on iTunes asks whether you will be a benevolent or vengeful god, but unfortunately you are really not given the choice at this point.  The developers have claimed that the next update will allow you to give the islanders rest (not sure what that means), but unfortunately I can’t review it if I haven’t seen it. I must admit I’m intrigued enough that I’m looking forward to that update.

Additional powers will of course enhance the app substantially. I also like to have some feeling of lasting accomplishment. It would be entertaining to see your islander’s mood change depending on the type of god you are. Would they fear you? Love you? Hate you? The choice of good or evil is much more satisfying when it comes with some sort of consequence.

The question on everyone’s mind is always, “Should I buy it?” The answer lies mainly on whether you believe the developers will continue to provide updates as promised. Some updates (ability to fry islanders with lightening) have already been added, so it does look promising. In the end, this app will be something of a gamble depending on how long the updates continue and how good they are. Personally, I think it is worth a buck to see just how far this app can go.

Tags: $0.99, Chris J.

Q&F: Mantis Bible Study

Chris J. | Feb 7, 2009 Reference

User rating: (16 votes, average: 3.06 out of 5)

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In looking at the Mantis Bible Study app, it is easy to see that it was designed with the more serious Bible scholar in mind. It includes a whole list of features to help those who are focused on a more in-depth study of the Bible. Unfortunately, for those who prefer not to use the KJV of the Bible and are not willing to spend the money for a different version, all of the features will be pointless.

The reason for that is that the KJV is the only version available for free in English. Versions such as ASV and BBE are available for free with some of the other Bible apps, but will cost $4.99 to download for Mantis. For some, like myself, seeing a five-dollar charge for what is free elsewhere will make Mantis’ other benefits seem less attractive. For others, the benefits of Mantis will be worth the cost of additional Bibles, or perhaps some are content with the provided KJV.

Bookmarking verses or taking notes on verses is quick and simple with Mantis. Simply tap the number of the verse which pops up a menu for notes, bookmarks, or verse comparison (between Bible versions). You can type in notes which will then be visible next to the verse.

Navigating is simple and quick. By tapping the button with the title of the book, you can jump to an book, chapter and verse of the bible. You can also quickly navigate chapters and verses through the gray triangles on the upper left and right corners. The search function also makes it easy to find exactly the verse you need.

Unique (to my knowledge) among the Bible apps is Mantis’ ability to highlight words, phrases, sentences, or more. Once highlighting is turned on in “Settings”, you can choose from four different highlight colors.

Also available are commentaries and Bible dictionaries, all for purchase of course. Again, some of these items can be found elsewhere for free, but will cost around $5 for Mantis.

In summary, Mantis is a powerful bit of software with one major flaw; that the designers feel they must recoup their costs by charging for every additional book. This is a problem in two ways: First is the perception of greed which will sour potential customers. Second is that most people resist the feeling of being nickel-and-dimed to death. A few more free Bibles, a couple of commentaries, and a dictionary will create a solid starter package to get people using the app. Once a user is familiar with the app, he/she is more likely to sink some money into an add-on book.

Tags: Bible, Chris J., free

Listomni

Chris J. | Feb 3, 2009 Productivity

User rating: (7 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5)

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I like being organized. That being said, I also hate all the work it takes to get organized. Lists can help, but who wants to carry around a pen and a couple of sheets of paper all the time? Enter Listomni Lists, an app from the folks at Ontomni LLC. This app is designed to help keep  you organized in everything from your to do list, to grocery lists, even your budget.

There are ten different types of lists that can be used or created as needed, including a generic list. The generic list is a catch all that can be used for any type of list not covered by the other nine list types.

“Grocery” and “To do” lists are self-explanatory. While I usually try to stay away from making statements like, “this app has everything,” it is hard to avoid when exploring Listomni. For example: when listing groceries, you can include the amount, where to buy it, the section it is found in, the price per unit (including tax if you want), and any additional comments. If you include where you are going to buy it, you can also tap on the gray icon to the right to get a map of various locations in the area.

There are also “Music”, “Book”, and “Movie” lists which are used to keep track of what you want to buy, read, watch, etc. There is a tremendous amount of customization that can be done in all lists and categories. In my case I added a “Loaned Out” section in movies to help me remember who has my DVD’s.

There is also the “Gift List”, “Card List” and “Gifts Recieve” which help you keep track of who you need to buy for or send a thank you card to. Items in the “Gift List” can be linked to websites where you can find the item. The app comes to you with an already impressive list of stores and websites already built in.

Lastly is the “Budget” section, where you can keep track of all the those people and places that take your hard-earned money. You can also set a total amount that you want to spend in any category, and the prices you enter for items will be subtracted from the total.

With all that this app can do, for many it will take some time to learn. Thankfully, the “Help” section covers every feature that is included in the app. For most people this is going to be crucial, since the purpose of some of the icons are not immediately clear. Each topic (and there are 67 of them) is brief and includes diagrams to indicate which icons are being referred to. I believe that most users are going to be referring to the help section frequently at first.

There are plenty of important or just helpful features. The “Backup” feature is just plain crucial when you consider how much can be done with this app. Also available is the “Combo Lock” which allows you to lock your lists with a 4-number combination. Also, it is always nice to have the option of a landscape view if that is what you prefer.

While the price is a little on the high side compared to most of the apps I see, there is definitely a lot for the price. Whether this is worth it to you is really going to come down to personal preference rather than the app itself. Also, this app is going to take a chunk of your time just learning how to use it, customizing the interface, and inputting all the items. Those that would just as soon scribble out a list on a piece of paper than spend the time typing it into a iPhone will probably not find this app worth the price. On the other hand, if you are the type that loves to have everything organized and want to keep it all handy on your iPhone, then Listomni is going to be your new best friend.

Tags: $6.99, Chris J.

Q & F: Bible (YouVersion)

Chris J. | Jan 29, 2009 Reference

User rating: (4 votes, average: 2.75 out of 5)

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Like may of the other Bible apps, LifeChurch.tv’s Bible app has both strengths and weaknesses. The biggest strength of YouVersion is the numerous Bible translations available for free. Copyrighted translations (such as NIV) require web access to be used and cannot be downloaded to you iPhone. Older translations (such as KJV) can be downloaded onto your iPhone so that it can be accessed even if you don’t have internet available.

In addition to the Bible itself, YouVersion has some nice additional functions. If you are trying to read through the Bible in a year, there is a daily reading schedule included. Bookmarking favorite verses is quick and simple, all you have to do is tap the verse. You can also email verses to friends if you want.

One feature that is unique to YouVersion is the Contribs. Other users from around the world can contribute notes or even YouTube videos that are connected to particular verses. By tapping on the verse you can connect to those notes and videos and see what others think about a particular verse. Unfortunately some of the downloaded Bibles do not seem compatible with this feature.

YouVersion does have a few shortcomings, however. While most programs allow you to change the aspect to landscape view, YouVersion locks you into the portrait view. It is also unfortunate that while you can see other people’s notes on a verse, there is no way to type in notes yourself.

In speaking to the average Bible reader, if you are only going to download one Bible app, I recommend this one. While other Bible programs have some positive features, this one is most likely to have what you need while being simple enough for anyone to use.

Tags: Bible, Chris J., free

R.I.P.

Chris J. | Jan 26, 2009 Games

User rating: (2 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)

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When I first laid eyes on the description for R.I.P. I knew I would have to try it. Quinn Genzel, the creator, describes it as being similar to “total 3d immersion virtual reality”. Tilting your iPhone up gives you a look at the sky, and tilting it down gives you a view of the ground. You can also look left or right by tilting your iPhone to either side. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to test this game out for myself

The game delivers what it promises: a fully three dimensional world. You can look and move in any direction and the controls are fairly smooth and intuitive. Movement is simple: touch the top of the screen to move forward, the bottom to move back, and the sides to move left or right.

The object of the games is to find a particular gravestone in the graveyard as quickly as you can. You can have arrows point the way or try to find it on your own. Your character is a ghost and will float right through solid objects.

There is one other ghost floating randomly about the graveyard, moaning along the way. With headphones on you will hear him as he crosses from one side of your screen to the other, making the 3d environment just a little more realistic.

What is not promised and is sorely lacking is an engaging reason to explore this 3d world. Without the 3d environment and innovative controls, there would be very little reason to play this game at all. Since you cannot interact with anything, you are limited to just floating around to find that one headstone among the many that fill the graveyard. This is another game that may fascinate those gamers who love trying to beat their own best score.

There are a couple of options missing from the game as well. One notably missing option was the ability to type your name in the high score box. All your high scores simply read “user name”. Another missing element is the ability to start from a landscape view rather than portrait.

Personally, I would love to see what could be done with similar controls in a Myst-type exploring and puzzle game. Interaction with the environment would add a lot of replay value to the game as well.

Tags: $1.99, Chris J.

Q&F: iFirstaid Lite

Chris J. | Jan 24, 2009 Healthcare & Fitness, Quick & Free, Updates

User rating: (4 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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When I saw this app, I hoped that it might be a handy reference in any emergency situation. Right away I could see that this app would be lacking as the only categories were CPR, Bleeding, Burns, and Poisons. Ignore the picture that appears in the iTunes App Store, while that picture of the menu shows a “More Topics” option, it doesn’t exist on the version I downloaded. Perhaps an unintentional bait and switch, but it can’t help but sour my feelings toward the app a little.

In my experience with first aid classes, there are some important topics that are absent from the app. Most notably would be a reference guide for choking. Also helpful would be sections for broken bones, heat stroke, and shock. There are of course other sections that could be considered besides those that I’ve named.

Aside from what is absent, what is present is fairly minimal as well. This is only intended as a way of refreshing the memory of a person who has already learned first aid. If you don’t already have a pretty strong grasp of CPR methods, this app will not be of much use to you. The other sections may be helpful to someone even if they don’ t already know first aid.

If you’re the “be prepared” type who needs a reminder on the specifics of only four types of first aid emergencies, then maybe this is the app for you. Personally, I would say that there just is not enough to this app to justify the space it uses.

Additional Note (1/26/09): I had a pediatrician look at the app and she noted one mistake on the CPR instructions for children and babies. If you are alone it is recommended that you first clear the airway and give rescue breaths before leaving to call 911. This is because children and babies require CPR for choking, drowning, etc. and not for heart attacks.

Update (2/27/09): First Aid for choking victims has been added to the subjects for iFirstAid Lite. This details the “back blows” method for helping a choking victim. If you are like me, and took a class which indicated alternating back blows with abdominal thrusts, this app will not help with technique reminders for abdominal thrusts.

Also, the image showing “More Options” has been removed from the iTunes store. I would have preferred that they add more options to the app, but at least the image now reflects what you are actually getting.

The CPR instructions for infants and children is still not completely accurate, as indicated in my note above. The app was developed in Australia, which may explain some of the differences in first aid instruction. Although the app is growing and adding more features, at this point I still will be sticking with my original conclusion and deleting the app after I finish reviewing it.

Tags: Chris J., free

Gemlogic

Chris J. | Jan 19, 2009 Games

User rating: (2 votes, average: 2.50 out of 5)

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Finally, I get to review an app that will stay on my phone after I finish the review! Gemlogic could easily be summed up as an updated, feature-laden version of the classic game of Bejeweled. The objective remains the same: try to connect at least three gems to score points.  The game modes will change how you can move the gems and how the gems are connected to make combos.

The “Gem Mode” menu allows you to select how you want to move the gems. On easy mode you can move gems anywhere on the grid, medium limits to horizontal and vertical lines, and hard mode limits gem movement to one space in any direction. Each of these game modes has three “Logic Modes” as well. On beginner mode gems need only be grouped together, intermediate mode requires diagonal connection, and veteran mode means that gems must be connected in straight lines.

When you start the game, you will be presented with a 3 X 3 grid of gems. Don’t write this game off yet, because as you score more points the grid becomes larger up to a maximum of 8 X 8. Along the way you’ll also see more types of gems show up as well.

Watch the waterline in the background, it will steadily rise as you play unless you continue making combos. If it rises all the way to the top you lose. When things get to frustrating for you, simply shake your iPhone to rearrange the gems randomly.

What really takes this game beyond the standard puzzle game is the multi-touch capability. You can move two gems at the same time to set up combos or try to set up longer chains. Unfortunately, this feature becomes a lot more difficult to use as the grid becomes larger and the gems smaller.

There are plenty of other features that enhance the game as well. The beach-themed graphics are beautiful and mesh together well with the game design. The gems themselves look nicely realistic and yet are still easy to distinguish from each other. For those who love achievements there’s a generous list to work on. The competitive gamers will appreciate the online scoreboards as well.

If you want to try out this game before spending the $0.99, there is also a Lite version available for free.

Tags: $0.99, Chris J., puzzle

Annual Bible 1.0

Chris J. | Jan 19, 2009 Reference

User rating: (4 votes, average: 1.50 out of 5)

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The Annual Bible is a simple program to organize Bible reading into daily readings. By following the readings described on each day, you can read through all of the Old Testament once and all of the New Testament and Psalms twice in one year.

The app itself is simple to use, it keeps track of the date for you. It also looks nice, with a picture of a sunset for the background. It has the familiar dials in case you want to change the date. If you want to pretend that it’s January 19th, 2037 and you’re reading the Bible in your rocket car feel free to change the date, but the reading will stay the same.

On the downside, the picture interferes somewhat in reading the lowest line. Also, the app does not allow any customization of your reading plan (i.e. if you wanted to take two years instead of one). There is also no way to check off the readings that have been completed. The app does not contain a version of the Bible itself, so you would have to carry a Bible or download a Bible app to go with it.

Overall, the program does not seem to be worth the price, since a Bible reading program can be found at any number of locations for free. If you absolutely must have a Bible reading program on your iPhone, then this isn’t a bad way to go.

Tags: $0.99, Bible, Chris J.

Bridges Puzzle

Chris J. | Jan 16, 2009 Games

User rating: (1 votes, average: 1.00 out of 5)

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The developers (Peerium, Inc.) have definitely gone for the bare minimum with this app. The object is simple: connect the numbered “islands” with the correct number of “bridges”. You can add a bridge by dragging your finger from one island to the next. Do it again to create two bridges, and one more time to erase them.

Graphically, this app is about as interesting to look at as the local bus route map. Islands are numbered circles, and bridges are yellow lines. There are no backgrounds for this game, which would at least make it a bit more interesting.

Playing Bridges brings to mind the classic puzzle game Minesweeper. I imagine Peerium, Inc. staff reading off a checklist of features when developing Bridges.

Timer… Check.

Random Configurations… Check.

Numbers… Check.

Unfortunately, Bridges does fall short of the pure addictiveness that is Minesweeper. I mastered the concept of the game after a couple of tries, and then grew bored. The levels never got any harder, more complex, or more varied.

Those who never tire of trying to beat their best time by another second will probably find this game more entertaining.

Tags: $0.99, Bridges, Chris J., puzzle