The App Shelf for iPhone and iPod touch

Video Review: Monopoly Classic - All the Fun, None of the Math.

posted on December 01, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Video Reviews, Games, Board Games

Price: $4.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love it
Replay Value: Very High

Pros: Great graphics and gameplay.
Cons: A few small imperfections, but nothing to quibble about.
Bottom Line:  EA’s Monopoly app is a strong & fun adaptation of the original board game.  The most frustrating part for most Monopoly fans might be that they already spent $5 dollars on EA’s previously released Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition app.

Monopoly (classic) is EA’s digital version of Hasbro’s classic board game and second official Monopoly app to hit iTunes, the first being Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition. 

The most notable difference between the two titles (and for many the deciding factor on which to purchase) is that Monopoly Classic returns to traditional property names and dollar values as opposed to World Edition’s redesigned board theme, featuring “famous world cities” along with drastically increased bill denominations (the $1 bill replaced by a $10,000 bill for example), making banker math more awkward if not overly complicated.  Because of these differences, there’s been a large public demand for the classic version, and EA has finally delivered.

For the most part, Monopoly translates very well to the iPhone OS.  The app plays just like the tabletop version (thankfully with less accessories to manage), it allows for single or multiplayer gameplay with up to four players, and even manages to accommodate many of the house rules some players have grown so accustomed to.

The app doesn’t have too many too many flaws, but there are a few such as the inability to look at the game board during trades, or the frustratingly small menu buttons.  Some individuals have even speculated that the AI players cheat to avoid your properties.  Possibly what gets me the most, however, is that EA released classic as an entirely new $5 app, when really they could have just made it available as downloadable content “skin” for World Edition owners for—one would assume—significantly cheaper.

Overall, EA’s Monopoly is a very fun and enjoyable adaptation of the original, obviously with added convenience and portability.  If you’ve already purchased Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition, there’s probably no need to purchase the classic version unless you can’t stand World Edition or have been dying to own the classic version.  If you held-off on purchasing World Edition, then Classic is the way to go in this reviewer’s humble opinion.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Review: iBlast Moki Surprisingly Fun!

posted on October 09, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Games, Puzzle Games

Price: $0.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love it!
Replay Value: High

Pros: Charming graphics, enjoyably challenging, yet brilliantly simple.
Cons: ---
Bottom Line: iBlast Moki has set itself up to be an iPhone classic.  Its challenging but brilliantly simple gameplay is fun and addicting. 

On each level, players are given a set number of bombs to get their Mokis to the goal.  In the first few stages, this task is quick and simple:  Position the bomb while accounting for trajectory, gravity, and velocity (aided by an onscreen, direction indicating arrow), and then blast your Moki to the goal.

Of course as levels progress, players need to place multiple bombs, account for blast timing (by setting detonation timers on bombs), and deal with obstacles.  Eventually a number of other factors begin to complicate the game, including the use of additional tools and low gravity environments.  But one of my favorite features of the game is that the stages remain short, simple, and self-contained despite these complications.  This makes iBlast Moki ideal as a “pick up and play” style app.

The touch controls and gameplay mechanics are designed exceptionally well. If a solution attempt doesn’t workout, the stage intuitively resets to your last set-up for easy adjustments, allowing for a practical “trial and error” approach to the game.

In addition to the 70 levels included with the app, iBlast Moki comes complete with a full-featured and dynamic level editor that allows players to create unique levels and share them with friends for great replay value.  The app is also a part of the currently exclusive Plus+ network that allows players to track scores and achievements and compete with friends.

Overall, iBlast Moki is an extremely simple but fun physics puzzler with enjoyable sounds and graphics.  iBlast Moki adeptly managed to override my natural aversion towards the genre, and continued to swiftly exceed all my expectations.  In fact, I find myself hard pressed to say anything negative about the app.  Even the amount of content included for the $0.99 price tag is stupendous!

Review: Super K.O. Boxing 2 A Real Knock Out

posted on October 07, 2009 by John Meyer in Reviews, Games, Action Games

Price: $4.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love It
Replay Value: A Lot

The lights come up on the ring, the gigantic opponent enters the ring, and then Little Mac... er KO Kid enters the ring.  In case you missed that reference, Super K.O. Boxing 2 is basically a Super Punch Out clone though I am not implying that this is a bad thing in any way, just giving you a point of reference.  In fact, Super K.O. Boxing 2 does an excellent job of cloning Super Punch Out so much so that I would consider it on par with Super Punch Out.

For those of you that still have no idea what I'm talking about, the game play of Super K.O. Boxing 2 goes as follows.  You play the part of the boxer known as KO Kid who's goal is to take the title in three different circuits.  To do this you will have to box several different boxers in each circuit, each with their own strengths and flaws.  Unlike most newer boxing games, this one takes place on the 2D realm.  You won't be circling around your opponent, but rather always facing them with limited dodging ability.  In your arsenal of moves you can punch in the stomach, punch in the head, block, dodge left and right, and perform a super punch.

Of course the game play is not as simple as just pummeling your opponent in to the ground with punches, but rather each opponent has a pattern that leaves them generally with stone wall solid defense except at key points during combos or after their combos have completed.  Some of the patterns are really easy to figure out, like the opponent will raise their hands or always punch 3 times.  Other opponents are more difficult like looking for a small smile before they attack that makes them vulnerable.

As far as presentation goes, this game looks and sounds really good, almost exactly like I would expect a Super Punch Out clone to look.  Really big, crisp looking opponents along with the accompanying sounds.  There are four different control schemes you can use ranging from a button interface to a tilting interface.  I've used the button and the zone interface and both worked really well only lagging occasionally.  You may even find that some control schemes are better for different opponents.

In addition to the normal circuit game play, there are two additional modes of play.  The first is a versus mode where you just replay the fight with that person.  The other mode is a challenge mode where you have to defeat your opponent under a given set of conditions i.e. TKO the opponent in the first round without getting hit or using your super punch.  As far as length goes, if you like the game you will probably spend at least 10 hours with this game if not a lot more.

Overall, I really like this game and feel that it is worth the price of entry considering to buy the original versions of the game would cost anywhere from $5 to $10.  Of course I like Punch-Out style games so I might be a little biased.

Video Review: Madden NFL 10 - A New Brand of Touch Football

posted on September 30, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Video Reviews, Games, Sports Games

Price: $9.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love It!
Replay Value: Very High

Pros: Great graphics, gameplay, and depth.  Edit plays right on the field.
Cons: Repetitive commentators, cannot save original plays, and no multiplayer (yet).
Bottom Line:  Madden NFL 10, despite a few flaws, is a console worthy iPhone app sure to impress and definitely worth the price.  If you’re a fan of sporting games, this is a no brainer.

Madden NFL 10 for the iPhone OS redefines the meaning of touch Football:  All 32 teams and stadiums, nearly 2000 players and 300 plays, and comfortable touch screen controls all at your fingertips.  This is the app that hardcore football fans have been waiting for, and it definitely lives up to its expectations.

Madden NFL 10 is one of those apps that’ll make you realize the iPhone can definitely contend with the big-boy portable gaming systems, such as the PSP and the Nintendo DS.  On the first start-up, the app asks for your favorite NFL team in order to make your life easier.  From the title screen, players can choose to play a quick game, play a season, or view team rosters.  In season mode, players will battle their way through a full NFL season, potentially taking their team all the way to the Super Bowl.  “Play now” mode, on the other hand, will pit your team head to head against any team of your choice and is perfect for a quick, pick up and play game.

The graphics for Madden will put you right in the action.  The control schemes for both offence and defense are comfortable and intuitive.  You control player movement with an on-screen virtual analog stick and a slew of touch screen buttons that adapt themselves to your situation.  Among other controls, QBs can pass, toss out of bounds, or scramble.  Ball carriers can spin, sprint, and slow time.  In slow motion mode, they can juke left, juke right or plow through defenders.  Defenders can intercept, block passes, and dive tackle.  Because of the clearly marked icons, the on-screen controls are easy to learn and master (possibly even more so than with a standard console controller).

One of the best features in Madden NFL 10 is the ability for individuals to edit and create their own plays right on the field.  This is as simple as tapping the edit button and redrawing the movement line for one or more of your receivers.  This makes your playbook essentially unlimited.  My only gripe is that there doesn’t seem to be any way to save edited plays for later use.

Individuals also have the option of customizing their team through player trades and the signing of free agent players to create an unstoppable dream team.

EA’s iPhone interpretation of Madden 10 doesn’t have too many flaws, but there are a few.  Probably the most obvious is the overly repetitive announcers.  You’re more than likely to hear the same play commentary several times in one short game.  This is a bit disappointing in a game like Madden; it’d be nice to make it through at least a full game without much repetition.  The pre-game build up and end of game victory screens aren’t as fulfilling as they should be—something which Gameloft’s slightly less complex NFL 2010 app does better.  Additionally, at initial launch, the game is missing any multiplayer functionality (something which the developers promise to update).  Finally the inability to save custom plays for future use is a little inconvenient.

Over all, Madden NFL 10 for iPhone OS is quite impressive and fun.  The arrival of this app on the App Store is a big step forward for the device, helping to establish it as a recognized gaming platform. There seems little doubt that football fans will enjoy playing this app.  Like many other EA games, the high price-point might scare away some casual gamers, but rest assured, if you’re looking for a great football game app, Madden NFL is worth the price… especially when compared to other platforms.

Review: Farm Frenzy Fun

posted on September 25, 2009 by Kelli Rome in Reviews, Games, Action Games, Family Games, Strategy Games

Price: $0.99
App Store Link: Full / Lite
Verdict: Love It
Replay Value: High

Pros: Lots of gameplay and achievements; great for long or short play.
Cons: Inconsistent touch controls (e.g. a tap can plant grass instead of trapping a bear)
Bottom Line: This addictive game cleverly builds upon typical time management games by allowing the player to strategize towards each level’s goal, allowing for better scores, times, and outcomes. While the touch controls could be improved, this game will provide countless hours of fun.

Upgrades are available for purchase; these may be required in the objective of the level, or simply help you make more of an item quicker, allow for a larger storehouse, etc. To add a challenge to the game, sometimes you’ll hear a roar, soon followed by a bear dropping from the sky in order to attack your livestock or possibly spoil your goods. To prevent this, players can tap on the bear several times to lock him in a cage. If you have enough storage space, you can send the bear to the storehouse to later sell for some extra cash. If you don’t have the space, the bear will eventually run off screen.

This is particularly where I found the touch controls to be frustrating at times. While trying to cage the bear by tapping the screen, I would instead plant a patch of grass (which requires a similar tapping gesture), and the bear would go free to kill my livestock. Occasionally, tapping inconsistencies also caused the unintended purchase of various upgrades (an expensive mistake). While this is something that should be addressed, it did not affect the game enough to make it unplayable. Also, if this happened frequently during a level, you can always restart that level or even play it again afterwards and keep what rewards you did earn. Each level typically lasts about 5 minutes, but it can be as short or as long as you choose.

I found the game to be quite addictive, and I really appreciate how much there is to achieve. Not only can you earn the standard type trophies, but in order to proceed to higher levels, you have to earn enough points to purchase upgrades which will be offered in-game once that level is unlocked.

Ultimately, I would definitely recommend Farm Frenzy to anyone looking for a twist on typical time management games and appreciates long game-life. The cute graphics are entertaining and will be sure to keep you in a frenzy to play more. This app will definitely remain on my devise for a long time to come!

Review: Whack A Mole… er Monkey in Paradise Monkeys

posted on September 22, 2009 by John Meyer in Reviews, Games, Action Games

Price: $3.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love It
Replay Value: Some

In Paradise Monkeys you are a monkey tasked with saving all the bannanas from the evil Dracula Monkey.  In order to do this you'll need to pass through 9 worlds of whack-a-mole style gameplay. The 9 worlds are broken up into 2 different kinds of gameplay, standard play and boss fight.  Of course the game probably wouldn't be that interesting if it was just simple whack-a-mole so to liven things up every few levels they add a different kind of monkey for you to beat up on.  Some monkeys just pop up and go down (costing you a half a heart if you don't whack them), some monkeys take multiple hits to kill, some monkeys give you items when they die like hearts or tokens, some have random effects, some will attack you, and almost all monkeys have a state where you can't attack them or you'll lose some life.

At first the game can seem overwhelming, but once you figure out what you can hit and what you should avoid, the game becomes a lot more enjoyable. In addition there is a store you can go to to spend your tokens.  You can purchase rings that do more damage meaning you'll hit the multi-hit monkeys less.  There are extra hearts you can buy.  There are multiple mini-games that can be purchased.  Unfortunately because of the way the game plays, unless you take a lot of chances on the random monkeys, you won't have enough tokens to buy the power ups and the bonus games.  Fortunately you only have to buy the bonus games once, and you can make enough tokens by the second boss without having to purchase power ups.

This game has really good graphics, good sound effects, and music.  The hit detection is spot on.  You can really tell the extra polish that the creators of this game have put in to it.

The mini-games aren't overly fun in my opinion, I would much rather play the main game or the time attack mode that emulates the main game, but they do provide a nice break from the regular game.

If you play the game through from beginning to end, along with unlocking the mini-games you'll probably play a total of 5ish hours. It may also be a game that you really like and come back to every now and then to kill some time.

Video Review: Boggle Attempts to Shake Things Up

posted on September 22, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Video Reviews, Games, Word Games

Price: $2.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Like it
Replay Value: Very High

Pros: A very well made word game app with a couple new twists.
Cons:  Boggle doesn’t have much to offer that we haven’t already seen in other, cheaper word apps.
Bottom Line:  EA’s Boggle is a solid word game, with a few cool extra features.  If you already own a lot of similar word games, Boggle probably won’t have much to offer you.  If you’re a word game fanatic or simply haven’t found the “right one” yet, Boggle is definitely worth a look.

Well, it’s about time.  Over a year after the launch of the App Store, the classic word game Boggle has officially graced the iPhone with its presence.  Overall, Boggle is a fairly polished word game app; unfortunately for EA, it may be too little, too late.

For those not familiar, the concept of Boggle is fairly straightforward.  Players shake and roll a set of alphabet dice into a 4 by 4 square grid.  Players then have 3 minutes to make as many word combinations as possible from the grid by connecting surrounding letters.

The app is exactly what you might expect from a Boggle app developed by EA.  Polished graphics, fun gameplay, great replay value, and you even get to physically shake up the alphabet dice.  Of course, when it comes to word games, none of these features are new to the iPhone OS, so let’s talk about what sets Boggle apart from other word apps.

First, Boggle offers a new advanced mode.  In this mode, whenever a player discovers a new word (by dragging or tapping over the desired letters), the first and last letter switch places on the grid.  While this might sound like a small detail, this new dynamic can actually add a lot of strategy to the game.  It vastly increases the number of possible word choices and forces players to plan their moves in advance if they want to maximize their score.

To keep things interesting, the app also features a challenge mechanic, which allows players to send, receive, and keep track of challenges based off any game board they play, as well as a list of track-able  achievements, such as longest word, most frequently used letter, etc.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure these few new features will be enough for Boggle to compete with the cheaper, similar, and more experienced titles already for sale by smaller independent developers.

Video Review: Gameloft’s Blades of Fury Delivers a True Fighting Experience

posted on September 18, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Video Reviews, Games, Action Games, Arcade Games

Price: $6.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love it!

Pros:  Great graphics, astounding gameplay, comfortable controls and a multiplayer mode to boot!
Cons:  Only that it wasn’t released sooner.
Bottom line:  Quite possibly the best fighting game app on the App Store.  If you’ve been itching for some hack and slash brawling, don’t hesitate to download.

The software development company Gameloft has recently been positioning itself as one of the premiere publishers of high-end, premium quality iPhone OS games, and by now, its no secret that the do so by re-inventing popular console titles, such as Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto, and Madden NFL 10 (just to name a few) and bringing them to the iPhone. One of the most recent additions to that line up is Blades of Fury, a beautifully rendered 3D fighting game along the same lines as the popular Soul Calibur series.

In my opinion, despite any initial skepticism, Blades of Fury manages to deliver the first well-implemented and full-featured fighting game to the App Store. The app features several play modes, including story, arcade, and survival, 10 unique characters, each with specific individual characteristics, weapons, and costumes. Each character also has a large move set consisting of approximately 20 attacks and combinations.

For those familiar with Soul Calibur, everything about this app will feel very familiar. The victor must take the best of three rounds. The play primarily occurs in 2D plain, but players can sidestep around the 3D ring to avoid incoming attacks. There are 2 basic types of attacks, horizontal and vertical along with a slew of special moves powered by an energy meter. Players can win a round by either polishing off their opponent’s health meter or knocking him out of the ring.

Gameplay is very enjoyable. Story mode allows players to follow the interlocking storyline of all the characters and unlock new characters (included within the aforementioned cast of 10), while arcade and survival mode are perfect for quick consecutive battles. Thankfully the game contains a multiplayer mode where you can battle friends over Wi-fi or Bluetooth.

The on-screen analog stick and buttons work surprisingly well and feel confortable to use. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of pulling off detailed combos or special moves. To aid in mastering this process a practice mode is included, and each character’s attack move list can be accessed from the pause menu during any game mode.

All in all, Blades of Fury is an impressive fighting game app for the iPhone OS that rivals what many might expect to find on a portable, dedicated gaming system, such as the PSP. It’s no surprise to find this app priced at a premium price-point of $6.99, but if you’re a fighting game enthusiast downloading this app is a no brainer (and doubly so if you’re a fan of Soul Calibur).

Flash Review: OpenMaps… Lost and Still Mostly Lost

posted on September 17, 2009 by John Meyer in Reviews, Navigation

Price: $1.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Neutral
Replay Value: N/A

Pros: Allows for download of a pretty big area of map.  Allows you to place your own pins as well as search for addresses.  Will create a route for you.  Provides several different map types to look at.
Cons: Out of 3 addresses I tried found none.  Route that was created sent me a long way around.
Bottom Line: If you're using an iPod Touch and would like to download maps of an area you're going to be in for a while then this app will do what you need it to.  I would not necessarily follow the route that it plans for you.  At this point in time I can not recommend it for the iPhone as the built in Maps application will meet your needs a lot better.

Flash Review: Wizard Warfare

posted on September 14, 2009 by Matt Rome in Reviews, Games, Strategy Games

Price: $2.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Disappointing
Replay Value: Medium Low

Pros: Great graphics, fun concept, and lots of untapped potential
Cons: Slow, boring, shallow gameplay that ventures on terrible.
Bottom Line: Don't purchase this unless you're willing to waste the $3 dollars in hopes of future improvements that may or may not come. Personally, I wouldn't even recommend this game for 99¢ in its current state.