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Guide the Light in Flight of the Fireflies


There is an ongoing debate in the world of gaming over whether or not the medium can be considered art. Those who think it should be point to games like Braid, Flower, and even Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP as proof of gaming’s artistic merit. However, based on the look of Woolly Robot’s new experimental game Flight of the Fireflies, it might be time to add a new game to that list.

The game describes itself as “an interactive artwork” or “an interactive musical poem” so naturally its more about the experience than the gameplay. Players use touch to move a group of fireflies across the night sky and through various environments while each firefly produces its own unique tone. Throughout their journey, players can discover more fireflies and add them to the musical collective.

This symphony of the night is only available for iPad owners. Flight of the Fireflies is available now on the App Store.




Flight of the Fireflies


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 3.99
Released: 2012-01-31 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: Flight of the Fireflies


About: Guide the Light in Flight of the Fireflies is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

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Reckless Racing 2 Review


Reckless Racing 2 Review


By on February 3rd, 2012
Our Rating: ★★★★★ :: RUBBIN’ AND RACIN’
iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

The original Reckless Racing game set the bar for down and dirty iOS racing. Reckless Racing 2 has raised the bar even higher.

 

Developer: Pixelbite
Price: $ 4.99
Version: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 4

Graphics / Sound Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

There is a reason the original Reckless Racing received an Editor’s Choice nod from 148Apps when it first debuted at the end of 2010. It was pure, feel-like-a-kid-again racing with slick controls and fast cars. Reckless Racing 2 is even better. This third-person racer now has more tracks, more modes and more excitement.

I’m sure from a developer’s standpoint racing games with their quick movements are probably one of the most difficult genres to develop. Not only do they have to dial in hairpin turns, they also have to make the driver feel like every turn they make is on a dime. Lag is a racer’s worst enemy. The silky smooth physics of Reckless Racing 2 are phenomenal. The car reacts to every touch in an instance without lagging, jigging or chopping along. It’s like butter.

The amount of gameplay is impressive with 24 routes of dirt and street options as well as several modes to choose from, including career, arcade, single, and multiplayer. While I tested out all thoroughly, I’d have to say I got the most out of career and multiplayer.

Career offered a ton of racing, points, achievements and leaderboard runs while multiplayer gave me the bragging rights (not all the time) of taking pinks against human racers. The one negative I noticed was that the other opponents ghosted in and out and there was a light chop every once in a while. However, it’s most likely do to varying reception issues.

One of the best additions to the newer version is the larger and better selection vehicles and upgrades one can choose from, which is 18 to be exact. They all look very similar to some of the best American muscle and high-end import cars. The upgrades, which can be purchased in the garage, are the usual speed, handling and acceleration options. Some tournaments have specific upgrade requirements and will not let the player race otherwise.

Reckless Racing 2 improves on all of the original game’s features and adds several more goodies such as career mode and car customization. This all combines to make it the best “rubbin’s racin’” game on the App Store.



Reckless Racing 2


Universal App – Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $ 4.99
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: Reckless Racing 2


About: Reckless Racing 2 Review is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Five For Friday: Week of February 3

Another week has left us behind along with the first month of the year. As always with the arrival of Friday, we take a few moments to round up five of the most interesting apps and games that we’ve yet to cover in a more extensive form. There will be fun to be had and new recipes to be learnt, amongst other things.

Remarks

At its simplest, the iPad makes for a fantastic note taking tool. Just because the process of writing notes is relatively simple doesn’t mean that the results have to be plain though. Remarks is part PDF annotating application, part PDF notes creator. It’s simple to edit and view PDF files but just as easy to write or sketch ideas, through either handwriting or text input.



Remarks – Write notes and Annotate PDFs


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 4.99
Released: 2012-02-01 :: Category: Productivity


Avid Studio

Aspirations to master film editing? Avid Studio has it covered. Offering simple yet effective video editing functionality, the app allows for easy rearranging of clips, the ability to add high-quality transitional effects and even a soundtrack. It’s surprisingly powerful stuff so iPad 1 owners may find themselves suffering from a few problems but iPad 2 owners will revel in the creativity.



Avid Studio


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 4.99
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Photography


Off The Leash

Off The Leash is all about helping Steve the loveable Golden Retriever escape the Chief of Police. 7 different dogs can be unlocked across 90 different missions. Tilt-based controls mean that Steve’s quest is simple to learn but great fun to master. It’s got a great ‘one more go’ vibe to it.



Off The Leash


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Games


Veggie Meals

New recipes are fun to discover and nutritious meals are all the more satisfying. Veggie Meals offers 55 easy to cook vegetable based recipes, catering for both vegetarians and vegans. Salads, soups, pasta, stews, burgers, pies and bread and desserts are all provided for here with attractive photography and informative step by step instructions sealing the deal.



Veggie Meals


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 3.99
Released: 2012-01-30 :: Category: Lifestyle


Tweet Land

Tweet Land isn’t th usual kind of racing game. It’s one that changes according to the real world and the tweets that world events invoke. Each experience with Tweet Land is different, changing according to real-time events. It makes the old school looking game feel that bit more exciting and the ideal game to drop in on a daily basis to see what’s changed. Plus, there’s the opportunity to escape tsunamis and zombies, all in the same game!



Tweet Land


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $ 1.99
Released: 2012-01-31 :: Category: Entertainment


Apps mentioned in this post: Avid Studio, Off The Leash, Remarks – Write notes and Annotate PDFs, Tweet Land, Veggie Meals


About: Five For Friday: Week of February 3 is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective Review


GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective Review


By on February 3rd, 2012
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ :: TRICKY
Universal App – Designed for iPhone and iPad

Use “Ghost Tricks” to possess objects and solve a murder.

 

Developer: Capcom
Price: Free
Version Reviewed: 1.00.00
Device Reviewed On: iPad

Graphics / Sound Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Playtime Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective launched on Nintendo’s DS quite some time ago to less than stellar sales. Now the game has made its way over to iOS, featuring interesting puzzles and fantastic “Ghost Tricks,” it is a title that everyone should experience.

GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective kicks off in a rather ominous fashion, with a young read-headed lady being held at gunpoint by a hitman. The narrator of the scene comments on the seriousness of the situation, and how he should help the lady, but there’s only one problem – he’s already dead, the first victim of the hitman.

Then the game’s hook is revealed: as a spirit he can enter the Ghost World and possess objects, making them perform an action. The first example of this is possessing a crossing-gate, causing it to move and knock the gun out of the hitman’s hand. Unfortunately this doesn’t work, and the girl is murdered. Then another feature is revealed; by possessing a newly dead body he can travel back in time to four minutes before they die, giving the player a chance to survey the scene and figure out a way to prevent it.

These features mean that GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective has some pretty devious puzzles to solve, as the player has to work out what they need to possess in order to achieve the desired results. Oh, and to spice things up a bit all puzzles have a time limit, although they can be restarted as many times as the player wants. At first it’s a lot to take in. As a spirit the player can only possess objects a few feet away, and this method is used to traverse the environment. Sometimes it can be a bit trial and error, but on the whole it is cleverly designed.

The free version of the game comes with two chapters to try. These won’t last particularly long, or offer much in the way of replay value, but the player can purchase chapter bundles for $ 4.99 each or the entire game for $ 9.99.

I’d highly recommend trying out more than just the first two chapters of GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective. They’re good, but just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this game has to offer. Essential for those who like something different.



GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective


Universal App – Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: FREE
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective


About: GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective Review is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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EA and Firemint’s Spy Mouse has an update out now that’s designed to be more appropriate for this time of year, with Valentine’s Day coming up. Love is in the air, and while the cats in Agent Squeek’s life are still out to keep him from getting his cheese, everything is a lot more lovey-dovey. The app icon shows not a stern and focused Agent Squeek, but a more charmed Agent Squeek, presenting delicious chocolate for a willing suitor. The whole menu is now Valentine’s-themed, which means that it’s more pink and heart-filled. In-game, the cheese crumbs that give bonus points are now hearts. As well, those cats now get hearts over their head when they spy Agent Squeek, broken heart icons when the try to grab him and miss. Plus, when they do get him, it’s now a heart-filled dust cloud. Okay. This alternate interpretation of Spy Mouse update is available now for both iPhone/iPod touch and iPad versions of the game.



SPY mouse


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $ 0.99

Our Rating: ★★★★½ :: FREE THE CHEESE
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-08-25 :: Category: Games





SPY mouse HD


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 2.99
Released: 2011-11-17 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: SPY mouse, SPY mouse HD


About: Spy Mouse Feels the Love With New Valentine’s Day Update is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

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Launch Center has gotten a major new update that brings new automatic app detection. While the app launched with support for built-in notifications, now the app supports launching third-party apps with specific commands, that can be scheduled to appear as notifications on iPhone and iPod touch.

The way it launches third-party apps is that iOS lets apps register with the device a specific URL scheme. Like how websites begin with http://, apps can register as tweetbot:// or facebook://, for example. Thus, when the device prompts to open up one of these URLs, the app will open. As well, special commands can be added after the // that will perform actions in those apps. Launch Center has commands for a selection of apps with registered URL schemes that it can launch. Those apps that are installed are displayed at the top of Launch Center‘s list, and then the specific control options are given. Then, the command can either be just displayed in the Launch Center main list, or scheduled to be appear at a certain date and time.

The uses for this are many. Want to be reminded to post a tweet with Tweetbot, with the specific text automatically entered in, at a certain time? That can be done with this app. As well, an app like Camera+ that supports launching from external apps can be queued up, reminding users to launch it at a certain time. These notifications can also be customized with particular titles in Notification Center for greater convenience.

Note that the feature is not perfect: apps sometimes crash, or work better if they’ve been closed from the multitasking bar, instead of being loaded into an app currently in memory. These are more the fault of the apps in question, rather than anything Launch Center does, as it is just using the app URL schemes that apps have baked in to them. This update to Launch Center is available now as a free update.



Launch Center – Schedule shortcuts, websites, a flashlight, and more!


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $ 0.99
Released: 2011-12-21 :: Category: Productivity


Apps mentioned in this post: Launch Center – Schedule shortcuts, websites, a flashlight, and more!


About: Launch Center Launches New Third Party App Notifications is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Panorama 360 Camera Review


Panorama 360 Camera Review


By on February 2nd, 2012
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ :: CREATIVE
Universal App – Designed for iPhone and iPad

Creating a panoramic image just got a whole lot simpler.

 

Developer: Haiqun Deng
Price: $ 1.99
Version Reviewed: 4.4
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

iPhone Integration Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Re-use Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Panorama 360 Camera is an incredibly neat photography app that encapsulates the ‘it just works’ mentality perfectly, making panoramic photos a dream to create.

When first loading the app, it’s immediately obvious that there aren’t really any frills around Panorama 360 Camera. The app is simple to use thanks to offering such basic controls. The user starts their panoramic creation by taking one initial photo and lining up this shot inside a green box to depict where the image is at its most effective. It’s all then a matter of following the green box around the room or landscape to snip the photo together.

At first, it doesn’t look overly pretty. Sure, it’s easy to take more images, it’s just a matter of following the box and hovering the center of the image over a bullseye target. Without any stitching though, it looks a little messy. That’s where the magic kicks in.

Panorama 360 Camera does all the stitching together and quickly. It only takes a matter of seconds (10-60 according to the developer but I never found an instance where it took longer than 20-25) for the results to come through.

Working equally well indoors as well as outdoors, Panorama 360 Camera can create some very impressive shots. Besides the regular straight panorama style look, it’s also possible to create circular panoramas that can work all the better depending on the situation.

Panorama 360 Camera is a little sparse when it comes to sharing functionality. Users can save images to the camera roll but there’s no direct ability to tweet, email or post onto Facebook. The sheer ease of the rest of the app ensures forgiveness is not hard to come by though. Panorama 360 Camera does exactly what anyone could want from such a tool and quickly.



Panorama 360 Camera


Universal App – Designed for iPhone and iPad
Buy Now: $ 1.99
Released: 2010-11-12 :: Category: Photography


Apps mentioned in this post: Panorama 360 Camera


About: Panorama 360 Camera Review is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Gravity Lander Review


Gravity Lander Review


By on February 2nd, 2012
Our Rating: ★★★☆☆ :: SHORT FLIGHT
iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

Get three cosmonauts to land on the surface of Mars safely. It’s significantly harder than it sounds.

 

Developer: Buro Destruct
Price: FREE
Version: 1.2
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS

Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Playtime Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 3.19 out of 5 stars

If I was involved in a space program that had a tendency to land spacecraft on precarious structures I’d have to rethink my career choice. I understand that space travel is a complicated thing and millions of problems can arise, but is it really that hard to get the ship onto the planet’s surface the first time? Of course, if the fictitious rocket jockeys in Gravity Lander did get it right the first time then we wouldn’t have a game here. Luckily they always manage to get themselves stuck on top of jumbled platforms, and it’s up to us to get them down in one piece.

Gravity Lander is a physics puzzle game that leans toward simplicity. On any given level there are a number of various shapes, explosives and so on stacked together with a lone rocket on top. The idea is to get the rocket to land properly (i.e. right-side up) by carefully removing key blocks, tilting the device to shift things a bit and using one of three available boosts. Things go awry very easily, and I’ve no doubt that many a player will have to restart a level several times until they get it right, but a little trial-and-error (and perseverance) is all it takes to succeed.

With the simple, almost Erector Set-like visuals and subtle but pleasant soundtrack, it’s easy to get lost in Gravity Lander. Finally completing a level usually results in the desire for “just one more,” and even failure can be humorous thanks to the cute little semi-poetic messages that pop up (for example, “3 cosmonauts stopped sending signals”). With 52 levels on offer, it’s a sure-fire way to burn through an afternoon.

The only real problem with Gravity Lander is that it’s over far too quickly. 52 levels may sound like a lot, but when it only takes a few minutes to finish one (even a tough one) it won’t take long before they’re all over and done with. Ordinarily this kind of issue is counteracted somewhat with ratings or various other scores to earn that encourage replaying finished stages, but none of that is present here. It’s either finish or don’t.

Of course even with its brevity I’d still consider Gravity Lander a no-brainer. It’s decent fun, vaguely hypnotic and can provide someone with a day or two worth of distraction for absolutely free. I can certainly think of worse ways to try to pass the time.



Gravity Lander


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: FREE

Our Rating: ★★★☆☆ :: SHORT FLIGHT
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2010-09-08 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: Gravity Lander


About: Gravity Lander Review is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Fly With Me!: Flying To The App Store Today

Following a familiar yet addictive path, EA Mobile’s latest release Fly With Me! is an endless runner – or should I say flyer – title.

Players take the role of a bird as they avoid hurdles like trees, geysers and Venus fly trap, while they also chomp their way through the many bees in their path. It’s easy to get the hang of with regular taps to the screen keeping the bird buoyant.

The challenge truly lies in the chance to gain up to 3 stars throughout each level, representing a perfect score. There are also gears to collect, leading to the unlocking of an impressive robot bird.

45 levels in all are on offer to players, plus there’s the inclusion of a Kid mode which comes with 30 additional levels, all focused on a friendlier difficulty level and with no need to eat bees to maintain altitude. It’s an ideal mode for the younger or novice player.

Fly With Me! is out now priced at $ 0.99. New enemy characters and birds are promised in a future update.



Fly With Me


iPhone App – Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $ 0.99
Released: 2012-02-02 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: Fly With Me


About: Fly With Me!: Flying To The App Store Today is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Windosill Review


Windosill Review


By on February 2nd, 2012
Our Rating: ★★★★½ :: SURREAL
iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad

Explore and solve puzzles in a dream-like world.

 

Developer: Vectorpark
Price: $ 2.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0.19
Device Reviewed On: iPad

Graphics / Sound Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The puzzle genre is a crowded one when it comes to the App Store, so games have to go the extra mile to stand out. Windosill does this, and more, with interesting puzzles, beautiful visuals and chilled-out atmosphere.

The game’s premise is so incredibly simple. All the player has to do is guide a toy car from one side of a room to the other, and open the exit door. Of course, this would be boring it wasn’t for the completely bizarre puzzles that litter every room. By solving the room’s puzzle the player is rewarded with a square block, which acts as a key to progress.
Windosill is almost as much about exploration than it is puzzle solving. The puzzles on offer are so abstract that without thinking outside of the box there is no way to easily come up with a solution.

An example of this is the very first puzzle, where the gamer is presented with the word “Windosill,” and nothing else. After applying a bit of lateral thinking, it becomes clear that dot above the ‘i’ is a perfect match for the square block needed to open the door, and touching it causes the dot to move, and it can be placed in the square slot. Puzzle 1 solved.

Windosill is brilliant, and while it is challenging, the game has such a calm ambience. It’s a genuine pleasure to explore every room, and the satisfaction from a completed puzzle will always manage to raise a smile. The controls are also incredibly simple, as everything can be manipulated by the player’s finger. Visually the game is a treat, with each room having its own visual style.

In fact, the only niggle I can find with the game is that once it’s done there’s minimal incentive to go back and do it again. The joy is in cracking the puzzle, so once the answer has been found a little of the magic is lost.

Windosill is a game that I feel should be experienced by everyone. The puzzles are well thought out, it looks and sounds great and has such a unique feel. Really great stuff.



Windosill


iPad Only App – Designed for the iPad
Buy Now: $ 2.99

Our Rating: ★★★★½ :: SURREAL
Read Our Full Review >>

Released: 2011-12-15 :: Category: Games


Apps mentioned in this post: Windosill


About: Windosill Review is a post from 148Apps

148Apps – iPhone App Reviews, iPhone Game Reviews, and iPhone News

Popularity: 1% [?]

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