Category: Lists

Want to improve yourself in 2018? The new year is always a great time to set some goals for yourself (or nix some of those bad ones!). If you want to create the very best version of yourself, here are some apps that can help you develop a better you.

Sleep Better Sleep Tracker

One of the best ways to make sure you’re functioning at a high level is to get a good amount of sleep. Because we’re so busy, we can end up neglecting this important aspect of our health. So, to ensure you’re getting all of the sleep you need, download the Sleep Better app from Runtastic. Available for free for both iOS and Android, the app helps you see which daily habits impact your sleep and gives you long-term data to view your overall sleep patterns. There’s even a way to track your dreams! Users of the app have even said, “I feel significantly better on mornings when I use Sleep Better than on mornings when I don’t.”

Calm

There are tons of studies out there that prove that daily meditation and mindfulness exercises can have significant benefits to our physical and mental health. To create a better you, check out a meditation app like Calm (available for free on both iOS and Android), which can provide you with daily reminders to take some time out of your busy schedule and meditate. There are breathing exercises to help you relax, guided meditations to help you fall asleep, and music to help you focus on specific tasks. Mental health professionals and psychology experts all recommend this app to people with anxiety or depression, as well as any individuals who’d like to improve their mental clarity. One user said, “I have definitely noticed a difference in my ability to handle stress and calm myself in hectic moments. I have recommended this app to all my friends and coworkers.”

Free Butt Out

You probably can’t be your best self if you’re still smoking all those cigarettes. So, download the Free Butt Out app for iOS devices to help you track your cravings and cigarette usage. Viewing all the data in this handy app can help you visualize your progress and help you stay accountable with your habit. One user said, “This app makes quitting EASY! I am smoke-free for 90 days and never going back thanks to this app and the community!” If you need more assistance quitting smoking, you can try vaping too. Just snag a starter kit for as low as £24.99, and use the all-in-one eCig device with refillable pods to help you get started.

We already know you’re an awesome person, but if you want to step up your game and become even better, check out these apps to improve yourself even more!

About the Author: Erin Konrad

Christmas is almost here. Consider giving a mobile game this year. The following list contains action games that are entertaining. There’s a review for each one. Check out the scores before downloading them from the Google Play Store.

Nova Legacy (Google Play)

Graphics: 3/5 Gameplay: 4/5 Replayability: 4/5 Enjoyability: 4/5

Overall Score: 15/20

This is a first-person shooting game that takes place in space. The levels are well-designed. There’s a target to reach, and the distance to it is displayed on a waypoint. On board the spaceship, there are monsters and robots. Kill them with rifle fire and grenades.

The game responds to touch controls. Drag the left side of the screen to move the character, and drag the right side to aim and pan the camera. Use the buttons on the right side to attack. One suggestion is to swipe firmly across the screen to move effectively through the levels, especially around corners.

What’s good about this game? The levels are designed perfectly. Corridors, doors, elevators, and room spacing are displayed realistically on the smartphone. Multi-floor rooms are done well too.

What’s wrong with this game? It’s hard to throw or equip secondary items while shooting. It’s also hard to aim at enemies.

Cover Fire (Google Play)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=F7w3KfZ9Fmw

Graphics: 3/5 Gameplay: 5/5 Replayability: 4/5 Enjoyability: 5/5

Overall Score: 17/20

This is an over-the-shoulder, hide-and-shoot game. The goal is to kill soldiers and destroy vehicles. Each mission is a short scenario. There are perks to enhance performance.

The controls are easy to use. It includes a fire button and an unmarked aiming section. It’s more efficient to use the left side of the screen to aim or pan the camera. Press and drag your finger on the screen to aim.

The game automatically moves the player from one cover zone to another. However, in later levels, if the cover is destroyed, a move button is displayed. Press it to move to another cover spot. After each mission, there’s a reward screen. Tap the icons to obtain the prizes.

What’s good about this game? It has awesome cover-shooting gameplay and a responsive AI. The slo-mo perk is great too.

What’s wrong with this game? There’s a wait time to play if you don’t have a ticket. It could be up to one hour.

Implosion (Google Play)

Graphics: 3/5 Gameplay: 4/5 Replayability: 5/5 Enjoyability: 5/5

Overall Score: 17/20

This is a hack and slash game that takes place on a futuristic Earth that was destroyed by Xada mutaforms. You play Jake – a space pilot in an exo-suit that is armed with a sword. The goal is to find out what happened to Earth. Complete each mission by killing mutaforms. There are on-screen joysticks that appear when you touch the screen. The left side of the screen controls the movement, while the right side controls actions. Tap the strike button repeatedly to fend off enemies.

What’s good about this game? Well-paced missions that allow you to slash continuously without getting tired of the game. 

What’s wrong with this game? Gun operation is impractical and hard to use.

Features List for all games listed:

NOVA Legacy

• Comments from crew are displayed at the bottom of the screen (text box with photo – no voice)
• Easy-to-use fire button; automatic reload; manual reload
• Secondary weapons, grenades, ammo, and armor are available
• Target location and distance countdown waypoint displayed on screen
• Several game modes: Events, Multiplayer, and Campaign
• Leagues and private matches are available in multiplayer mode.
• Events include Headhunter and Butcher

Cover Fire

• Multiple chapters set in interesting places – blockaded towns, desert train routes, jungles, fortresses, and labs
• Awesome ‘final kill’ camera
• Impressive damage animation – impact force and splatter pattern
• Destructible environments
• Cover integrity percentage bar and display
• Upgradeable skills and combat level
• Unlockable modes: Skirmish and Events (Zombies Underground)
• Unlockable features: Characters, Black Market, and Supplies

Implosion

• On-screen buttons: Strike, Power Thrust, and Barrel Roll
• Secondary weapon (rifle) – Hold upper-right screen to activate when available
• Chapters with several missions
• Useful weapon sync boxes in each level
• Easy or hard mode
• Cool sword slashing mechanics
• Cool story with comic book-like narrative in between missions
• Directions from team at start of each level – photo and text box with voice
• Badges – awarded after completing requirements
• Ark system – customize exo-suit
• Ark store – buy ark powers
• Cloud saving/syncing
• Achievements and leaderboards

The Google Play Store is filled with great games. I’ve reviewed a few of them here. Check out the scores and insightful commentary. There’s also a list of features at the end.

1. Dungeon Hunter 5 (Google Play)

Graphics: 3/5 Gameplay: 5/5 Replayability: 5/5 Enjoyability: 4/5

Overall Score: 17/20

This is an over-the-head, 3rd person action RPG that is set in an ancient world. There’s castles, knights, and maidens. You play a bounty hunter armed with two swords. Battle through levels filled with the undead, bandits, and mythological creatures. It’s action-packed, but there’s also a lot of crafting and assigning of weapons and gear. There are on-screen buttons for attacking and moving; they are easy to use. The game flows well, and the environment is filled with destructible structures, traps, and treasure chests.

What’s good about this game? It has a relaxing menu screen that is immersive. You can check all the features easily. Calming music plays in the background.

What’s wrong with this game? Items obtained after each mission are displayed on the character in the inventory screen. This should be skipped. Also, this game requires repeated tapping to defeat enemies, and allies might be assigned automatically.

2. Into the Dead 2 (Google Play)

Graphics: 5/5 Gameplay: 3/5 Replayability: 4/5 Enjoyability: 4/5

Overall Score: 16/20

This is a first-person survival game. It involves running across a field filled with zombies. Move the character left and right to avoid getting caught. Shoot the zombies with a gun or throw grenades. The goal is to make it to the end of the field. The character runs automatically.

What’s good about this game? It creates a mood perfectly with immersive sound and survival gameplay.

What’s wrong with this game? It ends each lost run with a capture sequence that becomes repetitive and unwatchable.

3. Chess Game (Google Play)

Graphics: 2/5  Gameplay: 2/5 Replayability: 4/5 Enjoyability: 4/5

Overall Score: 12/20

This is a mobile version of the popular board game chess. It is better than most of the chess games in the Google Play Store. This version is a 2D game, which plays much better than the 3D versions of chess. This 2D version is also designed well; the user interface is arranged perfectly, and it’s easy to play. If you are stuck, tap the hint button to get suggestions for the next move.

What’s good about this game? It displays locations that are available for each piece, when it is selected.

What’s wrong with this game? In two-player mode, the pieces are flipped upside down after each move. Also, there’s too many ads.

 

List of Features in the games listed:

Dungeon Hunter 5

• Several unlockable game modes: Solo, Stronghold, Dungeons, Trial of Elements, Co-Op, Arena, and Events
• Missions with goals and boss battles
• Well-designed worlds that are creative, colorful, and inspired by treasure hunting
• Rewards and level increases after each mission
• Inventory options: Info & Equip, Sell, Crafting, Fusion (combine gear), Evolution, Mastery, and Collection
• Contracts for new missions
• Minions available to guard stronghold and raid enemies
• Main weapons and items: Sword, LIghtning Blast, Healing Potion, and Shield
• Secondary weapons – Crossbow
• On-screen map
• Barrel roll move
• Text-box story-telling with voice and character pictures
• Mail and game news
• Allies, friend requests, and friend invitation (Facebook and Play Games)
• In-game messaging/chat
• Daily rewards and achievements
• Guilds – Join or Create; Guild shop available
• Store – Special offers, Chests, Bundles, Gems, Trinkets, and Items
• Bank

Into the Dead 2

• Handgun and secondary weapon – shotgun
• Switch between weapons during game
• Grenades
• Ammo dumps placed throughout level
• Pause button
• Distance counter
• Spooky music
• Touchscreen and Tilt-axis control
• Inbox – Mail and fan polls
• Store – weapons, gold, silver, lockboxes, and vip subscriptions
• Daily trials and survival events
• Weapon boosts – firing rate, reload rate, etc.
• Companion during survival run – dogs of various breeds

Chess Game

• Hint
• Undo
• Redo
• Multiple save slots
• Multiple languages
• Multiple difficulty settings – very weak, weak, normal, strong, and ultimate
• 1 or 2 player
• Timed moves
• Stats

If you like spaceships and obstacle courses, then try these games. Each one combines these two elements. Most of them are extremely fast-paced, so expect to die instantly. There’s a features list at the end.

1. Super Sonic Surge (Google Play)

Graphics: 3/5 Gameplay: 3/5 Replayability: 3/5 Enjoyability: 5/5

Overall Score: 14/20

This game takes place on a barren expanse. The goal is to avoid crashing into triangle-shaped structures for as long as you can. Compare your results with friends or a global leaderboard. Tap the touchscreen to move left or right. You can also use the tilt-axis option to turn left or right.

What’s good about this game? It has great music.

What’s wrong with this game? Enemy spaceships blend with best-run track causing confusion.

2. Breakneck (Google Play)

Graphics: 4/5 Gameplay: 3/5 Replayability: 3/5 Enjoyability: 4/5

Overall Score: 14/20

This game is set on a planet’s surface. It is barren and desolate. The goal is to traverse the landscape with a spaceship and reach the finish line, without crashing into mountains, buildings, or other structures. Collect coins and upgrades along the way. Avoid pursuers from above; they will destroy your spaceship with lasers.

The game is played with touch controls. Press the right side of the screen to move right, and press the left side of the screen to move left. The only other move available is speed boosting, which requires pressing both sides of the screen to activate.

What’s good about this game? The music is awesome. If it gets too intense, you can change the music setting and listen to the ambient noise.

What’s wrong with this game? The game resets to the first level after crashing. There’s no saving, so the same level is played over and over again. There is cloud saving, but it requires a certain amount of items and a Facebook account.

3. Racer The Sun 3D (Google Play)

Graphics: 2/5 Gameplay: 2/5 Replayability: 3/5 Enjoyability: 2/5

Overall Score: 9/20

This is a fast-paced, ground traversing game. The spaceship moves side to side with tilt-axis control or touch screen tapping. There’s an option for Bluetooth or Gamepad controllers. The goal is to avoid crashing into obstacles. If you last long enough, the terrain starts to change, and the obstacles become more challenging. Collect bonus items along the way.

What’s good about this game? The terrain changes. A field of stationary obstacles  are replaced with obstacles that move up and down.

What’s wrong with this game? Too many advertisements after crashes.

 

Features List of the games listed:

Super Sonic Surge

• Several ships to choose from
• Daily rewards
• Selectable quests
• Leaderboard – Global and Friends List
• Missions List
• Touchscreen and tilt-axis control

Breakneck

• Previous run displayed on next game
• Pause button
• New world to race in everyday
• Game recording and score sharing
• Cloud saving – requires Facebook account
• Tournament
• Achievements
• Upgrades – coin magnet, unlimited speed boost, pursuer scrambler
• Kits – various paints and colors for spaceship
• Equipment perks
• Loyalty rewards
• Touchscreen control
• Adjustable GFX setting
• Adjustable music setting
• Multiple languages

Racer the Sun 3D

• On-screen direction arrows
• Fast-paced gliding
• Bonus items to collect
• Changing obstacles
• Store – new spaceships
• Touchscreen, tilt-axis, and gamepad controller (Bluetooth)

It’s time to check the app stores for new games. There might be one or two that are worth downloading onto your smartphone. I recommend getting the games that have awesome graphics. They look great. Here’s the complete list for the month of November.

Strain Tactics (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a squad-based tactical shooter that takes place on a ravaged Earth. The planet has been infected with an alien virus. Your mission is to clear towns of infected creatures by deploying ground forces. The game has an overhead view, which provides an expansive view of the battlefield. Easily drag across the screen and deploy forces. Here’s more features:

• 80 playable characters
• 150 unique items and weapons
• 30 maps
• 5 scenarios – Escort, Retrieval, Clean Sweep, Perimeter Defense, Hunter-Killer
• Dynamic drag control system

Armor Age: Tank Wars (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a real-time strategy game with tanks. Control up to six tanks in a squad during a mission. You can level-up a tank and obtain blueprints for new technologies. The battles take place on the outskirts of town, in the wilderness and farms. The countryside is the perfect setting for these tank battles. Here’s more details about this game:

• Real-time battles
• Tactical pause mode
• Campaign mode and PvP mode
• A selection of combat vehicles from various countries
• Variety of tactical missions

Heroes Evolved (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is an arena battle game with more than 40 heroes. You can use various elements to your advantage during a match including terrain, the fog of war, hero attributes, and custom gear. There’s quick matchmaking and multiple playmodes. In the Chaotic Strife Mode, the rules are changed frequently to enhance the gaming experience. Here’s more information about this game:

• Stream videos of related game content from YouTube and Twitch.TV
• Review detailed match records
• New characters including Bruce Lee
• New game mode – 7v7
• 18 new achievements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5S86w1S_fM

Into the Dead 2 (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a survival game where the player has to run across a field while avoiding zombies. Use guns and knives to kill the zombies. If you get caught, try to fight your way free. The goal is to make it to the end of the course. Along the way, collect ammo that is placed throughout the level. Here’s more details:

• Evolving story with multiple endings
• 7 chapters; 60 stages
• Well designed levels – oil fields, military bases, campsites, and rural farm towns
• Melee weapons
• Daily events and special events modes

Shadow Fight 3 (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a fighting game with RPG elements. It has smooth animations and HD graphics. The action is lifelike due to the physics engine, and the fights take place in a 3D environment. Master mysterious shadow powers that render your enemy helpless. You can also collect gear and explore a large game world. Here’s more details:

• 3 fighting styles
• Shadow-based fighting mechanic
• Story-driven game
• Hundreds of perks and super moves
• Character creation tool

This is a second list of games that are available in the app stores this month. It is filled with RPGs and strategy games. Check out the latest innovations from smartphone game developers.

Dragon Project (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a free-to-play action RPG. You play as a hunter in the kingdom of Heiland. Monsters have invaded the lands, and the goal is to defeat them. Collect resources along the way. There’s a multiplayer mode. This game has been adapted for the American market. It was a best-seller in the Japanese App Store. Here’s more info:

• Real-time co-op multiplayer
• Upgradeable weapons and armor
• One-touch controls
• New game characters and smoother gameplay
• goWrap menu – FAQs, game support, social media

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9A7HTlPJA

Immortal Conquest (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a war strategy game. Players can expand their territory, use supply routes, and diversify their army units. This game combines game theory and player freedom. Diplomacy and sneak attacks are both viable tactics. The goal is to capture the city of Delphi. The game world revolves around Seasons. Here’s more details:

• Updates with new Heroes of Power (Gairo) – King Leonidas
• Form teams to defeat enemies
• Achieve objectives set during Seasons

Rings of Anarchy (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a fantasy action RPG. The beta version of the game is now available. It contains an Auto-Combat System that plays for you during long battles. You can go offline and still gain experience for the characters. You can team up with other players to battle bosses. Here’s more details:

• 3D MMORPG
• Fantasy world containing Humans, Dwarfs, and Elves
• 27 rings to collect
• Free Trade System – Sell and buy items
• Social system – Emperors and civilians; masters and apprentices

 

Villagers and Heroes – Starfall Expansion (Google Play, Stream)

This is a MMORPG with story-driven quests. A new expansion pack was released recently called Starfall. The maximum level is 90, and you can bring more gear and items. The crafting system has been improved. There are new talent trees and feats for all classes. The goal is to reach the legendary lands of Crux. Here’s more details:

• Free mounts
• Free sockets
• Free outfit
• Talent reset potions
• Class specializations
• 7 new zones to explore
• No repair costs for most items
• New world map

Art of War: Red Tides (Apple App Store)

This is a strategy game that involves defending a base against hordes of enemies. As waves of enemies are sent your way, adjust troop numbers and decide how to spend the resources you have to win. The battlefield is filled with hundreds of units. There’s a multiplayer mode as well. Here’s more details:

• 1v1 or 3v3 casual or ranked multiplayer
• Fast-paced RTS action
• 3 Races
• Free-to-play

Several games have been added to the app stores. There’s a stockbroker game, a stunt bike game, a match-3 game, and a mystery-solving game. A list of features is provided below, along with links and trailers.

COMISH (Google Play, Apple App Store)

In this game, you play as a stockbroker. The goal is to earn a commission from your clients. Make them as much money as possible so that you get a high commission. If you lose their money, you will lose your job. This game was developed by a stockbroker. Here’s more details:

• Invest up to 3 stocks at a time
• Win Amazon Gift Cards (iOS version only)
• Compete in a global, weekly contest – ‘Invest-A-Contest’

Free Rider HD (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a stunt bike game. It is making its debut on Android devices. The goal is to ride through tracks using balance, speed, and precision. There are gaps in the track and sections of loop-the-loop. The gaming community uploads new tracks everyday. This game utilizes ragdoll physics; see it in action by crashing. Here’s more details:

• 500,000 community-made tracks
• Hundreds of avatar customizations
• Online track editor
• Intuitive touchscreen controls
• Record replays and review track history

Homescapes (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a match-3 game with a story. The main character is Austin, a butler that makes the family home comfortable. Start by decorating the kitchen, hallway, and garage. This match-3 game added a new game mechanic on top of the older, one-tap power-up activation used in Gardenscapes. Here’s a list of additional features:

• 400 house renovations
• 1,000,000 design patterns for mansion
• 3 protagonist and 30 supporting characters
• In-game social network

Thimbleweed Park (Google Play, Apple App Store)

This is a mystery-solving game. There are five mysteries surrounding a dead body. Each one unravels as the characters explore and investigate the town. There’s a weird clown, a game developer, a ghost, an investigative agent, and a junior agent. There are equally interesting settings including a burned-out pillow factory and highway meetings at the city limits of Thimbleweed Park. More details are listed below:

• Neo-noir mystery set in 1987
• 5 playable characters that can work together
• Puzzles mixed with interesting story
• Built-in hint system
• English voices and subtitles (English, German, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish)