Category: Reviews

Today I am looking at a new game from DP SPACE LP called Crazy Shapes: Run Adventure. The game is currently only available on iOS and it is free.

The plays in landscape mode is an endless runner game. The graphics are nicely done. You play as one of four different colored and shaped characters. As you move through the world, you can change your character. Each has different abilities. If you are familiar with endless runner type games, then you should not have any trouble picking this game up.

In the game, there is  general storyline you will follow. Chaos has tried to destroy the universe and defeat the Guardian of Shapes. Your mission is to activate every portal on your way to defeat the enemies. Since you cannot control your speed or direction, you will need to be quick and pay attention to what your goals are.

As you play, you can collect solars, which can then be used to get new abilities, such as a magnet to help you collect along your journey.

The game is simple:

1. Each shape has a different color and skill
2. Easy to use controls – just swipe to jump
3. You can change your character into different shapes to activate its unique skill
4. To clear each level you need to achieve certain objectives

Crazy Shapes is a fun and family friendly game that can be played by all ages. The controls are simple, so even the littlest players will know what to do.

As with all endless runner games, be prepared to get frustrated and to do various levels over and over again so you can get as many solars as possible and to complete the needed quests.

If you are an iOS user, looking for a new endless runner, give Crazy Shapes: Run Adventure a whirl.

Download (iOS):

Download QR-Code

Unknown app

Developer: Unknown

Price: Free

When I was growing up, when I wanted to hang out with friends or go do something, I would pick up the phone and make some calls. Well you can still do that these days, but with the advent of the Internet and social media, there are lots of different ways to do that now.

Today I am looking at Bsociable, a new social calendar app. This is a nice app and slightly different from the other social media apps I have reviewed for the site.  After you download the app, you will need to setup an account. Once you have setup the preliminary account, you can send messages to friends (from the app) to invite them to use.  As with any social media related app/service, you will need to have your friends on board.

A word on your profile- you can set up your name, suburb, email, phone, partner info and dietary preferences.  Within the app itself, you can setup location services, notification services, event reminders, auto accept group invites, and more.

Overall the app is easy to use and navigate. It has a very clean, minimalist design. The home page has five buttons:

• New Event
• Home
• Calendar
• Friends
• Settings

What each section does, should be self explanatory. 🙂  Some neat features are:

• it will sync with your current calendar
• it will auto download  your contacts so you can invite them and keep track who are on Bsociable

The main feature of the app is the New Event tab.  When you are ready to setup an event, simply go to this tab. You will be asked to invite a friend or a group. If you do not have any groups yet, you can easily create them here.  Once you have done that, then you can setup the details, such as time, date, place. An important note – if you do not have any friends on the app yet, you will not  be able to create events.

When you are done, you will be able to see via the calendar when your events are setup up for and then events you have been invited to. Plus if your friends gives you permission, you can view a friends’ calendar.  This is a nice feature for planning purposes.

Overall I like the idea behind the app. Bsociable is setup to help friends and family get their social calendars connected and make it easier to connect. The simple design and ease of use should make this app successful. If you are looking for a social calendar app, you should try Bsociable.

I want to end this post with this quote from the developer (app store page): “At Bsociable we understand the challenges associated when coordinating events. We have developed a comprehensive mobile app so that you don’t have to jump platforms and simply spend your valuable time interacting face to face with those that matter most in your life.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHNrVx3mldc&feature=youtu.be

Download:

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Bsociable – Event Scheduler

Developer: Bsociable

Price: Free

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Unknown app

Developer: Unknown

Price: Free

Viral! is a new social media app that is currently available for both Android and iOS users. The app is free and comes with a clean and easy to use interface.

When you first start, you will need to create an account, just like any social media app/service. After you log in, you will be on the main screen.  Here you have 3 main options: home, chat, and profile. Within the profile area, you can:

• set your avatar
• go through the app settings
• see how many stars and videos you have
• see how many followers you have
• see how many you are following

One of the best features is that you can make you account private so only your friends can see your stuff.

The primary use of the app is for taking and sharing videos.  After you take a video, the app will play it back so you can see what it looks like. When you do that, you have the following options:

• Add a caption
• Trim the length of the video
• Fit the video – adjust the size/zoom of the video
• Filter – add eight different color effects to your presentation
• Draw – you can pick a color and then draw on the video with your finger
• Sound – turn on/off the sound in the video

After you edit your video, the next step is to share it. The app gives you the following options: News Feed, Chat Group, and Friends.  It should be noted that all videos need to be at least five seconds long.

Overall I like the app. I like the various ways you can edit and tweak your videos- it definitely adds a unique touch to share videos.

As with any social media outlook, it all comes down to users. Right now the search feature is pretty basic.  If you type in “David” then the app will find all users named David. I did not see a way to search for a certain topic, theme, location, etc. I am curious to see how this app grows and changes as it get more users.

If you and your friends are looking for an easy to use social media video app, take a look at Viral!

Download:

Download QR-Code

Viral!

Developer: Antonio Michahil

Price: Free

Download QR-Code

Unknown app

Developer: Unknown

Price: Free

One of the first card games I learned was Solitaire. One of the first games I ever played on my Windows computer was Solitaire.   Today I am looking at a new version of the game for mobile from Mobility Ware.

Solitaire is a free game that is supported with ads. When you are playing, it is ad free; the ads only appear within the settings menu or in between games. Overall this is a nice way to have ads but not interfere with your game play. The game works well on both small and large screen devices.

When you first open the app, you immediately start a new game or continue your last one.  To move a card you can drag or tap it. The game interface is clean and easy to use/follow. For each game, the app keeps track on the Score, Time and Number of Moves.  There is also a hint button you can use, but who wants a hint?  Thankfully there is an undo button also.  I have only used it once or twice.

When you are ready to start a new game, you can choose from:

• Random Deal
• Winning Deal
• Daily Challenge
• Multiplayer
• Replay Deal

I really enjoyed this version of Solitaire. I was able to jump right in and knock out a few games before my meeting. These types of games  (relaxing ones) are a nice change of pace from all the RPG or PvP games out there today.

As I mentioned, the game interfere is clean and minimal, but do not let that fool you, this game has a ton of options. When you click on the settings button, you will see everything under the hood.

In the setting section, you can:

• Statistics – view your stats from the various game modes; you can reset them too
• Leaderboard – check out the Google Play leaderboard and acheivements
• Sounds – modify the sounds and card animations
• Game Mode – you can choose to draw 1 or 3 cards at time
• Preferences – you can set up screen orientation, your nickname, and more
• Visuals – modify the card backs, screen background, card faces, and more

The customization of the game, just adds to the overall enjoyment. Solitaire is a pretty straight forward game but the folks over at Mobility Ware have done a nice job putting together a game the whole family can enjoy and tweak to their liking.

If you are looking a nice version of Solitaire to play, I would check out Solitaire by MobilityWare.

Download QR-Code

Solitaire - Classic Card Games

Developer: MobilityWare

Price: Free

Today I am covering yet another excellent digital adaption of a board game. I am sorry if I am sounding like a broken record but they keep coming. Through the Ages is the newest game from Czech Games Edition. The game is available for both Android and iOS and will cost you $10 USD but it well worth it.

Through the Ages is a complex game that will take you some time to learn (if you are new at it) and to play. Although that is the case, the game is very, very enjoyable and a great investment.  If you are unfamiliar with the game, here is a brief overview from the press release.

“Through the Ages is a civilization building game of the name by Vlaada Chvatil. Each of up to four players attempt to build the best civilization through careful resource management, discovering new technologies, electing the right leaders, building wonders and maintaining a strong military. Weakness in any area can be exploited by your opponents. The game takes place throughout the ages beginning in the age of antiquity and ending in the modern age.”

• Engaging tutorial.
• 3 levels of AI opponents for solo play.
• Online multiplayer asynchronous games.
• Ability to play with a friend online or on the same device.
• Original board game rules or a streamlined digital version.
• A dozen challenges requiring different strategies.

When you first begin you will go through a fantastic tutorial that will slowly take you through the game, the basics, and what you need to understand and do in the game. The graphics and game interface are fantastic. It works well on both small and large screen devices. There is a lot going on in the game and after going through the tutorial you should come away with a good idea on where everything is and what you need to do.

There are some many options and decision you have to make in the game that the replayability of the game is very high.  I have enjoyed playing the game, I just wish I had more time to enjoy it.  Digital board games are going crazy right now. Just a couple of years ago, we had hardly any, now we have some great options to choose from.

Through the Ages is one of the best one out there right now. It plays well, the game interface is nicely done, and you can play alone or against others online.  I have no problem recommending this game!

Download QR-Code

Through the Ages

Developer: CGE Digital s.r.o.

Price: $9.99⁺

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Download QR-Code

Through the Ages

Developer: CGE digital

Price: $9.99

There are so many mobile games out on the market today, are there any that are different or unique?  Yes and At The Voices’ End is one of them.

A quick overview: At The Voices’ End is an audio game about private detective Clive Burton, who has been in a serious car accident. He wakes up in a hospital, but can’t remember what happened. He is devastated. His eyesight is lost. With the help of psychiatrist Mrs Galway he tries to figure out what is going on.

This game has no graphics; everything in the game/story is audio only. When you first turn it on, the narrator will provide some basics on how to pause/quit/ save the game. This is a story based game where you will need to make decisions along the way.  Since it is audio only, you really need to use some headphones.

Playing the game reminded me of those old fashion radio programs – all you could do is listen and use your imagination.  The soundscapes were very, very well done and really made you feel like you are right there in the story.   The characters, voices, background sounds were extremely realistic. The developer definitely put a lot of effort into this game.

This is not a fast game. This is a game where you really need to just sit, relax, and focus on the story. I found myself pausing it every once in a while to get some water, etc. but I really got into it. The more I listened, the more I wanted to find out what was happening. I found myself trying to get rid of all the surrounding noise so I can concentrate.

At The Voices’ End is a neat game. It is so refreshing to “play” a game that is different. This game is really very relaxing and uses a different part of your brain. This truly is a game you must experience. There is nothing I can say about the graphics, game interface, or game play since there is none. 🙂

Please go and try this audio only game today.

Download:

Register QR-Code

At The Voices' End

Developer: Finity Games

Price: To be announced

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Blinddate is an service that helps match make folks online. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.

To get started, you will need to create an account and setup a profile.  With any of these dating type apps, security is important. The company says that only verified users will be allowed access.

Matches are based on personalities. You are asked 40+ questions which you need to answer honestly to get the best match. Once you have completed this, you can then go and search other users. Once you find someone who you are interested in, you can begin a chat with them.  The more you chat, the more you will get to know them.   Where it goes from there, is up to you.

An interesting feature of the site is Blinddate Hour.

Blinddate Hour takes place between 9.00 – 10.00 PM EST every day. During this time, all pictures on the site will become blurred. Your job is to make new connections by searching and contacting users,  based on information and no pictures. When it is over, you can then see their photos. This makes for an interesting way to find new people. Looks are not always everything,

Blinddate is currently only available in the US and Sweden. It is free to join but there are paid, premium service if you want more features. I do not have any information on the costs.

One thing I like about the site was the Tips and Tricks feature.  In this section, they provide fourteen points on how to make a good profile, how to act and contact others appropriately, etc.

The app is well done and has a clean interface. It is simply an extension of the website. So if you are single and looking for someone to hang out with, then Blinddate might be something you want to check out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBY6pGCBlZ8

Download:

Download QR-Code

Blinddate.com

Developer: Mikael Löfberg

Price: Free⁺

Download QR-Code

Unknown app

Developer: Unknown

Price: Free