App of My Eye » Arcade http://appofmyeye.com The Best iPhone Apps You'd Never See Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:56:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Get High On TapCloud http://appofmyeye.com/2011/08/10/get-high-on-tapcloud/ http://appofmyeye.com/2011/08/10/get-high-on-tapcloud/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:48:36 +0000 Dennis http://appofmyeye.com/?p=1727 Platform: Iphone

Today at App Of My Eye, we will be using TapCloud’s screenshots from the App store. Why? TapCloud by Qubop uses your IPhone camera for the background of its game and the palatial offices Ed, Art and I share are not appropriate for the World Wide Web. The gameplay is simple – you must tap clouds, planes and stars that float by onscreen. Timed levels and objectives require you to move your phone to find your targets. Soon, you start spinning around your apartment, waving your arms frantically like a hall spinner at a Grateful Dead show while you are trying to track the moving planes, falling stars or lazily floating multi-colored clouds. As levels get higher, objects move faster, causing you to shake and spin even more. When you can tap no more icons before the time runs out, TapCloud even tells you how many calories you’ve burned. This game is fun and could probably a great time waster to mollify your kids. Head over to the AppStore and pick this game up for a cool $0.99. Now, I’ve got to get going, all this spinning and swinging my arms has made me ill.

tapcloud2s tapcloud3s tapcloud1s ]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2011/08/10/get-high-on-tapcloud/feed/ 0 Lunar Module 3D http://appofmyeye.com/2009/10/11/lunar-module-3d/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/10/11/lunar-module-3d/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:55:12 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=1461 Lunar Module 3D iTunes PageIt’s funny to see old 80′s arcade games show up on the iPhone.  Regardless if they are the originals, copycats, or updated versions, I like them for the most part, even if only for the effort alone.  It shows me that people still remember the classics, even those which were a bit obscure, and can rethink its implementation with a new platform, especially in terms of controls.  Well, while not obscure from my point of view, since I sunk so many quarters into it as a kid, Lunar Lander by Atari was an excellent game, which I always thought would translate well for any platform.  However, in these modern times of 3D engines, frame rate, and guns, as evidenced by the comments from bonehead gamers in the App Store, not everyone pays respect to the classics.  Nor the idea of paying for iPhone games for that matter.  Yet, if you’re like me, I highly recommend paying for J-Squared Software’s Lunar Module 3D, which does pay homage and more to it’s inspiration.  In this updated version, the objective remains the same:  you control a lunar module as it free falls to the moon’s surface, but you need to control the direction and speed of its descent by strategically using thrusters and angles.  Completely in 3D using actual photos of the moon, play 9 missions in 5 authentic lunar environments.  The coolest part: the lunar lander seemingly is inspired by the Apollo series of lunar modules and contains real mission audio.  Very entertaining, a must-have for the retro gamer in all of us.  Price: 99¢.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/10/11/lunar-module-3d/feed/ 0 Magic Ball 2 http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/04/magic-ball-2/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/04/magic-ball-2/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:54:13 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=1331 Magic Ball 2 iTunes PageBoasting 100 levels in full 3D graphics, Alawar Entertainment’s Magic Ball 2 caught my eye for another reason.  During the mad rush to celebrate birthdays last month, there was always a need to entertain kids.  Whether it was my own child or someone else’s, something was always needed to quell the source of the loud ringing in my ears perpetrated by a pair of strong lungs and a pig-headed stubbornness not to give in.  Unfortunately, just handing off my iPhone wasn’t nearly enough to provide me some semblance of peace.  The reason?  Most of the games I downloaded were of the Puzzle variety and, while they may be fun for adults, who pretend they’re brainiacs, it’s usually Yawn City for most kids between the ages of 5 through 10.  On a whim, I downloaded this game on the fly and it has been pure magic ever since as a third-person 3D block-breaking game, which not only uses a ball and paddle, but also inventive power-ups to knock down blocks both at the ground floor and up high.  Think EA’s Boom Blox meets Atari’s Breakout.  Offering three different control schemes in tilt, touch and virtual buttons, you’re able to test out what works best for you to succeed.  Definitely a winner for both adults and kids alike, especially considering how much gameplay you get for the price.  Price: 99¢.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/04/magic-ball-2/feed/ 0 Eliss http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/02/eliss/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/02/eliss/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:25:23 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=1324 eliss_logoJust like me, Eliss has been celebrated as of late.  However, unlike me, this extraordinary quasi-music puzzle game wasn’t the object of ridicule by relatives at his own birthday party because it gained a couple of pounds and added some gray hair.  No, instead, Stephane Thirion’s micro masterpiece has gained worldwide accolades for its originality, accurate touch-sensitive control, and addictiveness.  Proclaimed by some as the ‘killer app’ upon it’s release and therefore, further thrusting the iPhone into the spotlight as a viable gaming platform, Eliss showed us something different yet familiar simultaneously.  Start off combining or splitting ’like’ planets (based on color) to fit different sized ’squeesars’, which then bloom like cosmic flowers that shoots off stardust you can wipe away.  However, you have to be careful not to accidentally touch ‘unlike’ planets or the harmony of the universe becomes unstable and could eventually collapse.  Makes sense?  I didn’t think so too at first, but it starts making sense once you get into the game.  Then, you will understand why, even in it’s visual simplicity, it has garnered a heaping helping of praise since its debut.  For me, while it’s 25 levels have entertained me countless times, the game symbolizes that some things do get better with age.  So, I can still hold out hope that the same can be said about me… until my next birthday!  Price: $3.99.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/09/02/eliss/feed/ 0 Powerboat Challenge 3D http://appofmyeye.com/2009/07/23/powerboat-challenge-3d/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/07/23/powerboat-challenge-3d/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:04:23 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=1091 Powerboat Challenge 3DA few years back, I saw a game called Galaxy on Fire 3D on a cellphone and I was speechless.  Up to that point, I believed that the cutting edge of mobile games could only reach the height of retread arcade classics, slices to chunks of 16-bit turn-based games, and passable web games.  Another homerun derby or soccer goal kick game anybody?  Crickets.  Obviously, I’m talking about the early days of J2ME and BREW when even a good game’s release required both a bended knee and puckered lips for the backends of carrier reps, who mysteriously got their houses renovated in the process.  Business ethics anyone?  Crickets again.  Anyway, even though the version of Galaxy on Fire 3D that I tried out was on Symbian, I nevertheless realized that the times were a-changing and mobile games as we knew it were about to evolve.  Fast forward to the present day and well, while technology has gotten way, way better, only a small percentage of games is living up to expectations.  However, FISHLABS remains strong like bull bringing not only its classic Galaxy on Fire 3D to the iPhone, but also contenders like Powerboat Challenge 3D, a powerboat racing game filled with non-stop arcade fun and lots of personality.  With four characters to choose from, four different venues to play in, and so many tuning options, you’ll see why this dev leads the pack, while everyone else just follows.  Reminiscent of EA’s Burnout series and like racing titles, in which unlocking is a big part of gameplay, this release further solidifies FISHLABS’ reputation as one of the top quality gamemakers in the industry, who you can trust with each purchase.  Always recommended.  Price: $3.99.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/07/23/powerboat-challenge-3d/feed/ 0 Crystal Quest http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/25/crystal-quest/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/25/crystal-quest/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:02 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=823 Crystal Quest iTunes PageIn a past life, I had the pleasure of talking with the original creator of Crystal Quest, Patrick Buckland, who described to me the essence of it’s gameplay experience in one word: therapeutic.  When he conceived of his memorable classic, the majority of other arcade games in the mid to late 80′s, whether in arcades or on personal computers, was about destroying everything in sight.  Patrick instead thought a game, in which the player would prefer avoiding enemies (aka Nasties) first before resorting to destroying them, would be more interesting.  Plus, by adding crystals for points amongst the enemies in a full playing field, the player would then see several moves ahead and thus, giving a sense of ‘cleaning up a chalkboard.’  For me, it was food for thought and, while I may not totally agree with the therapeutic nature of the analogy, I do agree that you must check out one of the most beloved Mac games from back in the day.  As a bonus, the classic version is included as well as the updated version based on the Xbox Live Arcade release.  Check it out and see why it has stood the test of time.  Price: $2.99.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/25/crystal-quest/feed/ 0 ToMaCow http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/19/tomacow/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/19/tomacow/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:30:08 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=742 ToMaCow iTunes PageYou’re probably thinking, “Dude, another game about aliens abducting cows? For real?”  Yes, for real, but honestly, while the theme is similar to another game (Udder Chaos) that we reviewed about a month ago, ToMaCow is much different, especially in regards to graphics and gameplay.  Created by the fun folks at mobileFlavour, play as a farmer who has a major problem with aliens trying to abduct and/or eat his small herd of four cows.  His solution: shoot an unlimited supply of tomatoes through what looks like an old vacuum cleaner at waves upon waves of enemies knocking them unconcious or ultimately destroying them.  Your part: help his aim by tilting your iPhone/iPod Touch into positions that target the right spots to hit the aliens.  Does it work?  Will you both succeed?  Now that’s why we play the game and with this one, you won’t be disappointed as it’s pretty addictive and feels just at home on the device for any occasion.  With crisp and cute anime-style graphics, a perfect soundtrack, easy controls and simple objective, it’s quite the value.  Price: 99¢.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/19/tomacow/feed/ 0 WifiPad http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/15/wifipad/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/15/wifipad/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:08:37 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=690 WifiPad iTunes PageTo take a break from iPhone games (believe it or not), I check out games on the PC.  In tough economic times like these, a good source of free games comes from the Internet at websites like AddictingGames.com and Download.com as well as cable channel websites like Discovery, MTV, and SciFi.  Call them casual or online games, either way, there is rarely anything to download or register for to play them.  In the past, I often wished I had a controller rather than just a keyboard to use so I can really kickback and play with my heels up.  But I didn’t want to spend the money.  So instead, I downloaded WifiPad for the iPhone, which works by connecting to your computer via a Wi-Fi network.  While you’ll need to download a small program to your computer, it works very well, especially for games that uses the keyboard for default controls.  Wholly customizable, change and save key configurations, visual themes, and even button layouts.  Highly recommended for the cheap gamer in all of us.  Price: Free.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/06/15/wifipad/feed/ 0 Cube Runner http://appofmyeye.com/2009/05/27/cube-runner/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/05/27/cube-runner/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 08:24:14 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=464 Cube Runner iTunes PageWhile looking for a Lode Runner clone (one of my all time faves) in the App Store, I ran into this little gem, which reminded me of Atari’s Night Driver and the original Star Wars coin-op arcade machines from the late 70′s and early 80′s respectively.  Gosh, I’m dating myself.  One of the first games available when the App Store launched, Cube Runner is a simple, yet addictive game of maneuvering your ship through a maze of cubes strewn about in your path.  In a behind-the-ship 3rd person POV, tilting your device veers your ship to the left or right narrowly avoiding on-coming obstacles.  Don’t let the graphics fool you: this is a fun game, which has an almost therapeutic quality the better you do.  Definitely worth downloading.  Price: Free.

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]]> http://appofmyeye.com/2009/05/27/cube-runner/feed/ 0 Udder Chaos http://appofmyeye.com/2009/05/11/udder-chaos/ http://appofmyeye.com/2009/05/11/udder-chaos/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 09:20:07 +0000 Art http://appofmyeye.com/?p=126 udderReminiscent of Williams Electronics’ Defender, fend off waves of aliens abducting cattle on a farm by shooting them or if unmanageable, use a smart bomb to clear the level.  The frenetic pace and solid graphics, especially the special effects, accompanied by a heart-pounding techno track makes this a winner.  With the recent addition of Touch-2-Shoot, watch your scores jump into another stratosphere.  Global leaderboards add to replay value.  Udder Chaos is highly recommended.  Price: 99¢.

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