Blogs from Dan Thomas

Site Closing

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:42:19 +0000

To our readers,

It's been great serving the app community. We had a fantastic time and think we provided an interesting way to find the best iOS apps and games. However, we made the decision to close down the site. Fortunately, it's because we are moving on to give more time to one of our other and very different businesses - Block Island Organics (www.blockislandorganics.com) - which is a brand concentrated on natural suncare products. As for AppMyWorld, the site will remain up through September 23rd, 2013.

In the end, we hope you enjoyed our coverage of the app space and found value in our service. We learned a ton doing it and may even return to our hobbyist routes developing or own apps from time to time. We look forward to seeing what the future holds.

Best,

The AppMyWorld Team

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (9/11/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 09:30:00 +0000

This week we are back with five titles in our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week. Leading of our list are two games tied for first with a 92 AppScore. Blackbar is one of the games and boasts a very unique concept. It's a text based puzzle game set in a dystopian futuristic world. iFanzine says it's "part puzzle game, part short story, Blackbar is a wonderful way to pass an afternoon or two." Our other game in first is Asphalt 8: Airborne, it's a high speed racing game where your car can perform aerial stunts. The game already has 20 professional reviews. Apple'N'Apps says "Asphalt 8: Airborne delivers one of the most exhilarating racing experiences on any platform that takes the lead for iOS racers." Next up in third with an 83 AppScore is Little Galaxy. It's a one touch leaping game and AppAdvice says "with its gorgeous 3-D graphics, cheerful sounds, and fun physics, Little Galaxy has become a game that I am really enjoying." Indie Pixel is our fourth placed title with a 78 AppScore. It's an MMO where you are a pixel and the goal is to form shapes by finding other people/pixels online in the game. Gamezebo says "you’ll never get bored with simply forming shape after shape with your friends, and it’ll definitely make you want to keep your pixel pal coming back for more." Closing out our list with a 77 AppScore is 4 Thrones, it's an update to the classic game of solitaire. 148Apps called the game "simple to look at, simple to play, yet tricky to master. 4 Thrones will delight solitaire fans immensely." So there you have our top 5 games, read more about all of them below and let us know your thoughts.

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

T1.	Blackbar	92
	$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Blackbar is a text game: a sci-fi story of a dystopian future told through the medium of word puzzles. Reminiscent of text adventures and interactive fiction, it has a unique mechanic centered around the concept of censorship. Censorship is frustrating, but the human spirit can beat that frustration by turning it into a game." Check out a quote from Pocket Gamer: "A moving and sometimes painful experience, Blackbar deserves to be played by as many people as possible" (September 2, 2013).

T1.	Asphalt 8: Airborne	92
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "The best iOS arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point! Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts in an intense driving experience powered by a brand-new physics engine!" Check out a quote from Mac\|Life: "The bottom line. Fast, slick, and startlingly affordable, Asphalt 8: Airborne redefines iOS arcade racing" (August 22, 2013).

3.	Little Galaxy	83
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Little Galaxy is a game inspired by a real story of a young scientist, who reached out for his dream to find a new home. We have met this boy and were touched by his story as he lost everyone and everything, we are trying to help him to build functional prototype of jumping space boots so he can start his journey." Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "With its gorgeous 3-D graphics, cheerful sounds, and fun physics, Little Galaxy has become a game that I am really enjoying. It truly is flawless" (August 19, 2013).

4.	Indie Pixel	78
	Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "You are a pixel. Your job is to form shapes. Shapes require many pixels cooperating together, and the only way of interaction you have is moving around and winking. Is it possible to build anything useful like that? Come and see!" Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "Although it can be considered an experimental game, Indie Pixel is still a lot of fun. The general consensus among the three others I tested this with is that they all enjoyed playing it" (August 22, 2013).

5.	4 Thrones	77
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Learn the basics of this brand new solitaire game in less than a minute, then try your hand at any of the three different modes. Beat the deck in Single Mode by playing through all 52 cards. Then, put your skills to the test and see how long you can last in Endless Mode. Looking for something a bit riskier? Battle for the top spot on the leaderboards by scoring as many points as you can in the all-or-nothing Kings Mode." Check out a quote from Apple’N'Apps: "4 Thrones epitomizes what mobile gaming should be when transforming an age old classic to on the go touch gaming making it a must buy" (August 26, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 8/18/13 - 8/24/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 9/10/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (9/4/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 09:30:00 +0000

One of the two games that made our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week is a sequel you've probably been waiting for! But I'm getting ahead of myself. In first is KICK: The Exclusive Barclays Premier League Digital Football Trading Card Game with an 88 AppScore. It's exactly what its title suggests: a trading card game based on the world's premier soccer league and it has high praise from pro reviewers. AppCraver says "If you're looking to extend your love for English football then TOPPS KICK is the perfect app to do just that" and 148Apps calls it "the perfect evolution for a genre that’s consistently popular." Our second place game this week, and the aforementioned sequel, is Plants vs. Zombies™ 2. It has an 87 AppScore based on a whopping 23 pro reviews so far. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's from Popcap Games (now a division of Electronic Arts) and is one of the most popular mobile series I can think of. It's sort of a twist on the tower defense genre: you have to defend against an invading horde of zombies by planting plants that have various powers and attacks. AppStorm calls it "a highly addictive game that is sure to please the majority of its players" while CNET says "The bottom line: Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a must-download." So there you go, two games this week that met our top 5 rankings criteria. Best of all, they're both free! Check'em out and let us know what you think in the comments below...

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	KICK: The Exclusive Barclays Premier League Digital Football Trading Card Game	88
	FREE: iPhone and iPod touch
	From the app description: "Collect, trade, and play your favorite footballers, like Robin Van Persie, Sergio Aguero, Santi Cazorla, and Juan Mata, in a real-world social competition to crown the world’s greatest Barclays Premier League supporter. Sign up now! Battle football fans from around the world. Victory is yours if you build the best collection of Barclays Premier League cards and deftly play them to earn the most points." Check out a quote from Tapscape: "If you’re a footie fanatic, then you probably should get this app installed on your phone ASAP. Topps has definitely knocked it out of the park again with this app" (August 31, 2013).

2.	Plants vs. Zombies™ 2	87
	FREE: iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "The zombies are coming… back. It’s about time! The sequel to the hit action-strategy adventure with over 30 Game of the Year awards is here. Join Crazy Dave on a crazy adventure where you’ll meet, greet and defeat legions of zombies from the dawn of time to the end of days. Amass an army of powerful new plants, super charge them with Plant Food and power up your defenses with amazing new ways to protect your brain." Check out a quote from Gamezebo: "Plants vs. Zombies 2 is everything you could have wanted, or expected, from the sequel to one of the greatest casual games of all time. It’s safe to say this one was well worth the wait, and then so much more" (August 15, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 8/10/13 - 8/17/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 9/3/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (8/28/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 09:30:00 +0000

This week four titles met the criteria for our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week! Mikey Hooks takes first with a 91 AppScore. It's a platformer and the follow up to Mikey Shorts (92 AppScore). With 16 pro reviews so far, Apple'N'Apps says "Mikey Hooks latches on to you, and won’t let go" and Gamezebo says "Mikey Hooks is phenomenal stuff." After that we have a three way tie for second at a 77 AppScore. One game is Swift Revenge which is an endless flyer / runner. TouchArcade says "If you've been looking for a new endless runner, look no further than Swift Revenge" and 148Apps says "It’s consistently cute and well made." Butterfly Sky is another title tied for second. It's also an endless runner and one App Store Arcade says "is the free endless-game that has brought back the pure addictive and enjoyment experience". The final game tied for second, and our final game this week, is EmoCiao. Although its official primary category is a game, I'd call it more of an entertainment product. With it you create cartoon like animations, endow the animation with a message (humor, satire, love, something else) and then forward it on to friends. It's definitely an unusual concept. iPhoneGlance calls it "a fun app" and apps4review says it's "hilarious stuff." Well that's our show for this week and we should have a full slate of five for you next Wednesday. So come back for more!

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	Mikey Hooks	91
	$1.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "App Store Editors' Choice in 28 countries! RUN, JUMP, SLIDE, and HOOK! Collect coins and find hidden Golden Shorts! Watch out for enemies and spikes!" Check out a quote from touchArcade: "It fires on all cylinders, and if you're a fan of the previous games you don't even need this review to determine if you should get it or not–you probably have already bought it" (August 7, 2013).

T2.	Swift Revenge	77
	$0.99: iPhone and iPod touch
	From the app description: "Ultimate diving challenge! WARNING - addiction guaranteed! Decide your route and show your reflexes in insane vertical-scrolling levels packed with fiendish enemies, fearsome bosses and ingenious obstacles!" Check out a quote from touchArcade: "With a solid graphical style that's easy on the eyes, extremely tight controls, and a solid amount of variety, you'll have no problems spending an afternoon taking your revenge out on Doctor Crow" (August 22, 2013).

T2.	Butterfly Sky	77
	FREE: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Use your jumping skills and time your landings to collect butterflies in this massively addicting endless-jumper that will have you saying, “just one more round!” It’s up to Brian to feed the picky whale who doesn’t eat fish. Collect and upgrade 4 handy power-ups while jumping on clouds in the sky. Upgrade your clothing, your house, and even your power-ups using your hard-earned butterflies. And don’t forget to level up your character for bigger bonuses and score multipliers!" Check out a quote from App Store Arcade: "The Bottom Line: Butterfly Sky is the free endless-game that has brought back the pure addictive and enjoyment experience that have for the above mentioned games" (August 12, 2013).

T2.	EmoCiao	77
	FREE: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "You can dress your character in an endless entertaining variety of clothing designs. You can write customized messages and select from a wide range of silly walks. Your character is then animated to interact with a number of fun and photo-realistic scenes. Finally, share your creations via social messaging networks and email or simply save it. Now watch the fun begin..." Check out a quote from iPhoneGlance: "There really isn’t much to say about EmoCiao apart from it is a fun app, with some great animations" (August 13, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 8/4/13 - 8/10/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 8/27/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (8/21/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:30:00 +0000

With a bunch of ties we have seven titles in our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week! Up first is rymdkapsel with an 87 AppScore. It's a light-strategy game of sorts that 148Apps says "whatever it is, it's awesome" and Gamezebo says "with only enough power for one device and one game, I would choose rymdkapsel". In second with an 84 AppScore is Knightmare Tower which is a cross of RPG, brawler and arcade action. 148Apps calls it an "awesome gaming burrito" and touchArcade says "time and obligations blithely fade into the background, their importance blunted." In third we have two games tied with an 82 AppScore. Lub vs Dub is an endless runner with the twist of two players playing on one device at the same time. iFanzine calls it "the most heart-attack inducing endless runner ever released for the iTunes marketplace" and Pocket gamer says its "uproarious multiplayer is more than worth the entrance fee alone". An Alien with a Magnet, a platform-adventure-puzzler, is the other game tied for third. TouchArcade says "The bottom line? An Alien with a Magnet is simply a fun game" and Pocket Gamer calls it "an incredibly engaging and challenging adventure." In fifth we have three games tied with an 80 AppScore: Brick Roll - a platformer touchArcade says is "an excellent game worth checking out", Kidd Tripp - also a platformer and one Pocket Gamer calls "A brilliantly well put-together labour of love" and Pivvot - a "game of strategic avoidance" that AppAddict.net says "is full of tiny well-earned victories that will keep you coming back for more." Whew! Seven full games for you to stew on. Grab one and let us know what you think.

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	rymdkapsel	87
	$3.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "rymdkapsel is a meditative strategy game set in space. Take on the challenge of building the best possible station by commanding your minions and exploring the galaxy around you. Imagine a strategy game where you don't have to worry about selecting units or mounting attacks on your enemies, but rather can focus on building the best base possible. That's what rymdkapsel is all about." Check out a quote from Apple’N'Apps: "Rymdkapsel leaves a lasting impression like few iOS games, and provides such a worthwhile experience in the heat of the battle making it a must buy that everyone should take part in" (August 2, 2013).

2.	Knightmare Tower	84
	$2.99: iPhone and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Break through ceilings, rescue princesses and escape boiling lava as you slash your way to the top of the Knightmare Tower!" Check out a quote from 148Apps: "Juicy Beast knows how to make a game that can start with a simple concept and layer on the delicious additional ingredients to make an awesome gaming burrito" (August 2, 2013).

T3.	Lub vs Dub	82
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Lub vs Dub is an award-winning competitive 'infinite runner' with a twist - two players run at the same time, on the same device! Run, Jump and Flip around either side of the central ECG line, collecting hearts and using power-ups to boost your performance, and hinder your opponents!" Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "This game combines beautifully simplistic visuals, charming soundtrack, and a fresh new take on the genre by introducing a same-device multiplayer battle mode. It’s one of those games that will take some time to get used to, but it’s rewarding when you do" (August 7, 2013).

T3.	An Alien with a Magnet	82
	$2.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Take control of our Alien and his spaceship and get him back to his home planet using just a magnet. Get ready to explore multiple galaxies using this magnet to orbit around colorful and unique planets to get to your goal. But beware of dark holes, challenging puzzles, multiple locks and asteroids blocking your path in space!" Check out a quote from Pocket Gamer: "Simple controls disguise an incredibly engaging and challenging adventure. An Alien with a Magnet is a near-faultless mobile release" (August 7, 2013).

T5.	Brick Roll	80
	$1.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Are you fast enough? Do you have the skills required? Time ticks. Bad guys watch you. It's going to be HARD! You can either TURN direction by tapping the left side of the screen or LIFT yourself to upper places by tapping the right side, while rolling around platforms." Check out a quote from touchArcade: "If you're in the market for a new platformer that puts a lot of effort towards replicating an old-school gameplay feel (in all regards) with new-school gameplay ideas, Brick Roll is an excellent game worth checking out" (August 10, 2013).

T5.	Kid Tripp	80
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Run and jump your way through 20 levels of intense platforming madness in this tough-as-nails platformer! Have you got what it takes to help Kid Tripp escape?" Check out a quote from Pocket Gamer: "A brilliantly well put-together labour of love, Kid Tripp will have you gnashing your teeth and screaming with joy" (August 1, 2013).

T5.	Pivvot	80
	$2.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Pivvot is a thrilling game of strategic avoidance that will consistently test and challenge your ability to make quick, impulsive decisions. As the game progresses, you will have to rely on your instincts and problem-solving skills to navigate down the winding path for survival. With its intensity, minimalistic design, and puzzling logic, Pivvot is sure to keep you guessing at every turn." Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "Pivvot is one of the best games I’ve gotten my hands on for this year so far. It’s delightfully simple, catchy, and challenging, yet it’s so addictive — you’ll keep coming back for more, even when it gets difficult" (August 1, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 7/27/13 - 8/3/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 8/20/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (8/14/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Another Wednesday for us means another round of our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week for you. In first are two games tied with an 84 AppScore. One is A Ride Into The Mountains which is an action adventure game that sees you use your archery and horseback riding skills to defeat demons. The pro reviewers call it "downright elegant", "well crafted", "memorable" and "novelistic." The other game tied for first is Lums (there's also Lums HD). It's a physics puzzler where you use Cannonball Lum, Light Lum, Transparent Lum and Antigravity Lum to destroy vampires and pro reviews call it an "excellent puzzler" with "more than enough originality". Next we have two racing games tied for third with an 83 AppScore. One is Riptide GP2 which takes place on jet skis (think Nintendo's Wave Race if your familiar with it). CNET says it has "rock-solid gameplay" while Modojo says "you'll struggle to find better racers on smartphones and tablets." The other third place title is Delta-V Racing. It's a futuristic racer that Slide To Play calls a "sleeper hit" and Pocket Gamer says "offers an impressive amount of excitement." Our fifth place and final game this week (82 AppScore) is the puzzler Baby Nom Nom that AppAdvice says "is a lot of fun and has very entertaining graphics" and 148Apps calls "a highly entertaining ride while it lasts." So that's everything for this week. Hope there's a game that catches your eye. Let us know in the comments below.

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

T1.	A Ride Into The Mountains	84
	$0.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "Evil force invaded the relic in the mountain. Darkness began to spread. A brave young man, equipped with his family’s unique mounted archery skills, rides into the mountains to battle against the mysterious demons." Check out a quote from Gamezebo: "Ride is the sort of experience that’ll hook you from its first moment and leave you completely satisfied in the end. It’s downright elegant in its presentation and gameplay. Don’t miss this one" (July 17, 2013).

T1.	Lums	84
	$0.99: iPhone and iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "The Vampires invaded Lums world. The only way to stop them is to destroy their hideouts in the shadows and expose them to the light. Use 5 different Lums in this beautiful action physics puzzle game. Destroy everything with Cannonball Lum, create spotlights with Light Lum, use Antigravity Lum to make their hideouts fly away, or turn them into glass by using Transparent Lum. Sometimes you just need to turn everything into stone. Stone Lum can handle that." Check out a quote from 148Apps: "Lums is a physics puzzler that gives the player an astounding amount of agency, which makes it so much more fun than other, luck-based physics puzzlers." (July 24, 2013).

		Lums HD	83
		$1.99: iPad
		The HD / iPad version of Lums. Check out a quote from Modojo: "Overall, Lums is a fantastic addition to the crowded physics puzzle genre, and packs in more than enough originality to put a smile on the face of even the most jaded physics action fan" (July 25, 2013).

T3.	Riptide GP2	83
	$2.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Riptide GP2 kicks everything into overdrive, with intense online multi-player races, upgradeable hydro jets and riders, improved graphics, an all-new career mode, and a whole new stunt system with dozens of new tricks! Featuring rocket-powered hydro jets racing around futuristic tracks across a dynamic and interactive water surface, Riptide GP2 delivers a fast, fun, and visually stunning racing experience." Check out a quote from CNET: "The bottom line: Racing fans should buy Riptide GP2 game for its excellent graphics, realistic physics, and rock-solid gameplay" (July 25, 2013).

T3.	Delta-V Racing	83
	$1.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Snake your way through the galaxy’s finest race tracks, and charge to victory in some of the coolest ships known to man. Quick thinking and faster reactions are the order of the day. Race tactically; throw off homing missiles with decoy mines or risk the tight fast route to pull a chain-boosted lead then claim your victory from the tournament BOSS as you take him out with a Laser blast…" Check out a quote from Slide To Play: "If you ever wondered what a F-Zero/Gradius crossover would look like, look no further. This game looks like it could be a sleeper hit" (July 31, 2013).

5.	Baby Nom Nom	82
	$2.99: iPhone, iPad & iPod touch (Universal)
	From the app description: "So...what’s the game? Baby Nom Nom's dinner is trapped in the maze!! Why? Who cares? It's your job to free the rice from the maze feed him before the clock runs out. Using the a single finger all you have to do is rotate the maze and guide the rice out into Baby Nom Nom's bowl. Sounds simple enough? Don’t you believe it...." Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "This game is a lot of fun and has very entertaining graphics. It uses simple, casual physics-based game mechanics, but offers it in a unique way. If you are a fan of games that require aim, strategy, and quick reflexes, give Baby Nom Nom a chance" (August 1, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 7/21/13 - 7/27/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 8/13/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (8/7/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:30:00 +0000

With Wednesday comes a new entry in our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week series and Gentlemen! takes first with an 85 AppScore. It's a head-to-head duel that the pro reviews say is a "a brilliant one-on-one battler" and "brings a personal touch to the App Store". Second place goes to R-Type, the classic arcade shooter, with an 82 AppScore. It's called "one hell of a treat" and "will appeal to both new and longtime players of this coin-op classic." After that we have two games tied for third at an 80 AppScore. One is Flyro which is an endless runner where you move up the screen. Praise from the pro reviews for this one includes: "the story is actually pretty enticing", "features extremely responsive controls" and "beautiful graphics and addictive gameplay". The other third place game is Nuclear Outrun. This one is hard to describe but I guess you could call it a side scrolling driving action shooter. Looking at the pro reviews here they say it "offers a fun/crazy run and gun romp" and is "much more challenging than your average endless runner." The final game this week, Bloons TD Battles, has a 75 AppScore. This tower defense game is said to be "for those looking for casual showdowns with other players" with "outstanding gameplay to be found here." So that's all we have this week. We'll have another round for you next Wednesday, stay tuned!

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	Gentlemen!	85
	$2.99: iPad
	From the app description: " Victorian era head-to-head arcade duel. Take on your friends in this frantically paced duel game. Knives, bombs, homing pigeons - choose your weapon wisely, and master the art of the gravity flip." Check out a quote from Pocket Gamer: "A wonderful and unique use of the iPad. Under its smarts, Gentlemen! hides a brilliant one-on-one battler" (July 17, 2013).

2.	R-Type	82
	$1.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "R-TYPE, THE CLASSIC ARCADE SHOOTER, RETURNS AS A UNIVERSAL APP! Revisit the 80's (mesh half-shirts and Keds optional) with this classic, old-school shoot 'em up! One of the decade’s most popular arcade games will awaken fond memories of jangling quarters, Jolt Cola and week-old popcorn. Fire up your iPhone or iPad and get ready to go back... to R-Type!" Check out a quote from TheAppShack: "If you’ve never played R-Type before, you’re in for one hell of a treat, as it has been, and always will be, one of my favorite shooters of all time. It’s not one to be missed" (July 24, 2013).

T3.	Flyro	80
	$1.99: iPhone
	From the app description: "Featuring dynamic difficulty and elegant touch controls, Flyro is the first endless runner that will always keep you challenged without being frustrating or overwhelming. Activate your powerful flyromaniac mode as you take on progressively more advanced obstacles, from deadmines and barricades to trap barrels, rockets, electric moving halls, and other deadly inventions!" Check out a quote from iFanzine: "Flyro is a well made endless runner – completely devoid of IAPs – that features extremely responsive controls, as well as something unheard of for the genre: an actual story ending to work towards" (July 24, 2013).

T3.	Nuclear Outrun	80
	FREE: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Through some unforeseen (yet totally avoidable) world crisis, a nuclear missile is crashing down to ruin everyone's party. Drive & shoot your way out of a zombie-infested city as far as you can, before everything goes kaboom! Collect survivors such as Pirates, Mimes, and Hipsters, each with their own special abilities. Mow down horde of zombies with wacky weapons such as the Shark Gun, Fart Bazooka, and the Twitgun that shoots out #hash-tag spewing birds." Check out a quote from Nine Over Ten 9/10: "Nuclear Outrun offers a fun/crazy run and gun romp through scorched earth levels, with great 2D graphics, tight controls and plenty of action and customization to be had" (July 18, 2013).

5.	Bloons TD Battles	75
	FREE: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "It's monkey vs monkey for the first time ever - go head to head with other players in a bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring 10 custom head-to-head tracks, incredible towers and upgrades, all-new attack and defense boosts, and the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses." Check out a quote from 148Apps: "While the more hardcore tower defense fan will likely want to stick with Bloons TD’s main series, those looking for casual showdowns with other players will want to play Bloons TD Battles, and at a free price, hey – why not?" (July 18, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 7/14/13 - 7/20/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 8/6/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

TouchCast: Your Personal TV Studio (Free)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:30:00 +0000

I think this is one of the most interesting entries in our Best Free iOS App of the Week series. It's a video app called TouchCast that functions as a broadcast / TV studio in a box (or in your iPad I guess) and has a 91 AppScore. The app description says it's trying to combine the web and video into one experience and in a sense that's what the app does. While recording a video you can overlay things on the screen like webpages, Twitter feeds, Facebook feeds, google maps, photos, questionnaires, RSS feeds, stock quotes and more. It also has some pretty cool features like camera filters, a teleprompter, editable captions and freehand drawing/writing. So all in all, yes - it combines video with a web overlay but it's also so much more. For example, if you overlay a web page and a user is watching the video via the TouchCast app (you can export the video to YouTube and other places too), then users can actually interact with the web page in real time while your broadcast is playing. Same goes for things like RSS, Twitter and Facebook feeds. It really is pretty cool. To me, the most powerful use case (and the way many users seem to be using it) is as a broadcast studio. Essentially users seem to be recording themselves as if on a newscast/sportscast, travel show, etc. and using the apps unique features to add more info to their broadcasts. The pro reviews love it too saying it "has a ton of potential for making great videos" and is "probably one of the best Video apps I came across so far." So there you have it, our Best Free iOS App of the Week and if you record any videos / open up a channel, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

AppScores are based on aggregating and averaging independent professional review scores from around the web.

		TouchCast	91
		FREE: iPad
		From the app description: "Video and the web are coming together. Experience both like never before with TouchCast: a new medium that looks like video, but feels more like the web. TouchCasts are completely clickable. A TouchCast is a video that is fully browsable, responsive, and alive. Webpages, images, and an assembly of video Apps (vApps) can be tapped for a two-way video experience. It's a TV studio in your hands. Create broadcast-quality videos with a built-in teleprompter, green screen, visual filters, sound effects, and titles. Watch TouchCasts from the app or online at TouchCast.com." Here is a review from Appbite.com about the app: "TouchCast is complex, easy to use, professional, and completely free of charge. It's probably one of the best Video apps I came across so far" (July 18, 2013).

Check out our other series Top 5 Apps, Top 5 Games, Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 8/5/13.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (7/31/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Our slate of Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week is chock-full for you this week. Up first is a game from the publishers of Angry Birds called Tiny Thief. It has an 87 AppScore, is and adventure puzzle game and the pro reviews say it's "cute, challenging, and inventive ", "offers so many little things to appreciate" and has impeccable balance. With an 80 AppScore, next we have Blastron which is a turn-based strategy game where the goal is to blow up your opponents (it's kind of like Worms if you're familiar with that game). This one the pro reviews call a "fun experience" and "hard to put down". RAVENMARK: Mercenaries takes third place with a 79 AppScore. This is also a turn-based strategy game but in the more traditional sense and pro reviewers say it is "fun to play solo or against other people", has "a solid combat system" and is "complex but rewarding". Our final two games of the week are tied for fourth with a 78 AppScore. One is a horizontal shooter called Sine Mora that started life as a PC and Console game. Pro review praise for this title includes: "graphics are fantastic", "an overall fun game to play" and "an excellent port from the console version." The other game in fourth is Sprinkle Islands. It's a physics-based puzzler where you have to put out fires with a limited water supply. Checking the pro reviews we hear it's "worth every penny", "is a quirky and excellent puzzle game" and "is a textbook example of polish, refinement, and game design." That's our five games for this week. If you pick one up, we'd love to hear what you think...

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	Tiny Thief	87
	$2.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Tiny Thief brings back the magic from the point-and-click games of old, charming you with its very own visual style and offbeat sense of humor. The game throws some seriously mind-boggling puzzles at you, with tons of surprising interactive gameplay elements along the way. So get ready to embark on an epic quest to save a princess and kingdom in peril!" Check out a quote from touchArcade: "I was shocked by how well every level distinguished itself, even within worlds. Every new screen was like beginning a newly reset game of Mouse Trap, but with setup exorcised in favor of pure Goldbergian fun" (July 18, 2013).

2.	Blastron	80
	FREE: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Launch yourself into the awesome world of Blastron, home of the universe's most extreme Robotic Sport - Blastbots! Explore thousands of ways to blow up your fellow robots, while collecting awesome loot, upgrading and customizing your robots...and did we mention, blasting the crap out of other robots!?!?" Check out a quote from Apps Pirate: "This is an amazing game to add on your device. You will find it hard to put down because of the challenges that it brings" (July 28, 2013).

3.	RAVENMARK: Mercenaries	79
	FREE: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Mercenaries delivers an evolution of the turn-based strategy mechanics that won critics over in the original 2011 wargame, RAVENMARK: Scourge of Estellion. Mull over strategic troop placement in the Command Phase, before committing your orders into the “we-go” Battle Phase where friend and foe move and attack in the same phase. Conquer your foes with grit and tactical superiority!" Check out a quote from Gamezebo: "It’s hard to stop playing Ravenmark: Mercenaries once you get started, which is probably the highest form of praise that a strategy game can get. It’s fun to play solo or against other people, and it’s almost certain to have you plotting strategies even when you’re away from your phone or tablet" (July 23, 2013).

T4.	Sine Mora	78
	$5.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "After conquering PC, XBLA and PS3, the cult classic shoot-em-up has finally arrived to iOS! Fusing frantic, innovative gameplay from Digital Reality with stunning graphical design from Grasshopper Manufacture, Sine Mora set a new high standard for shmups and gained widespread acclaim. Strap yourself in and get ready for a breathtaking adventure!" Check out a quote from Slide To Play: "A terrific, creative, and gorgeous shooter and an excellent port from the console version" (July 19, 2013).

T4.	Sprinkle Islands	78
	$1.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "In a not so distant future, a garbage hauling space ship from Earth gets on the wrong course and burning trash is scattered over the beautiful islands of Titan. Help the Titans as used car tyres and soda cans set their villages on fire! Using intuitive touch controls you control a tiny firetruck, but since the fires are sometimes hard to reach, you need to use obstacles, buttons and elevators to put them out. Your water supply is limited - earn drops by conserving water!" Check out a quote from Modojo: "From the gleefully imaginative level design, to the artwork, and the kind of whimsical and nostalgic soundtrack that hasn't stirred us since Tiny Wings, this is a textbook example of polish, refinement, and game design of the very highest quality" (July 12, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 7/7/13 - 7/13/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 7/30/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.

Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week (7/24/13)

dan.thomas@appmyworld.com (Dan Thomas) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:30:00 +0000

This week we're covering games released during the 4th of July week and not many games came out. But the one game that did meet the criteria for our Top 5 iPhone and iPad Games of the Week is a classic! LIMBO has a 91 AppScore based on 18 professional reviews so far. It's an adventure, puzzle and horror mixture with a little bit of platforming too and is also the iOS version of a critically acclaimed console game. Just look at some of the awards it's won: Gameinformer’s “Best Downloadable”, Gamespot’s “Best Puzzle Game”, Kotaku’s “The Best Indie Game”, GameReactor’s “Digital Game of the Year”, Spike TV’s “Best Independent Game”, X-Play’s “Best Downloadable Game” and IGN’s “Best Horror Game”. As for our award, it's all based on the iOS professional reviews which praise the game to no end. A few things they say include "one of the finest games ever released in the App Store", "the popular indie hit makes a flawless translation to the iDevice" and "this is gaming perfection." With all that critical acclaim, how can you resist?

Rankings based on averaging professional review scores for games released 2 - 3 weeks ago to allow reviews to accumulate.

1.	LIMBO	91
	$4.99: iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
	From the app description: "Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO." Check out a quote from Mac\|Life: "The bottom line. As mesmerizing on iOS as anywhere else, Limbo is a concise and fascinating puzzle platform adventure that really sticks with you" (July 3, 2013).

For more of the Top 5 series, check out past Top 5 Apps and Top 5 Games posts. Also, check out our other series Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps and Games, Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for Kids, The AppScore 100, iOS Interviews and iPhone and iPad App Giveaways.

Notes: Top five is based on apps released two to three weeks prior, 6/30/13 - 7/6/13, to the current week to allow for reviews to come in. AppScores, prices, ranking, and availability are accurate as of 7/23/13. To make the list an AppScore of 75 or above is needed, the primary app category must be "Games" and the game must have at least three professional reviews. The top 5 apps ranked by AppScore that meet these criteria make the list.