Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour
0Description
There is a reason why Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world. It seems they have expanded their well known brand everywhere, from owning professional teams, holding huge events, and even having their own TV channel. Entering into the mobile gaming market has been their next venture and, with that, they have developed Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour for both Android and iOS. As this was not only a FREE game to download but also, in reality, just a promotional tool for Red Bull, we did not know what to expect. Yet, after a few races, we were pleasantly surprised.
Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour is a racing game where you compete in 18 different countries, each with three unique races. There is also a multiplayer challenge mode where up to six of your friends can take turns racing against each other. For every race that you participate in, you will earn coins based on your performance. These coins can then be used to upgrade your kart. While there does not seem to be a noticeable difference when you equip an upgrade, it does give some motivation to collect coins. We were also disappointed in the absence of any turbo option. There are boosts randomly placed throughout the courses, however, this option would have been a nice addition. Overall, Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour is a fun FREE game that we recommend checking out.
Presentation
Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour uses an overhead view for all the races. While this is always a good decision for playing games on a smaller screen, the camera seems to be zoomed in too much. It is very difficult to see when turns are up ahead. If this game did not offer a racing line option which we highly recommend, it would be nearly impossible to win any races.
Sound
The main menu music can get a little repetitive after awhile, however, every country has different background music playing during the race.
Controls
There are three control options available to choose from including Auto Steer, Auto Throttle, and Full Manual. Auto Steer is the easiest of the three and all you do is control the speed of your kart. Auto Throttle is where you control the steering and braking only, and Full Manual is where you control the steering, braking, and throttle. We were a little disappointed that even though this game had three control choices, there did not seem to be a nice balance between sensitivity and ease.
Replay Value
Medium – Red Bull Kart Fighter World Tour offers the ability to earn achievements and buy upgrades for your kart. Along with the enjoyable gameplay, you will want to race over and over until you get first place in every country.
Category: Racing
Released: 2012
Developer: Red Bull
Multiplayer: Yes
Leaderboards: Yes
Achievements: Yes
Download for iPhone Here:
Download for iPad Here:
NFL Kicker 13
0Description
The Superbowl is one of the biggest and most highly anticipated sporting events held in the United States every year. Since it will be taking place this weekend, we decided to review one of the most popular football games out there. NFL Kicker 13, developed by Full Fat, is a beautifully designed game that focuses on two positions, the kicker and punter. When you start the game up, you will be able to customize your player’s last name, number, skin color, and team he will be playing on. After you have completed this step, you will go through the basic skills challenge, which will introduce the rules and controls of the game.
NFL Kicker 13 offers three game modes to enjoy: “In The Zone”, “Coffin Corner”, and “Time Attack”. “In The Zone” is all about survival and ranking up the highest score. You start out with three lives and each time you miss a field goal, you lose a life. “Coffin Corner” is a punting game where accuracy is key in hitting as close to the corner of the field as possible. “Time Attack” gives you 60 seconds to kick as many field goals as possible. Before each game is played, there is an opportunity to add up to three boosts purchased by coins that are generated from games you complete. These coins can also be used in the equipment store for your player as well as to upgrade your stadium. We highly recommend you grab NFL Kicker 13 this weekend before the big showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens!
Presentation
The 3D graphics in NFL Kicker 13 are where this game shines. As it’s such a simple game, we were surprised and impressed with the presentation. It certainly has to be the best kicker game in the visually appealing category.
Sound
The background music and the announcer’s one liners gets a little repetitive over time. Get ready to hear “MONSTER KICK” about 20 times during the game. The crowd going wild when you hit a field goal makes up for it though.
Controls
The controls in NFL Kicker 13 are easy, as you flick your finger starting at the bottom of the football upwards in the direction you want the football to travel. The faster you flick your finger, the farther the football will travel. Before you kick, you can drop the top of the screen to look around. Also, while the football is in the air, you can swipe the screen toward the left or right to push the ball in another direction.
Replay Value
Medium – The three different game modes will keep you entertained for awhile, however we feel this game could offer more. A career mode in which you go through the season kicking in game field-goals would have been awesome if added.
Category: Sports
Released: 2012
Developer: Full Fat
Multiplayer: No
Leaderboards: Yes
Achievements: Yes
Download for iPhone Here:
Download for iPad Here:
Age of Zombies Anniversary
0Description
Barry Steakfries is back in action, now with the responsibility to travel back in time and destroy the invasion of zombies that have taken over six periods of history. Age of Zombies Anniversary, created by Halfbrick Studios (also the developers of the awesome game Jetpack Joyride), have come out with a thrilling action adventure game you won’t be able to put down. Halfbrick Studios decided to release this anniversary edition to improve the graphics to high definition, as well as add a completely new level to the game. While the story mode is on the shorter end and can be completed in a couple hours, the entertainment you will get from this amazing game will be totally worth it.
The main storyline takes place as Barry Steakfries finds out that evil Professor Brains has released hoards of zombies back into time, and now must put a stop to it all. The gameplay is very simular to Mafia Rush, as you walk around picking up weapons and shooting enemies that appear on the screen. What we liked most about this game was the variety of weapons that can be used, ranging from your basic automatic gun to a flamethrower. Each environment has three levels within them, and and at every final level for that time period, there is a boss that must be defeated. The gameplay is extremely addicting and fun to play, and although there is no difficulty setting, it seems to be perfectly balanced between being not too hard or easy. Age of Zombies Anniversary is an absolute must have for your device and its zombie slaying awesomeness will keep you entertained for awhile.
Presentation
The graphics are much improved from the original Age of Zombies and being that this is a action game with a story behind it, the cutscenes flow nicely throughout the game. The visual elements of Age of Zombies Anniversary look great on any mobile device that supports it.
Sound
Age of Zombies Anniversary did a fantastic job with the sound incorporated into this game, especially the sound effects. Each of the six levels has themed music based on the location. Every time you pick up a new weapon, the accent will change based on where your character currently is, which can be pretty hilarious.
Controls
The controls are easy to use and very customizable. The joystick on the left of the screen is used to move your character while the control on the right is used for your weapon. You can have the controls fixed to a area of the screen, moving to where your thumbs are most comfortable, or hidden from view. A button on the top of the weapon control will appear when grenades or dynamite is equipped to throw, and is easy to access. Halfbrick Studios did a fantastic job mastering the controls in Age of Zombies Anniversary.
Replay Value
Medium – This game is so much fun to play the first time around and offers second helpings with a bonus survival mode for every environment.
Category: Action
Released: 2011
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Multiplayer: No
Leaderboards: Yes
Achievements: Yes
Download for iPhone Here:
Download for iPad Here:
Download for Android Here:
Temple Run 2
0Description
I cannot believe I did not hear any rumors or news about this game until the day before it was released into the App Store. I first heard about Temple Run 2 being released on the subreddit iosgaming with an article posted by Touch Arcade, and just had to give this one a review as the original is still one of the best free games to play if you haven’t already played. Temple Run 2, developed by Imangi Studios, is the exact same game in concept as the original, yet is improved in every way possible.
Some of the new additions that were put into the sequel include new areas to be traveled and gems to collect. Now, your character will have to zip-line from higher ground and navigate through deadly mines, which add new excitement to an already highly addictive game. Be sure to collect gems during the game to purchase a second life when your character dies, or to upgrade your power-ups. Along with the gems to collect, the coins are back and can be used to upgrade your abilities or purchase new characters just like in the original. There are in-game purchases available, however, they are not needed to complete the game which is always a good sign. The achievements and upgrades along with the amazing gameplay will keep you playing for hours on end. Imangi Studios certainly shocked us with the sudden release of Temple Run 2, however it is no surprise that this is by far the best FREE game in the App Store and will remain that way for awhile.
Presentation
This is where Imangi Studios have taken the Temple Run series to another level with the release of this sequel. The graphics overall are much improved, from the characters to the whole environment. The camera view is changed and in our view this perspective improves the realism of the experience, as it curves in any direction depending on the path ahead.
Sound
Many of the sound effects that were used in the original have been included in Temple Run 2. However, this is certainly not a bad decision because it brings back those fond memories of enjoying Temple Run all over again. The background music is different this time around, as the tribal drum beat will get you pumped to outrun the persistent monkey behind you.
Controls
The controls are the exact same as the original Temple Run, and are as simple as ever. When playing the game for the first time, you will go through a tutorial of all the available moves if you are new to this series.
Replay Value
High – Temple Run 2 could easily win the award for most addicting mobile game ever…that is of course until Temple Run 3 is released.
Category: Action
Released: 2013
Developer: Imangi Studios
Multiplayer: No
Leaderboards: Yes
Achievements: Yes
Download for iPhone Here:
Download for iPad Here:
Beyond Ynth
0Description
Whenever you hear that a sequel to a game will be coming out, you immediately expect that game to out perform the original. Beyond Ynth, developed by FDG Entertainment, has exceeded those expectations. While the gameplay is obviously similar to the original Ynth, the artwork and graphics take this game to another level. Not only was this sequel greatly improved, but it is available for iOS, Android, and even Mac to download and play.
The premise of the story involves a kingdom called Kriblonia that was filled with valuable diamonds. One day, four evil spiders attacked the kingdom and stole the diamonds, leaving the land filled with darkness. Your objective, as a brave knight Kribl, is to retrieve the diamonds from the four environments on the map (forest, snow, desert, and volcanic) and restore light to the Kingdom of Kriblonia. Each environment has its own hazards you will have to watch out for. As this game can get quite challenging, one of the great options provided is the ability to view the solution to any level through an in-bedded Youtube video. This is a brilliant option to have because this is always the first place gamers look to find how to pass a level, and now they can view it straight from the game. Beyond Ynth has pleasantly surprised us with this beautifully made sequel. We’re sure it will surprise you, as well.
Presentation
This is where Beyond Ynth really shines as everything about this game is visually stunning. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous from the gameplay to the cutscenes. The side scrolling view is just right, and everything can easily be seen on your device.
Sound
Beyond Ynth has the most unique soundtrack we have ever heard. The main menu music actually has vocals about the game which are interesting. The in-game sound effects, such as when the Kribl is moving, add a nice touch to the overall gameplay.
Controls
The controls work perfectly with this type of game. There are two left and right arrows on the corresponding sides of the screen, with one used for moving the Kribl, and the other for jumping. There is also a magnifying glass button that can be used to view the entire level, and a rewind button in case you make a mistake or your character dies.
Replay Value
Medium – Beyond Ynth is certainly one of the most polished as far as the visual aspects of the game. The gameplay is enjoyable but repetitive over time, even with the four types of environments. Beyond Ynth is still worth getting and highly recommended, especially if you are into puzzle type games.
Category: Puzzle
Released: 2010
Developer: FDG Entertainment
Multiplayer: No
Leaderboards: Yes
Achievements: Yes
Download for iPhone Here:
Download for iPad Here:
Download for Mac Here:
Download for Android Here:
