Apps of the week: Tiny Death Star, Algebra Touch, TNR-e-US, and more…

iPhone 5 appsThis week was pretty big in terms of new games in the App Store. In fact the past couple of weeks have been very game heavy. You won’t hear me complaining. Games are my favorite kind of apps.

If you are a secret (or open) geek, want to relearn algebra, or just want to make pretty pictures, we have a list of apps and games to keep you busy this weekend…

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star

Tiny Death StarWhen I first found out about NimbleBits’ newest time management game, I nearly squealed with excitement. I then spent the next month checking the app store every morning to see if it was out yet. This morning, I literally squealed with excitement when this tiny adventure was there. Just like Tiny Tower, players build levels on the Death Star and hire workers for retail shops, service jobs, restaurants, and more. All the while, the Dark Lord is plotting his takeover in the bowels of the battle station. This game is available for free.

Knock

Knock“Knock three times on my iPhone if you want me.” Well, you only have to knock twice, actually. This app connects to your Mac using Low Energy Bluetooth. When your Mac is locked, you can easily open it by tapping your iPhone’s screen two times. Now, you can set a complicated password and not have to spend five minutes every morning trying make your puffy fingers punch in the code correctly. Just knock twice on your iPhone and it will unlock. This app is available for $3.99.

Lego Lord of the Rings

Logo Lord of the RingsIs it just me or does it seem like it is geek week in the App Store? First, Star Wars gets some tiny love and now the fantasy geek’s bible is being Lego-ized for iOS. In this 3-D adventure game, players travel across Middle Earth, fighting Orcs and Goblins, building friendships with Dwarves and Elves, and escaping death from the fangs of giant spiders. There are more than 90 playable characters and collectable weapons and magical items. You only need One Ring to rule them all, but using it might cost you your life. This game is available for $4.99.

Algebra Touch

Algebra TouchI know how nerdy this sounds, but calculating algebra problems when it isn’t required of you is actually pretty fun. This is the unofficial Geek Week in the App Store. This mathematical adventure helps you relearn the basics, like solving for “X” and the Order of Operations, while looking good. The iOS 7 themed background makes it fit in like one of the cool kids in the cafeteria. If you don’t remember how to factor, or what an exponent is, why not spend a few dollars on a fun refresher course? This app is available for $2.99.

TNR-e – US

TNR-e - USIn the early part of the turn of the century (that is, the 21st century) a group of artists built a musical instrument that combined digital sound with visual performance. Yamaha’s Tenori-on became a world-renowned instrument and has become very popular amongst some famous musicians, including film composer Hans Zimmer. Yamaha launched the TNR-i – US in the App Store in June. This week, the TNR-e – US was launched, which is very similar to the 16 x 16 original musical grid, but features new sounds, including Dub Step samples for today’s generation of dance music. This app is available for $19.99.

Octagon – A Minimal Arcade Game with Maximum Challenge

OctagonIf you thought Impossible Road was impossible, you ain’t seen nothing yet. This game’s developer brags about how much testers hate it for its difficulty. In this arcade racer, players must act fast as the floor moves below. You will spin and dip and you’ll have to dodge and flip upside down to avoid speed bumps and potholes. The game offers an unlimited number of randomly generated levels and features a minimalistic iOS 7 design. The megaplex of hallways, platforms, and gaps will have you frothing at the mouth before you finally give up in a rage. This game is available for $1.99.

Beautiful Mosaic

Beautiful MoasicGive your photos a unique flare by turning them into a piece of art. You don’t have to manipulate individual pixels or know how to code. Simply drag your finger across the screen to draw a new mosaic. You can adjust the tile size and opacity of the effects. You can also change the background color, contrast, saturation, and brightness of the mosaic. You don’t have to draw on your pictures, either. You can create new designs by drawing on the screen. This app is available for $0.99.

Want more apps? Check these out