Adobe Post, Grayout, Swingdo, and more apps to check out this weekend

I know most of you are probably still reeling from the Star Wars VII launch this weekend (I am literally writing this article while sitting in line, waiting to see it), but the world still continues and the App Store is still open. If you aren’t spending every waking moment watching the sequel to the most popular sci-fi movie in the world (or if you are sitting in line, wondering if there is anything new to play with while you wait), we’ve got a list of apps and games that you should check out.

Cut the Rope: Magic

Om Nom is back in yet another new rope acrobatics adventure. This time, the candy is even harder to get with new obstacles, magical graphics, and more. An evil wizard has stolen all the candy and Om Nom is on a mission to get it all back (and eat it). There are 100 new puzzles and all new ways to transform the Nomer, including the “baby” form, which allows him to squeeze into tight spaces. I didn’t think he could get any cuter. This game is available for $0.99.

Adobe Post

If you fancy yourself a homegrown marketer, Adobe has a new program for you. This app features professionally designed templates for banner ads, blog posts, and other flashy projects where you need to make text look good against images. You can adjust and alter premade templates to your specifications and add appropriate filters to the background images. If you don’t have your own images, don’t worry. Adobe provides free access to half a million high-quality photos right inside. If you get to the end of your design and realize the color theme just doesn’t work right, no problem. You can recolor the entire project with one tap. This app is available for free.

Frank the Dillo

This app is described as miniature golf/platformer with an Arabian Nights theme. The goal is to get the adorable armadillo into his hole in as few moves as possible. It’s not quite as easy as the average put-put golf game. Frank has to navigate such obstacles as ramps, jumps, and traps. Plus, you’ll want to collect all those shiny gems on your way home. To get Frank rolling, drag your finger behind the ball and slide to aim. Then, let go to shoot. The trick is getting him to move without over shooting. The controls feature a percentage meter to help you out. This game is available for $0.99.

GifsArt – Gif Maker

You may have noticed by now that I’m a big fan of the GIF, especially if there are cats involved. This app has all the typical features of a GIF maker, but adds the element of animation overlays to make things even more interesting. You can use photos, video clips, and other forms of media to combine one GIF. Then, choose from the included animation masks, effects, and stickers to turn it into a wild time. You can even search for content and import from Giphy. If you don’t already have content on your device, you can always create it from scratch using the in-app camera to record video or grab pics using burst mode. This app is available for free.

Grayout

Have you ever had trouble finding the words to express yourself? Imagine if you were in an accident that affected your ability to speak. That is exactly what has happened in this game. You wake up in a hospital after an accident, unable to properly speak to anyone, even though you can understand them. Every time someone asks you a question a series of jumbled words appear on the screen and you have to figure out which of them to use to respond. Only when you pick the correct word or series of words will you be able to continue. This game is available for $2.99.

Swingdo

I often find myself buried in tasks and I can’t figure out what to tackle first, especially around the holidays. This app uses machine learning to organize your to-do list based on what time it is now, and what you have coming up. It also tracks your email and lets you know if you have forgotten to respond to an important message. Instead of displaying your tasks as a long, overwhelming list, your to-dos are organized into comfortable looking time cards around your calendar, for a less stressful visual experience. It works with Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, Outlook, and Twitter. This app is available for free.

Star Skater

Halfbrick is back with a new fast-paced adventure. This downhill racing game stars none other than… a skater. The goal is to make it to the bottom without crashing, but don’t feel bad if you do. As, Halfbrick says, “Crashing is half the fun.” Players are tasked with 40 levels of time-based challenges that require skills in reaction and speed. As you earn cash, you can use it to upgrade your board and customize your dude. Earn enough dough to unlock new characters to take down the hill with. This game is available for free.