Lory Gil

Writer of all things app related, traveler of the space-time continuum, baker of really great cookies. Follow me @appaholik

bit Dungeon II is a classic roguelike inspired by Zelda

No one ever said that crawling through dungeons was easy. But the payoff makes it worth the effort. In roguelike games, permadeath is what makes the work so hard. What’s the point of looting all of those treasure chests if you’re just going to lose them when you die anyway?

Adventure, that’s the point. bit Dungeon II has it in spades. Head out into the ethereal world where spirits and demons collide in epic and dangerous battles. Explore dark dungeons and fight major bosses in this traditional roguelike game.

iPhone version of Procreate now available in the App Store

Procreate is arguably one of the most advanced artist apps in the App Store. With it, users can create incredibly detailed digital paintings using a vast array of tools and brushes, huge canvas sizes, and unlimited color options. The app has only been available for the iPad since its launch in 2011.

Procreate Pocket, which just launched in the App Store this week, is the iPhone version of its larger, more advanced counterpart. Now, you can create artwork on the go and easily transfer it to your iPad to add the finishing touches.

The best Weather apps of 2014

The weather may be getting crazier each year, but the apps that tell us about conditions, both local and across the globe, are getting more reliable. With the update to iOS 8 just a few short months ago, we’ve seen an influx of weather related services that we are glad to add to our Home screen (and Lock screen too).

We rounded up what we think are the best weather apps to have released in 2014. Then, we voted on which ones we liked the best. The winner and runner-ups are listed below; along with the weather app we think takes the cake for all-time.

Shift review: randomize filter effects with precision adjustments

By now, you probably have your favorite go-to filter app. There are enough of them in the App Store that, no matter what your preference is, there is probably an app that suits your needs.

Shift is a photo filter app that may make you rethink whether or not you’ve found the right one. First, you shuffle premade filters in a random selection. Then, tweak the filter you like best to make it perfect. We’ve got a full app review of Shift for you today.

Snowboard Party brings extreme winter sports to iOS

I remember when snowboarding first became popular. It mainly represented alternative or underground culture. I guess that’s because the sport was inspired by surfing and skateboarding, which used to be part of underground culture, as well. Today, snowboarding is more popular than skiing. Video games based on snowboarding are definitely more popular than those based on skiing.

Snowboard Party is a half-pipe style trick game where players rack up points for grinding, nose grabs, and performing tricks in mid-air. Would I be going too far if I called it extreme mobile gameplay?

The best News apps of 2014

It’s hard to believe that a whole year has come and gone since we gave you our best-of lists in 2013. While last year was hard to beat with the advancement in iOS software and updated version of our most favorite apps and games, this year has provided us with a number of fantastic titles to choose from.

Today, we have a list of news apps that the iDownloadBlog writing team has nominated the best releases in 2014. Below is our vote for the best news app of 2014, as well as the runner ups and the app we think is the best all-time news app. 

DeviantArt app puts the world’s largest art gallery in your pocket

Even if you don’t visit the website or have your own account, you’ve probably heard of DeviantArt. Practically any pop culture image search will result in at least a few links to the website, which gets about 65 million unique hits per month. Imagine if 65 million people visited the Museum of Modern Art every month?

The DeviantArt app is the website’s official mobile app. Now, you can browse through the hundreds of millions of original works of art right on your iPhone screen using a specially designed interface to enhance your viewing experience.

The best Photo apps of 2014

Sometimes, I feel sorry for educated photographers that spent thousands of dollars and years of their lives studying the subject in school. Since mobile devices have advanced in camera technology, we are all taking pro-quality pictures of our cats every day.

We love iPhone photography so much around here that we have an entire section dedicated to it. So, we take new apps in the category pretty seriously. We sat down with the new releases for 2014 and decided which ones stand out for their awesome features. Then, we voted on the best. Below is a list of the winner, runner-ups, and the best all-time photography app.

Apps of the Week: Tales from the Borderlands, Seabeard, Sneaky Sneaky, and more

After spending all week shopping for presents, decorating trees, and baking cookies, I’m ready for a break. All I want to do is sit down with a good game and lose track of time until my fingers cramp up. If you are in need of a bit of relief from the holiday hustle and bustle, take a look at our list of apps and games. You might find something to ease your stress level. Maybe you’ll feel better after some good old fashioned video gaming. I know I always do.

Bean Dreams will bounce right into your heart

Who would have thought that there was a reason to change the traditional platform game mechanics? It’s one of those “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” concepts. At least, I’d always thought that way.

Bean Dreams is a game that features pretty much everything you think makes up a good platformer. However, there is one major change. Instead of running and jumping, you’re little Bean is nothing but jumps.

Braveland Wizard review: a turn-based strategy game where magic is king

In March, a fun turn-based strategy game called Braveland found its way into the App Store and my heart. I recall enjoying the illustrated fighters and the simplistic game mechanics. In that world, your hero is a warrior, fighting for his people. Braveland is back, but with a new hero, a new landscape, and new enemies to destroy.

Braveland Wizard is the sequel. In it, players control a newly graduated wizard who is on a mission to find out who stole the book that is used to complete a wizard’s final test. While much of the mechanics are the same, this new title offers plenty of additional gameplay features. We’ve got a hands-on game review of Braveland Wizard for you today.

My Phrases Keyboard lets you send canned replies in a tap

You may think you are fast at texting, but what if you could type an entire message with just one tap? Imagine how fast you could respond to those questions of where to go for dinner or what time the party starts. You wouldn't even miss a beat in that heartfelt conversation you are having with your friend.

My Phrase Keyboard is a third-party keyboard app for iOS 8 that makes it possible for you to send canned replies with one tap instead of trying to write a message while your buddy is pouring his heart out to you. You won't have to pretend to go to the bathroom in order to respond to a text anymore.