App Store Apps

ComiXology launches new read-only app following Amazon acquisition

Cody Lee ∙ April 26, 2014

ComiXology, the leading digital comics platform, has launched a new application for iOS today. The company sent out an email to customers this morning announcing that the old app is being retired, and a new one is now available. The biggest difference between the two, it seems, is that the new app does't allow in-app purchases.

The change is noteworthy, as the ComiXology app has long been one of the top-grossing iPad titles in the App Store, and it comes shortly after Amazon acquired the comics platform. It's not surprising though, as it's the same strategy the e-commerce giant takes with its Kindle iOS app, in an effort to circumvent Apple's 30% cut...

Leo’s Fortune is the best platformer we’ve played in a while

Lory Gil ∙ April 26, 2014

Ah, the platformer, a genre that has stood the test of time for generations. Once Mario and his brother graced our living room screens, we were hooked on the run-and-jump adventure that platformers offer. After so many decades, it is starting to get hard to tell titles apart. It seems like anyone can make a platform game, but not everyone can make it good.

Leo’s Fortune is a platform game that is visually attractive, mechanically exciting, and filled with complex puzzles that keep you coming back for more…

Tiny Dice Dungeon puts a unique twist on the RPG genre

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 26, 2018

By now, it may have become clear that I am a fan of good old-fashioned role-playing games. Give me a dungeon crawl over a physics-based game, any day of the week. As much as I love the genre, games can seem a bit redundant over time when you’ve played so many of them.

Tiny Dice Dungeon is a unique twist on the RPG genre that mixes dungeon crawl gameplay with dice throwing mechanics. Role doubles for twice the damage. Role a one and lose your turn…

Apps of the week: Up Next, Third Eye Crime, birdStepper, and more

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Some pretty awesome apps came out this week. I’m excited to spend my weekend testing out all of the cool games that made their way into the App Store after Thursday’s big launch. I’ll bet many of you are still stuck in Hitman Go mode, unwilling to come up for air until every last level is completed. I don’t blame you.

However, if you are looking for something new this weekend, we’ve got a list of apps and games that are sure to occupy your hands and your brains. Who’s going to mow the lawn…

Yomi is a battle card game that delivers on the action

Lory Gil ∙ Updated September 28, 2016

On my many regular trips to my local board game store, I’ve seen this battle card game called “Yomi.” It looks really fun, but it costs $100 new. Ouch! It is one of those games I’d like to try before I buy. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who owns a copy, so I didn’t know if I’d like it, until now.

Sirlin Games recently developed an iPad version of Yomi that is an online, cross-platform adaptation of the card game I’ve longed for, but never invested in. After a few days of testing, it looks like my board game budget will be depleted, once again…

Fly Catbug Fly! Journey through unique worlds to collect sweet nothings

Lory Gil ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Bravest Warriors is a web cartoon from Cartoon Hangover that was written by Pendleton Ward, the same zany brain that created Adventure Time. Although I am a huge fan of Finn and Jake, I’ve never actually seen Bravest Warriors. That will probably change soon.

Fly Catbug Fly! is the first video game based on the cartoon web series staring its most adorable character. This child-voiced, ladybug-winged cat flies through the air, collecting stuff like skulls, salad bowls, and toilet paper. Help Catbug grab as much as his little wings can carry and deliver them to Impossibear. Don’t worry. I’m just as confused as you are…

Badland updated with new ‘Doomsday’ level pack offered on try-before-buy basis

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 25, 2014

Badland, one of the best mobile games out there, has been updated today with a set of thirty brand new 'Doomsday' levels, but with a twist. Breaking away from the common practice of updating Badland with new content offered free of charge to those who've previously purchased the game, its two-person development team has decided to provide the new levels on a paid basis as it explores fair new monetization models.

This also marks the first time this iPhone and iPad game has offered in-app purchases. Badland is available for $3.99 in the App Store, with the Doomsday level pack available on a try-before-buy basis as a one-time $0.99 in-app purchase...

Hulu Plus app updated with remote control support for game consoles

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 27, 2017

Hulu posted a significant update for its Plus iOS client this morning, bringing the app to version 3.5.2. The release includes a new remote control feature that will enable users to control the Hulu Plus experience on their Xbox One, PS3 or PS4 console using an iPhone or iPad.

Setup is a breeze. Simply launch the Hulu Plus app on your iOS (or Android) device, and it will automatically detect your gaming console. Once detected, a 'Cast' button will appear in the app, allowing you to pair your smartphone or tablet to the selected console and take control...

Pinterest app updated with new ‘Guided Search’ feature

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Pinterest users may be interested to know that the photo-sharing site rolled out a major new feature to its mobile apps this morning. It's called 'Guided Search,' and it comes via an App Store update, which brings both the iPhone and iPad client to version 3.6.

Guided Search is a tool made for exploring Pinterest when you don't know exactly what you're looking for. So for example, if you enter a vague search time like 'vacation,' the tool will help you hone in on a category (i.e. camping, beach, etc) or specific location...

Addictive slicing game KingHunt goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 24, 2014

A week ago, Apple's App Store editorial team slashed Horn, a noteworthy third-person action adventure game with great graphics, to zero bucks.

Today is Thursday, which means that another paid iOS app or game has gone temporarily free as part of Apple's ongoing Free App of the Week promotion. This time around, it's KingHunt by renowned publisher MountainSheep.

A great time killer that will feel instantly familiar to anyone who has played Fruit Ninja for a few brief seconds, KingHunt is being billed as the next-generation slicing game. The game is now available free of charge until next Thursday, down from its usual asking price of four bucks for the universal iPhone and iPad download, so grab it now while it's hot...

eBay app receives big update with new Home page, larger photos and more

Cody Lee ∙ April 24, 2014

Good news for eBay users this afternoon, the e-commerce giant has posted a significant update for its iOS client, bringing the app to version 3.3. The update brings about a number of new features and improvements, including a redesigned Home page, Passbook support and more.

The revamped Home page includes Watched items, Feed and eBay Deals—everything you'd want to see upon first launching the app. Other areas have been refreshed as well, with larger photos and new product reviews for items in the eBay Catalog. Full change log after the break...

RunKeeper adds new Goal Coach feature, personalized dashboard and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Popular fitness mobile software, RunKeeper, has received a nice little update today implementing a brand new Goal Coach feature to keep you motivated, a personalized goal dashboard to go with it and more.

RunKeeper is great for the active types interested in tracking the pace of their runs, measuring workout distance, charting weight loss and what not.

Unlike some of the other health and fitness-tracking apps for the iPhone found in the App Store, RunKeeper is available free of charge. The new 4.5 version is now live so give RunKeeper a whirl if you haven't already and say 'hello' to the new you...