Angry Birds: Rio

Device: All
Genre: They’re back, and they’re angrier than ever
Price: $0.99/$2.99 HD

Rovio has released an all-new Angry Birds app! It’s a tie-in for new animated movie Rio, and features great new graphics and a new story line. No more pigs; now you’re rescuing captured birds from a fate that I’m sure will be explained in the movie. Absolutely worth the dollar – grab it now!

Mechanic Panic

Device: All
Genre: Jump away from certain dooooooom
Price: $0.99

I grabbed this last night and could not. stop. playing. Everything was going great at work until the world blew up – jump up and away from the raging fire, but look out for falling debris and elevators. Save your colleagues as they hurtle towards death (or don’t, I won’t judge) and save the day! It’s totally a quick play game, except for the fact that you won’t be able to put it down. My “just one more jump” turned into an extra hour of playing. I regret nothing.

Land-a Panda

Device: All
Genre: look at the jugs on that panda
Price: $0.99

Oh my god I LOVE this game – totes adorbs, challenging without being impossible, and just really well done over all. Get your boy panda to his lovely lady friend and reunite the star-crossed lovers in this puzzle game that is a must-have on your iDevice – it’s only a dollar, and you won’t regret it. Cute, fun, and has lots of replay value!

Garage Inc HD

Device: iSmall/iPad/MacOS
Genre: Time management in the time of gangsters
Price: Free (sale)

Garage Inc is a time management game ala Diner Dash, set in the 1920s which gives is a really nice (and refreshing) flavour. There’s a gangster story line that weaves in and out of the game, and has extra game play features like employees that affect your price/speed, demanding mob bosses, and more. Music and graphics are all well done, and it’s FREE for a limited time so stock up now.

Hot Springs Story

Device: All
Genre: Game Dev Story – at the spa!
Price: $3.99

Sorry about this. Remember how much time you lost to Game Dev Story (which is on sale at 50% off, if you don’t have it yet)? Remember killing your phone battery, looking up and realizing it’s 7 hours later? Prepare for that all over again as Kairosoft releases Hot Springs Story on the App Store. It’s much broader than Game Dev Story and can take a while to figure out exactly wtf you’re doing, but once you do .. well, feed the cat extra before starting so he won’t starve. It’s the humane thing to do.

ChalkCamera

Device: needs a camera
Genre: photo fun
Price: $0.99

I almost ignored this app, because I assumed it allowed you to render photographs in a “chalk drawing” style. I have no need for this, but I clicked on it anyway – and to my surprise, found a silly-named but very cool little camera tool. ChalkCamera (apparently named because the camera bodies look like they’re drawn in chalk) allows you to change the lens to take 1, 2, 4, 8 or 9 pictures on a single “exposure”, and change the camera body to mimic various plastic camera effects. It’s a very useful and fun little camera (QuadCam, the only other decent multi-exposure camera available, doesn’t offer much by way of filters and is twice the price), and was a pleasant surprise to stumble upon. Definitely worth the dollar if you’re into fake plastic photography!

Half Tone

Device: All
Genre: picture changin’
Price: $0.99

Another camera app, with more of an emphasis on previously taken pictures – Half Tone allows you to add a distinct comic book feel to your images, complete with captions and an old-paper taste:

Useful? Not really. Fun? Sure, if you’re more creative than I am at the moment. It does fill a void – none of the 26 other camera apps I have installed right now does comic book effects – but it’s not one I had keenly felt before. Still, it was just a dollar and I’ve likely gotten at least that much entertainment from it so far.

So, um, anyone want to buy an iPad? Yeah, I’m upgrading. I know, I know. The standard offer; pristine iPad plus a buttload of extras like cases and stands (including my beloved Portenzo case, which won’t fit the iPad2) – email me for more info, and stuff (kimli at delicious juice dot com).

That doesn’t mean I can’t still have SOME fun though:

Tiny Wings

Device: All
Genre: have you ever wanted to fly?
Price: $0.99

Gorgeous art, great music, adorable premise, fantastic game play all for a dollar – what other reasons could you possibly need? Get this app now, and feel a warm glowing warming glow when you play the awesome and support indie game makers.

Tasty Planet

Device: All
Genre: so hungry
Price: $0.99 (50% off sale)

The main idea behind Katamari Damacy is to collect things so you grow bigger so you can collect more things. Enter Tasty Planet: you are goo, accidentally released into the wild from the lab. Eat things to grow bigger to eat other things – start out a mere iota and grow to devour a universe. It’s played entirely by tilt and is really fun – I scared the cats with my loud cheer when I was finally big enough to eat a golf ball. Get it now while it’s on sale!

Viking Tales: Mystery of Black Rock

Device: All
Genre: *viking noises*
Price: $0.99

Row row row your boat, avoiding obstacles and collecting gold and battling enemy ships. I’m not yet viking’d-out, especially when the app has as much to offer as this does. Interesting game play, a lot of personality, and all for a dollar – check it out if you’re in the market for some fun and stuff.

I’m holding annoyingly true to my promise to not go App Crazy in 2011 – I finished out January with $25 worth of credit still left in my account. There are still good titles being released, but I’m a lot more stringent about what I buy. My wallet appreciates it, even if it sadly gives me little to write about on here.

There’ve been a few titles that have utterly captivated me (as in, pulled me away from Dungeon Raid for more than 2 seconds at a time), and they’re worth a look if you’re in the market for new games to play:

Grim Joggers

Device: All
Genre: Death Race in the Jungle!
Price: $0.99 (launch price, 50% off)

15 joggers go for a run in some ridiculously hazardous terrain. How far can you go before all your joggers meet an untimely, bloody demise? Grim Joggers is hilarious and great for a quick game when you’ve got some time to kill (no pun intended). I found myself laughing manically as my runners died in horrible ways – serves them right for jogging, anyway. Who do they think they are? Exercising is for jerks.  Good times, because all us video gamers love violence!

Battlehearts

Device: All
Genre: Adorable RPG
Price: $2.99

Battlehearts is one of the cutest RPGs you’ll ever see. Watch the trailer – it hooked me in and I downloaded it immediately afterward, even with the $3 price tag (that’s 6 cans of Diet Coke!). It’s challenging without being frustrating, a lot of fun, and did I mention the cuteness? The game is brought to you by the makers of OMG Pirates! and Zombieville USA, and features the same distinctive style but made cuter. It reminds me of the pirates in Lil’ Pirates, which I still miss sometimes even though I deleted the game because I refuse to be sucked into an MMO even if it’s on my phone. If you like RPGs, I highly recommend this one – totes worth it, y’all.

Banzai Blowfish

Device: All
Genre: Physics Action Puzzle
Price: $0.99 (sale price, 50% off)

Banzai Blowfish is a rescue-the-trapped puzzle game that has you, the aforementioned Banzai Blowfish, on a mission to save your friends. Use the environment to reach the target within the time limit. It reminds me a lot of games like Rolando and Soosiz; both excellent games. If you enjoyed those, you might like this title – and I’d grab it while it’s on sale; it’s not something I would have looked at for $2 but is worth the $1.

Sad Princess

Device: All
Genre: Side-scrolling RPG-esq fighting game
Price: $1.99

I really want to like this game, but it’s been done a thousand times before and much better. Still, the artwork is great and the storyline goes to show that even imaginary princesses aren’t safe from the heartbreak of fickle romance. If you only buy one RPG today I’d say pass this up and get Battleheart instead, but if you’ve got $2 to spare and a soft spot for emo princesses with magical powers and a wounded ego, this one’s for you. Beware the In App Purchases – they’re not necessary to play, but are there if you have too much money and don’t know what to do with yourself.

Game Dev Story

Device: All
Genre: Game Company Simulator
Price: $0.99 (sale, 75% off)

Perennial favourite Game Dev Story is on sale again. This is what I had to say last time: When Game Dev Story came out, I grabbed it even though the $4 price tag was hard to swallow. I then immediately mysteriously lost several weeks of my life – when I looked up again, it was a month later and I had no idea where I was. This game is simple but INSANELY ADDICTING, and now that it’s on sale for a dollar, you absolutely need to pick it up. Ever wanted to work in the game industry but they hate you and won’t look your way no matter what you do? Live your fantasy life here, and make highly rated games with terrible dirty names for fun and fake profit!

Today I Die Again

Device: All
Genre: interactive puzzle, kinda
Price: Free (sale)

Today I Die Again is a really unique little app that’s more of an interactive story than anything else. It doesn’t look like much on the surface, but the more you poke around the deeper into the story you get. It’s mysterious and musical and a little creepy, as well as free for a limited time. Pick it up and give it a good look; it’s not like anything else you have and there’s much more to it than you might think.

Star Dunk Gold

Device: All
Genre: MMO + NBA + Space
Price: $1.99

Star Dunk has released a Gold version, which is ad free. They’ve also done a bunch of updates to include new features such as ball customization and friend codes to share with others. Star Dunk is always a good time, but I paid to remove ads from the free version so I hope I’ve already got all the new features. Godzilab makes some great games though, so if you enjoyed Star Dunk, consider grabbing the paid version for fun times on the go.

Last Class Heroes

Device: All
Genre: RPG Fighting Game with super powers and robots, I think
Price: $0.99

I am at least 75 curious about this game. The name, title and characters all smell very, very much like No More Heroes for the Wii, which ALSO has a main character named Travis. Coincidence? Homage? Either way, LCH has gotten some rave reviews and the few seconds of gameplay I stole while no one was looking is very intriguing. I’ll be playing this more later, and is worth a look for a dollar.

Highborn

Device: iSmall/iBig
Genre: hands down the best turn-based game around
Price: $0.99/$2.99 (sale)

I am both excited and annoyed by Jet Set Games (the minds behind Highborn) at the moment. I’m excited – almost to the point of uncontrollable urination – that Chapter 2 has finally been released. I made myself late for work because I couldn’t leave until the updated finished downloading and installing on my phone, and I stole wi-fi downtown to make sure my iPad was updated too. New content! Can’t wait to play! Clearing my evening and weekend calendar for more Highborn goodness!

So why am I annoyed? Because chapter 2 is an in-app purchase. If you want to play more Highborn (and you totally should; it’s fantastic), then you’ll need to pay a dollar for the content. And .. well, that’s not really why I’m annoyed – they more than deserve the extra dollar, after all. I’m annoyed because I own both versions of Highborn, which means I have to shell out for Chapter 2 twice – $1 for my phone, and $2 for the HD iPad version. That kind of stinks, really. But .. well, it’s likely not an issue most people will have. After all, my original Highborn download was a free game of the day, and I liked it so much I happily paid for the HD version for my iPhone. Most people aren’t crazy, and likely won’t have both RD and HD versions of the game. Having to buy chapter 2 times 2 is my own damn fault, really, and I shouldn’t take it out on Jet Set Games because I love them.

So, I guess I’m not really annoyed after all. I mean, I totally am – I am majorly cranky today for reasons I can’t really figure out – but this isn’t the cause of the marbles up my ass. So, ignore everything I just wrote except for the parts about Highborn being awesome and YAY, CHAPTER 2 IS OUT!

Grimm

Device: All
Genre: laudanum abuse and child endangerment (in rhyme!)
Price: $0.99

I am a sucker for anything that claims to be Edward Gorey-esq, so I downloaded this app as soon as I saw it on the store. It. Is. Awesome. I can’t recommend this game enough, especially if you’re a fan of the style. Mother has gone on vacation, but so laudanum-soaked is she that she left her precious baby at the train station, where many nefarious things await. You (the baby carriage) are trying to find Mother, and must make your way past hazards such as open well, drunkards, hungry crows, and Grimm himself in all his evil top-hatted glory. This game is utterly gorgeous, very tongue-in-cheek, and totally worth the dollar. Get it now, unless you’re a baby hater who eats children (and even then you should get it, because I obviously did).

Hero Princess

Device: iSmall/iBig
Genre: Girl Power!
Price: $0.99/$1.99

Vikings are storming the castle (lending to my theory that vikings are the new monkey/pirate/ninja/zombie), and you’re not content to just sit back and be kidnapped so you are fighting them off. Throw things down at the vikings climbing the ladder to knock them off, or shake them loose if they keep hanging on. Use power ups and throw bigger things like unicorns and pianos to dislodge your attackers. You go, girl! I really kind of like this game. It’s super cute, funny, and a nice fast way to pass the time. Also, there are vikings. Totally worth the dollar!

Geared 2

Device: All
Genre: Gear puzzles (now with 100% more hamsters)!
Price: FREE (limited time only!)

Geared 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the crazy popular Geared. The idea is simple – choose the right sized gears to get your mechanism going – but the polish put into this app speaks volumes. Definitely worth picking up for free (and even when it goes back to the regular price of a dollar), Geared 2 is a great puzzle game for those in the mood for a challenge.

There’s been a lot of activity on the various App Stores I troll daily, but nothing spectacular enough for me to get off my duff and post an update. I’ve been holding fast and true to my “no credit card purchases”, which hasn’t really been an issue because there’s nothing that I’ve needed RIGHT NOW and found myself without available credits. I did just run out this morning after making a purchase mentioned below, but it’s payday so I’ll be grabbing some cards tonight. That being said, it still feels as though I’ve been good for MONTHS and it’s really been .. 14 days. Damn.

World of Goo

Device: iPad only
Genre: super awesome puzzle fun
Price: $4.99 (sale)

World of Goo has been a PC favourite for a couple years now, but it’s found new life on the iPad. In fact, it was named the iPad Game of the Year by a number of different app sites. It’s a physics puzzle game that is extremely well done, and is pretty much a must-get if you have an iBig kicking around. I just downloaded it with the last of my iTunes credits; I’d had my eye on it for a while but didn’t have $10 available. It’s on sale  now for $5, which is about right – do yourself a solid, and grab this great title at 50% off while you can!

Polaroid Digital Camera App

Device: needs a camera
Genre: high tech lo-fi
Price: $1.99

I’ve had the official Polaroid app for a couple months now, but haven’t been able to use it until today thanks to it only working on the very latest iOS release. That’s all fine and good for most people, but there’s a very large group of people who are running 4.1 or older, and were unable to use the app. They finally released a fix for that little snafu today, so I’m able to finally play with it. And .. it’s pretty cool, actually. The interface is nice, there are a LOT of different options, and you can choose between medium and high resolutions. The app has a fairly low score in iTunes because of the incompatibility with older versions, but hopefully that’ll come up once people realize it’s now usable and pretty fun to boot.

Garage Inc. HD

Device: iPad/Mac
Genre: time management ala Diner Dash
Price: $1.99 (sale)

I’m somewhat of a sucker for time management games, and I wanted to download it when the Mac App Store launched last week. However, paying $10 for a Diner Dash clone isn’t something that’s ever going to happen in this lifetime, so I held off. The price dropped to $2 earlier this week, so I snapped it up – and now I wish I had waited, because Mac app and iDevice apps don’t transfer, and I’d rather have this on my iPad than iMac. Still, it’s pretty neat. I like the graphic style very much, and it has a pretty interesting story behind it. Worth a look if you’re a fan of time management games and/or the 1930s.

My beloved Hipstamatic updated last night to 1.90, and in addition to some bug fixes, includes 1.5 freebies: a new flash called Cherry Shine, and a new film added to the Portland Pack (in-app purchase required). The flash is cool, but the new film is totally awesome – it’s a great B&W film for all your arty hipster douchebag needs. Update your app today!

And while you’re at it, you should enter the Countdown to 10 Billion Apps contest. No purchase necessary; you can enter by clicking on the link or by downloading any app. The grand prize is a $10,000 iTunes gift card, which you must give to me if you win. Seriously, I need this. Do you have any idea how many apps I would give away if I had $10K to spend in iTunes? SO MANY. I rarely enter contests, but I want this so bad it HURTS. Enter now, and share with me if you win

.. What do you mean, it’s only January 6th? And the entire reason I haven’t bought anything in ages is because the App Store was on lockdown since before Christmas? And by the way, the Mac App Store launched today?

Oh shit.

I bought myself a $25 iTunes Gift Card on Monday, thinking it would surely last me a long time because look how little I’ve bought in the last 6 days. Yeah, that’s all gone now. But look at how many cool new apps I have!

8mm Vintage Camera

Device: Needs a camera
Genre: lo-fi pictures that MOVE
Price: $1.99

Love taking old-timey pictures? What if you could take old-timey pictures that MOVE, just like in Harry Potter? Well, here you go. Released barely 2 weeks ago, this app already has a solid following and for good reason – it’s kind of awesome. I took a simple 10-second video of my living room, and I’m really impressed with what this thing can do. Add in some cool film effects and different lenses to play with, and you’ve got a Hipstamatic-esq video camera for $2 – well worth the asking price. Here’s hoping they add different film and lens packs at some point, but what you get out of the box is very cool.

Burn the Rope

Device: All
Genre: Puzzle
Price: $0.99 (sale)

The perfect puzzle game for the secret arsonist within – use gravity and fire to burn as much of the rope as you can within the time limit. The flame only burns up, so tilt your device to keep the flame going. This game was worth the download for the music alone – they must have had a great deal of fun recording the theme song, which is utterly hilarious. Very cute, unique, and challenging – I give it several burning thumbs up.

Papa Sangre

Device: All
Genre: Um .. video-less video game
Price: $6.99 (ouch, but read on)

This is an expensive game, but I grabbed it LAST year so it doesn’t really count towards my 2011 numbers. Papa Sangre is a very strange little app – beautifully styled and worth a look if you’re feeling rich (or keep an eye out for a sale). You are trapped in Papa Sangre’s world, which is pitch black – but you must move on if you are to rescue the soul of your loved one. You play the game entirely by sound, using your ears to locate the exit and avoid the traps Papa Sangre has laid out for you. The game definitely requires headphones and a quiet place – it’s very atmospheric, and a total trip. I love the whole Day of the Dead thing they’ve got going on, and if the app was just a couple dollars cheaper I would be ordering you all to get it immediately. As it is, I think it’s something to check up on every once in a while to see if the price drops (AppShopper does this beautifully, by the way) and consider picking this title up anyway if you’re in the market for something incredibly different.

Clumsy Bob

Device: All
Genre: boing boing boing boing boing
Price: $0.99

I don’t know that Bob is truly clumsy so much as he is a victim of his surroundings: he’s an elephant in the sky with nothing but clouds to break his fall. This is a really cute title perfect for “pick up and play” gaming, and a must-get if you’re a fan of Mario levels where you have to jump from platform to platform. Some clouds will help you, some are mean and horrible, and there are things to collect along your way. I like this title very much, and can see myself playing it whenever I want a silly game break – well worth the dollar, and would be great for kids (or extremely childish women who live and breathe video games and instant gratification).

Magic Shutter

Device: requires a camera
Genre: long exposure photography
Price: $2.99

Playing with long exposure is one of my favourite things to do with a camera, but the default iPhone camera does not allow you to take long exposure pics. Magic Shutter allows you to take several different kinds of long and repeated exposure images, which will be a lot of fun once I figure out how to do it. It’s a little complicated to use, and the support video will need to be watched before it’s somewhat clear on what you have to do. Still, if it behaves as promised, I’ll be very interested to give it a whirl. Hooray for long exposures!

MovieCat! HD

Device: iPad only
Genre: awesome movie trivia!
Price: $3.99

If you’ve been holding out on MovieCat until the iPad version came out, wait no longer – it’s here! In addition to the awesome trivia and hilarious images, MovieCat HD also features a multiplayer mode – be a hit at parties! Astound your friends with your fabulous choice in iPad apps! It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of MovieCat, and I’m thrilled to see it available for the iBig as well as the iSmall. This is something you need to have, so get downloading and be the coolest person in the room wherever you go!

——-

So about that Mac App Store .. to be honest, I don’t know that it’s something I’m going to use a lot. There are two reasons for this: one, I’m trying to behave myself. If I can get into trouble with impulse purchases that cost $0.99, what sort of horrors will be unleashed when I can buy software that costs $5 to $100 with one click? The other thing is the entire reason I’m such a fan of the iPhone and iPad – the portability. There is nothing awesome about the thought of playing Angry Birds on my computer, but on something I carry around in my pocket? Something I can play in bed, in the bath, at work? Hell yes. I don’t deny there are some very cool things on the Mac App Store and undoubtedly there will be game-changing things to come .. but I don’t know how many of those things will be for me, especially since I’ve removed my credit card as a method of payment. Clicking a button to install Aperture 3 for $90 is a steal, but when I have to go out and buy 4 iTunes Gift Cards and redeem them all before I can do so? Well, that’s a pain in the ass. Maybe I’ll find a way around it – make a third account for the Mac Store only and tie THAT to my Visa – but I’m going to approach with caution, even though I really want to upgrade to iPhoto ’11 and check out Garage Inc.

In the meantime, though ..

Twitter

Device: Mac OSX
Genre: Twitter
Price: Free

Precipice of Darkness

Device: Mac OSX
Genre: Penny Arcade RPG mystery
Price: $3.99 (sale)

I don’t have as large a boner for Penny Arcade as Ed does, but that just means I wouldn’t go A2M on them (and he totally would). I’ve always wanted to check this game out, and it seemed to be a great title to pick up as my first official Mac Store impulse purchase. If you’re into Penny Arcade (hopefully not as much as Ed is; I think he wants their babies), consider grabbing this title while it’s 50% off and pop that Mac Store cherry.

Ninjatown: Trees of Doom!

Device: All
Genre: Adorable leaping ninjas
Price: Free! (sale)

Ninjatown is a franchise by Shawnimals, featuring the Wee Ninjas. Trees of Doom is an awesome time waster that has you using your ninja jumping skills to scale a tree while avoiding obstacles. It’s cute as all hell, and you won’t be able to put it down. Get it now while it’s free! You won’t regret it! Unless you’re a ninja-hating communist, that is.

Diner Dash

Device: All
Genre: Time Management
Price: Free! (sale)

If you don’t know what Diner Dash is, welcome to the internet. You are currently reading what is known as a “web site”, using a “computer”. Don’t be afraid! We come in peace! Diner Dash is the original time management labour game in which you run around serving people for points. Many, many games have since used this formula, but Diner Dash is still the best. Another great little time waster and one I never expected to be free, Diner Dash is a must-have if you like your games casual and zombie-free.

Shift

Device: All
Genre: Action Puzzler
Price: Free! (sale)

I really, really like Shift. It’s an action puzzle game with a literal twist: you need to flip your surroundings to reach your goal within the time limit. It’s a stark but extremely well done title, and I highly recommend you check it out while it’s free. It’s a mind-bending 2D puzzle of fun!

Broken Sword: Director’s Cut

Device: All
Genre: Story Puzzle
Price: Free! (sale)

Broken Sword is an interesting-looking story puzzle game available in both regular and HD versions (both free). I have no previous experience with this title, but it’s very highly rated and looks pretty neat so I’ve grabbed the HD version for my iPad and will play it later. People were too excited that this game was free to not mention, so check it out – you may find something amazing or horrible, but either way you’re out $0.

Game Dev Story

Device: All
Genre: Game Company Simulator
Price: $0.99 (sale, 75% off)

When Game Dev Story came out, I grabbed it even though the $4 price tag was hard to swallow. I then immediately mysteriously lost several weeks of my life – when I looked up again, it was a month later and I had no idea where I was. This game is simple but INSANELY ADDICTING, and now that it’s on sale for a dollar, you absolutely need to pick it up. Ever wanted to work in the game industry but they hate you and won’t look your way no matter what you do? Live your fantasy life here, and make highly rated games with terrible dirty names for fun and fake profit!

.. stupid game industry.

RBC Mobile

Device: All
Genre: Banking
Price: Free

Significantly less entertaining but with much more real life value, Royal Bank takes a giant leap into the 22nd century with an iPhone banking app. No more wondering if you can truly afford the lap dance or if you should hold off until payday – whip out your phone and check your balances in real time; the ladies love that. I’ve been waiting for this to come out for a while, and it’s finally here. Now I can always know just how poor I am! Hooray!