Gamer's Corner: The Problems With The App Store...

There are too many issues plaguing our beloved app store that I'd need more than one column to cover them all. However, what I do want to talk a little bit about are the issues relating specifically to gaming apps and the lack of any clarity in the way we have to randomly sift through app after app to find that "diamond in the rough." Let me start by saying that I really have no idea how Apple can improve on the current state of the app store. I'm sure they're working on it as I write this, but I can't imagine what they can do to make it any easier to find what you are looking for. See, that's the biggest issue right there. If you know what you are looking for, there isn't much of an issue is there? But what if you don't? Well, you might as well set aside some time for yourself because get ready to spend an inordinate amount of time scrolling down the lists of games trying to find whatever it is that you are in the mood to play. Yes, I understand that the app store has "categories" for each genre of game, at least for the most part anyway. But what do you get when you click on, say, "Action?" You get Top Paid, Top Free, and Release Date. Okay, that's fine if you want to look through recent games that are popular, but what about something released a while ago that might not be a "Top" game? I for one have played a lot of great titles that have never made it on any "Top" lists or whatnot. So how do you find these games? Random searches? Doubtful. If you just want to look around and see what games there are, your options are pretty limited. You can randomly search if you have an idea of what you want, but again that's not very practical if you don't. You can use a website like ours and see what is out there, but even up-to-date websites can't monitor and review everything, you can use apps like "Bargain Bin" or "App Sniper" to keep up with the latest releases, but that takes a lot of time and neither is very organized when it comes to just games. So what's left? Scrolling through the app store's game categories and clicking random apps that look appealing is really your only choice. But what happens sometimes when you click an app and want to read the reviews? Well, you read them and when you are done you want to go back to the spot in the list that you were scrolling on, right? However, sometimes the app store sends you back to the top and you have to scroll all the way down again. Honestly, I've never been more frustrated and annoyed like I am when I'm using the app store on my iPhone. So let's hear what you guys think of this craziness we call the app store. For me, it feels a little like the Old Wild West where there aren't many rules and just about anything goes. Maybe it's just me, but somehow I doubt it. Anyway, rant over. Let's here what you guys think on this one. And how about ways to improve it? I would love to hear your comments on this one. App Pick of the Week So seeing as how this entire article is about those hard to find games, I have a good one for all you Link fans out there. The game is called Tap Quest and it's a great blend of RPG and the original Legend of Zelda for the NES. What's great is you can gain extra party members, level them up, and the devs are constantly adding new levels for downloading. What more could you ask for? How about the fact that the game is Free? Seriously, give this one a try.

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