Build A Virtual Eggbot Or Eggmotor With PLapp
PLapp ($0.99) by SEMS International Co.,Ltd is a model building app that allows users to assemble and customize a range of 3D model kits.
Remember those model cars and airplanes you built as a kid? Now you can work on constructing intricate models without the hassle and expense of kits, glue, paints, and more. This app was designed to replicate the feeling of putting together an actual plastic model, which it does with a nice 3D construction field.
There are currently five different models to choose from. There are three planes: Sopwith Camel F.1, P47 Thunderbolt, and the F-14 Tomcat; plus a miniature car, the Eggmotor C4 and a robot, the Eggbot N-11.
Selecting a model option takes you to a listing of parts and instructions, which look exactly like model parts you would receive in a real kit. You are given instructions, but they are in miniature form and there’s no way to zoom in, making them difficult to read and understand.
However, there are better instructions available when you are putting the pieces together. These can be accessed in the upper right side of the screen.
It was not immediately clear to me how to begin constructing the model. As it turns out, you double tap to select one of the plastic-framed components, and tap components within the frame to remove and separate them into sections.
For the Eggmotor, there are four different panels, and pieces are scattered on each one. Removing one piece moves it to an icon on the right side of the screen, and from there, you can locate the pieces that go together as they light up in blue.
When you have enough pieces to construct a part of the model, tapping on the icon will take you to the building screen. At this screen, you draw a line between the two pieces that fit together and then pull a lever to snap them together.
Dragging the pieces from the initial panels to remove them from their backing was a frustrating process. I often could not target the small piece that I wanted, and when I did, I had a few pieces get stuck to the screen and become immovable. This made the model impossible to complete without exiting to the main menu and reopening the part sorting screen. Several of the pieces are too small to be easily manipulated.
I found putting the pieces together to be tedious, especially because some of them required two connection points and had to be facing the proper direction. This is difficult when grabbing connection points.
I think perhaps model enthusiasts might enjoy figuring out how pieces go together, but as a layperson not particularly interested in model building, I did not find the process to be entertaining. When models are complete, they can be customized with paints and decals.
There are a number of bugs in this app, but for the most part, you can get around them. For this app to appeal to a wider audience, controls need to be improved, and there needs to be an easier option that will get users to the customization screen more quickly.
Those who love constructing models will likely enjoy this app, and now is a great time to buy it because it’s available at the discounted price of $0.99 through Dec. 29.
