Today's Best Apps: NonoCube, Space Pursuit And Bitsboard Pro
NonoCube by Graycode Software ($1.99, 34.5 MB): Exercise your mind by solving lots of 3-D nonograms in this challenging strategy puzzler. Appropriately described as a mix of Sudoku and Minesweeper, nonograms involve calculated eliminations using number hints. For each puzzle, there's an object to uncover, such as a large pixelated toothbrush or popsicle. At first, the chiseling will be easy due to only a single cell thickness, however, later puzzles will involve large overall blocks that require multi-level calculations. The game features simple 3-D graphics, single finger control with pan viewing, 60 Normal puzzles as well as an optional Platinum package.
Space Pursuit by SUSHI YAN (Free, 52.8 MB): Have some old school fun with this modernized retro space-shooter. What was once top-down vertical scrolling and 2-D is now third-person and fully 3-D. Despite the enjoyable graphics enhancements, the classic arcade play has stayed the same. While maneuvering your craft within the confined area, avoid the immense waves and streams of weapon's fire and destroy enemy vessels. A simple concept, yet it's challenging and addicting. The game also features a seven mission campaign mode, Infinity mode, six ships, six auto-fire cannons, three missile types as well as three super auxiliary weapons, tilt controls, and a Game Center leaderboard.
iPad:
Bitsboard PRO - The Best Educational Games and Flash Cards in 1 App by GrasshopperApps.com ($2.99, 122.4 MB): Especially great for language learning, this edutainment-style app uses multi-approach "Bitboards" to help teach topics. Every board typically consists of flashcards and seven mini-games involving photo to word matching, multiple choice quizzes, and spelling. There are thousands to freely download from the online category, which can even be trimmed afterwards. Better yet, every user's progress is automatically tracked for self analysis and appropriately adjusted quizzing during repeat testing. What if you can't find what a lesson or want to share your own expertise? No problem. The app allows leaners to become teachers, including self taught, by utilizing the board constructor. Boards submitted to the catalog are available to your other iDevices, other users, as well as automatically updated when changes are made. Some of the online features do require linking to your Facebook account. A single user version is also available as a free download.
