The App Store takes delivery of hundreds of new apps per day. The overwhelming scene makes it possible to easily overlook an exciting game, valuable productivity suite, etc. However, we have a solution. Today’s Best Apps tackles this problem by providing you with a handpicked and tested list of apps that are truly worth your consideration each and everyday.
Remember: Even though in-app purchases typically require your iTunes Store password for processing, you can further prevent them and other unauthorized actions by enabling local restrictions using the passcode locked iOS parental controls.
Wake Alarm by Tiny Hearts Limited ($1.99, 20.5 MB): Elegant and innovative, this alarm clock app cleverly utilizes the touchscreen and other unique hardware of your smartphone to create the perfect waking instrument. The UI is very clean, displaying just the current time within a glowing circle. To set an alarm, just spin that ring like a dial, select the sound and days at the bottom, then tap the checkmark to confirm. Other actions are equally as quick and simple, where a swipe down shows alarms, which can be managed using taps and swipes, and a drag left reveals the settings panel. The app has support for up to four alarms and offers a selection of 12 tones. Beyond the wonderful UI, Wake offers three alarm disabling and snoozing methods to accommodate "morning people" and those who aren't. If you're good about getting out of bed, simply opt for the slide to off method. Fine with waking up, but don't want to rush things, including looking at your phone? The accelerometer and proximity sensor-based flip or slap option allows snoozing with one easy motion. And last but certainly not least, shake mode is available to jostle the most stubborn of sleepers, requiring at least a few seconds of rapid movement to fill up the screen and disable the alarm. The app also features night mode for lower power consumption and reduced light emission, however, connection to an external power source is still recommended.
Stickman Tennis by Robert Szeleney ($0.99, 40.6 MB): Try your hand, or rather thumbs, at this challenging tennis simulation game and discover if you have what it takes to be a pro. Despite the stickman players, the feel and looks are quite realistic. In fact, the play is very diverse and in-depth. You'll play on 10 different textured courts against variously talented opponents with control over position and, of course, the type of hit. Put simply, it will be pleasantly tough. From novice to veteran, there are three avenues of play to enjoy. You may train and practice using the ball machine, test yourself in a single match, or go for the gold in one of the 64 tournaments. The game features 3-D graphics, aforementioned play modes, 10 courts, 100 players, three AI skill levels, assisted and completely manual control schemes, rewind function, match resume, match statistics, and a Game Center leaderboard.
Guitar! by Smule by Smule (Free, 45.5 MB): If you enjoy rhythm-based music games, then you should jump right in and try this latest entry from Smule. Strumming is simple to learn but tough to master, plus there's the bonus of greatly unique accompanying vocal performances made possible through Smule's Sing! Karaoke app. The app currently includes 10 songs with three skill levels and three guitars (two unlockable): acoustic, rock, and electric.
Tetris® Blitz by Electronic Arts (Free, 36.1 MB): Enjoy the legendary arcade game of tetrominos in a great new way. Very similar to other "Blitz" titles, play is intensified by a limited window of time for scoring and advantage stealing power-ups. However, that's not the only change. To best suit the fast-paced strategy, all possible destinations for each block are immediately indicated, including after orientation changes. Simply tap on a position for instant placement, but don't become careless. In fact, high efficiency will initiate Frenzy mode, which provides easier cascading and score boosting. The game features colorful 2-D graphics, electronic soundtrack, four power-ups, as well as leaderboards, weekly tournaments, and friend challenges via Facebook.
Blip Blup by ustwo™ ($1.99, 31.9 MB): This challenging puzzler will ignite neurons as you try to efficiently launch bursts of color. Specifically, you'll be initiating omnidirectional pulses of light, referred to as blips, to fill an entire area with color. A single quick tap starts a pulse, although, you can preview the results before firing by performing a tap and hold. Even though beginning levels contain easier to solve open areas, difficulty becomes clear soon enough as puzzles morph into winding and restricted labyrinths. The game features pixelated 2-D graphics, atmospheric electronic soundtrack, 140 levels spanning 10 packs, single finger control, star rating system as well as a Game Center leaderboard and achievements. An ad-supported trial version is available.
Go Round by Little White Bear Studios, LLC (Free, 20.9 MB): Get sucked into this uniquely challenging match-3 puzzler. Rather than having gems cascade down the screen in a filled grid formation, scattered colored circles are pulled towards the center of a three ring target. To get them there and score the required number of points, you must match three or more of the same. Every match causes a merge, then a movement one ring inward. The difficulty stems from the limited number of moves allowed before the target begins to collapse. Those who are skilled enough will be able to initiate multiple merge reactions and save moves. In addition, higher scores equal more coins, which allows placing power-ups at the ready. The game features elegant 2-D graphics, a calm piano-based soundtrack, 100 levels, and color blind mode.
Quell Memento by Bulkypix ($2.99, 46.2 MB): In this artistically portrayed maze-style puzzler, your goal is to uncover a mystery story by reassembling the memories of an unknown man. Making sense of it all will require collecting the shattered parts of history in a physical manner by means of moving an orb to collect every piece. As time progresses, so will the difficulty of retrieving the items, especially with great efficiency. However, do your best to solve the path of the labyrinths, no matter what lay in the way. The game features a narrated story, beautiful vintage graphics, more than 150 levels spanning several stages, iCloud integration for game data backup and syncing, as well as a Game Center leaderboard.
Hyper Breaker Turbo by Barry Kostjens ($1.99, 30.1 MB): Brick breaking has broken out of the box as a new kind of action arcade experience. With the restraints removed, you now have more control of the paddle, not just horizontal, to reach greater heights, literally. Instead of busting up blocks in a large open area, the modified objective involves strategically smashing through barriers as quickly as possible on a vertical path to the finish line. The game features 2.5-D graphics, retro sounds and a powerful electronic soundtrack, 75 levels spanning three different visually themed stages, collectable power-ups, as well as a Game Center leaderboards and achievements.
Dead Ahead™ by Chillingo Ltd (Free, 23.4 MB): In this fast-paced and action-packed side-scrolling endless runner, the only way to survive is to ride. Another zombie apocalypse story is being played out and you're, once again, the only person left defending off all who've become the undead. Packing whatever heat you can get ahold of, hop on that hog and ride like mad. Plow through any zombified beings blocking the path and shoot at those chasing you, but be certain to avoid abandoned cars and other hazards. Unfortunately, nothing is forever and demise is inevitable. However, every attempt provides experience and awards to utilize on improved weaponry and two wheeled transportation. The game features retro-style arcade and cartoon 2-D graphics, some gore, dual-thumb control, collectable power-ups, numerous upgrades, as well as Game Center leaderboards and achievements.
