Today's Best Apps: Lumosity Mobile, Cover Orange 2, Where's My Mickey? And More
Lumosity Mobile by Lumos Labs, Inc. (Free, 23.7 MB): Just like the physical fitness apps, this mind exercising program uses limit pushing tasks to maintain or even improve your mind's health. Customized to your improvement preferences and current performance, the app automatically assembles each day's workout to enhance whatever area is needed: memory, attention, speed, flexibility, or problem solving. Rather than lifting weights, doing push-ups, and so on, toning of the mind is done via fast-paced puzzle-style mini-games, such as comparative math equations, deflection mazes, and rapid fire flash card memory tests. The app features a flat UI, progress tracking, dynamic workouts, ability to replay puzzles, a wide variety of challenges with point scoring that span the aforementioned categories, and a top five high score board for every mini-game.
Where's My Mickey? by Disney ($0.99, 47.3 MB): In this latest entry to the "Where's My" series, Disney has decided to enlist their most iconic character, the always lovable Mickey Mouse. The new experience includes new play mechanics and 100 levels spanning five amazing and challenging episodes. For example, while spending the day at the beach, Mickey realizes a great way to beat the sweltering heat. Ah-ha! Lemonade stand it is. Unfortunately, there's no drinking water to be found. However, you have a magic finger that not only clears paths through the sand, it also controls the weather, directing wind and squeezing rain from clouds. In addition, the game features classic cartoon graphics, sounds, and music as well as Game Center achievements.
Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage by Rovio Stars Ltd. ($0.99, 30.6 MB): In this now iOS-friendly physics-based puzzler, prove that you are a master icebreaker and save your imprisoned Viking comrades. Obviously, the task won't be easy, requiring proper planning and strategic execution of slicing ropes, carving giant ice chunks and more to get your friends into the ship so that you may free them. The least amount of cutting the better, but a few dozen are allowed, if it takes you that many. The game features cartoony graphics, humorous dialog, 95 levels spanning three different lands, side quests, boss battles, and a badge rating system.
Universal:
Toca Builders by Toca Boca AB ($0.99, 38.0 MB): Let your imagination erupt into whatever you want through this completely casual block-based construction app. As the brains of the operation, it's not even necessary to get your hands dirty. Simply direct the variously skilled team of builders, which can do anything from stacking blocks sky high to adding streaks and splashes of color for that perfect appearance. The game features large pixel 3-D graphics, six charming characters, support for multiple creations, auto-save when exiting an environment, and dual-thumb controls for commanding the builders.
Sand Drawing - by Timbuktu by Timbuktu Labs, Inc. (Free, 46.5 MB): A great companion for the summer weather, this creative drawing app allows kids (and even adults) to have fun doodling in the sand. In fact, everything is included for the best virtual beach getaway. There's the stick, shovel, and small rake for drawing, radio with reception of three tropical stations, plus a beach ball and flippers as well as a selection of shells, miniature sea creatures, palm tree leaves, and more to add some artistic flare. For a refreshing start, just single tap on the water to cause a wave that will wipe the shore clean.
Iron Sky: Invasion by TopWare Interactive AG ($2.99, 71.0 MB): Help defend Earth in this intense dogfighting space fighter simulator. Your assignments will consist of everything from collecting debris of experimental spacecraft involved in less successful missions to vaporizing swarms of incoming harmful UFOs. As you fly about doing hairpin turns, firing phasers, and launching torpedoes to quickly neutralize enemy attacks, avoid colliding with orbiting space stations and other ally resources. The game features wonderful 3-D graphics, seven unlockable spaceships spread among three classes, 18 semi-dynamic missions, dual thumb controls, star rating system, as well as Game Center leaderboards and achievements. A trial version is available.
XCOM®: Enemy Unknown by 2K Games ($19.99, 1.7 GB): Save the world after a terrifying alien invasion in this mobilized version of the acclaimed turn-based tactical strategy game. You're the commander of a special forces unit that has been deployed to investigate and deal with the unexpected ET army. During each mission, direct team members using step-by-step actions to get them into position, hopefully, under some cover. As you progress, fold new and greatly skilled soldiers into the ranks to expand the squad or replenish members. The game features Unreal Engine-powered 3-D graphics, story-based campaign with increasingly difficult missions, character improvement via level-up system, iCloud integration for progress backup and syncing, as well as Game Center achievements and leaderboard.
Cover Orange 2 by FDG Entertainment ($0.99, 36.7 MB): The adorable oranges are back and once again need your help to avoid the evil acid rain cloud. This even tastier physics-based puzzler includes new animations, new environments, new creatures, and more challenging excitement. In addition to keeping the citrusy characters safe through strategic placement of objects to cover them, you'll need to find somewhat hidden bonus star. Appearing as each level nears completion, the star will sit upon plants or be offered by local wildlife or another bystander hoping for your success. The game features 2-D graphics, 120 levels spanning three chapters, orange outfit customizer with the option of using the personalized appearance during play, star rating system, as well as Game Center achievements and leaderboard.
iPad:
Where's My Mickey? XL by Disney ($1.99, 46.8 MB): In this latest entry to the "Where's My" series, Disney has decided to enlist their most iconic character, the always lovable Mickey Mouse. The new experience includes new play mechanics and 120 levels spanning six amazing and challenging episodes. For example, while spending the day at the beach, Mickey realizes a great way to beat the sweltering heat. Ah-ha! Lemonade stand it is. Unfortunately, there's no drinking water to be found. However, you have a magic finger that not only clears paths through the sand, it also controls the weather, directing wind and squeezing rain from clouds. In addition, the game features classic cartoon graphics, sounds, and music as well as Game Center achievements.
Puzzle Pirates by SEGA (Free, 157.0 MB): There's treasure to be found in this here puzzle-RPG. As you sail the high seas, lots must be done to keep your vessel shipshape. From manning the bilge pump to repairs to digging out the loot, tasks are completed via match-3 mini-games (which is much like Puzzle Quest). However, don't be fooled by deceptive simplicity. The journey shall be long with plenty to do, see, and plunder. The game features 2.5-D graphics, the option to join other crews for cooperative puzzling, 22 single and multiplayer missions, character appearance customizer, and integration with the >personal computer version.
Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage HD by Rovio Stars Ltd. ($2.99, 30.6 MB): In this now iOS-friendly physics-based puzzler, prove that you are a master icebreaker and save your imprisoned Viking comrades. Obviously, the task won't be easy, requiring proper planning and strategic execution of slicing ropes, carving giant ice chunks and more to get your friends into the ship so that you may free them. The least amount of cutting the better, but a few dozen are allowed, if it takes you that many. The game features cartoony graphics, humorous dialog, 95 levels spanning three different lands, side quests, boss battles, and a badge rating system.
