Today's Best Apps: Beach Games, Vert And Spelling Millionaire 2
Vert - simply converting by Andrej Mihelic ($0.99, 3.2 MB): Whether comparing currency, weight, length, temperature, or even clothing sizes, this is definitely the go-to conversion tool for those of you who regular deal with various units of measurement. The first thing that makes this app special is the amount of covered units, over 700 spanning 30 categories, including some unusual ones like a Manhattan block. Because of such a large database, there's also a search function, automatic currency selection using location services, the ability to mark units and unit categories as favorites, plus a printing calculator-type history log for the ultimate efficiency. As a bonus, the easy to operate and elegant flat tricolor user interface has 12 color schemes choices available to match your iDevice and viewing preferences.
Universal:
Beach Games by Donut Games ($0.99, 8.5 MB): Summer may be coming to a close, however, this physics-based action-arcade title still has plenty of fun in the sun to offer. As a matter of fact, there are five mini-games to enjoy. The classic Frisbee throwing requires tossing the hovering disc just right to catch all of those point awarding stars and land on that tiny target flag. Get a good streak going and you'll face more challenging scenarios and, of course, earn more points. In balloon throwing, you must heave a giant water balloon as far as possible or into targets, some being unsuspecting sunbathers. Roller skating is the oh so familiar endless side-scrolling survival-type activity where you'll need to leap over concrete blocks, tires, bananas, and other obstacles using ramps and old-fashioned hopping skills to collect more stars and avoid wipeouts. Up next, the couldn't go without water activity, skiing. Deceptively easy, like everything else previous mentioned, the goal is to carve around the buoys without crashing into rocks. And finally, take to the sky and experience the difficulty of hang gliding. The soaring and swooping competition involves making your way through large and small hoops while once again collecting stars via realistically delayed control. The game features hand drawn graphics, retro-style sound effects, three attribute level ranking system, plus Game Center integration to provide an overall as well as activity-specific leaderboards.
Spelling Millionaire 2 by PlayShore ($0.99, 32.8 MB): This linguistic-focused variation of the popular trivia game show offers a refreshing form of interactive edutainment for the entire family. Rather than be quizzed on a multitude of general knowledge topics with four possible answers, the road to a million virtual dollars involves only a single question, "Is this the correct spelling?" and two choices. Sounds way too easy, right? Perhaps, although, you may be pleasantly surprised at the challenge. As with the television show, there is a time restriction to answer, slowly increasing difficulty and rewards, financially safe points after reaching milestone levels, and lifelines: ask the audience and extra time. In addition, similar to a Spelling Bee, the definition is available upon request to help and teach. However, unlike the TV competition, these assistance options aren't granted freely, they are earned. The game features cartoony graphics and sound effects based on the show, more than a 2,000 word database, online leaderboard, and four play modes: Normal, Expert, Lightning, and Kids. Lifelines, bonus modes, and other extras are unlocked by earning virtual cash and diamonds or via in-app purchases for real money.
