Today's Best Apps: Ration, Buddy & Me And Connect - 4
Ration by Nathan Reyes ($2.99, 1.8 MB): Because of a unique approach to both input and reporting, this finance manager is a great tool for future funding as well as transaction tracking. More like a to-do app, Ration's root screen consists of a scrollable calendar, two toolbars, and two buttons per month. In contrast to what you may initially think, tapping the envelope icon won't bring up a blank email message. Rather the item behaves as a storage bin for saving excess money amount from the previous month and moving it forward. Perhaps that doesn't currently apply, but the next feature could help change the situation. Consisting of a network of ringed circles, which are actually graphs, the finance flow chart's design shows the logical relationships and data calculations of debts and credits resulting in the current balance. The standard connections are shown by default, however, you may tap on input circles to display different figures. Once finished with analyzing, just flick downward and you'll be returned to the calendar.
Universal:
Buddy & Me by Sunbreak Games ($2.99, 107.4 MB): This charming endless-type side-scrolling runner will immerse you in a boy's fantasy adventure of magnificent creatures and challenges. Everything begins when the youth begins to dream, thrusting him and you into an amazing wilderness with his friend Buddy, a creature that reminds me of Falkor the Luckdragon, soaring by his side. With simple taps and holds, help the little journeyer leap from platform to platform, swing on tires, and fly atop Buddy to gathering stars and other treasures, each maintaining or increasing the time away from reality. The game features beautiful hand-drawn 2.5-D graphics, wonderful instrumental soundtrack, single finger control, and local score-based achievements.
Connect - 4 by Thomas Finke (Free, 4.6 MB): Enjoy some nostalgic board game fun any time and anywhere with this turn-based online multiplayer version. It may not be a "With Friends" title but the developer has done a fine job of recreating the classic match-4 play in a sleek and simple experience. Similar to Letterpress, the main menu lists games vertically with opponent name, turn status, and board thumbnail all simultaneously viewable. Active moves are played on flat UI boards through one touch control to drop your blue or red piece. Matches are created and managed by Game Center and turn status updates notified through Push alerts.
