Today's Best Apps: Bardbarian, Baldur's Gate II, Mega Jump 2 And Shadow Blade
Shadow Blade by Crescent Moon Games ($1.99, 148.1 MB): Enjoy an old school handheld-type challenge by immersing yourself in this pick-up and play hack-and-slash action-platformer. You command a skilled ninja who must get some important information to his sensei but, of course, the evildoers won't let them happen without a fight or 50, although, that's not a problem. Using swipe-based gestures or traditional dual-thumb joystick and button controls, dash through the level, gathering stars as well as slicing and dicing the opponents into bloody pulps. You're graded on thoroughness and quickness with extra awards for being stealthy. The game features smooth 3-D graphics, techno tunes, two control schemes, and 40 levels spanning three chapters plus a bonus Hardcore mode.
Bardbarian by Bulkypix ($0.99, 64.8 MB): This amusing tower defense game spoof brings a refreshing approach to the over saturated genre. Brad, a courageous and powerful barbarian, is typically the one called upon to fend off the village's enemies. However, he has become tired of being the sole protector, and decided to take up another interest, being a musician, but not while completely ignoring the town's safety. Cleverly crafted from an old weapon, Brad's unique lute becomes the ultimate battle axe, able to motivate and heal a new army of warriors through awesome riffs. In other words, the musical notes are like constantly generated currency, allowing you to recruit more soldiers, improve their skills, and so forth. Just remember, Brad is now a lover and not a fighter, meaning that you simply help avoid the attacks and gather the loot while the up to three grateful fans, err, followers automatically strike. The game features hand-drawn 2.5-D graphics, rock/metal-style soundtrack, humorous intro and tutorial with mildly mature content, 12 unlockable and upgradeable unit types, dual currencies, plus Game Center leaderboards and achievements.
Mega Jump 2 by Get Set Games (Free, 60.1 MB): Redford and friends are back and ready for more high-flying action in this sequel to the acclaimed endless jumping game. The adorable monsters await another blast off, hoping for your help to reach new heights by safely and strategically bounding from springy clouds and other floating pads of grass as well as tokens, coins, and additional special objects while avoiding baddies and unsafe platforms. In between those upward journeys, recruit a new monster or enhance the currently chosen one by purchasing and applying skill upgrades and disposable boosts using those collected coins, which clearly serve a purpose beyond magical propulsion. The game features vibrantly colorful cartoony 3-D graphics, quirky and upbeat soundtrack, score multiplying mini-objective adventures and Fever Mode, dual currencies, 14 unlockable characters with different power-up-style skills, five universally upgradeable attributes/skills, six boosts, tilt control, and a Game Center leaderboard. Pop-up ads may appear in the menus.
iPad:
Baldur's Gate II by Beamdog ($14.99, 1.8 GB): The followup to the fundamental RPG of all time finally arrives in the App Store, and with similar improvements as the first mobile remake. In addition to the Shadows of Amn campaign and the original expansion, Throne of Bhaal, this edition encompasses the group of three new characters integrated and sequels to two expansions introduced in the enhanced version of Baldur's Gate (I), plus another new party member and four more world augmentations. That means, overall, the game features high-resolution full-screen 3-D graphics, dramatic instrumental soundtrack, as well as a very immersive, decision-based story with numerous side quests playable solo or via cross-platform cooperative multiplayer.
