Temple Run: Oz

Temple Run: Oz

Temple Run: Oz was launched yesterday on iOS and this TR [1] is inspired by the movie Oz the Great and Powerful that is releasing in theaters this weekend, March 8th, 2013. With TR: Oz some new features and twist are added to the same style of TR game play. You still swipe up to jump, down to slide, and left/right to turn in either direction. The twist comes in the format of the environment and how the backgrounds change and force you to be more alert than the previous versions of TR.

What do I mean by the changing environments? Well in this version of TR you have the option to explore different locations that do not come pre-installed in the game which you must download, for free I might add. Also in TR: Oz the roads will collapse on either side of you so you have to be careful of that. Then you have obstacles that will tumble into your path while you are running, such as boulders. There are also snapping vines grabbing for your ankles while you are being chased by flying evil baboons.

I was really impressed with the gameplay of TR: Oz it was much smoother than that of TR2 in my opinion. TR2 had a lot of lag and freezes that I do not notice with TR: Oz. The graphics seem much improved as well and since this game is based off of the Wizard of Oz or rather just OZ, you have the yellow brick road and all that comes with it. Be prepared for tornado holes and hot air balloons!

TR: Oz does offer some of the dreaded In-App Purchases which I am not very fond of. I will not get into why but I just wanted to point out that you can purchase coins and/or gems to help you unlock the power-ups in the game. Some of the power-ups include:

• Magic Magnet


• Fireworks


• Coin Bonus


• Double Coins


• Head Start


• Stumble Proof


• Run Multiplier


• plus more…

As I mentioned above there is a level that you have the option of downloading that does not come packaged with the game. The level is called Dark Forest and is a cemetery level. You can also download HD Assets which I am assuming is meaning retina graphics? I really couldn’t tell much of a difference between the HD Assets and the non-HD Assets. To be fair I only played 2 games before I downloaded the HD Assets and I honestly didn’t pay attention to the graphics of the non-HD graphics. My thinking is that they are offering these 2 downloads to keep the game at under 50MB so that the game doesn’t require Wi-Fi to download. TR: Oz comes in at 45.9MB from the App Store so I am assuming those extra features would have put TR: Oz over the limit.

Another thing I wanted to make sure I mentioned was the social sharing feature of the game. If you have your Facebook account logged into on your iOS device, before playing TR: Oz you might want to jump into settings and turn off “Autopost” to Facebook which is turned “On” by default. You will have the option of sharing to FB even though this is turned off but you will have to do it manually after each run. You can also share to Twitter, by email, by text message, and save a screenshot to your camera roll. TR: Oz also has Game Center built-in so you can compare your high scores with that of your Game Center friends.

If you link your Facebook account to the game you will also be able to compete in weekly challenges for “distance” and “score” in the game. There are also Weekly and Legendary challenges that you can compete against or try to achieve each week. Some of the challenges are currently:

• 1,000 coins


• 3 Gems in a single run


• 5x multiplier


• Pocket Change (collect 2500 coins)


• much more…

Overall this is a superb game and I have no problem recommending Temple Run: Oz. Temple Run: Oz is a universal iOS game and will run on your iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, or iPod Touch devices that are running iOS 5.0 or greater. If you are a fan of Temple Run then you will want to grab this title today. Temple Run: Oz is only $0.99 in the App Store:

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1. 
   

   TR short for Temple Run, just because it is easier and faster than spelling it out 50 times.  ↩

   
   

Real Racing 3 (exploit)

Real Racing 3 which launched last night in the United States has an exploit where you do not have to wait for repair times if you turn on Airplane mode then adjust the Time and Date settings and set your clock however many hours ahead that the repair time is needed. This exploit will work on all iOS devices. You can also turn WiFi off if you choose but I find turning Airplane mode on to be faster. The video above will explain how it works and how to accomplish this exploit. EA may decide to update the game but currently this works on this current version of Real Racing 3.

Real Racing 3 is free to download in the iOS App Store: http://j.mp/Y1FVF8

Have a question or comment about this? Try me on Twitter @iCrizzo.

Real Racing 3 - Now Available

Last night Real Racing 3 launched for the iPad and iPhone. I will have a review of this game up by tomorrow, just need to play it some more to get a better understanding of how the game works. Unlike Real Racing 1&2 this is a free to download game but it being an EA game it is heavily supported by In-App Purchases.

Download link: http://j.mp/Y1FVF8

Tetris for iPad

Did you grow up in the NES or Gameboy days? Did you grow up playing Tetris and Dr. Mario? I did and now I can relive some of those memories with Tetris for iPad. Tetris for iPad is from EA Games but it still plays like the original Tetris but with a couple additional gameplay modes.

The game modes are as follows:

• ONE-TOUCH
  
• MARATHON
  
• GALAXY
  

If you grew up playing Tetris then you will probably want to reminisce with the Marathon mode as it reminds me the most of how I played Tetris as a kid. The One-Touch mode seems like it is geared towards either kids or first time Tetris players. Galaxy is like Tetris with a twist.

How the modes play:

• Marathon: The object of Marathon is the same as the traditional way you might have played Tetris in the past. You need to form horizontal lines in the Matrix. When a line is completed it will disappear, if you clear multiple lines you will earn scoring bonuses. You do not want your Tetrimino (blocks) to reach the top of the Matrix blocking new a new Tetrimino from entering the Matrix. You move blocks left to right or right to left by swiping on the screen, you can rotate blocks by tapping on the screen.
  

• One-Touch: This mode is the exact same as the Marathon mode except you do not move the block from right to left or left to right, you are given several choices of where you would like your blocked to be placed before it starts to drop. You can also hold blocks or cycle them for new Tetriminos (blocks). You have a timer that is ticking down that must choose before reaches 0 or the block will fall directly in the middle of the Matrix board. The further you get the faster the clock ticks.
  

• Galaxy: The object of the game is to reach the core of the planets by clearing Strata lines. Each time you clear a line you are rewarded with T-Coins. The few Tetriminos (blocks) used to reach the core the higher your Star Rank will be.
  

Tetris for iPad also features some In-App purchases for T-Coins, these coins can be used to purchase music in the game. As an example the original 8-bit Tetris theme music can be had for 3000 T-Coins. You don't need to purchase coins to buy theme music you can earn the coins in-game, but if you don't want to wait to purchase your theme music you are given the options of In-App purchase for T-Coins. My opinion is to avoid paying real money and just earn the coins in the game!

Overall this is a fantastic game, the controls take a little bit of getting used to, especially when you reach the higher levels. The game play is much faster and sometimes swiping on the iPad is tad more difficult than using the D-Pad of a handheld controller. Maybe not difficult but using a controller seemed much easier! If I had a scoring system I would give this game a 9 out of 10!

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You can download Tetris in the App Store for only $2.99:
TETRIS® for iPad - Electronic Arts



Tetris is also available on the iPhone:
TETRIS® - Electronic Arts

Theme Park for iOS

Theme Park is a universal iOS application for the iPad, iPad mini, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Theme Park is free to download but the game does rely heavily on IAP (In-App Purchases).

Honestly I am not a huge fan of these types of games, I feel they are aimed at children with the only goal of getting them to spend real money for fake items in the game. I installed Theme Park for my daughter on her iPad mini and she enjoyed the game from the moment she started playing, but after about 10 minutes she was nagging me for my iTunes password so she could purchase roller coasters. I am sure this is what EA had in mind with this "freemium" style of game play with Theme Park.

Anyway, watch the video review/demo below for more information about the game and the gameplay:



Disable In-App Purchases: http://www.crizzo.net/2012/11/disableinapp.html

Get ready for the biggest update yet! Populate your park with Entertainers (like The Strong Man) that your visitors (and you) will love. In addition, there are brand new attractions, Mystery Boxes (so you can score special prizes), a new level cap, and even more park expansion areas!

Download Theme Park in the iOS App Store:
Theme Park™ - Electronic Arts (iPad, iPad mini)

Theme Park™ - Electronic Arts (iPhone, iPod Touch)

Temple Run 2

Another terrific game from Imangi Studios. If you have ever played Temple Run 1 then you will want to grab Temple Run 2 as it features new characters and an improved graphics engine. Temple Run 2 uses the Unity Game Engine to power the graphics and gameplay. Overall TR2 is the same as the first game but now also includes a few twist to the gameplay such as sliding down cables and riding in mine carts. Overall Temple Run 2 is a great game and highly recommend giving it a download, after all it is free to download.

 

DOWNLOAD:
Temple Run 2 - Imangi Studios, LLC (iPad)
Temple Run 2 - Imangi Studios, LLC (iPhone / iPod Touch)

If you haven't already played the first Temple Run you can grab that here also:

Temple Run - Imangi Studios, LLC (iPad)
Temple Run - Imangi Studios, LLC (iPhone / iPod Touch)

Also Temple Run Brave: 

Temple Run: Brave - Disney
Temple Run: Brave - Disney

3illiards for iPad

3illiards is a universal iOS application. Works for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. There is a free version and a paid version.




If you enjoy shooting pool then you will really enjoy this application. The physics of the gameplay are amazing, it feels like you are really playing pool.




You have 3 different game types:

8-ball
9-ball
Snooker (honestly I have no idea what this is as I am not a die hard pool player).

You also have 3 different modes of play:
Solo
Pass N Play (2 players share the iPad)
vs. CPU

Additional features:
Change your game environment
Change the table cloth color

My only cons for 3illiards are no Game Center for achievements and no online play. If this game had online play to compete against others it would be a 5 star application, without online play it is still a 4 star game.

Augmented Reality Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbFpbQBVJmw

Download:
3ILLIARDS - 3R Studio LTD


Developer Website
3R Studio

Clash of Clans - Updated

Today Clash of Clans for iOS was updated with a huge update bringing forth some new features to the game.

CoC introduces heroes to the game play. You can unlock the 2 new heroes in the Army section of the Shop. As you can see the barbarian king cost ten thousands dark elixir. Dark elixir is also a new feature added to the game, to use the dark elixir you will need a town hall of level 7 and two mine dark elixir you will need a town hall of level 8.

 

 

Also, this update removes to snow and all of the Christmas bonuses and surprises.

 

 

Not sure what Clash of Clans is? Check out my video demo of the game:

 

Also check out my Clash of Clan strategies 

FIFA '13 for iPad

FIFA '13 for iOS is a universal application that will run on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. This is a great game and one of the most complete games you will find on an iOS device.



This video is just some simple game play footage. I am using AirPlay from my iPad to my iMac, I didn't realize that doing so would blackout the iPad screen other than the controls so it caught me off guard when I started recording as I am used to staring at my iPad while I play. One thing about AirPlay though is that when in AirPlay and the iPad screen goes black except for the controls, it is really hard to stare at the t.v. and use the iPad as a controller. I never know exactly where I am touching like I do with a real controller that has actual buttons. Not having any real feedback from the iPad makes it slightly difficult to a get a feel for using the iPad as a controller. Of course you don't have to use AirPlay and can enjoy the game only using the iPad which feels much more natural in my opinion.

Currently FIFA '13 is on sale in the App Store for only $0.99:
FIFA SOCCER 13 by EA SPORTS - Electronic Arts

REAL PLAYERS, REAL TEAMS, REAL LEAGUES
Featuring 30 leagues, 500 licensed teams, and more than 15,000 players. From the English Premiership and La Liga, to the German Bundesliga and beyond – take the superstars of football on the pitch in Quick Match, Manager or the brand new Online Multiplayer and Tournament game modes as you dominate your league and march toward glory in 32 authentic stadiums.

Need For Speed: Most Wanted

NFS: Most Wanted in another street racer in the NFS series. This is a terrific iOS game that takes advantage of the accelerometer in the iPad and allows you to use your iPad like a steering wheel. Using the iPad as a steering wheel really brings this game to life, not only that but the excellent graphics and game play make for an overall wonderful user experience.

The controls of the game are fantastic, as mentioned above you steer with the iPad but you also have a few additional features such as swiping up on the iPad to use your nitro boost and hold down on the right side of the screen to go into a drift slide when taking sharp corners.



You can login to your Origin account and challenge your friends and earn extra game rewards in doing so. If you do not have an Origin account I would highly recommend you create an account to take full advantage of the game.

NFS: MW also features several In-App Purchases but they are not necessary to enjoy this beautiful game.

The graphics are incredible and are almost console like. The reflections on the road, the side of the cars, the details of the vehicles are second to none.

This is a must have game on the iPad. Currently EA is having a holiday sale and Need For Speed: Most Wanted is only $0.99 in the App Store. Normally this game is $6.99 so if you think this is something you may enjoy playing on your iPad then now is the time to purchase it.

GO FROM ZERO TO MOST WANTED:
• Choose and customize over 40 unique cars
• Race the way you want! By popular demand you can now touch or tilt to steer
• Use Mods to enhance your car and get ahead of the pack in style
• Experience the action with mind-blowing graphics and intense full-car damage
• Earn Speed Points to unlock new cars

Download NFS: Most Wanted in the App Store:
Need for Speed™ Most Wanted - Electronic Arts

Clash of Clans - Strategies

Clash of Clans has easily become one of my all-time favorite iOS games. Before I played Clash of Clans I was mostly playing Kingdom Rush and Strategery on a daily basis. Both of those games are different types of games compared with Clash of Clans but I enjoyed myself immensely when playing both of them. I have not played either game in over a month, it is mostly Clash of Clans and I have mixed in some GTA: Vice City along the way.

This video is mostly about the strategies that I use when attacking opponents. My strategy may not work for you but you can always try and see if it helps any. Everyone has a different way of playing, attacking, setting up defenses, etc. These are just my tactics and what I have found the most success in doing.

One the offense side of things I always check for 2 things:

1. Do they have barracks or workshops tucked in the corners of the map?


2. Do they have any reinforcements in their clan castle?

If normally check for reinforcements first by placing either 1 goblin or 1 warrior close to the clan castle. If they have reinforcements then I will find a spot on the map which is away from all other defenses, normally a corner and I will set a couple of warriors there to draw the reinforcements away from the other defenses. Once I get them in the corner I will launch a few more warriors and archers to defeat the reinforcements. It is much easier to defeat the reinforcements away from the other defenses.

Once the reinforcements are defeated I will then focus on a point of attack on their walls. I will try to find the weakest spot or if I am farming I will look for a spot that I might be able to use wall breakers on so I can unleash my goblins.

My usual offense for farming gold and elixir:

• 80-100: goblins


• 10-20: archers


• 10: warriors


• 5-8: wallbreakers


• 5-8: giants

That is my basic attack setup, also I only attack players that I know I can raid for all their lucky charms. Sometimes it takes me 10-15 tries before finding the perfect village to raid = lots of gold/elixir and a weak defense. It is always worth it in the long run.

Be sure to check out my other Clash of Clan video: Clan of Clans Review

Check out Simon's Clash of Clans strategies: CoC

Angry Birds Star Wars

Today Rovio launched Angry Birds Star Wars for the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and OS X. Angry Birds Star Wars is the same gameplay as the other Angry Birds games but with a Star Wars twist to it. You play as the birds who represent "The Force" and go to battle against those same Bad Piggies who are on "The Dark Side". If you are a fan of either Star Wars or Angry Birds then this is a must have game.

The price of Angry Birds varies depending on the platform you are purchasing it for:

iPhone/iPod Touch - $0.99
iPad - $2.99
Mac OS X - $4.99

Angry Birds Star Wars also features a couple of In-App purchases, you can opt for Jedi Training which will run you $1.99 or you can purchase the "Big Eagle" which is cleverly disguised as the Millennium Falcon. The Millennium Falcon can be used to finish a level if you find the level to be hard to defeat. The Millennium Falcon In-App purchases range from $1.99 - $19.99 depending how many you want to purchase. The $19.99 version will include some bonus "Millennium Falcon" that can be used during gameplay.

You can purchase Angry Birds Star Wars in the iOS or OS X App Store:
iPad
iPhone
OS X

Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is a brilliant "RTS/Time Management" style game. Clash of Clans is a universal iOS application that will run on your iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. It is a free download in the App Store but relies heavily on In-App Purchases. IAP are not required but honestly to enjoy the game you will need to purchase gem packs in order to find the game enjoyable or it will take you forever to build your kingdom.

I first learned about Clash of Clans by watching some videos posted on YouTube by Simon Tay. Simon also has some terrific CoC tutorials for offensive and defensive strategies, I highly recommend you check out those videos before diving into CoC.

Overall the gameplay is fantastic, I love these types of games and I used to play an online Flash based game called Evony, Clash of Clans is the first game that comes close to the fun that Evony offered. If you enjoy these types of games I highly recommend you check it out and the fact that it is free to download means it cost you nothing but a few moments of your time.

FEATURES:

• Free to Play


• Build your village into a undefeatable fortress


• Battle with players worldwide and take their Victory Points


• Join together with other players to form the ultimate Clan


• 10 unique units with multiple levels of upgrades


• Defend your village with Cannons, Towers, Mortars, Bombs, Traps and Walls


• Fight against the Goblin King in an epic campaign through the realm

You can download Clash of Clans free in the App Store:

Clash of Clans - Supercell (iPad)
Clash of Clans - Supercell (iPhone)



You can Like Clash of Clans on Facebook
More information on the Developers Website

Toca Tailor for iPad

Toca Tailor is another terrific iPad game from Toca Boca. Toca Tailor is a clothing design game for kids of all ages. The app is easy to use, no learning curve whatsoever, just pick up the iPad and start playing. My daughter not only loves Toca Tailor but she enjoys all the Toca Boca games. If you have younger children and are looking for great games that will be easy for them to play but also give them hours of enjoyment then I encourage you to check out the entire lineup of Toca Boca iPad apps.




KEY FEATURES:

• 4 fun characters to choose from


• Mix, match, rotate and adjust 24 different fabric patterns


• Create your own unique patterns with the camera feature


• Add 24 different clothing details – buttons, bows and much, much more


• Style characters with 30 cool accessories – glasses, moustaches, jewellery


• Use the built-in camera to create your own background for style snapshots


• Easy-to-use, kid-friendly interface with incredible creative possibilities


• Beautiful original graphics


• No rules, stress or time limits – play any way you want


• No third-party advertising


• No in-app purchases

Toca Tailor is only $0.99 in the App Store:


Visit the Toca Boca website.

He-Man for iPad

He-Man is a very fun slasher/action game for iOS. It is a universal game and will work on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. You can purchase additional Crystals via In-App Purchases that can be used to buy Power-Ups in the game.

The controls are very easy, left side of the iPad is to move forward or backwards. Right side of the iPad is used to attack, you can also swipe up on the right side of the iPad to perform jumps or special attacks.


He-Man is only $0.99 in the App Store, you can download the game here:

iPad - He-Man: The Most Powerful Game in the Universe™ - Chillingo Ltd

iPhone/iPod Touch - He-Man: The Most Powerful Game in the Universe™ - Chillingo Ltd

Letterpress for iPad

This was my original review of Letterpress, the game seems to have been fixed since I first wrote this:

I have had to completely close the app and relaunch it at least 30x today. Probably more. I did not have this issue with the free version of the game, it was only when I upgraded to the paid version. I am not sure if this is some sort of server issue? Maybe I have too many games going at once? Just a thought. Having more than 2 games is the entire reason I upgraded via the In-App Purchase though, if I can't have more than a few games going at once then maybe a limit needs to be placed on the app? If it is not a server issue then maybe it is a Game Center issue? I have not had a problem with Game Center games before though.

The gameplay is fun, the app is beautifully designed. That is not the issue, the issue is the game is pointless if it cannot connect to Game Center. Seems like it has this problem every 5 minutes. Then when you relaunch the game it takes 3-4 minutes for it to update before you are able to do anything in the game. This is a multiplayer game so if I can't connect to Game Center then I just wasted $0.99!

Issues I am having:

• Constantly have problems connecting..


• Can't create new matches even after paying the $0.99 to upgrade the free version...