On April 10th, people across the country will go barefoot in support of the annual TOMS One Day Without Shoes campaign. The shoe manufacturer, which gives a pair of shoes to a needy child whenever they make a sale, created the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers children living in poverty face when walking around barefoot. For this year’s big event though, EA is bringing the campaign to the digital space by allowing The Sims to go barefoot too.

Once the campaign begins, players of The Sims FreePlay will be given the option to let their Sims go barefoot for the day. This has no adverse effect on gameplay as Sims will still be able to do what they want and any player who chooses to show support for the movement will be given a pair of free virtual TOMS’ shoes to put on their Sims once the day is over. Best of all, participating won’t cost players anything as The Sims FreePlay is available for free on the App Store now.

FREE!

The Sims™ FreePlay

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-12-14 :: Category: Games

Despite not ever being interested in girl’s toys like doll houses, I’ve adored The Sims series, even though I invariably play myself in it, sitting indoors all the time writing away. The arrival of The Sims Medieval on the iPhone marked a change for the usually furniture-focused title, allowing players to go down a more fantasy RPG route. Now that experience is available in an optimized format for the iPad.

The Sims Medieval iPad edition, offers the chance for sims and their players to join parties across the medieval realm, as well as ‘quest their way to destiny’ and great rewards. A guild system enables the Sim to participate in these quests and even fight with weapons such as Thor’s Hammer. Medieval themed mini games such as fishing, agriculture and spell casting adds to the general experience.

For those furniture and interior design obsessed players, new avatars such as the jester and vampire are available, plus the ability to add items like four-poster beds and more to the home.

Sims fans such as myself will no doubt love it.

The Sims Medieval is out now and it’s priced at $2.99 for a limited time only.

$4.99

The Sims™ Medieval For iPad

iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad
Released: 2012-02-23 :: Category: Games

Happy Holidays! If you’re like many folks, you’ll have gotten a new iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch this holiday season. And if you’re looking for a place to learn all about this new magical device in your life, you’ve come to the right place. 148Apps has tons of resources on using your new device and filling it with the best thing about it: apps.

Learning The Basics

The operating system of these devices is one of the most intuitive around. However, there’s always more waiting under the hood to make things just that much easier or better on us. While your new iPhone or iPad may not come with a manual, you can download one fairly simply from the iBooks Store. First, grab iBooks (FREE!, + Universal App), then grab the manual for your new iPad, iPhone, or
iPod touch.

Speaking of the operating system, we’ve written a few articles about the latest and greatest from Cupertino right here on 148Apps. Check out our Full Feature Roundup on iOS 5.

We even published some downloadable magazine-style User Guides last year, on each of the devices. Feel free to grab them and read through them – many of the tips and tricks included there are just as relevant today as they were then. iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

To the iCloud!!!

You may have seen some of the information about iCloud in the Apple TV commercials. It’s a great system that gives you unprecedented storage and sharing options. Here’s a short intro to iCloud from Apple.

We’ve got you covered with iCloud as well. Here’s information on both moving your data to the iCloud to help keep things synced and backed up. You may also need more information on how you set up iCloud in a multiple user family. This details all the ins and outs of multiple user groups who may otherwise share iTunes accounts.

There Really is an App for That

Once you’ve got a good handle on using that sleek new iOS device, you’ll of course want to dive in and start downloading apps. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a music lover, a book reader or even (gasp) all three, you’ll find everything you need in the iTunes Store.

When it comes to Apps, iOS has no peer. There are over 500,000 apps in the App Store, so you’ll doubtlessly find something you like. The trick, however, is filtering through all of those apps to find the specific things you want. That can be tricky, but luckily there are many ways to help.

First off are our very own reviews. We review a ton of apps weekly to give you the best recommendations about the best apps we find. Be sure to look through our Reviews lists, which can be filtered by type of app as well as sorted by date, app name, or app rating. If you just want to read reviews of our highest rated iPad games, for example, it’s an easy click. And for on the go browsing of 148Apps reviews, grab the 148Apps App (FREE!, iPhone App).

In addition, we have our famous Price Drops lists, which can be sorted to just show the latest drops in prices, or even just the latest FREE apps. Very handy, if we say so ourselves. If you’re looking for the very latest additions to the App Store, we have a list for that, as well as one for the Top Apps across all the App Store categories for each device. Then of course there’s always the very best of the best in free apps available in the free games and free apps lists.

If you want even more app discovering goodness, you might want to check out a few apps made to help you wade through the App Store. Some of our favorites are AppShopper (FREE!, + Universal App), Chomp (FREE!, iPhone App), and AppZapp (FREE!, iPhone App). There are even specific apps to help you find the latest free apps. Some of the best include Free App A Day (FREE!, iPhone App), Apps Gone Free (FREE!, + Universal App), and Free App Alliance (FREE!, iPhone App). These will all help you sort and find and browse apps and games to your heart’s content; we use them all the time to find new great apps to use and write about on the site.

Where Else To Find 148Apps?

We’re everywhere, really. However, the best places to find us are on Twitter, Facebook, and now even Google+. Be sure to come visit and chat with us there. We’re ever so responsive.

Free Apps You Shouldn’t Do Without

Now, we wouldn’t be the premier Apps review site without some sort of parting gift, now would we? How about some apps you really should try out? To make the deal even sweeter, let’s make them free apps.

iBooks, Nook, & Kindle – Reading ebooks is all the rage these days, especially on these fancy new iOS devices. We love reading on our iPad, and have even been known to crack a virtual spine or two on our iPhone while waiting at the doctor’s office. For those of you with shorter attention spans, there’s always Newsstand, iOS’s magazine subscription service. Some of the best ereader apps include iBooks (FREE!, + Universal App), Nook for iPhone (FREE!, + Universal App), Nook for iPad (FREE!, + Universal App), and Kindle (FREE!, + Universal App). Happy reading!

Facebook, Twitter, & Instant Messaging – Keep in touch with family, friends, and us – your favorite Apps website – with these free social networking apps. Tell ‘em 148Apps sent you!
There’s Facebook (FREE!, + Universal App), Twitter (FREE!, + Universal App) though Tweetbot ($2.99, iPhone App) is much better, though not free like the official Twitter app.

For instant messaging, check out imo (FREE!, iPhone App) and imo for iPad (FREE!, iPad App). And don’t forget Skype (FREE!, iPhone App) and Skype for iPad (FREE!, iPad App). We’ve become big fans of GroupMe (FREE!, + Universal App) lately too for group communication.

Gaming on the Cheap – Now, we put out a sweet weekly article that tells you about the latest FREE gaming apps, but here are a few we think you won’t want to miss. We could go on for hours about it, really, but these should get you off to a good start.

For a great free endless runner, check out Temple Run (FREE!, + Universal App). A wonderful game. For some great physics puzzle fun, the new king is Where's My Water? Free (FREE!, + Universal App) and you can never go wrong with the classic Angry Birds Free (FREE!, iPhone App). A couple other free games we really like include The Sims Freeplay (FREE!, + Universal App) and TinyTower (FREE!, + Universal App).

You should also check out our massive iOS game and app sale post. There are tons of great deals and quite a few temporarily free apps there. Be sure to grab the great Jetpack Joyride (FREE!, + Universal App) while it’s free. It’s one of our favorite games of the year.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about your new magical iOS devices. The iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are some of the best new gadgets to give or receive. Be sure to come back often to see what we have for you; we’re always looking to find the news or apps you want to know about first. From all of us here to all of you out there, Happy Holidays!!!

Fans of popular EA franchise The Sims have never failed to find delights on the App Store. With four different varieties encompassing the original, Ambitions, World Adventures and Medieval, there’s plenty of fun to be had. However, there’s nothing replicating Facebook game The Sims Social. That is until now.

Coming to the App Store next month will be The Sims Freeplay, an entirely new game that bears a lot of similarities to other freemium games. It’ll be the kind of title that players can check in on throughout the day with The Sims world running constantly in the background. Players will get the chance to create up to 16 customized Sims, design their dream homes, care for pets, grow gardens and even find some time for baking too. A goals system which will presumably tie in with the career potentials of the Sims means that there’ll always be something new to do. There will also be the near obligatory in-app purchases we’ve all come to expect from freemium titles.

The Sims Freeplay is set for release next month. For now, check out the screenshots below for a taste of what’s to come.

Three sweet gaming deals today from big companies like EA and Gameloft. Don’t pass these up; if you haven’t already played these games, you owe it to yourself and your wallet to grab them while you can.

The Sims 3 – Was $6.99, now $0.99
The Sims 3 Ambitions – Was $4.99, now $0.99
The quintessential Sims experience on iOS and its similarly well received sequel are both on sale for a measly dollar. Like our review clearly states, it’s time to “get away from life and control someone else’s.”


Dead Space – Was $6.99, now $0.99
In space, no one can hear you scream, especially if you’re a mute protagonist of the Gordon Freeman school, bent on saving your mining ship from certain doom at the hands of an alien freakshow. Yeah, we like this game. You will, too, and it’s WAY less pricey right now.


Shadow Guardian – Was $6.99, now $0.99
While our reviewer found it a touch too pricey at seven bucks, Shadow Guardian HD shouldn’t be a problem for anyone at a dollar. Give this Uncharted clone by Gameloft a try for a lot less cash.

Granted, there are far more Sims titles available for the PC, but the App Store has certainly seen it’s fair share. It may need a few dozen more releases in order to catch up, but Electronic Arts is definitely doing their part to give the series wings on iOS devices. Their fourth attempt at miniaturizing the drug addiction-like voyeur/god simulator has resulted in a hand-held rendition of The Sims Medieval.

In this newest installment of what will inevitably boil-down to a game of interior decoration murder (we all eventually try to kill them, there’s no shame in admitting it), things have gotten decidedly more fantasy RPG-like. This is primarily because of the inclusion of quests and a legitimate medieval setting, but those aren’t the only reasons. There are new avatar options such as a dungeon keeper or vampire, the ability to create a guild and get help with various quests from sim-friends. There’s even the inclusion of a first for the entire Sims series: combat. That’s right, players can finally collect and use weapons in duels with other sims. And, of course, there’s the always-present home customization.

The Sims Medieval is available right now for $4.99. It’s time to get busy with the questing.

$2.99

The Sims™ Medieval

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-09-22 :: Category: Games

The Sims 3: World Adventures for the iPhone is a different experience from The Sims 3 that is currently on the App Store. The game adds many new features and places to explore, without complicating the experience too much.

Some of the new features include that ability to travel to Egypt, Paris, and China. In addition, the size of each city map has been increased dramatically from the previous version. In addition, there are more customization options for your Sim including more face types.

The game includes four new mini game types scattered throughout the game. And some interesting easter eggs like the mummy in Cairo. Overall, the game seems to have a little more character than The Sims 3.

If you have already been playing The Sims 3 on the iPhone, you have the ability to transfer your Sim to the new version. The game walks you through the process when you start it — you basically just save an image of your Sim from the previous version and import that into this version. You characteristics and any extra items that you have bought will come over with it. You do start over with money in the new game though.l

Overall, the Sims 3 is a good starting point for people new to the Sims universe or people who just want to get a fix in while on the go. The Sims 3: World Adventures should launch in the App Store soon.

Hit the jump for more screen shots of The Sims 3: World Adventures.

Continue reading First Look: The Sims 3: World Adventures »

I admit, I was a bit worried when Apple first hinted that developers would be able to add in-app purchases to their apps. I had this fear at the time that developers would take advantage of it the process, and games, especially online games, would require mafia game style add-ons to compete at higher levels. Well fortunately this hasn’t occurred yet, but as one could guess, EA is starting the in-app download trend with some additional theme packs for its ever so popular game, The Sims 3.

If I’ve learned anything from my years on Earth, it’s that have to pay my taxes, and that there will be expansion packs for Sims games. Oddly enough, this doesn’t bother me in the least. I admittedly don’t play the Sims too often, but who’s to say that some of the great games out there won’t follow suit. Would I be upset if Fieldrunners charged a buck or two for an expansion pack? No, probably not. The great thing that I’ve learned from the app store is that it’s a great example of capitalism at its finest (well, it may be a bit regulated for true capitalism). When people make good products, their apps sell… just look at Harbor Master. I’m assuming that the same will hold true for expansions and in-app add-ons.

Back to the Sims… I went on a bit of a tangent there. In the next update to The Sims 3, 6 theme packs will be available for download at prices that are yet to be determined. 5 are already set in stone by EA (Nightlife, Sci-Fi, Gothic, Medieval, University), and on the EA website, they are having a poll to choose what the 6th pack will be. Sounds cool to me.

There is yet to be a release date for this update, or the exact price of the add-ons, but I’m hoping that the date will be tomorrow and the price will be a penny. Maybe I’m a bit optimistic, but here’s hoping.