Category: Friday Five »

Block Rogue:
Dungeons are not always filled with big bad monsters. Sometimes they come filled with mind-bending puzzles. Block Rogue will pit your logic skills to the test with moving blocks, pressure plates, lasers, and switches. All you have to do is solve the simple puzzle and get out of the room. Randomly generated puzzles give you hours of entertainment. Leave the sword at home; this is a challenging thinking game to the end.

Brutal Fantasy – The Orcs of Undermountain:
Time for a little bit of role-playing with your beat-em-up action. The orcs are rising up, and you need to squash this pathetic rebellion. Upgrade your stats like strength, intelligence, and constitution to improve your hero. Seven magic spells will come to your aid as you battle through 20 levels of action. The orcs are no pushover; do you have what it take to school them?

Ascendancy:
Space may be an infinite place, but so many alien races have giant aspirations of ruling over it. Pick from 21 species and take to the stars. Manage planets, research new technologies, build new ships, and expand your reign throughout the cosmos. This is a faithful port of the classic game of the same name, of which won the 1996 Codie Award for Best Strategy Software. Rule by force or peace, that choice is all yours.

Contracts HD:
Lugging around contracts is such a pain, especially those lengthy property release contracts. Now you can easily carry 10 standard contract types everywhere you go. Fill in the details, sign on the dotted line, and email the contract out as a PDF, all from right within the app. Contracts include model release, resignation, non-compete, and commitment. If you deal with contracts, this could be a back saver.

8mm Vintage Camera:
Turn your iOS device into and old school movie camera. You can mix films and lenses to turn your movies into retro works of art. Dust, scratches, washed out colors, light leaks, and even frame jitter will help you create movies that are far more enjoyable than the standard camera app. You can even share your work directly to your YouTube channel. Time to take your movies to new creative heights!

Spherenoid:
Time to take destruction to a microscopic level. You control a tiny nano robot. Your mission is to destroy nasty viruses that are infecting healthy cells. Take your nanobot across four worlds in hopes of stopping the spread of horrid viruses in this 3D Arkanoid style game. Achievements will ensure those speedy completionists come back to better their times again and again.

Dark Maze:
Wandering through brightly lit mazes is far too simple. Dark Maze will pit your navigational skills to the test. You will use flares to briefly light up your surroundings in hopes of finding your way out. No two mazes are ever the same thanks to randomly generated mazes. Mix things up by entering in words and numbers to complicate mazes even further. No amount of Google Maps will help you get to your destination here!

Terra:
Terra is quite possibly one of the more ambitious role-playing games to hit the App Store in recent days. This game goes well beyond character customization and great story lines. Start with a staggering 250 levels of play, 15 skills, and 300 different kinds of equipment to really add to your character. Then dive through 17 dungeons to battle 50 different enemies and bosses. By the time you finish the game, you may question if this is really a phone you are playing on.

Scene Study:
Time to leave bulky paper scripts at home. Scene Study was designed by actors for actors. You can enter in a single scene, or an entire production. Record in your cue lines, actively participate in a scene, and easily repeat a troublesome scene with ease. Audio playback will even help you listen to yourself to help you produce the best possible delivery of your lines. An easy to navigate interface help keep you studying lines and not fighting cumbersome input methods. You may never look at paper scripts the same way again.

Blogging Ideas:
Blogs have grown from simple journals of one-person ramblings to massive corporate productions. Even with the massive growth of blogs, there are some people who have yet to dip their toes into the blogosphere. If you are one such person, Blogging Ideas is here to help get you started. This app will help you with techniques, sales, ideas, and even answer the question of why to blog. Experienced bloggers may even find a little something to help give them the edge in a sea of ramblings.

Devil Hunter X:
Humankind has once again gone and gotten itself in quite a pickle. This time, devils have risen up and taken over the happy place of Alunt. It is up to you great Devil Hunter to send the four fiends back to the hell from which they came. Will you rise to the task, or are the devils to much for you in this great looking side-scrolling adventure?

Makin’ Bacon:
Slicing fruit and veggies ninja style is far too….healthy. Makin’ Bacon turns the slicing game into something far more mouth watering. Swipe your finger across a pig to turn it into sausage. Hack the sausage into yummy bacon. No bacon entre is complete without eggs, though. Slice chickens into eggs, and eggs into fried eggs. It is all fun and games until the chef's cat shows up. Take a break from all that healthy slicing for something fattening and mouth watering.

Top Gear: Where’s Stig?
The Stig has apparently finally had enough with all his fame and fortune over on the BBC television program Top Gear. It is now up to you to hunt him down across 11 different puzzles. Finding The Stig is not the only object, though, as the puzzles are full of little nuggets of humor and fanfare. Any fan of the BBC series will instantly feel at home. The Stig may reign supreme on the race tracks, but he is not a master of disguise. Besides, finding that red and white striped freak Waldo is so 1990!

Pay Off Debt:
Managing money is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions people make. Those of you who want to get down and dirty with your debt do not have to do this alone. Pay Off Debt will help you prioritize debts, estimate payoff times, record payments, and view just how great you are doing in your debt free mission. A password protection system help keep your finances locked away from prying eyes. If you want to get debt free, this app can help you achieve your goals.

Im in danger!:
Cell phones are great for helping out when you are in danger. Yet, there may come a time when you cannot pull the phone to your face and make a call for help. Im in danger! allows you one easy button to send out emergency SMS messages, emails, Facebook statuses, and even Twitter updates to let people know you need help. Your GPS location is sent out with a custom message you design. You may never need this app, but it may also be the most valuable app collecting dust on your springboard.

Escape the room 2:
Ever notice how horror movies always shove some victim into an inescapable room at some point? Now you get to live through that awesome scene over and over again. You will need to make use of every clue and usable item scattered about to escape your confines. The issue is you just escape into yet another puzzle-filled room. Don’t give up; you never know what Leatherface has planned for you.

World in War:
Who says PC gamers are the only ones who get to enjoy online strategy games? World in War is a turn based World War II themed strategy game. Choose from German, Allied, or Soviet armies in a struggle for ultimate power. If you want to hone up your skills before schooling Little Jimmy down the street in some online matches, play through the single player campaign to fine tune your strategies. Three campaigns, 13 scenarios inspired by real historical events, and hours of replay value are yours for the taking.

Tales Weaver:
Do not confuse this title with the popular massive-multiplayer online role-playing game of the same name. This is modified version designed to help you get an understanding of the story and lore that make up the big brother MMO. You choose one of three character classes to tackle over 300 quests. There is even a dual system in which your can attack other players dungeons while protecting your own with a pet. Top this off with trading items online and you have a game worthy of ungodly amounts of hours spent in its virtual world. Who knows, you may even be tempted to venture into the MMO to dive further into the lore!

Goal Tapper:
Have you started making plans for your New Years Resolutions yet? Instead of watching the best laid goals fall apart by the second week of 2011, how about using an app to help keep you on track and conquering your new founded goals. Set a personal or career goal and then work through objectives to reach that goal. Features like achievement logs, detailed statistics, and the ability to easily add progress make this so much more than a simple to do app. Do not become yet another statistic in the failed resolution pool.

Grid Protection:
If you are like many iOS device holder, you have a huge amount of sensitive information crammed onto your iOS device. While this is handy to cart info everywhere you go, that four-digit lock code is but mere child’s play for security. Grid Protection locks down any info you give it with AES-256 encryption. Your code is finger placement on a grid. A relocking timer even activates when the app goes into the background. If you have sensitive information on your iOS device, this could be a lifesaver if that device ever finds its way into thieves’ hands.

Dungeon Hunter 2:
Role-playing games are a great way to lose all track of time in a fantasy world. What makes that time even more enjoyable is when you can team up with friends to squash foes. Dungeon Hunter 2 brings four-player co-op into this mix of classic RPG gaming on iOS. This sequel is five times as large as its predecessor is. You will explore this vast word with your choice of three character classes and two specializations equating to a vast amount of character combinations. Dungeon diving just got a bit more interesting!

Pirates vs. Ninjas vs. Zombies vs. Pandas:
That age-old question of who is more badass, Pirates or Ninjas just got a bit more complicated. While this debate may rage on for centuries, this physics puzzle game will only consume what little life you have left. You will be trashing worlds Angry Birds style and sacrificing your brave warriors all in the name of war and honor. Four campaigns, 45 levels, and eight unique characters will give you plenty to do as you take a break from reality.

Eternal Legacy:
Role-playing games have just had the ante upped with Eternal Legacy. Not only is this a superb, rich, colorful, and jaw dropping gorgeous 3D world, but it blends sci-fi and fantasy together for an engrossing story. Freely explore regions that are rendered in 3D real-time. The combat takes queues from turn-based systems and includes up to three characters for you to control. Full voice acting, interactive environments, and you might be fighting to get your free time back. If RPGs are your calling, then jump all over this game.

Car Maintenance 101:
Basic car repair is more than just taking your vehicle to the oil change place down the street for that 3,000-mile oil refresh. This app will not only show you the correct way to jump start a car, but also gives you info on how to do more complicated tasks like putting chains on your tires so you can make it over those snow laden mountain passes. This app just may save you while you are battling an overheated car on the side of the road. Basic vehicle maintenance does not need to be as baffling as subatomic math anymore.

On Air Pro:
Teleprompters are useful for more people than just those gracing your television screen. If you record any kind of video or audio and share that to the world, a teleprompter can be a huge time and lifesaver. This simple teleprompter app does one thing - give you an easy way to see your script for reading. Choose from various font sizes, background colors, and scroll speeds to keep things flowing at a pace perfect for you. Why fight through long drawn out text documents during your recording anymore?

Queen’s Crown:
Sometimes a princess just needs to leave the crown in her room and kick some serious butt. You take on the role of one mad princess by the name of Ann. Guide her through this action packed role-playing game as she hopes to save Scarbelhold Kingdom from evil. Four weapons and six different spells are there to help keep the enemies shaking in fear. Just check your adulthood at the door as this is a comical story looking to make you laugh as you burn your foes to the ground.

Aqua Panic Deluxe:
You may like destroying pigmies or leading lemmings to their deaths, but you will be shifting gears to that of a lifesaver with this game. It is up to you to save these poor helpless and defenseless fish from traps, sharks, and even starving seagulls. There are 80 challenging levels, and 8,000 pieces of sushi that need your saving. Sadly, you cannot enjoy those you have rescued with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi.

Braveheart:
Those looking for a little action in their role-playing games need not look any further. You take the role of Knight Richard in his search for the Holy Grail. Finding this treasure never seems easy, no matter whom the hero is. Ten different weapons, magical spells, and your whits are all you get to aid you in your search. Careful though, evil bosses are looking to end your pathetic life the moment they see you. Some enemies are so anti-social.

Djay:
Do you fantasize about being the master of the turntables? Maybe you already are, but are sick of explaining what they are to the TSA agents at your local airport. Djay will take your ordinary iPad and morph it into a full-fledged DJ system. Control tempo, EQ, and so much more with this heavily packed app. If you would rather leave the equipment at home and travel on the lighter side, this app just maybe the ticket to your freedom.

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad:
Ever wished you could watch current television shows right on your iPad? If you have a Slingbox SOLO or PRO-HD, you just found a way to complete the media experience. SlingPlayer Mobile allows you to connect to these devices over 3G or Wi-Fi to stream anything from your cable box to that new Apple TV you just purchased. Even better, if you have a home security system, you can stream that to your iPad as well. You may never leave your warm bed after installing this app.

Defence Hero:
If you like role-playing games mixed with side scrolling action topped off with some card collecting, boy have you gotten lucky. Defence Hero combines the strategy of a collectable card game with the fun of side scrolling castle defense. The easiest choice you may have is maybe picking one of the three heroes to play. So many fun genres blended into a sexy package for hours of blissful entertainment.

League of Epic Heroes:
Dungeon crawling just found a new home on your iOS device. Start by choosing one of 12 different unlockable heroes that range from hunters to Death Knights. Then, jump into a dungeon and rid it of the monster hordes that hope to keep their treasures safe from your grubby hands. This is a pick up and play style game, so don’t worry if you get terribly addicted but only have a few minutes to play. Each dungeon is randomly generated to keep things fun and unique every time you play.

Rat On A Skateboard:
Tony Hawk has nothing on Ratty. You take the role of a rat with a skateboard. Your mission is to perform badass stunts while working through 30 different tracks. Power-ups, three game modes, and randomly generated tracks keep you coming back to improve your skills. When you think you are skilled enough, submit your top score online and see how you stack up against other players.

Save2PDF for iPad:
There is no hiding from the dreaded PDF. Yet, the iPad has been lacking a good solution to convert your favorite notes, docs, and spreadsheets into a sendable PDF. That is until now. Save2PDF not only converts documents to PDF, but you can convert many file types and pull several files into one PDF. Once your PDF is created, just email or print it off. An intuitive interface will even keep those creation times to a minimum.

DesignNote:
If you are a designer, this app is geared right for you. Designed by designers for designers, this app is great for anyone who needs visual feedback during client presentations. Place your designs on a virtual workspace, then take notes on potential changes, annotate, and email the desired feedback back to yourself and clients. Included support for Airprint and video out means you may never need to lug a bulky laptop into another client meeting again.

Speedy Biker:
Strap on your helmets and kneepads, it is off to the races with you. Speedy Biker is a physics-based 2D motocross racing game of sheer awesomeness. When you think you have the skills, challenge friends in a head-to-head Bluetooth battle, or see if you can beat their best posted times. Ten track locations and three levels of play will keep you racing well into the night.

They Need To Be Fed:
Get ready to haul ass through seven crazy worlds. Run and jump to moving platforms, rotating planes, all while avoiding the abundance of traps as you make your way through the level. You just have to make it from platform to platform, what is so hard about that! Do you have what it takes to perfectly conquer all 50 levels and not become snack food for the monsters?

Mushihimesama BUG PANIC:
The insect kingdom has fallen under attack and only a mysterious girl is capable of defending it. This action game is based of the hugely popular arcade shooter “Mushihimesama.” Enjoy playing the story mode, or see how well you can do in the score trial mode. Three control schemes give you plenty of bomb-throwing options to achieve your bug destroying tasks. Game Center achievements will give you lots to work for this weekend.

AVPlayer:
Nothing sucks harder than downloading video clips for use on your iOS device, only to be met with compatibility issues. Sure, you can go through the hassle of converting this media, or you can just download this app and save yourself all that time watching progress bars. The transfer of files is even allowed over Wi-Fi. Just about every movie format is viewable, complete with subtitles! Don’t be caught watching your favorite Disney movie when you should be photocopying progress reports at work.

ComicStrip – CS:
Have you ever wanted to make your very own comic strip from last weekend’s party photos? That want has finally been realized and filled with ComicStrip. Simply use photos from your camera roll, or take new ones right in the app. Then use the fun and creative collection of layouts to create your comic of hilarious memories. Slap on some caption bubbles, tag all your friends, and share with everyone on Twitter and Facebook. It’s your life, have fun with it.

Ash:
Ash just may go down as one of the best role-playing games nobody played on the iPhone. This classic turn-based RPG features great touch controls, a huge world, throwback 16-bit visuals, and a great story. When the guys from Penny-Arcade give away codes for the game, you know there has to be some magic and fun in this game. Grab it now and watch your weekend disappear.

Strongholds: New Age:
Do you only have a few minutes and an insistent urge to throw around some cards in a strategy style game? Strongholds: New Age has your fix at the ready, complete with some 3G multiplayer goodness. There are over 100 cards to use for destroying your opponents. Every move ends with an auto save, so you can ride the elevator without fear of completely botching your game. If you like card flopping games like Orions, Magic the Gathering, or Arcomage, then there is something here for you to enjoy.

Spirits for iPad:
Spirits is a crazy new puzzle game about wind and creativity. The goal here is to guide spirits towards a goal by manipulating wind, digging tunnels, and building bridges of leaves. There are 40 gorgeously hand-drawn levels that you can work though. Try to save as many spirits as you can, and come back to save even more. Relaxing, stunning, and simple will keep players coming back for more.

DisplayPad:
Want a second monitor for your Mac, but you want to avoid digging through reviews on what works best? Why not keep your desk clutter free and use your iPad as a second monitor and save room for more coffee, or beer. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection and just a few minutes. Once set up, you can seamlessly use your iPad as a touch sensitive second monitor. That's right, according to the developers, you can even interact with Mac apps right on the iPad. So simple, yet so useful.

KORG iMS-20:
Musicians prepare yourselves as the Korg MS-20 has been fully recreated on the iPad. Not content with just putting in a complete analog synth studio, this also features a drum machine, mixer, and even the Kaoss Pad technology finds a home here. This is damn near the whole studio, minus the egg carton foam lining the walls and spit covered mic. Once your audio symphony is put together, share it online via the SoundCloud network. Who says you need to get out of bed to go to work.

Doodle Devil:
Creating the universe is so much work and effort. Once all that work is done, what is left to do? How about destroying everything down to the very ground you created. To aid in the destruction of the planet why not create 107 different items and concepts of sheer oddness. Complete the fun with a few hundred funny, and maybe even thought-provoking, quotes to keep even the most busy world destroyer questioning their decisions.

Phoenix:
Shoot’em ups might be a plenty, but how many of them actually adapt to make the game harder as your skills increase? Phoenix will adapt the AI on the fly to provide a fun, challenging, and ever changing gaming experience. Completing the game package off are some sexy visuals, enemy formations that are created on the fly, and Game Center support for those looking to climb to the top spot on the leaderboard. Each play though promises a new experience and intense action.

Revolt:
Time for some 3D dual stick shooter action! Take control of a resistance fighter and fend off hordes of machines that have risen up to take out all of humanity. Eight story levels, 20 survival arenas, and a destructible environment will keep you coming back to stop the rise of the machines. Do you have what it takes to turn the robot suppressors into mere scrap metal?

In the Kitchen:
What do Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, and Alton Brown all have in common, besides being on TV and having badass cooking skills? They can all be crammed into your pocket and called upon when you need them most. Maybe not literally, but their mouth watering recipes can now be easily found on your iOS device of choice. Find thousands of recipes, create shopping lists, and even setup a recipe box to easily find the meals you like most. With the holidays fast approaching, this just might be the best friend you have in the kitchen.

CoBrowser:
There are times you want to surf the net, but the iPhone is just not big enough to enjoy the experience. CoBrowser allows that webpage to be saved and transmitted to the iPad for a nicer viewing experience. It does this all by Bluetooth, so the second device does not require an internet connection. This is perfect for sharing sites with friends while sitting around a table and socializing. Do note that one of the devices needs an internet connection of some sort. You know, so it can actually pull down the web page. Bonus: this is a universal app, so buy it once and enjoy it on all your devices!

Bungee Ball – Pumpkin Smash:
Smashing pumpkins does not have to result in some poor kid in tears as they wake to find their hard work destroyed. In fact, it can be even more fun when you are slinging a spiked ball tethered to a bungee cord around. We reviewed Bungee Ball on our sister site ThePortableGamer, but now it looks like the developers have added a fun Halloween twist to the mix. Ninety levels will keep you destroying pumpkins all weekend!

MatchPOP:
Breakout those match three skills as you are going to need them for this fun Halloween inspired game of matching. Four game modes offer up plenty to do if you have just a minute to play, or you can dedicate an hour to this addiction. Match ghosts, pumpkins, candy, and more Halloween icons with twitch reactions as you do not even have to wait for cleared spaces to fill with new blocks. Bonus: for those of you that just cannot wait for the fat man in the red suit, there is even a Christmas theme to get you ready for sleigh bells.

Paper Ninja Halloween:
Even Ninjas want to be gussied up in costumes to celebrate the Halloween festivities. To bad for them, you are here to hack and slash their paper asses back to the dark corners from which they spawned. Be quick though, as split second decisions have to be made in order to rack up high scores and killer combos. Simple fun everyone can enjoy while warming up in the car between ringing doorbells.

Home Gene-Splicing Kit
Have you ever wondered what your mortal enemy would look like if you had the ability to mutate them into a sheep? Wonder no more as the Home Gene-Splicing Kit will allow you to combine your worst enemies’ genes with said sheep. Do all of this while you laugh in your best demonic voice. Well, maybe it is not that good, but you can take photos of just about anything with a face and mutate it in a million different ways. Then share your beloved gene-spliced creations with the world without fear of moral retort!

R.L. Stine’s Haunted House of Sound
Have you ever wondered what a good book would be like with some interesting sound clips? Maybe you even make your own sounds while you read. Those dreams are about to be answered with five R.L. Stine stories. You can choose from 150 preloaded sounds, or make your own if you cannot find just the right sound for the story. Add these sounds to the story of your choice to make it hilarious, goofy, or just downright frightening. Then share your work with friends and start making your next masterpiece.

Dracula: The Official Stoker Family Edition for iPad
Just because it is Halloween, why not throw in one extra app for you to enjoy? This is no rehashing of the same old Dracula story, just reprinted with new font and a pretty new cover. Over 600 illustrations and 300 pages of abridged text add to the reading experience. As your eyes devour the story, new images, audio, and films are revealed. Some of these goodies have never seen the light of day for the general public. Dracula fans will find plenty to salivate over this great app.

Reckless Racing:
Missing the old days of top-down racing games, or just need a reason to play the Dukes of Hazzard theme song? EA’s Reckless Racing is all you need to get your fix of dirt track racing. The best part? You can test your driving skills in a truck painted with the obligatory flame paint job. Complete with five tracks, local Wi-Fi, online multiplayer, and leaderboards, this game will give you plenty to do while donning your bib overalls.

Samurai II: Vengeance:
MADFINGER Games takes your hack and slash skills into a gorgeous anime inspired world. The goal, help Daisuke get the revenge he longs to serve to his archenemy. Crazy awesome visuals are just the starting point here. Tense battles, improved gameplay from the original, environmental puzzles, and Game Center support all add to a fun and engaging slashing experience. Throw in a new survival mode and you have hours of fun at a low price.

Star Battalion:
Did you find that the space fight in Halo: Reach was just to darn short? Do you miss the days of Descent: Freespace? Gameloft has your fix with Star Battalion. This space combat game does not just stop with a simple single player experience though. Four ships, online co-op (thanks to local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and Game Center support all bring on the hours of fun and replayability of this title. It even looks fantastic to boot!

Ace Flashcards:
There was once a day where studying was done with index cards and long arduous hours under a desk lamp. Agile Partners is here to bring back those index cards for your iPhone. A built in dictionary will help you with word meanings. You can even create your own flash cards for just about any subject you can muster up. An easy to use interface keeps things simple so you can get to what is most important, studying!

Black Friday Survival Guide:
Halloween is just about to pass by, which means we will all soon be stuffing our faces with turkey, cranberries, and pies in preparation for one heck of a day. You know, Black Friday! Sazze has taken it upon themselves to assist you with all those early flyer leaks, deals, and shopping tasks during this maddening time. If your Friday after Thanksgiving plans include punching and kicking your way into stores at 4AM, this app just might help you in your attack plans.

Scene It? Horror:
In celebration of the impending celebration of candy, cavities, ghosts, vampires, and other horrors, why not test your horror movie knowledge as well. Scene It? Horror pits your knowledge of great movies like 28 Days Later, American Psycho, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and a massive amount more. No cheating is allowed for you movie fanatics. That means no using IMDB or loading up the movie to get the answers.

SpongeBob Marbles & Slides:
Head to Bikini Bottom to help the gang with their lack of slides. Use your fingers to draw slides to aid SpongeBob, and gang, reach the Krusty Krab in hopes of defeating Plankton. Bonuses come to those who can solve the puzzles quickly and skillfully. Hey, there is no shame in having fun with a squirrel in an astronaut suit.

Mad Office HD:
Mad Office HD is a game about a real life situation….sneaking out of work uncaught by the boss man. Those who perform combos and take greater risks are awarded more points, and the crown of super slacker. Simple controls, fun visuals, and an interesting concept are sure to add up for a good time of sneaking off to do some fishing.

Instagram:
You have photos and you want to share them with the world. Instagram will now only allow you to easily share photos, but it will also allow you to add a bit of a personal touch to them as well. Apply over a dozen filters to your photos, post as many photos as you like, share with friends, check in to Foursquare, and connect to a variety of social networks. This just might be the easiest way of sharing photos created to date.

TED:
TED brings you engaging chats with remarkable people. Everyone from tech gurus to music legends are here waiting for your attention. You can even explore the entire TEDTalks library for that obscure clip you have long missed. TED now even includes more iPad love with the new iPad edition.

Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope is a melding of ninja slicing skills, a bit of puzzler fun, and physics game-based game play. Chillingo is adding yet another wildly addicting game to their repertoire of games. This time, players will need to feed a hungry monster, appropriately named Om Nom, a piece of delicious candy that is precariously bound in some ropes. Intuitive game play, stunning visuals, and addicting entertainment will be the drugs that keep players tied to this game all weekend.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
Sega has brought the blue racer back to life, but this time in the classic form that so many gamers know and love. This rendition features four zones with four acts each, seven special stages, revamped Dr. Eggman (or Robotnik, as us old timers remember him) battles, and the Sonic Spin Dash ability. So many fans have been clamoring for this proper sequel. Sonic in all his original glory, what more needs be said?

Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus
Gameloft is looking to take players back to the field of battle with Black Pegasus. Refined controls, which include a gyro control scheme for you iPhone 4 owners and gyro-based QTEs, are just the starting point to this new FPS. Choose from one of three playable characters, 15 weapons, and 12 battlefields compose the single player fun. The multiplayer adds to the package with 10-player fights, four modes, 72 ranks, and XP progression. Can this really still be called a phone game with all this content?

Corel Paint It! Show
The default photo app is lacking a bit when it comes to enjoyable ways to view picture slide shows. Corel has taken up the torch and developed an app to remedy this issue. Paint It! Show allows photos to be pulled in from the iPad photo library or right off Facebook. From there, watch as those photos are hand painted in beautiful and artistic fashions worthy of sitting down and enjoying.

TeacherPal
ITWorx has taken the iPad to the classroom and given teachers a new tool. TeacherPal allows educators to organize classes and students. A simple interface means teachers can track attendance, grades, and even the bad behavior of unruly kids. Guess those thumbtack antics are going to be easily remembered now, darn it.

Blue Defense: Second Wave!
Cat in a Box Games is back at it with a sequel to their hugely poplar Blue Defense game from 2008. It is up to you to defend the Blue planet from those obnoxiously evil Red and Green enemies. Packed with a new Gauntlet mode, leaderboards, level select, 24 enemy types, and 64 levels will keep you busy for a long time. This pick-up and play Editor's Choice game has been destroying free time for gamers all over; it is your time to see what the hype is all about.

BIT.TRIP BEAT
Namco has decided it was high time to take the game of Pong, fuse it together with interactive beats, put a pretty coat of paint on it all, and push it out to iOS devices. You decide if tilt controls work best, or if you like touching the screen as you move a paddle up and down to bounce beats back to where they came from. Crazy scores, fun retro visuals, and four-player action make this a splendid addition to your gaming collection.

Across Age HD
FDG Entertainment is taking gamers back to the 16-bit era with this 2D action adventure RPG style game. Not to be forgotten, real environmental puzzles bring on a bit of the nostalgia that took the SNES by storm. Choose from two switchable characters to fight off the enemies and solve puzzles in a game boasting a 15-hour playtime. If you have been missing your SNES, venture over to the App Store and check out this throwback to a classical era.

FlightBoard – Live Flight Departure and Arrival Status
Turn your iDevice into a classic Arrival and Departure board reminiscent of the Charles de Gaulle Airport. This app covers 4,000 airports with 1,400 airlines worldwide. Instantly search for flights, easily switch between departure and arrival, and enjoy updates every 5 minutes. If you spend a lot of time doing the airport shuffle, this app just might be the time saver you need as you do the Gate Transfer Marathon.

PlainText – Dropbox text editing
Sometimes you just need a simple, distraction free, and uncomplicated text editor to get your work done. Hog Bay Software has a free app that will allow you to connect to your Dropbox account, and then edit, or create, simple .txt files. All that hard work saves in a UTF8 encoded file for easy sharing regardless of your OS or word processor of choice. Simplicity can be a good thing at times.