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Parallel Universe Review

Posted by Rob Rich on November 15th, 2011
+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad

Developer: Incandescence Studios
Price: $0.99
Version: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarblankstarblankstarblankstar
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

[rating:overall]

Starting up Parallel Universe for the first time was rather confusing for me. It wasn't so much that it was a complicated process, but rather that I was lacking in a proper degree of understanding. At least initially. Even after rereading the press info document (repeatedly) and restarting my map once or twice in order to experiment I was still fairly lost. It wasn't until I'd messed around with it for a couple of days that things finally made sense. For better or worse.

I'll attempt to explain Parallel Universe to the best of my ability so that anyone else attempting to play around with it won't be quite as lost as I was: It's essentially a map-making "game" that utilizes location services and 8-bit graphics. When a map is created, it just sort of exists with the chosen player character (male or female) sitting in the middle of it. Sticking to a small area for a bit will result in the construction and upgrading of buildings, while wandering through the neighborhood will create roads. After a night on the town or even a day at school, portions of the map will start to appear significantly different.

Parallel Universe is most certainly a fascinating idea. The concept of creating a personalized pseudo-fantasy world through a kind of augmented reality is more than a little novel, and watching the world change and grow around my little character is pretty darn cool. I also have to admit, the looped chiptune music fits the tone quite well and manages to avoid becoming obnoxious. So kudos to the sound designer/composer.

The problem I'm running into is that Parallel Universe wasn't really designed with New York living in mind. It doesn't run in the background so as to save battery life, which is a noble gesture but it means that cities will only begin to pop up if it's left on. And walking around Manhattan while staring at my iPhone screen isn't particularly safe. Or smart. I could leave it running and just start walking, but it would still shut itself off after a minute or so. Even sticking to one spot to build cities is fairly unimpressive, as it still requires leaving the app running and constantly tapping the screen to keep it on.

I think Parallel Universe is a fantastic proof-of-concept, but it's going to need a lot of adjustments before it's really any fun. It's more framework than fleshed-out game. I could see things like RPG-style quests, the ability to link images to specific spots on the map (i.e. taking pictures while out for a walk) or even simple stat-tracking making a difference here. I really hope we see some content updates in the future because it shows immense promise.

Pizza Finder Does Exactly what it Says it Does

Posted by Rob Rich on November 9th, 2011

James Shaw, handy app wonder-developer, has done it again. Now that the need for spontaneous toilet location is covered, he's moved on to the next most important thing: pizza. That's right, just like the ever-useful Toilet Finder, Pizza Finder automatically hunts down any nearby deliciousness and shows users exactly where to find it.

From mom and pop joints to upscale eateries, from Little Caesar's to Dominos, Pizza Finder will use the iOS device's built-in GPS to locate anything that sells the tasty pies and literally provide a map to it. The app also presents addresses and contact info, which makes setting up reservations while en route a breeze. Of course, it's also useful for ordering takeout. Then leading the way to the restaurant so the food can actually be taken out, naturally.

Pizza-enthusiasts who hate being left out in the cold when traipsing through parts unknown can rest easy. Pizza Finder is here. Heck, for $1 it can make pretty much anyone's life (or at least last-minute meal plans) easier.


Toilet Finder! Aims to Make Those Awkward Moments a Bit Less Awkward

Posted by Rob Rich on October 24th, 2011
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

I imagine suburbanites wouldn't get much use out of it, but us metropolitan... -ites (?) could put 16 year-old app aficionado James Shaw's Toilet Finder! to good use. Well, us and anyone visiting our "fair" city. Lots of tourists fail to come up with a Potty Plan when they set out on their walking tours and whatnot.

It's a common problem when anyone is oot and aboot in unfamiliar territory. Someone has to "go," and no one knows where the nearest restroom is. It typically leads to one of two scenarios: either the twitchy individual leaves the pack to look for one on their own, which usually takes a lot longer than expected, or they all wander off and waste time that could have been better spent on other things. This is exactly why Toilet Finder! was created.

The app uses the GPS to automatically find and display all known toilets in the immediate area. Conveniently displayed in either map, satellite or hybrid styles. Any crap-tanks in the database will also be accompanied by an address and phone number, just in case it's late at night or in a weird location. And just to make things even more helpful, the app can provide directions to the desired bathroom.

Sounds useful, no? Toilet Finder! is in the App Store right now for a dollar. Given the amount of time and/or money one could waste while searching for an "outlet" - I'm inclined to think it might be worth it.


iRule London Available, Location Based Boardgame

Posted by Chantelle Joy Duxbury on October 6th, 2010
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

If you're looking to have a bit of location based fun with your iPhone and happen to be in the great city of London, England, you should check out the new iRule London app. It brings together all the fun of location-based social sharing and includes a game element that will have you buying land, owning property, setting up tolls, and much more - all using your iPhone as the game piece, and the city of London as the game board.

Think of it, if you want, as a real-life Monopoly. The goal is to amass a fortune in 'money' and 'land.' You start with a daily allowance and you use these points in many ways. Or you can claim your turf by setting three place markers; once claimed, this area is under your control and visitors have to pay to pass through your area. All of this is controlled by the app using your GPS location. There are even daily awards for some of the best players based on different criteria, including a special weekly challenge!

Set up your home location and earn extra points for checking in every day! Set up secret 'Jails' to trap others when they accidentally stumble into one, and have to pay you to get out! There's lots of different situations and scenarios that will come about when you use actual geography as the playing field for a massive online game!

Location based and augmented reality apps are quickly becoming some of the most popular new attractions on the App Store, and this will definitely be one to watch out for. As the iRule team builds their series of apps we should all hope that they'll be creating options for the USA or other European cities soon enough!

Until then, if you live in London (or perhaps are just heading for a visit -- how great would it be to spend a day sightseeing with this in your pocket too?), you should check out iRule London, created by Eric McKinley. Find out more about the games on their official site!

Location-based iPhone Games Growing In Popularity. MyTown Creator Completes $20m Round Of Financing

Posted by Ben Harvell on May 18th, 2010
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: SOUL SUCKING :: Read Review »

It’s hard to avoid the daily (sometimes hourly) Twitter updates and Facebook posts informing you that a friend has “checked-in” at Starbucks. Apps and services like Foursquare and Gowalla have taken the mobile market by storm with millions of downloads and as many users sharing their locations in order to earn points and become the virtual “mayor” of a specific spot.

If you’ve never used such a service, it’s easy enough to disregard these ventures as pointless playthings for those with too much time on their hands. However, this appears not to be the case if news from Booyah Inc. is true across the location-based mobile app market. The company has recently closed a $20 million round of financing which sees prominent investor, Jim Breyer, join its Board of Directors.

Booyah is the creator of MyTown, a popular location-based social game where users “virtually” buy their favorite stores and locations. As they do so they earn points, charge rent on owned locations, unlock rewards and earn cash to be spent in real locations. The New York Times said “MyTown Turns the Real World into Monopoly” however it appears that the money to be made by developers in this market is very, very real. MyTown is currently played by over 2 million users and is growing at a rate of 100,000 new users week over week, according to a Booyah Inc. press release. MyTown has also passed 60 million check-ins and 250 million virtual item impressions per month with users spending an average of 70 minutes using the app each day. What DO these people do for a living?

This latest injection of funds is to be spent on igniting and accelerating the company’s “real and digital world offerings” which doesn’t offer much insight. However, with Jim Breyer, the Director of Wal-Mart Stores and Dell on board, we’re willing to bet some significant retail-based features are soon to be available for MyTown players. Breyer is also on the board of companies including Brightcove, Facebook, Etsy and Marvel Entertainment.

“Booyah is at the epicenter of the fastest growing markets today--mobile, social, and interactive gaming,” said Breyer. “Not only are they a next-generation entertainment company, but they are bridging the gap between consumers and businesses. The Booyah management team has both the passion and talent to innovate and create a wholly unique experience.”

If you’re yet to try out MyTown for yourself, it seems like now might be the time to get involved. The app is available for free on the App Store with a number of In App Purchases available.

AroundMe Review

+ Universal & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
By Jason Fanguy on March 23rd, 2010
Our rating: starstarstarstarstar :: MUST HAVE
AroundMe is a valuable, free “location aware” business/services directory/finder. Accurate and reliable, it’s simple and easy to use and provides users with all the information they need when seeking/finding businesses or services in any area.
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MyTown

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By Chris Hall on February 8th, 2010
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: SOUL SUCKING
MyTown is the new king of location based social apps. What this means is that you can build up a big city that nobody ultimately cares about, only to realize later on that you will never get those precious moments back. I write this as I am collecting my
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