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Contra: Evolution Review

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By David Rabinowitz on July 1st, 2013
Our rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar :: I MISS THE ORGINAL
Contra: Evolution looks better than the original arcade game, but it's hampered with inadequate controls.
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FreeSkate Xtreme Review

By Jordan Minor on November 13th, 2012
This skater's paradise brings style and substance to the infinite runner.
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Pocket Climber Review

iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad
By David Rabinowitz on October 24th, 2012
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: KEEP CLIMBING
Pocket Climber is a simple, fun endless runner game that excels with great controls and interesting obstacles.
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Fishing Joy 2 Hands-On Preview

Posted by Jennifer Allen on July 9th, 2012
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

The original Fishing Joy has proven to be hugely successful across Asia since its release in the second half of 2010, but that popularity hasn't translated very well to the Western world. With the release of Fishing Joy 2 later this week, we got a chance to check it out and see if this edition will tempt more of the world this time round.

Fishing Joy 2 isn't actually anything like a fishing sim, despite the name. Instead, it's a glorified shoot em up aimed at the casual market. Players are presented with an underwater scene with an array of different sea creatures floating around. A tap of the screen unleashes a tirade of bullets and, well, that's about it.

There's variety in the form of different weapons that can be used, each with different powers and strengths, but it's a subtle change that doesn't really change the basic structure of what's expected of the player.

Fish are valued differently according to their size with the player given coins for each capture. A multiplier affects how many coins are gained with these pieces leading to gaining levels. It's a simple enough mechanic with levelling up leading to new scenes to shoot amongst.

Ultimately though, there's little point to Fishing Joy 2. It's very pretty to look at and cute in its own way, but there's seemingly no real draw to returning to it. I found myself playing it till I ran out of coins (which means no more bullets until a refresh or in-app purchase) then leaving disinterested. Lack of structure sometimes doesn't matter but in the case of Fishing Joy 2, the addition of challenges would have benefited it greatly. As it stands, the action is never-ending but also lacking a strong purpose other than to pass the time.

Regardless, it'll be fascinating to see how casual gamers across the world react to such a laid back game when Fishing Joy 2 comes out July 12th.