App Review

n64iphone

Only a few weeks ago Zodttd released an early version of and N64 emulator for iphone, aptly named n64iphone. As I stated this is an early version so isnt perfect, but with several updates already,it is getting there.

Everything has been included except landscape mode and save state, though you can still save via memory card. Controls work either by onscreen display controls + accelerometer, or via bluetooth with a Nintendo Wii remote. On screen buttons are limited though but work well, character movement is controlled via onscreen d-pad, camera view is controlled via accelerometer, and there are two buttons for actions. Sound can also be a bit glitchy, on some games more than others, but there is an option to turn off sound, which can also help improve any graphical glitches as well. Some games run quite smoothly whilst others can be very glitchy or slow and jerky.

Games i've tried;

1) Super Mario 64

This game plays and runs quite smoothly

2) Mario Kart 64

This game plays quite smoothly but is a little slow

3) Zelda Ocarina of Time

This game runs and plays quite slow but I love it

Roms can be ssh'd into your device, or there is an option to download them directly from within the emulator, which is a nice touch. Be aware though, not all game roms will play, it really is a case of trial and error.

Overall I think its a nice port, and it will get better and better, Zodttd works hard on these emulators and im sure we'll see many more updates.

I'd rate this early release a sound (early) 7/10.

App Review

Snappy Camera App

Have you ever needed to take a quick photo of something, but found by the time you've closed your current app and opened the camera app its been too late?

If the answer is yes, then this app is for you, its called Snappy, and is currently available in Cydia for a small charge of $1;99, ( i'll keep you posted when a free version becomes available for you to try ).

To run Snappy your iphone must be jailbroken and running 3.x.x firmware.

Snappy basically gives you the ability to take photos from within any other app, without the need to close the current app first. It works on both your springboard and lockscreen. All you need to do to open the camera is tap and hold the status bar, the camera will then slide down into view, all within 1 to 2 seconds max.

There are 3 touch screen buttons available ;

a) Camera Icon

This will activate the shutter and take a still photo, no video as of yet

b) Gear Icon

This opens settings, toggle on or off both camera lockscreen access, and library lockscreen access

c) Photos Icon

This opens the camera roll, it doesn't give you access to all your other stored photos

Watch this video for a quick demonstration ;

Snappy also works in harmony alongside other apps that need to be accessed via the status bar such as SBSettings and qTweeter.

Overall I'm quite impressed with this app, ( its great for those impulsive pics ), it runs smoothly and opens very quickly, just as it says on the tin.

I'd rate this app 8/10

App Review

iRealQuickSMS

I have just installed a great iphone app / tweak called iRealQuickSMS. This allows you to reply or send text messages from within any app, and from your lockscreen as well. It is only available on jailbroken iphones, another reason to bite the bullet if your still sitting on the fence.

The app is available via Cydia under the BigBoss Repo, and will cost you approx £4:99. Once purchased you will be given a serial number to enter, the benefit to this is that if you ever need to restore, you just need to install the app again and re-enter your serial number, you wont have to pay again, and will get all future updates free as well.

On first opening the app via the icon, adjust the settings to suit yourself, I would highly recommend Volume + Touch to activate the sms app in future, this means to send a message you need to press the volume button, then touch the volume picture that appears onscreen, this will then open the text input box and the keyboard. This can be used in both portrait and landscape mode.

For anybody that sends / receives a lot of messages, this really is the app for you, it makes life so much easier, and saves a lot of time due to not needing to close down apps to reply to, or send a message.

I'D RATE THIS APP A STRONG 10/10

App Review

Doom Classic

The gates to hell have once again opened! Doom is back, this time on iphone but keeping all its original glory. Doom is the first person shooter that defined a future generation of shooters.

You play as a space marine who is stationed on mars, it is your mission to destroy all the alien scum and prevent them from invading earth.

Doom Classic is in 3D with a retro feel to it, it has 4 episodes to play across 36 levels, each increasing in difficulty the further you get into the game.

When you open the game you are presented with 6 options ;

1. Resume Game ; Continue your game from where you last left it

2. New Game ; Start a new game

3. Demos ; This plays videos to show how to play the game

4. Multiplayer ; Join up with up to 4 players over local wifi to play co-op campaign, or deathmatch against each other

5. Website ; This directs you to the developers website

6. Options ; Choose from 3 different control types, and customise the interface to suit yourself

During gameplay the controls are very easy to master, simply use the onscreen joypad(s) to move your character around the levels, press the shoot button to fire weapons, to open doors etc just touch them onscreen as your character walks up to them.

Dotted around each level are many pickups eg. weapons / ammo / health / armour, you WILL need these to survive the latter levels. All the original weapons are still here as well to add even more gore to the gameplay, like the chainsaw and the Bfg 9000.

Overall, if you liked the original, you'll love this version which has been ported over to iphone, it looks and plays great ( if you like retro gaming ), and allows you to play music from your ipod list if you so wish. There are plenty of single player levels to keep you entertained for many hours, and the multiplayer will also add longevity to its lifespan.

I'd rate this game 9/10

App Review

qTweeter

The main benefit of this app is it allows you to update your twitter or facebook accounts from within other apps, no need to close down the app your currently using anymore, it is not a replacement for your standalone twitter and facebook clients, it works along side them. It is called qTweeter.

It uses a simple pull down function to open the app, simply slide your finger down the screen vertically from the status bar, the dialogue box will slide down with your finger and the keyboard at the same time will scroll up from the bottom of the screen. Dont worry if you use SBSettings, the app automatically changes it so it now opens with a horizontal swipe across the status bar instead of vertical.

On opening the app for the first time, via its icon on the springboard, you will need to enter your account login details, there are also settings to change the in app backgrounds and sounds.

After opening the app with the swipe feature, simply enter your text and send, to update your twitter and facebook accounts. When finished simply push the dialogue box back up into the status bar, and again at the same time, the keyboard will scroll down and away. This app can be used for more though than just text, here are some more features ;

a) Ability to upload photos or videos directly

b) During playback of any track in your ipod library, automatically upload details of the track and a link to iTunes for people to listen to and purchase it

c) Whilst browsing on safari, automatically upload details and a link to the web page so others can also view it

d) Whilst viewing a uTube video, automatically upload details and a link to the video so others can also view it

All in all this app is a great addition to your social networking setup. The ability to update your accounts without needing to close your current application is fantastic, and its apps like these that make me jailbreak my devices. The only concern some people have commented on, is more drain on battery life, my 3gs has no such problems but that may not be the same for all.

I'd give this app 9/10.

If you want to try it out follow the instructions below ;

NOTES ;

a) Your device must be jailbroken

b) Your device must be running 3.1.x firmware

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ;

1. Open Cydia

2. Select ;

Manage / Sources / Edit / Add / Type in and install ;

repo.beyouriphone.com

( Please remember to purchase the app if you like it, it shows support to developers and keeps them producing great apps like this )

3. Now select ;

Search / Type in and install ;

qtweeter

4. Exit Cydia

5. Open new app icon and enter account login details

6. Thats it, now give it a try, swipe your finger down from the status bar to open qtweeter, and remember, swipe your finger across the status bar to now open SBSettings.

App Review

EarthWorm Jim

This app is great, its a remake of the playstation 1 classic from many years ago, its retro gaming at its best.

Whats Jims Story?

Jim was an ordinary earthworm who did very normal earthworm things. One day, during a battle in outer space, a suit dropped to earth and landed on Jim, mutating him into a large and intelligent ( for an earthworm anyhow ) super hero. When Jim learned of the evil plans of Psy-Crow, and Queen Slug For A Butt, he decided to rescue Princess Whats Her Name.

This is a 2D side scrolling platform/action game. Graphics are pleasing and very much like the original playstation title. Controls can be tricky until you get used to them, which takes a level or two to achieve.

To move Jim around his environments there is a joypad in the bottom left corner of the screen. There are also 3 main buttons for his actions positioned on the right hand side ;

a) Jump - Jump up and down onto different platforms

b) Fire - Fires your currently equiped weapon at your enemies

c) Swing - Swing from hooks and ledges

Run, jump, shoot, launch cows, bungie, and rocket your way through up to 16 levels which increase in difficulty.

There are 12 types of enemies and 9 different bosses.

Choose between 4 different difficulty settings.

Play original classic tunes or your own ipod playlist during game play.

Overall, looks and plays great but can be quite challenging which should add to the games lifespan. A must have for any retro gamers among you, 9/10.

App Review

Sniper vs Sniper Online

Ive waited patiently for this game since I watched a video demo a few weeks ago.

The basic idea of the game is to look around different scenery and shoot any enemy snipers you come across, before they kill you. To make it more difficult civilians etc are dotted around to try to confuse you, you fail missions if you shoot them by mistake.

On opening the app for the first time, you will be asked to enter an online gamername and password, this is to set up an account for you to use their online servers. This is a one time setup and everytime you open the app after that you'll just be connected straight to the servers if you choose to.

The main menu presents the options and game modes.

1. Single player ;

This allows you to choose 1 of 6 different scenes to play, most of which are locked until you complete the training field mission. You then choose a game mode ;

a) Campaign mode

Here you are given a series of tasks to complete per area, each increasing in difficulty, when completed you move on to the next mission

b) 1 vs 1

This is a timed challenge, you will be asked for example to shoot down 10 snipers within 5 minutes without any civilian casualties

c) Special missions

This will give you a further 5 or 6 missions, these will all have different tasks to complete within time limits

2. Online play ;

This allows you to take your challenge globally, compete against anyone from around the world via wifi, join or create your own game to play.

a) 1 vs 1

Hunt down and shoot all your foes snipers before they kill you, the results of each game will effect your global rank

b) Alliance attack

Team up with other players to destroy all the enemy snipers, you will be awarded scores depending on your performance

c) Friends list

Team up with your friends

After each online match you can post your scores directly to your facebook and twitter accounts.

Overall, I like this game, the online matches add a bit of tension, the single player missions can be quite tricky, but not too hard to put you off. Graphics are good, not great, and controls are easy to master. Its a basic tilt and shoot mechanism, tilt to move view around the screen, there are 3 touch screen buttons for the different views ;

a) Eye view

This is a full screen view of the entire area

b) Binoculars view

This zooms in but does allow you to pan a wider area

c) Sights

This zooms right in for better accuracy for your shot, when in this view another button appears to fire your weapon.

I rate this game 8/10

IM+ With Speech Recognition

IM+ 3.4 has just been released in the app store, we all know that this is a great instant messaging app with push notifications which can be used with the likes of twitter / skype / facebook / msn etc etc, but this update has come with a bit of a hidden gem.

Open the app and go into settings, and you will see a section named speech recognition. This gives you the option of buying (in app) the ability to use speech to text for all your favourite social networking sites. It costs 59p, but this has to be renewed every month if you like it.

Ive purchased it and tried it and have to say it works quite well, not prefect, but good. Ill stick with it for a month to thoroughly test it out, give it a try yourselves, speek clearly and you will be surprised how well it works, up to now I'de have to mark it 7/10.

Pogo Plank Provides New iPhone User Interface

Pogo Plank, is currently available to buy in Cydia for $1:99. It replaces the traditional iPhone pages of icons with a wheel of user defined categories.

Each category can be named by the user, and contained within each category icon is a list of applications, this is configured with the PPSettings app.

Once set up, you can scroll through the wheel to find the category you want, (eg social networking), tap the folder icon, and up pops a list of applications to choose from, (eg facebook, twitter).

I think it looks quite neat but im gonna wait for more reviews before I try it, if you've tried it or plan to, please let me know your thoughts on it.

App Review

Gamelofts-Shrek Kart

Ive been waiting for this one since watching the video demo on utube. If your a racing game fan, this will appeal to you. Its a fun cartoon style racer with lots of single player races and challenges, and there is also a multiplayer option.

The opening screen presents you with the following options ;

Single Player ; take part in a single race, tournament, challenge, or enter the arena

Multiplayer ; compete against friends, up to 6 players over local wifi, or 2 players over bluetooth

Help ; tips and tricks on how best to play the game

Options ; alter sound, language, and controls, the karts can be steered by touch screen or by accelerometer. Acceleration is automatic but there are touch controls for brake, reverse, fire, shield, and special abilities. Each character has a different special ability which is used against different types of attack from your competitors.

When starting a game you get to choose difficulty eg easy, medium, hard. You then get to choose from any of the main shrek characters to race with. Finally select the track and away you go. The idea being to win the race by any means possible, firing weapons, leaving booby traps behind you, and good driving!

Overall, a fun racer which looks and plays great, especially against your friends in multiplayer, its just like the old Mario kart! 9/10

App Review

Gamelofts-Bailout Wars

This is a simple, addictive tower defence style game. The objective of the game is to guard the whitehouse and protect the assets inside from wave after wave of crazed bankers who are intent on taking everything inside.

On the start up screen you will be presented with the following options ;

Continue ; Start your game from where you last left it

New Game ; Start a fresh game from wave 1

Statistics ; View your high scores and achievements

Options ; Choose between left or right handed, sound, language, reset game

Help ; Tips on how best to defeat the different bankers in the game

The game is automatically saved on completion of each wave, this is for continue. To defeat the bankers, use finger controls to throw, shake, and smash them into the ground. At the end of each wave you also get the option to buy or upgrade assistance to help your cause, these come in the shape of snipers, tanks, and Uncle Sam himself who fires a satelite guided laser at the bankers. This extra assistance really is needed as you progress through the game as the difficulty and number of bankers increases with each new wave.

Overall, nice graphics and fun addictive gameplay, 7/10

Photoshop For iPhone/iPod Touch

Within the last few days, Adobe have released a free version of their award winning Photoshop for iphone and ipod touch, you can try it and make up your own minds as to whether you think this somewhat limited photo manipulation app deserves the Photoshop name.

It does however, have a number of useful tools for editing and enhancing your photos;

Crop / flip / rotate

Saturation / tint / exposure / vibrancy / black & white effect / sketch (for a hand drawn effect) / soft focus (for the arty touch)

There is also the ability to undo / redo multiple changes so you can continue to tweak your photo without having to do your edits all over again.

Easy integration with Adobes online photosharing site, this offers you 2mb of free online storage.

At the moment, photoshop app is only available in the US and Canada, but im sure it will be released shortly in other regions.

App Review

Avatar Creator

Want to customise contacts on your iphone?

Tired of using the same old photos as your profile picture on twitter, facebook etc?

Then create your own unique, fun characters.


Avatar creator is a great fun little app. It allows you to create and edit custom avatars that resemble your friends or family.

Start off with a face shape, from there the options are limitless, select from lots of individual facial parts which can all be edited, make the nose bigger, make the hair red, all allowing you to get the look you want, very much like Miis on Wii.

Save finished avatars to the gallery where they can then be viewed, edited, sent by e-mail or added to a contact, you can have a chuckle everytime your friend gives you a call. There is also an option to add the finished character to a scene or pose.

Give it a try, overall, 7/10.

App Review

Postman

This app allows you to create digital postcards and share them on twitter/facebook/email.

There are 3 main sections;

1. Front

You have options here to upload a photo from your camera roll, take a new photo, send your location, or use one of the included landmarks pictures, text style and colour can also be changed. A title can be entered for the postcard front.

2. Back

You have options here to add weather status, and edit text style and colour.

This is where you type your main message.

3. Share

Here you get a preview of the finished postcard and the option to share with friends by email

or social networking sites.

Overall this is very easy to use with some nice themes etc enabling you to send unique postcards to your friends and family. 8/10

App Review

Mover+

This is a useful app for anyone like me who has family members or friends who also own iphones/ipod touches.

It allows you to transfer contacts or pictures between devices by wifi or bluetooth. When launched it will search for other devices, when found it will prompt you to confirm connection, the picture or contact can then be selected on one device, then swiped off the screen in the direction the other devices name is shown, after a few seconds it will slide onto the other devices screen. Contacts and pictures are auto saved on receipt in the appropriate app.

Until Apple release full bluetooth functionality this is the best app out there, 8/10.

App Review

Red Laser

This app is very easy to use, I have tried a few barcode reader apps and have been left disappointed at how badly they have performed. The first time I tried this one I found myself scanning all sorts of boxes because it actually worked!

When the app is opened the centre button on the bottom of the screen has to be pressed to open the camera, hold iphone over barcode so it appears between the lines on the screen, no button press needed as it automatically recognises it and proceeds to list the item, but thats not it, it also brings up a list of all sites that sell the item and displays price so you can find out if you can buy it elsewhere cheaper. These items are saved until you delete them.

Overall quite a useful app, 8/10

App Review

The Best Camera

This is a do it all in one photographic app, take/upload picture, edit, post finished picture directly to facebook, twitter etc.

When the app is first opened you need to input your account details for twitter/facebook if wanting to upload pictures, after setup either take a picture or upload one from photos.

You can then begin to edit, the beauty of this app is that it lets you apply many different filters on top of each other to get the finish you desire, these can also be removed one at a time, some of the filters included are ;

1. Jewel

2. Paris

3. Slate

4. Candy

5. Light

6. Dark

7. Fade

8. Contrast

9. Warm

10. Cool

11. Desaturate

12. Vignette

13. Crop

14. Frame

These are easy to apply as you get a preview before you confirm. On the picture above I used light and contrast filters, it works great. This is a must app for any budding photographers out there, 10/10.

Above & Beyond / Air Combat

When the app is first opened a gamer name must be entered, this is for online scores etc.

After selecting new game 4 on screen options will be given to you, options/conquest/arcade/customise. In options you can alter turn and pitch sensitivity. Customise allows you to select your aircraft and change its colour/weapons/shields.Arcade gives you quick game modes like survival and gauntlet whilst conquest plays the main game.

To play conquest the idea is to fly your aircraft (using accelerometer to control main movement of craft) around islands with red lights shining on them and destroying any enemy turrets/aircraft/ships along your journey. On screen controls allow you to speed up/slow down/fire weapon or pause game. When an islands enemy forces have been destroyed the red light turns to green and you can then move on to the next island. The overall control system is very good and dog fighting with enemy aircraft is good fun, as each island is completed the next gets more difficult via an increasing amount of enemies, there is also 3 difficulty levels on the game so this can be played by casual and serious gamers, on easy I completed the first 5 levels in approx 15 minutes. An upgrade in the future for online gaming would be great, fingers crossed for that.

Overall a great game with good controls, 8/10

AppBox Pro

If like me you have individual apps for translator/unit conversion/torch/ruler etc this really is the app for you. It has all these apps and more all in one app on your springboard. I have tested a few of the apps included and have to say they are as good as some of the standalone apps. I would highly recommend this app and will now be a permanent fixture on my springboard, its not no1 in the app store for nothing!

All in all, 9/10