Race the Stig - 4 Stars

What is it?

This is a driving game where you race the legendary Stig from the popular TV show Top Gear. If you like Temple Run and Minion Rush then you will take to this like a duck to water.

The aim of the game is not to crash into the many obstacles on your route or the Stig who intermittently challenges you during play. If you are a watcher of the popular TV show Top Gear then you will appreciate the various cars that are not only obstacles but that you can upgrade to. Additionally there are few of the shows host, Jeremy Clarkson, infamous caravans!

The operation of this game is all swiping the screen with no movement of the device to operate the character. The instructions are easy, swipe left to more left and swipe right to move right. An upward swipe makes the car jump and the a downward swipe makes the drive duck to go under obstacles. 

To advance in the game there are challenges for example land on three cars in a row, play for two minutes and use power ups. When you compete a series of three challenges you increase your multiplayer, which increases your score in the game. I am currently on a multiplier of 12. What I do like is that multipliers can be collected during play and at one point I ended up with one for 26!

During the game play there are cogs (tokens) that you collect which can be traded for power ups and changes to cars and helmets. The more you play the more you collect the more you can swap! Very like Minion Rush with bananas but this is a fairer game as you are not forced to purchase specific tokens to obtain the power ups, it just encourages more game play. 

In summary, I like this game but there are some frustrations, now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5

If you can play Temple Run and Minion Rush then this is a easy game to play. There are in game instructions to show you how to manoeuvre the car, jump and slide under obstacles. The power ups are also pretty self explanatory but i did have an issue when trading some tokens for one, but after forcing the app to close this then worked, so watch out for that one. Overall this is an easy game to play. 
Price - 3

This is a free app, but with in app purchases. You can pay to remove adverts and purchase more tokens to buy power ups and revives. I have given this app a 3 stars for price as although this is free, playing to remove the adverts is almost forced upon you as they are SO annoying!

Adverts - 1

There are adverts in this app. I am not a lover of adverts and these are VERY annoying. Full screen picture ads appear if you go back to the main menu. After a few plays of the game your screen will be invaded by not only full screen ads but videos. These video ads must be endured for four seconds before you can cancel them and in some cases for the full length of it. Annoying! There is an option to remove the ads for £0.69 of $0.99 but I feel for a BBC app (for which I pay a TV licence) this is just too much!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I like this game a lot but then I do love Minion Rush, it is very addictive, especially if you are playing against friends on Facebook or in my case the other end of the sofa! I have dropped a star for the adverts as they are too much, especially with so many in app purchases!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/top-gear-race-the-stig/id675077614?mt=8

Numtris - 4 Stars

What is it?

Numtris is a game where you match numbers that fall from the top of the screen to complete challenges. The 'tris' element made me think of the classic Tetris, my first ever game! The similarity is the falling of the pieces that you need to get rid of before the game reaches the top of the screen. Instead of falling shapes, there are squares with different numbers.

The aim of the game is to connect the same numbers to remove them from the screen i.e 3,3,3 and they are deleted.  As you progress you need to connect the squares to change the number to complete chains for example 1 and 2 becomes 3. The tutorials for the introduction of new methods are well written and caused me no confusion. Currently I am on the fourth world and have numbers 1-4 to play with. 

As you play you earn credit. The more you frequently play the more your earn and this can be exchanged for lives and to continue playing if you fail the level. I continued play a few times, but to be honest it didn't help me!

Don't let the first world on this game make you think it is easy, as you progress the challenges get more difficult especially when the blocks speed up!

The appearance of this isn't graphic filled it clean, clear and colourful on a white background and I think it works, if there were loads of fancy effects I think it would detract from the game.

One thing I don't like about the game is how the lives are used. Basically every time you play you use a life, even if you win! I can understand why they have done this as it is addictive and you find yourself tempted to buy credits, but if like me you play these types of games this is unusual.   Like Candy Crush and Jelly Splash you can buy more lives or wait a set period of time for the lives to be earned. 

I liked this game, and have found myself playing it quite a bit of an evening, it even prompted me to download the Letris, which I haven't played just yet. Don't get me wrong I did get level frustration and found myself dipping into the credits I had earned throughout game play to continue! If you don't like logic games, numbers or the classic Tetris this may not be for you but it was right up my street!

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4

The instructions for this make this game easy to function, that is not to say it is an easy game.  Sometime connecting the squares I had a couple of difficulties especially when the board is more full, but I will accept that could be user error. 
Price - 4

This is free, with in app purchases. I like that the purchases are subtle and not constantly promoted. 

Adverts - 4

There are occasional adverts in this app, but I hardly noticed them. The reason I have given this rating is because the ads shown don't trick you to the App Store and they are very infrequent. 

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

Keep! I like it as it is right up my street. The only draw back is the lives issue as I do not like that I lose a life when I win... bitter sweet!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numtris/id770145061?mt=8

Crystal Storm - 4 Stars

What is it?

This is a puzzle game were you blow up chains of crystals on a grid (different styles as you progress) to complete mini tasks and move to next challenges. Basically you touch anywhere in the chain and it blows up. The quicker you make the connections the more chance you have to complete the level. 

It took me to level four before it got interesting, I am now on the third stage, I am liking this app. As you go through the game you pick up relics, which are special powers that you can select for each game and use when you need them.

The app has what I would describe as a medieval mystical feel in terms of how the levels and worlds are presented. If you don't like that theme don't let it put you off as the content of the levels is a grid formation with good graphics. I must admit I didn't read the descriptions for each level before I started but the further into the game the more you need to read.  The write up on the relics are a bit long, so I just went for trial and error!

The game in appearance does remind me of Bejewelled but I found it a lot easier as you don't need to search as much to move and if all else fails you can just keep pressing random places in the screen.

As you complete levels and continue returning to the app you earn coins, which can be exchanged for relics, to date I have not spent any but give me a few more levels! 

When you have completed some levels you are taken to a map, where you can see a coin with various jewels, I am not quite sure why it does this as you can't select anything, just press continue. 

Like Jelly Splash, Disco Bees and Candy Crush this app gives you five lives and when you lose them you have to wait for them to be restored, or buy additional. It also asks to access your Facebook profile, but I didn't allow it, but be careful as you can easily press the link trying to get to the next level. 

It took me a while to get into this game, but now I am finding myself playing it when I have a few minutes to kill. I am not sure I have mastered the logic behind it but I seem to be winning! If you like Bejewelled and Jelly Splash with a little twist then this one could be worth a try. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4 

This is simple enough to use on the basic settings, but some of the instructions can be a little lengthy and the writing is small. When I read the instructions it did help, but speed is the key to this game, which isn't always evident. Sometimes I would lose and be at a loss as to why!
Price - 4

This is a free app with in app purchases including additional lives and relics, thankfully I didn't need these. 

Adverts - 3

There are adverts in this game but they are infrequent and do not trap you into entering the App Store.  The adverts are full screen but have an immediate cross in the corner to close them and continue playing the game.

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I will be keeping this game as the levels are quick and I can play when I have a few minutes  spare.  I think as I progress through the app it will get more complex and I am looking to the challenge. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crystal-storm/id618160509?l=de&ls=1&mt=8

Party Rush - 1.5 stars

What is it?

This is a puzzle/logic game, with lots of rules and combinations, maybe too many. Basically you are presented with a group of symbols consisting of four colours. The aim is to link three or more symbols using a correct combination, of which there are a few. 

There are instructions with this app but no demos or training, which I think is its downfall. The instructions are a but too much and there is no in game guidance on how to score, so I found myself flicking between the game and instructions. 

I shared this game with two people that enjoy logic/puzzle and Bejewelled type games, and they also found it confusing. 

The app is very clean in its design. It uses a simple white background with the bright symbols, which I liked. When in the game there is only one functions, which is to restart the game. 

I didn't take to this game. I downloaded this game to play over my Christmas and tried on several occasions to get into it, but it didn't happen. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

The functionality itself is very simple, but understanding the rules is not. There is also an issue with the back button when in the game to return to the main menu. This game would benefit from a training or demo functionality. 
Price - 4

This game was free, with no in app purchases, I would be disappointed if I had paid for this app. 

Adverts - 5

Thankfully there are no adverts in this app. 

Keep, jury is out or delete - Delete

Unfortunately I didn't take to this app, it was just too fussy with its rules. Even after I tried to play with friends, it didn't hook me. If this app was updated to include some demos/training I would be tempted to try it again as you can tell effort has gone into the design. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/party-rush/id776346121?mt=8

Puffchat - 5 Stars

What is it?

Puffchat is an app that allows you to send text and picture messages to other users but control how many seconds it can be seen for! When the timer hits zero the message erased in a puff of smoke!

This is like SnapChat but more, as you can reply with a text, which has always been a frustration of mine with the popular app! You know how it is when you receive a funny picture and you can't take a decent one to send back, the problem is now solved. 

The text functionality is simple to use and is featured on a bright background. I particularly like that you can add emoticons to your text messages! The picture message function has similarities to SnapChat but lets face it how much can you do with a picture message?

Like SnapChat the app doesn't prevent screenshots to be taken of the message but it does come with guidance and a disclaimer  and advises selecting a shorter time frame for your message so not to fall into this pitfall. So those texts and pictures you would rather not save or be seen can now be protected. 

Unlike Peek (was Skim), which I am not a fan of, Puffchat doesn't attempt to access your Twitter and Facebook profiles or publicise your username for anyone to message you. Puffchat allows you to select friends from your phonebook where you send a pre-populated text that includes your Puffchat username inviting them to join the service or search for known usernames already registered. The good thing about this technique is you can control who can and can't send you messages as all friend requests need to be accepted and you can remove the contacts at anytime. 

Unlike SnapChat it doesn't ask you for your phone number, so that won't be getting shared on hack sites!

Another feature I like is the ability to delete your sent messages even from the recipients inbox preventing them from opening them or evening seeing what they were there in the first place! If like me you have foot in mouth syndrome or worse text about someone and  send it to them error, you can erase the evidence (as long as they have not opened it)!

This app has been well thought out! It's colourful, but not childish, and is easy to use. Registration is easy and so is connecting with your friends! Me and my friends are using this already, and as it is available on the Android and Apple I can now send just one group message. I like this app.  

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 5 

This was really easy to use and comes with on screen instructions the first time you access the text and picture message functionality.  The app flows through screens well and is logical. Adding friends is easy as is the sending and receiving of messages. The only feature that I would like is push messages for when I get something in my inbox, but I am on it enough that this doesn't cause me issues :).

Price -5

This was free and there are no hidden chargers or upgrade fees.

Adverts - 5

This is an advert free app, perfect!

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I like this app and would chose it over SnapChat as I can text back. This is an app to watch as it has the potential to become very popular!

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id780972803?mt=8

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.puffchat

@puffchat.blogspot.co.uk

Paint it Back - 3 stars

What is it?

This is a puzzle game, where you re-paint some pictures that have been erased.  The game is based on a grid formation whereby you need to paint a number of squares as indicated around the edges.

As you progress through the levels the grids get bigger and the answers more challenging. You paint the squares onto the picture with your finger and these appear in black until you have the right answer then the colours appear. The pictures are very pixilated but its in keeping with the picture you have re-painted.

There are three rooms, one of which is a training stage.  The training is helpful but can be a little long winded as once you have grasped the concept it becomes self explanatory but I can understand why they have done this as the game does become a little tricky, for younger players. 

I completed the game in just over an hour as I got a little addicted to see how long it would take for me to lose a level. I completed this game first time so you could argue it should be a little more challenging.  As you get to the last levels the board can be played in normal or pro mode. Pro mode is tricky to paint in the numbers as you zoom in then paint, but I found this temperamental so gave up and went back to the normal level.

I liked this app, but it could do with a few more free levels.

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 3 

This is quite easy to use in the normal version, but sometimes it can be a little sensitive when you paint the squares. The pro version is a little fiddly and I ended up reverting to the normal for ease of use, which was a shame as I liked the challenge of the difficult level.


Price - 4

This is a free app, but with limited levels. You can upgrade but I didn't review this functionality of the app. 

Adverts - 5

There were no adverts in this version of the app, excellent.

Keep, jury is out or delete - Jury is out

I liked this app, but I have completed the free levels and there is no indication that more free ones will be available therefore I am not sure what the incentive is for me to keep it. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paint-it-back/id675183907?mt=8

All Words Up Saga - 2.5 Stars

What is it?

This is a join letters together, to make words  with the goal to get a high score and pass the level. There are a variety of levels and challenges in this game for example, to score as many points in a limited number of moves or within a certain time frame.  If you like word searches then this game could be for you. 

You create words by joining them with a line, unlike conventional word searches, you can cross the line and zig zag across the letters, very like Boggle. 

As you win levels, you win more tokens. As you lose levels you lose one of your five hearts, which you have to wait to be refreshed. As with most of these games there are in app purchases, to buy your way out of difficult levels. 

The graphics are limited on the app, but they work, which is good. 

I played a few levels of this game, but need to be in a wordy mood to play it again. The app isn't bad, in fact it does what it says on the tin. I compared this app to Freeze It, which I felt was more exciting because of the competitive elements, however if you don't like competition this might be better for you. 

Now for some ratings.....

Ease of use - 4

This app is very easy to use and comes with clear and short instructions, which is all that you need. I didn't spell very many long words so I am not sure if it recognises UK and USA spellings.
Price - 3

This was free, but there are in app purchases ranging from £0.69 - £2.99. I took another look at the App Store before publishing the review, and it indicates that this app may not be free for long. 

Adverts - 5

I didn't experience any adverts in this app, always appreciated.

Keep, jury is out or delete - Keep

I will be keeping this app for now as I want to see how far I can get but I will need to be in the mood to play it. 

Where to find it:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/all-words-up-saga/id757682832