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Sky Burger iPhone Game Review

Posted on 03. Jun, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Sky Burger: The most fun you could have flipping burgers

Version Reviewed: 1.1
Developer: Nimblebit (Ian Marsh)
Price as of Review: $0.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5

A lot of iPhone users will probably recognize Sky Burger from somewhere…like Scoops [iTunes Link] – [Review]! In fact Sky Burger is a knock off of the popular, immensely addictive game (which we gave a great review) Scoops. It’s even from the same iPhone phenom Ian Marsh. Anyways, in Sky Burger you must stack a burger to the skies (or just to the top of the bun) by tilting your iPhone (see our post on accelerometers work). Along the way you will earn tips and achievements. Unlike Scoops, Sky Burger is quite advanced this way, including online leaderboards and tons of statistics.

Luckily, Sky Burger maintains the same the highly addictive gameplay that any Nimblebit game I’ve played has. The user interface at first glance looks pretty ugly and dull but once you start playing the game you’re warmly welcomed to a nicely rendered cartoon graphics set. The different aspects of Sky Burger keeps it interesting for a while but unless you get severly addicted to this game you won’t find yourself coming back much.

All in all, Sky Burger is a cool app but nothing new to the iPhone world. Luckily it is well developed and hosts a wide array of features. If you’re a fan of scoops, definitely check this out. Just remember, in a digital world, where you can earn $7/minute flipping burgers, any application can be good. Anyways, I just got promoted to Burgurista and am off to bed with Sky Burger.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 7.9/10 – Although fully loaded with features, the basic gameplay gets stale

Enjoyment: 7.5/10 – There’s a bit of a drag to it

Graphics: 8/10 – Good but what’s with the main menu and a few other parts?

Sound: 7/10 – Doesn’t interefere with iPod music but still has background music (though it’s pretty annoying)

Technology: 9/10 – Tilt and touch controls, only crashed once, fairly stable.

Replay Value: 8.5/10 – Famous for being highly addictive!

Overall Rating: 8/10

Further Improvements: (Note to the developer!)

Multiple background music options
Small update to graphics

More screenshots here

Other Reviews on Sky Burger for iPhone and iPod Touch:

Why does iPhone App Reviewer link to other reviewing sites? Because if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our review, then we encourage you to go elsewhere. The point of iPhone App Reviewer is to give you an honest, open opinion of the application.

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PHP Cheat Sheet iPhone Reference App Review

Posted on 02. Jun, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

php Cheat Sheet: Making web developers around the world wanting the iPhone even more…

Version Reviewed: 1.0
Developer: Concentric Sky
Price as of Review: $0.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3/5

Before I start, know that this is actually a mixed review, I’ll be reviewing most of the Cheat Sheet by Concentric Sky series, this includes CSS, PHP, and jQuery cheat sheet apps. If you’re a web developer who’s looking for a portable offline reference to various web coding topics then you’ll definitely want to take a look at Concentric Sky’s apps, well, you pretty much have no choice either as these applications are one of a kind in the app store.

As a web developer myself I was quite excited when I found out about php cheat sheet, and ecstatic to find out there was even more. Now I always keep these applications handy when doing web work, even on iPhone App Reviewer itself. The apps are quite simple, they allow you to browse through different categories and subsections about the language, going over markup and functions. Although still very useful (especially for a buck) these cheat sheets only have limited information. Some main complaints from myself are the lack of depth in explanation of functions. A lot of the php function references do not include example or syntax code, simply the function name and a short description. Nonetheless, it’s still useful to have around, especially with the search feature. Let’s say you want to know an array function, you remember what it does but can’t remember the function name. With php cheat sheet you can simply use it’s search feature to find it, and then look up the function at php.net.

The CSS cheatsheet however is great and covers almost every element and attribute there is to know all with a list of values, syntax, description, and example! I absolutely love it, it’s almost better than my Visibone cheat sheets (not an iPhone app)! Everything is categorized nicely just like the PHP version. Lastly we have the jQuery cheatsheet app which covers tons of jQuery library functions and goes in depth for all of them. If only the PHP version was just as good… The one thing that CSS and jQuery lacked was the category menu that PHP had.

CSS Cheatsheet: 9/10
PHP Cheatsheet: 6/10
jQuery Cheatsheet: 9/10

Normal Rating System:

Usefulness: 9/10 – Would honestly get a 10/10 but we have to dock a point for some lacking in the application

User Interface: 9/10 – Clean as a whistle

Price: 9.5/10 – Cannot complain, a buck!

Technology: 6/10 – It works offline but an online mode would be nice too, how about using the tilt controls for a <shake to switch category>?

Execution of Concept: 7/10 – There’s more that could be done….

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

Recommended For:

Web Developers

Further Improvements:

More in-depth information for some functions, markup, styles, etc…
Have each reference page link to the corresponding page about the function, style (or whatever) on php.net or w3schools.com
An online mode which fetches the most recent data about the functions, then downloads the information for offline reading
Cover flow mode or a more visual/quicker way of going through functions and categories
For CSS, a tag category, examples on styling most HTML tags

More screenshots here

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Deluxeware Darts iPhone Game Review

Posted on 23. Apr, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Deluxeware Darts: A quality darts application, no joke.

Version Reviewed: 1.0
Developer: Handmark
Price as of Review: $0.99
Current iTunes Rating: 2.5/5

I have never liked darts in any form of video game, ever. It’s just not realistic and you just can’t get the control scheme correct, it’s pretty much impossible as computers have not perfected a real physics environment. However, Deluxeware Darts (and I’m not getting paid to say this) I thoroughly enjoyed, it’s nowhere near real darts but they did make the control scheme and gameplay environment suitable for mobile devices and just playing darts virtually in general. Anyways, starting with our usual synopsis of the app… Deluxeware Darts is a colourful variant of darts, it allows five different gameplay modes and you can play by yourself, with another human player or even against three levels of AI.

You get three darts a round, each of which you must flick (touch controlled not accelerometer). Each game is pretty similar, they’re listed as follows; Fast 500, 301 Game, 501 Game, Clock Game, and Cricket Game. Although pretty similar each game has a differet playing scheme that everybody will enjoy differently (my personal favourite is Clock Game). I’m not a darts fanatic but I have been told by some people that I’ve let play the game on my iPod Touch for a bit that some of the rules are a tad off. Nonetheless it’s a great app.

The user interface is simple and very friendly. Deluxeware Darts have decent graphics, nothing spectacular but nowhere near ugly. The control scheme is perfect for mobile gaming and is especially easy to just pick up and play. Sound effects are mild, they’re pretty subtle and don’t affect gameplay much at all. In conclusion, check out this game, at the price of a buck, there’s nothing quite like it.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8.8/10 – With five different styles of play and multiple ways of interacting, this is a great darts variant

Enjoyment: 9.1/10 – I thoroughly enjoyed this game, totally addicted. I gave it the extra 0.1 just because this game has tingled my interest

Graphics: 7/10 – Moderate, easy on the eyes but nothing spectacular

Sound: 6.5/10 – Nothing to hear here folks…

Technology: 8/10 – Very smooth running game, the touch controllers are foolproof

Replay Value: 8.9/10 – Totally addicted but it does defect eventually

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

Recommended For:

The darts fan who is seeking a mobile playground for their hobby
Casual gaming fanatics
Someone looking for lots of bang for the buck

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)

Check over rules, make sure everything’s down pat
Improve graphics, make it look really realistic

More screenshots here

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Doodle Jump iPhone Game Review

Posted on 20. Apr, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Doodle Jump: Addictive heart pounding jumping action.

Version Reviewed: 1.0.3
Developer: Lima Sky
Price as of Review: $0.99
Current iTunes Rating: 3.5/5

This is another one of those meant-for-mobile games that fit the iPhone’s casual gaming paradigm near perfectly. Doodle Jump is a colourful well-sketched vertical slide game in which you must control a four legged doodled creature to go as high as the sky! Along the way you’ll have to shoot and dodge your way past enemy monsters and obstacles. One fun little feature is a being able to see other users scores while in the game (they’re marked on the right side of the screen). Doodle Jump is challenging enough to have you yelling out when you miss that high score by a completely close proximity.

Although jumping and missing/hitting blocks along the way might seem a little boring eventually, the developer of Doodle Jump as added some extra stuff to make the game interesting. Most notably is the dozens of sketched monsters that you must dodge or tap to shoot at. A slight defect to the game is the lack of an ammo counter or limited amount of bullets, without this the user can continuously tap the screen shooting an endless stream of bullets. Luckily there’s not only multiple monsters, but different types of landing pads. Some are moving, some static, and some few even break under your feet (be prepared for swift movement!). You can also give yourself an extra propulsion by hitting one of the springs which are found on the landing pads.

There are some common annoyances with Doodle Jump, the developer is missing some key features. Fear not however as Doodle Jump is in it’s early versions just being added to the app store. Lack of instructions can be a huge defect as some people might not find out about some of the features until later in the game after a few hours of play. There aren’t any settings (i.e. accelerometer or touch control, currently just accelerometer) and although the game pauses if you put the iPod in sleep or get an incoming call, there’s no manual pause.

As for graphics, the name says it all, it’s basically like a student’s doodling placed into an animated game. An although it’s a sketch like graphics set, it looks fantastic and runs smooth as a whistle. There isn’t any background music and it will pause your iPod music on load (although you can double click home and play) yet it comes with some cool sound effects that in my surprised opinion, don’t get annoying.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8/10 – Although not much to it, it follows the iPhone gaming paradigm

Enjoyment: 8/10 – The enjoyment level does start to teter once you’ve mastered the game or just can’t get into it.

Graphics: 8/10 – Simple but smooth and easy on the eyes, user interface is fantastic including an animated menu

Sound: 7/10 – Nothing to say here…

Technology: 7.8/10 – The game runs very smoothly and no glitching in the tilt controls. However some multi touch action to control your character with touch control as well as shooting by tapping would be nice.

Replay Value: 8.3/10 – If you’re a fan of the game, you’re hooked.

Overall Rating: 7.9/10

Recommended For:

Casual gaming fanatics
Parents who want to entertain their kids for a few minutes or even extended length of time in a family-friendly way
Fans of Scoops, Sky Burger, Papi Jump, Sheepstacker [iTunes Links]
Fans of accelerometer controlled stack em up or live jumping games
People who love paying a buck for a darn good game

Further Improvements: (note to the developer)

In-game pause feature
Touch control as well as tilt, use multi-touch
Local as well as online leaderboard/high score
Information/Instructions page
Settings

More screenshots here

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Oh No! iPhone Game Review

Posted on 07. Feb, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Oh No: Stunning app that falls short on gameplay

Oh No! is a card game similar to Uno. The game is very easy to learn and play. There isn’t much strategy and it’s mostly luck which although can be enjoyable, gives the app a low score in gameplay. The object of Oh No is to discard all the cards in your hand (rules vary based on the few game types available in the app). You’ll face three computer opponents. Along the way they’re some special cards that have interesting effects on the game to make it more enjoyable. Unfortunately, you’re pretty much just tapping on a card from a selection of cards that are playable that round. Although bleak, it is somewhat enjoyable and is a great time killer.

I’d say the game could add concepts like difficulty levels of the AI (artificial intelligence) opponents and other stuff. Honestly though, unless you change the game entirely there’s not much you add. Not looking at the game itself, the concept was executed amazingly. It’s a very polished app with appealing graphics, sound effects, and user interface. If only we could fix the game… All the developer needs to do is add some strategy to the game rather then the end user just tapping on cards pretty much at random. If they could achieve a better concept of gameplay then I would recommend you all get this app immediately.

Back to graphics and user appeal, on opening the app and taking your first look, it looks like this is going to be a great experience. The animations and graphics are spectacular. Sound effects are quite good and iPod music is playable. The user interface is ok, just a pretty bare-bones menu. I must mention the tutorial as well, although the game is explained well, in this generation of mobile device gaming people don’t like reading instructions, how about a gameplay video explaining how to play? Would be a lot better (and memorable when playing) then text instructions.

All in all if you’re a card game junkie and are looking for a unique time killing experience on the iPhone with killer graphics then Oh No! is for you. Otherwise stay away until they add some more concept and depth to this game.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 5/10 – Honestly not much to it, just tapping away at random cards. Not much strategy at all.

Enjoyment: 8.5/10 – The game is quite enjoyable for a bit, the amount of appeal the app has with graphics and sound is enough to keep you wrapped around the weak gameplay.

Graphics: 9/10 – The graphics are excellent for a card game. Perfect theme for the style of the game.

Sound: 8/10 – Good, not annoying but not something you will want to constantly listen to.

Technology: 7.5/10 – The game isn’t laggy, no glitches, and I haven’t had a crash (remember to restart your device), touch controls are smooth.

Replay Value: 7.5/10 – Somewhat addicting, and a great time killer. The gameplay rating affects this rating though.

Overall Rating: 7.6/10

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)

Add a new concept to the game
Add strategy!
Portrait and landscape viewing mode?

More screenshots here

Footnote: The same developer of Oh No! has a similar game, Crazy Eights, we decided not to review it as it is very close to Oh No!

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Pulsar iPhone Game Review

Posted on 06. Feb, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer.

Pulsar: The most challenging “Simon says” game in the app store.

Pulsar is another Simon says like game where the objective is to use your memory to repeat what the computer shows you. May sound east but Pulsar will be the most challenging game you’ve ever played (at least it has been for me). Pulsar is unique in a way as games similar to this just use some low graphics colour picking. Pulsar has some excellently rendered graphics and not only has touch controls but you’ll have to remember which direction to swing your iPhone around in. Pulsar is probably the most advanced simon says game in the app store.

Pulsar is a well developed game but has some very annoying glitches, particularly with the accelerometer (motion/tilt) controls. Sometimes when you swipe down it thinks you’re going up. Other than those few accelerometer glitches (which need to be fixed!!) the game is very stable with no lag or crashing. The quest for beating your high score (or others on the global high score board) can be frustrating but entertaining. The challenge alone is enough to blow your mind.

Graphics are great but could use a touch up, they’re looking a bit rough write now, almost like they were from a high school student’s sketchbook. As for sound it let’s you play your iPod music and if it’s not playing at the time, Pulsar will go ahead with it’s own music. Not to mention the sound effects, they’re nicely done and very suiting for the app. As for user interface the presenting menu is perfect. It has a link to a YouTube gameplay video in the about page, the high scores are nicely organized and it’s easy to get right into the game. On your first time playing Pulsar it gives a good impression.

In closing, Pulsar is an amazing Simon says game and any fan of this style of quick thinking game should check it out. Hopefully the developer will release an update to fix some of the glitches. Beating the global high score would be a sensation making the $1.99 completely worth it. Just note Pulsar is very challenging and can be pretty frusturating. Some people like that sort of game though

Final Ratings:
Gameplay: 8/10 – Great job on adding two parts to the Simon says concept. What about multi-touch for even more challenge?

Enjoyment: 7/10 – I’ve never been a big fan of Simon says games, and if Pulsar wasn’t well executed it would probably get a 5 for enjoyment. Great app for Simon says fans though.

Graphics: 8/10 – Pretty good but could be improved.

Sound: 8/10 – Great! Brings that “Pulsing” feeling to the game.

Technology: 6/10 – The accelerometer glitch as noted above really needs to be taken care of. It can really affect the game.

Replay Value: 7/10 – Gets repetitive (obviously), no unlocks or powerups, nothing like that.

Overall Rating: 7.3/10

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)