The Stone of Destiny: You will enjoy this game to the end and over and over again.

The Stone of Destiny is a classic puzzle game in which you’re on a scavenger hunt to find a list of objects on a detailed photograph. This app was surprisingly addictive and although the storyline is very long and allows playing the game for days you’ll want to zip through it.  The objective is simple, go through a multitude of various locations, each with a different photograph with a list of “hidden” objects to find.  The game is similar to the children’s classic time killer “Where’s Waldo?“  To add some pizazz to the game, they’re a few mini games along the way between puzzles to get your cranium pulsing.

This app is extremely well developed and each photograph is detailed and challenging.  Although some little features are lacking here and there the developers executed an original concept perfectly.  To add some more enthusiasm to the game, a storyline has been added with clever comic strip like screenplays in between puzzle milestones.  The storyline is a perfect little children’s story that will entertain your children on top of the app’s gameplay.  A problem I had though, is that the game is too easy. Each level is timed but the time given is way more than enough, and you could probably solve the puzzle just by waiting for each available hint.  Difficulty levels should be added.

The graphics and user interface are great, as noted above, the photographs are very detailed and look generally perfect.  The storyline screenplays set the mood just right and each strip is excellently drawn.  The game doesn’t lag and has very few glitches.  Overall a superbly developed app.  If you’re a fan of hidden object games definitely check this one out.  Puzzle fanatics should also give it a go!

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 8/10

Enjoyment: 9/10

Graphics: 8.5/10

Sound: 7/10

Technology: 7.5/10

Replay Value: 9/10

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)

• Difficulty levels
• More mini games
• Pinch to zoom not a single toggle zoom button
• Sequel!

More screenshots here

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Find It!: A different style of app for your iPhone.

Find it! is a “find the differences in the pictures” app. Yes it’s a classic puzzle game but nonetheless the developer (incognitek) has done an excellent job on Find It! Find It has tons of different puzzles, I have never done the same one twice. Difficulties range, some are extremely difficult while others you’ll figure out in a few seconds. It would be nice to be able to set your own difficulty level though. At first look, Find It! is an addictive eagle eye app.

However they made the differences (photoshop, different shots) everything turned out perfect.  Everything looks like the original photo and doesn’t have huge chunks or differences.  You really have to use your eagle eye to pinpoint the differences.  The interface is fantastic, no complaints.  The scoring system is pretty good, based on how fast you find the differences.  Unfortunately the game lacks much settings, and this can be a killer for some people wanting to buy this app.  No difficulty levels, no tweaking with the gameplay, etc…  A nice addition would be to choose between hints costing points from your score or only having so many hints.  In my humble opinion, the background music is awful but on that note, sound effects for finding differences and changing photos aren’t too bad.

As for user interface, it’s perfect and the beach styled theme fits the app with flying colours.  The few options they have (just sound settings) are located in the app rather then in the iPod’s setting apps (amen developer).  Instructions are clear in describing the interface and nobody should have trouble.

All in all, if you’re a fan of this type of puzzle game, hidden object games (i.e. The Stone of Destiny) or enjoy flicking through cute and funny photos, this app is for you.  Great casual play, at an…ok price.  Would be better priced at $2.99.

Pick this app up though, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Ratings:

Gameplay: 7.5/10 – Not many aspects of the game but the developer executes the concept amazingly

Enjoyment: 8/10 – Once I got into this app I was surprised at the enjoyment level.  I’ve never been a huge fan of these games but this one turned the table.

Graphics: 9/10 – The photos are all top-notch quality, and the interface beautiful

Sound: 5/10 – Unfortuantely didn’t like the sound much…  We’re excluding Sound from the overall rating

Technology: 7/10 – Great demonstration of the touch screen, unfortunately  no multi-touch or accelerometer (tilt) controls

Replay Value: 8.5/10 – Surprisingly addictive and I’ve never played the same puzzle

Overall Rating: 8/10

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)

• Gallery of all pictures and which you’ve completed. Watermark the ones you haven’t.
• Statistics
• Zoom-in and pan (pinch fingers)
• Fix glitch where you press multiple differences at once (narrow tap area)
• Save game when you exit the app, but change photo so you can’t cheat!
• Make and upload your own photo puzzles
• Lower Price to $2-3 dollars

My high score is 20632, post yours in the comments!

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