Through one of my favourite sites, I found a few good games that went free today, here are some of them:

1. Icebreaker Hockey

Icebreaker Hockey is an arcade style where you control a single characters with no team mates. The goal is to score a… er… goal while  dodging other hockey players that are trying to knock you down.

Icebreaker Hockey™ – NaturalMotion

2. Ant Raid

I am excited about this. I have read a lot of good reviews from different sites about this one and am ecstatic to download a copy for free. The game is an RTS game where you comman you army of ants to defend the home anthill while deploying others to attack. Much like command and conquer! But with bugs. Not the glichy ones.

Ant Raid – Prank Ltd.

3. Feed that Dragon

This game is very much like Fragger, it leads me to believe this one was inspired by the Miniclip game. The premise is to bounce the dragon food off things and over traps, to the dragon.

Feed That Dragon – Miniclip.com

4. Ancient War

Castle defense made in the age of the Flintstones!

Ancient War – Triniti Interactive Limited

5. Mad Chef / Food Ninja

In Mad Chef, you open up a restaurant and you throw knives at ingredients to make the food. The better you do, the more customers you get and more in game money!

Food Ninja – Foursaken Media

via STP

Related posts:

1. Freebie Alert! Mirror’s Edge, Minigore, Muffin Knight and More!
2. Dragon Eggs for iPad Review

The iTunes store has a lot of entertaining, useful apps and awesome games in store for everyone, but did you know that iTunes also has an built in app gifting tool where you can pay for someone’s download and send them a link to receive their app? This is perfect for gifting on holidays, especially if that someone is passionate about apps and games.

Out are the days of the iTunes cards and in is the age of app gifting!

How to Gift an App? Let me Show you!

First, you should go to the iTunes page of the app you want to gift. For obvious reasons, you cannot gift free apps.

Next, tap on the GIFT THIS APP option on the page.

iTunes will ask for your iTunes username and password, so please tap on continue and supply the needed information.

iTunes will give you information about the app, click continue and you will be prompted to supply the recipient’s information, such as name and email, plus a personal message, just in case you want to say something sweet. Tap on Next.

You would just have to confirm the purchase on the next page. Click Buy Gift.

After that, the recipient will receive an email with the unique link for the download.

With Mother’s Day approaching, more and more people are looking for ways to show mommy how much they care. The iPad can be a great tool to show your appreciation to your mom, whether it is gifting an app to mommy dearest, making her a sweet online (or physical) card or showing some effort to please her on her day, your iPad is a great help.

Here is my list for the best apps for Mother’s Day!

1. The Video Cookbook ($5.99)

Does mom always get confused on what to cook for dinner? Then this app will become her kitchen buddy. Just gift this app to her and she will get more than a hundred easy to follow video recipes. No more fast food delivery for dinner!

Download Link: The Video Cookbook – Futura Group

2. Pocket Yoga ($3.99)

If your mom is into yoga then she will love this app. All in Yoga HD features twenty seven Yoga poses, chopped up into three difficulty levels.

Download Link: Pocket Yoga HD – Rainfrog, LLC

3. Mommisms (free)

Free app! You are not expected to gift this one, though, but to help create a funny card using words most moms use. By the way, eat your vegetables, there are starving kids in China!

Download Link: Momisms – Michael Quach

4. Mother’s Day Card Creator ($0.99)

If you forgot to create a card for her this Mother’s Day, then this app can definitely help you out. It gives you access to a collection of cute and beautiful background and clip arts to create an instant card! Then you can post the finished card via e-mail, post it to Facebook or print it! This app goes well with Mommisms.

Download Link:Mother’s Day Card Creator – Big Blue Clip, LLC

5. Mother’s Day Recipes ($0.99)

Cook for her this Mother’s Day!  This app features easy to follow recipes for you to cook her on her special day.

Download Link: Mother’s Day Cooking Recipes – iGate solutions

6. Baby Phone (iPhone Only) ($2.99)

For moms with babies! Works like a standard baby monitor! To operate the app, all you have to do is switch the app on, put the device beside the baby and the app will call a defined telephone number once the noise level reached a predetermined threshold. Needless to say, the app should be installed to an iPhone  it needs to perform outgoing call.

Download Link: BabyPhone Deluxe (Baby Monitor) – Bluefields BVBA

7. 4 Ingredients

Another recipe app, but this one does something different. All the recipes only include four ingredients. Prefect for moms who are very busy!

Download Link: 4 Ingredients – Liam Campbell

Related posts:

1. iPad Apps for Car Lovers
2. Best Apps for the Great Outdoors

How to Take a Screenshot with an iPad.

With My iPad Games, when the iTunes store does not give me a good screenshot of the game, I take the screenshots myself and upload it to my server (although it does take a lot of good space and bandwidth).

How do I do it? Simple!

Taking a Screencap for the iPad

1. Go to the image you want to take a screenie of.
For this example, I am going to take a screen capture of on of my favorite games, Infinity Blade 2 (gorgeous game… must try). Please ignore the coffee maker.

2. Next, press the Home and On/Off buttons at the same time.
As shown in the picture. You will know the iPad took a screen capture when it flashes white.

3. Now you can sync the picture into your computer.
Using iTunes, of course.

3.5 You can also send the picture through an email address you can access from your PC.
Tap the square thingy on the upper right, tap email photo. Send it to your Gmail or Yahoo for easy access.

Here is the finished image! You can edit the ginormous file size or rotate the image using your favorite image editing tool like Microsoft Office Picture Manage, GIMP or Adobe Photoshop. I prefer the first one.

What if I want to crop the image?

I have this very nifty trick that does not use of an app. Go to the pictures album, zoom into the area you want then take a screenshot again!

Below is a product of this process:

Fun! You can also use this process to crop real photographs or zoom in into important details (I use this to zoom into important text, like details in Facebook chat, affiliate earnings and more.).

Valentines is almost here and the app store is celebrating with those who are in love and is giving a fun fun weekend for those who are single this hearts day. Many gamine apps have dropped prices, mostly two bucks or so, so if you want to score some awesome discount, check these games out!

Please do your own due diligence. The developers sometimes change prices without tipping us, so check out the prices first.

• Aralon: Sword and Shadow HD – $2.99 (from $6.99) – Download Link
• Ash II: Shadows (Silver Edition) – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Ash II: Shadows (Gold Edition) - $1.99 (from $4.99) – Download Link
• Dodonpachi Resurrection – $5.99 (from $7.99) – Download Link
• Evertales -  $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Fifa Soccer 12 -  $2.99 (from $4.99) – Download Link
• Gears -  $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Grand Prix Story – $0.99 (from $3.99) – Download Link
• iBlast Moki 2 – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Madden NFL 12 – $0.99 (from $3.99) – Download Link
• Order & Chaos Online – $0.99 (from $6.99) – Download Link
• Pocket Academy – $0.99 (from $3.99) – Download Link
• Pocket RPG – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Ravensword: The Fallen King – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Real Racing 2 – $2.99 (from $4.99) – Download Link
• Scribblenauts Remix – $0.99 (from $1.99) – Download Link
• Siegecraft – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Sonic CD – $2.99 (from $4.99) –  Download Link
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 – $1.99 (from $3.99) – Download Link
• Super Monkey Ball 2 – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link
• Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition – $0.99 (from $2.99) – Download Link

What’s better than cheap? FREE  of course! There are some free apps on the iTunes store, too.

• Anthill: Tactical Trail Defense – (from $1.99) – Download Link
• Don’t Run With a Plasma Sword – (from $0.99) –  Download Link
• iBlast Moki – (from $2.99) –  Download Link
• MapleStory Cygnus Knight Edition – (from $0.99) – Download Link
• Monster Island – (from $0.99) -Download Link

Related posts:

1. Freebie Alert! Mirror’s Edge, Minigore, Muffin Knight and More!

Sorry for not posting in a while, I have been super crazy busy with new projects, including turning one of my sites, Food Cart Franchise Philippines into a full time franchise brokerage and solutions service.

Anyway, if you have read my reviews, I have been playing Shadow Era not long after it has been released an loved it very much. It is the only freemium game that convinced me to buy extra services. Up until now, I am playing this trading card game and have learned a lot of deck building strategies and spent a few bucks too.

Anyway, Wulven Game Studios, the creator of this award-winning virtual trading card game have started crowfunding for the physical version of the game. Woohoo! Now I can have a real bite of the Rosecult twins.

Basically, crowfunding is preordering a product that has not been developed yet. The money will go into a fund to develop the product when these are finished, they get shipped to the buyer. A little risky, yes, but Wulven gives us a reason to trust them as they will give us shadow crystals (in-game currency) in the amount equivalent to your orders. I have backed up a set myself.

Now only if I can get someone from the Philippines to play with me, that will be great.

Not familiar with Shadow Era? Click this for the review. Interested to purchase? Go here. (No, that is not an affiliate link.)

Related posts:

1. Shadow Era Review

Oh hey! Been a while since I checked the iTunes store for freebies and my oh my, there are a lot of big titles that are being given away there, right now. Come and get them!

PS: Please check the prices first. These promos are very limited and sometimes the apps become premium again after a few hours.

1. Mirror’s Edge

Update: No free anymore. This critically-acclaimed platformer is super fun, with awesome details and an even better soundtrack! The only bad thing about it is that the story mode is too short. But hey, it gave me loads of fun and for a free app, it is worth a download!

Download Link: Mirror’s Edge™ for iPad – Electronic Arts

2. Flight Control

Think of fight control as Harbor Master with airplanes, basically, you will guide multiple planes to land safely on their respective airports.

Download Link: Flight Control HD – Firemint Pty Ltd

3. Trenches

Trenches is a strategy defense game, roughly similar to tower defense where you can deploy different types of soldiers to fight for you. If you played Army of Darkness Defense and liked it, you  will adore this game.

Download Link: Trenches – Thunder Game Works

4. Minigore

Finally, another free dual stick game! Actually, Minigore started this dual stick craze on the iOS which sparked the release of similar games, like Gun Bros.

Download Link: Minigore – Chillingo Ltd

5. Hybrid: Eternal Whisper

If you cannot get enough of Korean RPG games, then Hybrid should be in your device. It reminds me of Inotia and Final Fantasy, so this game is a gem in the sea of iOS games.

Download Link: HYBRID: Eternal Whisper – GAMEVIL Inc.

6. Illusia

Illusia came from the same developer as Hyrid, and this one is a side scrolling action RPG. This one is much like the Holy love child of Mario and Zelda. I am so downloading this one.

Download Link: ILLUSIA – GAMEVIL Inc.

7. Zombie Gunship

Update: Not free anymore. Haven’t had enough zombies on your device? The let Limbic Software’s Zombie Gunship entertain you. Have some fun killing zombies! (again)

Download Link: Zombie Gunship – Limbic Software

8. Muffin Knight

I enjoyed Muffin Knight thrughly and I am still playing this game! Now it can be your for free! You can also read my review for this game.

Download Link: Muffin Knight – Angry Mob Games

9. Mad Skills Motocross

This super sick side scrolling racing game is just a joy to play. I just downloaded this game and am currently playing it! Join me!

Download Link: Mad Skills Motocross – Turborilla

10. Mr. Ninja

Mr. Ninja is a platformer game which reminds me so much of Dizzypad. This game is loads of fun, but is a little hard to master.

Download Link: Mr.Ninja – PONOS

Related posts:

1. Muffin Knight Review – Platforming Fairy Tale Goodness!

There are lots of freebies and discount apps on the iTunes store today, including awesome game debuts and like a good game blogger, I will share them to you!

Please remember that free games are in italics.

1. Space Miner HD, Book of Heroes, Ninja Town (free for a limited time)

Venan Entertainment have released their latest app, Book of Heroes for free and are giving away their other apps for free along with it! Be sure to grab these before Monday because they said they’re ending the giveaway when weekend ends!

Here are their free games:

Book of Heroes: Book Of Heroes – Venan Entertainment, Inc.
Space Miner: Space Miner™ – Venan Entertainment, Inc.
Space Miner HD: Space Miner™ HD – Venan Entertainment, Inc.
Ninjatown: Trees of Doom!: Ninjatown: Trees Of Doom! – Venan Entertainment, Inc.
Ninjatown: Trees of Doom! HD: Ninjatown: Trees Of Doom! HD! – Venan Entertainment, Inc.
Space Miner Blast: Space Miner Blast – Venan Entertainment, Inc.

2. The Bard’s Tale (Game Debut, $5.99)

I loved this game on PC, so I am not afraid to recommend this one to you. The Bard’s Tale is basically an RPG with a lot of humorous spoof. Beer, beer, beer… Tiddily beer, beer, beer…

Download Link: The Bard’s Tale – inXile Entertainment

3. Infinity Blade 2 (Game Debut, $6.99)

Chair Entertainment finally released the much awaited Infinity Blade 2! Other review sites say Infinity Blade 2 is a master piece albeit some bugs. Go check it out!

Download Link: Infinity Blade II – Chair Entertainment Group, LLC

4. Chickon (Free)

Chickon is a strategy war game between chicken and robots, much like Galcon, where you would have to attack enemy bases without leaving your own defenseless. It is free with some IAP that offer powerups.

Download Link: Chickon – galcon.com

5. Empire War HD (free for a limited time)

I have not played this game yet, but it is free, so there is nothing to lose. It looks to me like a hybrid of RPG (like Devil May Cry) and RTS games(like Command and Conquer).

Download Link: EMPIRE WAR for iPad – BiCore

6. Need for Speed SHIFT 2 Unleashed (free for a limited time)

I featured one of the Need for Speed Games in my best iPad racing games and this one is now for free! Enjoy the gorgeous detailed graphics!

Download Link: SHIFT 2 Unleashed for iPad – Electronic Arts

Related posts:

1. Friday App Store Promos: October 21, 2011
2. Friday App Store Promos: October 15, 2011
3. Friday App Store Promos: October 7, 2011

The Five Best iPad Stylus – When Your Fingers Are Not The Perfect Writing Instrument

When taking a break from iPad gaming (and blogging), I sometimes do some colouring on  my iPad. This poses a few problems when I use my fingers – they are too blocky, my hands obstruct my view and it leaves oily, sometimes sweaty (I know, my hands sweat, can’t help it) marks on my device. If you are like me, who are tired of these things, then fret no more because I scoured the market for the best iPad styluses I can find.

Do you love colouring, drawing or taking down notes on your iPad? Check these iPad styluses out!

1. BoxWave Capacitive iPad Stylus

Well, Boxwave is the thing I use and I got to admit, it looks really sleek and stylish, and the black looks very much like business like. This comes with a headphone jack to connect it directly to your iPad. The only problem is when you want both earphones and Boxwave connected to your device.

BoxWave Capacitive Stylus for Apple iPad, iPad 2, and Amazon Kindle Fire (Jet Black)
Manufacturer: Boxwave
List Price: $24.95
Price: $10
Available at Amazon.com

2. Griffin GC16040 Stylus

People at Amazon are claiming that this pen is the best for writing on the iPad. It is a bit heavier than your typical iPad stylus, but captures everything precisely.

Griffin GC16040 Stylus for iPad, iPod, iPhone and Other Touchscreens
Manufacturer: Griffin
List Price: $19.99
Price: $10.29
Available at Amazon.com

3. Bamboo Stylus for iPad (CS100K)

Wacom, the manufacturer of this stylus claims that they have 25% smaller tip than the competitors. The main feature it boasts is the replaceable rubber tip so if it wears off, you can get a replacement from the same company. It comes with a year’s worth of warranty and a free notebook app, too! Downside is that it is pricier than the others.

Bamboo Stylus for iPad (CS100K)
Manufacturer: Wacom
List Price: $29.99
Price: $28.95
Available at Amazon.com

4. amCase (TM) amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus for Apple iPad

This one is tied with Boxwave, in my humble opinion. It features the same specs and also boasts the jack to connect it to your device. If you want to save a few more cents, then get this instead of Boxwave.

amCase (TM) amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus for Kindle Fire, Apple iPad, ipad 2, iphone, ipod, Xoom (NEWEST MODEL)
Manufacturer: Am
List Price: $21.99
Price: $9.85
Available at Amazon.com

5. In Original COSMOS Packaging (Pack of 3)

The best cheap package of iPad styli! Never really used this one, but it shows a lot of positive reviews on online shops. The sad point is that most unfavorable reviews say that this one is bad for drawing, so if you are regular iPad artist, stay away.

In Original COSMOS Packaging – 3 pcs Aqua Blue/Black/Red Stylus/styli
Manufacturer: Cosmos
List Price: $30.99
Price: $6.99
Available at Amazon.com

Choosing an iPad Stylus from Physical Stores?

If you plan on choosing iPad styluses from physical stores (read: offline) then you should consider three things:

• Sensitivity – It is how heavy or how light you should touch the pen to your device before it registers your writing, taps and drags. Ideally, you should look for the pen that registers the best looking lines if you apply the pressure you use as if you are writing on a real paper.
• Length – Imagine you are writing with a pencil that is almost used up. Not to comfy, right? Same goes with styli, you need some extra length to support your grip and to distance your hand enough to prevent it from obstructing your view. It is not fun to not see what you are writing or drawing.
• Weight – And lastly, the weight. This probably the last thing you should consider. I always prefer pens in the lighter side, but there are people who prefer heavy pens. How does your ideal pen weigh? The stylus must roughly weight like that.

Well, those are the best iPad styli I can recommend and some tips if you want to buy from gadget stores. If you are a little short of cash, you can create a DIY stylus. See the video below!

A new angry bird arrives. Rovio revealed last October 22 that an orange bird is added to Angry Birds: Seasons, in their new content update, Ham-O-Ween. Here is an 4 minute short introductory video of the newest wingless avian.

On a side note, Rovio’s Angry Birds movies start to get better and better. Ok, back to the new bird.

As a normal Angry Bird addict would do, I immediately updated my copy of the game and found new content for 2012, with one . Do not worry, though. The 2011 content is still there.

The new bird is revealed at stage 4 of the new Ham-o-ween level. The bird looks remotely angry, though.

The bird flings like a normal red bird, but it blows up to gigantic proportion upon ability activation via second screen tap.

Orange Angry Bird Tactic

Well, I experimented a bit with the Orange bird and it does not gain momentum when activated mid air, so flinging it like the big red bird is not an option.

The tactic is to squeeze the bird into a tight passage, then activate the ability. In fact, it is the strategy needed to three-star the level where it first appears. Shoot it into the middle of the two towers, blow it up, then voila! All pigs killed.

And just for fun…

Orange Angry Bird: Before and After:

Oh, it is there. Look at the left side of the picture....

I bet you cant find it!

Don’t have the Angry Birds Seasons HD?

Oh boy… you are losing a lot of bird-flinging fun! You can still join though… You can download it for $1.99 here: Angry Birds Seasons HD – Rovio Mobile Ltd.

What other type of birds will Rovio come up with for future updates? This is getting interesting! Let’s keep ourselves updated by subscribing to Rovio Mobile’s Youtube account. Watching more Angry Bird mini movies wouldn’t hurt, too!

Related posts:

1. Angry Birds HD Review
2. T-Mobile Funny Angry Birds Commercial