Plants War (Free via iTunes) game is closely related to War Craft and DOTA, so if you love playing those games you will also appreciate this fun game from Gamevil.com.  In a way it is similar to the games mentioned a while ago but this is the single-player version. You can test your strategy in leading your troop in defeating some beastly animals in the Dryad Forest.

Help Leafy and his troop in protecting their home and Dryad Forest.  Lead your hero, learn special skills and upgrade your champions and most of all enjoy the game.

Plants Wars: the Game and How it Works

Before starting your journey you will be asked to choose your champion. Your hero can be upgraded as you play the game or you can purchase it in the App Store but the first hero will be for free. After selecting your upgradable characters, then you are free to build an army to lead on your battle.

You have to unlock some units in order to proceed and what would you expect, like in any other games you still have to make another purchase in order for you to reach your quotas of gold and green leaves fortune.  The more plants and slots you have the greater chances you have in getting these gold and green leaves. But mind you it is not an easy one to collect the numbers of leaves you need for your upgrades.

Now that you have your troop to lead, with or without those additional purchases you can lead them to destroy your enemy’s base. (You have to make it quick or else they will blow up your base instead)

Leafy (our main character, the hero of the war) has four skills. In order to use each skill you have to collect certain points to have those skills be activated.  As your level advances you will have the chance in putting more points into Leafy’s special skills.

The game is not as complicated as the others but it is really fun. You need good strategic plans in order to reach victory. Create combinations of plants in blowing up you enemy’s base. It is easy to learn this game. Kids and parents can enjoy playing this game together.

This game is really fun to play but I think it can be better if it can be a multiplayer. It will add up more fun and excitement when this can be played with friends.

GREENS:

• Controls are simple and easy to learn
• Zoom and zoom out options
• Visual presentation is great
• Cute game
• Upgradable Heroes with great skills

REDS:

• Targeting the enemies is a bit difficult
• You get the game for free but there is a catch
• No game center (maybe it will be nicer if there will be a game center for this game)

Game Cost: free
Top In- Cost: $ 0.99 – $ 49.99 (ranges from 40 leaves to 3000 leaves)
Download Link: Plants War – GAMEVIL Inc.

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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

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Super Lemonade Factory: Simple yet Refreshing!

Tired of your sword slaying, strategic level up and mind puzzling games?  Try this simple yet refreshing game from the App Store (launched March 15, 2012). I love retro games and Super Lemonade Factory ($1.99 via iTunes, universal) caught my heart. It gives me a refreshing break from the usual RPG level up games in my iPad.  The visual presentation is so classic (reminds me of our all time favorite; Super Mario Bros.).

Game Story:

Meet the characters of the story are Andre and Lisolet. Andre will take over his father’s lemonade factory, he has some strength like carrying and breaking big boxes and crates. Lisolet is Andre’s wife. Andre needs to meet the workers and tour the whole factory with his wife Lisolet before he can take his father’s lemonade factory.

While Andre can break big crates and boxes that blocks their way, Lisolet can jump and reach perches that Andre cannot reach. Lisolet is also has the ability to speak and get attention from the workers. It is really a perfect team up. Each one’s strength accompanies one’s weakness.

The story might sound plain but as you play it you will see that there is something fishy going on. It seems that there are traps that are really meant to hurt or kill Andre.

Having Fun: How to Play the Game

Playing this game is really simple. The on screen controls are really easy to use. Make the characters run, jump and dash is not as hard as you might think. But do not over tap the controls you might mis-tap the buttons, like swapping Andre with Lisolet (remember Andre can’t jump high).

The game has dialogues; Lisolet needs to speak with all the workers so that she will earn achievements. You may find the game a bit plain (I did find it little boring when it comes to the visuals)

I already played lots of classic games. I agree that sometimes this type of game is a bit boring. Pushing, breaking and jumping are a bit childish but I bet that you might find this game a bit interesting. There are some levels that are not that easy as you think. Besides from pushing and breaking crates you also have to avoid spike traps.

The pixilated graphics added to its classic looks, and its background music adds up to it. I mean the game is pretty simple, for me it is like a desert after every meal. I like to play this game whenever I get tired with the usual level up games (for a change). One thing more I like in this game is kids will also enjoy it, because the controls are so easy to use and besides they don’t usually see this type of games.

Super Lemonade Factory, has some things to work on to but it doesn’t stop them to make us have fun while playing. The game is simple but makes me enjoy playing it and it is really easy to recommend.

Game Cost: $1.99
Download Link: Super Lemonade Factory – Shane Brouwer

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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.

Fantasy Flight has a reputation of creating challenging games. After creating one of their famous Arkham Horror Fantasy Flight has developed another amazing game to enjoy, their newest game is already out in the market which is the Elder Sign ($6.99 HD for iPad / $3.99 for iPhone).

Elder Sign: Omens is a smaller version of Arkham Horror, but do not think that it is going to be an easy one, especially for new players. This game will surely be keeping you the whole evening. This maybe a perfect game for overnight stays. I find it hard to teach new players the rules and the how to’s of the game. I find it easier to learn the game while playing that explaining the details to my friends.  Well let me try for every one’s sake.

Getting to Know the Game More

You can play the game alone if you do not want to do some explaining stuff to your playmates but it is more fun to play with your friends and family. Well, regarding the game you can have a team with a maximum of 4 members. You can choose from 16 investigators (note that each of these investigators has their own statistics like their strengths, weaknesses, stamina and abilities). For me I tend to choose an investigator that collects more item than the others I find it very helpful specially in accomplishing my missions.

The game takes place inside an old horrifying museum; here you will have selections of missions you need to accomplish (of course!). Since this is a tabletop version you need to roll a dice every time you go on a mission. The better you do in matching clues you find the greater chances you’ll have in getting rewards and defeating the horror in this game. Try your luck in this game and be as investigative as you can or else you might go insane or die (just as the character in this game).

But I bet it will be easier to learn this stuff as you play the game. Watching the tutorials also help in playing and understanding this game. Just keep on collecting the Elder Signs to get rid of the Great Old One (You can choose from any of three). If the Great Old One awakens the game is all over.

The game is a real fun and horror. The visual presentation is fantastic and the game itself really is a good one. It will really bring out the happiness in your group as you play the game. Make sure you have all the luck you need to win this game. You need luck and strategy to win.  Fantasy Flight is really a genius creating this complicated yet easy to play tabletop games. Do not lose your sanity while waiting for your turn.

This is a game for you and your friends and family to play. No matter what happens. You lose or you win, you won’t be cleaning up the table.

Game Cost: $3.99
Download Link: Elder Sign: Omens HD – Fantasy Flight Games / Elder Sign: Omens – Fantasy Flight Games

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If you are looking for an exciting ride with tons of fun, Madcoaster ($0.99 via iTunes, universal) is just right for you. This game is for everyone. Kids, moms and dads and young adults will surely love this game.

Who wouldn’t love this awesome game? You do not need to fall in line and wait for your turn to ride, just like in the amusement parks. You rule the game! No more waiting in the line!

My son and I love the background music and the graphics are just so fine. But it would be better if the coins we collected in the game can be used to purchase rollercoaster upgrades or we can design our own roller coaster besides getting more points (anyway there will be a number of birds you will meet on every level, hitting them will also add more points). I think that will add more excitement in the game.

Like every other game, every  progress you meet the harder the level goes, the tracks get more trickier and more difficult (in a way) and as usual your game ends once you finish up all your game lives. This is an endless game so if you want to get more points make sure your rollercoaster won’t fall into all the gaps or else you lose life.

It is great that Madcoaster did well with their game speed this time; it is much better compared to the iPod touch. Same with their background, it looks so cartoony and my kids love it.  The backdrops colors are not too strong it blends perfectly with everything in the game.

I like the idea that every time you r rollercoaster enters cave that serves a gateway to a new stage and it is really cool that every time you go to the next location it changes it’s environment . Each themed location has a matching music, all the animals compliment in the themed location. It feels like you are traveling while on a rollercoaster. You can visit Egypt, be inside a volcano. I remember my son shouting, because he might burn the people riding on his roller coaster.

You might find it frustrating to find some level a bit hard, there are some parts in the game where in some of the birds are blocking the gaps in the trail making it hard for you to see it then it’s too late for you to jump.  It made me hate the game for a while, but it made me learn my lesson. By the way there are also some levels that use IAP, well you know what to do anyway, and it is not really a big deal since all IAP can be unlocked.

I don’t find the game boring even though the game story is not as unique as the other games. What I just want to change in this game  besides collecting coins for points I can upgrade it or use it to buy missiles so I can use it to blow those birds blocking the way (in that way I can see the gaps and avoid them before it is too late).

Madcoaster is a great  fun game for those who love a good adrenaline rush in their game. Download it, you will enjoy it!

Game Cost: $0.99
Download Link: Madcoaster – Chillingo Ltd

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

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Combat Mission: Hot and Fresh Game for iPad

Get it while it’s hot! Combat Mission ($4.99 via iTunes, iPad only) is a newly released iPad Game in town from Battlefront.com.  This game was launched a day after April Fool’s Day so maybe some might  think that it may probably just a  joke but as you read this review it is already in the App Store for you to enjoy.

Long time PC players will surely love this game specially those who are already a pc gamers 10 to 12 years ago; they would definitely be into playing a battle/ strategy/ military – themed game. And if you are Combat Mission will suit your taste.

Combat mission delivers an extreme battle experience that will make you feel that you are really in the game. You have the power to be a soldier even just in this game.

Wego system was included in this game where in where in it gives you a fast paced action where in two gamers can enjoy this game at the same time. As both players set up their battle strategies . Wego system makes it possible for the players to do their planning and strategies at the same time. No need to wait for the other player to finish, just like in other games.

This game can be played solo and 2-players. We still have to try this game for few more times to see if there will some flaws in the game. But as we try playing this game it makes us remember the old school strategy games in the past.

Graphics and Visual Effects

Combat Mission will really drive you into it. The visuals will really make you feel the ambiance in it. Then you will really feel the intense action flowing in you.  The soldiers, the guns and ammos almost look real, kudos to their fantastic visual effects.

This game is really a must to military strategy game players. The experience is superb. You get to play the game in full 3D look of its battlefield making the game look real. You can see all of the details in all angles.

The re many spots where the battle will take place, the fight maybe beside the seashore or on the sea. You can have a fight scene on the hills and bocage of France.

This game is perfect for those who already played combat mission over a decade ago and this time players have the chance to play multiplayer.  Find your opponents on the internet or ask your friends to join the game. This game is really awesome it more fun because its multiplayer function.  Share and watch replays of this cool strategic battle games with your friends. Play this Combat Mission game liked you never played it before.

If you want to know more about how to play the game there is also a tutorial video to help newbie players with this game. Before downloading it , Combat Mission is only compatible with iPad2 and its newer versions.

Game cost: $ 4.99
Download Link: Combat Mission : Touch – Battlefront.com, Inc. (iPad only)

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Swordigo Review

Swordigo’s game genre may not be a new as others but it still catches player’s attention in the App store. We have been playing so many sword games in the past years, but if you miss classic games well definitely Swordigo may cheer you up.

Touch Foo creator of great games like Soozis (which has great designs and controls) developed another game that will surely win gamers’ hearts — Customized controls, Zelda like feeling, 2D experience and the RPG leveling makes the game pure fun.

You will never get bored as you play the game. Playing this game will surely be entertaining. Slaying monsters, sword combats, double jump function, and character upgrades will make you feel eager to finish the game.

THE GAME EXPERIENCE:  ENTER THE MAGICAL REALM OF SWORDIGO

As you enter the magical realms of Swordigo ($1.99 via iTunes, universal) you will be having fun slashing monsters and entering caves, dungeons and feel victorious after defeating the devious monsters in the game.

In this game you can optimize the game play as how you want it. I find it hard to fight the main monster at the last part of the hard levels, it seems it can detect what move I am about to use, it makes me more eager to finish the game.

BEATING THE BOSSES IN THE GAME

As you play the game the character level up, your toolbox will expand where will be very useful in beating the boss in every level. So besides from slaying, running and jumping your Swordigo character can also cast spells on your enemies.

Do not forget to pick up the bonus items you may see whenever you defeated a monster or the bosses like the Skeleton Lord. Look for the secret treasure chest they also have special items that is very useful.

Collect these items that are use for a customizable upgrade for your character. You can buy these items using the diamond like gems monsters dropped when they are defeated. I tend to kill more monsters so I can get more diamond like gems to purchase more powerful upgrades.

Fighting the bosses will be a bit hard, but like what I have mentioned you can customize your character upgrades that will be very useful in defeating bosses in the hard levels. I find using spells and other abilities in defeating the bosses in some levels.  Yes. Other abilities like blowing walls with your bombs, carrying big crates, some combinations magic bolts and spell castings will be a big help.

GREAT ADVENTURE GAME

Start the game and find yourself playing the whole day. You will definitely enjoy slaying monsters and you will surely feel the excitement in upgrading your hero. You might feel a little annoyed with the bosses because they are really hard to defeat but you will also feel so eager to finish the game. Yes it is a usual adventure game but I am warning you this game is really hard. It may not look good for some but for me the graphics is just fine it doesn’t annoy me because it is clean and there are no too many visual effect that are not really needed (too much visuals confuses me when playing).

Enjoy the game!

Game Cost: $1.99 (App Store)
Download Link: Swordigo – Touch Foo (Universal)

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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.).