app review: NBA JAM for iPhone

by Bagner Estrada

In today’s online world, very few games cause groups of people to get together and trash talk. Most do their trash talking anonymously over Xbox Live, Skype or the Playstation Network. Back in 1993, NBA JAM caused friends to physically get together and discover new forms of trash talking. “BoomShakaLaka” became a proclamation of victory. No one could have imagined a, nearly, perfect recreation of NBA JAM on a phone. It would have seemed incomprehensible, but 18 years later it has become reality.

The love for NBA JAM is established by the fact that with a simple button press, you can unleash hellacious dunks on your opponents. Once you were on a roll, your player would be “On Fire” and literally torch the basket. The simplicity of NBA JAM is what allows it to seamlessly transfer to the iPhone. You utilize the visual joystick on the left side, and use assigned button presses for shooting, pushing, and turbo. Gesture controls are also offered, as an alternative, that assign the abilities to their own areas that you swipe to. This resurrection, of sorts, for the franchise could have easily been botched, but luckily the love for the game shines.

I would love to state that NBA JAM is a perfect release, but unfortunately there are a few problems worth addressing. The first issue and the biggest of them all: not including any type of multiplayer mode. It is a tremendous mistake for a game whose popularity surged due to its multiplayer. There would have been nothing better, in 2011, to have the ability to unleash a flipping, monster dunk on a friend while waiting for class to start etc. There is also the issue of the controls being too slippery at times, and losing your character off-screen as you attempt to chase down a loose ball or get a block. The ball does not provide any favors, as it’s sometimes hard to see due to its small size. There is also the issue of your cpu-controlled partner who, usually, does not attempt to perform any type of defense.

NBA JAM has never been a dense experience but one that provides a quick distraction. Its simplicity combined with ridiculousness, is what makes it a title to always come back to. It is unfortunate that multiplayer was not added, but hopefully it is added with a future update. If you love basketball or want something lighthearted to play, NBA JAM is worthy of your purchase.

rating: 3.5 stars out of five • price: $4.99 • NBA Jam in the App Store

app review: Braveheart HD for iPad

by Enuh Iglesias

What to do when you’re an uncouth knight who has to bring back the Holy Grail and win the princess within one month, or die?

Well, in Braveheart, that’s precisely your mission. Braveheart HD is an action adventure game that has you primed and ready to do battle against warriors, powerful mages, wild animals, and an assortment of supernatural creatures as you take a perilous journey in search of the Holy Grail. The storyline itself is nothing new, but there is more to the game than meets the eye.

There are two things that make Braveheart HD different from the usual, hack-and-slash-anything-in-sight-that’s-out-to-kill-you fare: extensive character customization and a unique and equally extensive game controls system.

You essentially have two different kinds of weapons to work with – a flail and a crossbow. Gaining loot from successful kills means more money to upgrade your stuff, buy ‘perks’ (special powers and skills), elixirs and more. There are even temporary power-ups that help you out in a level to help you beat the level.

Each level consists of three waves which you must survive before moving on to the next. There are several levels in a particular location. An additional game mode (hunt) lets you play outside of the fixed storyline. In addition, there are three additional game modes in the challenges section which let you play endless mode in different scenarios.

The controls system is also quite extensive. By default, you swing your flail in a circular motion. On the other hand, using the crossbow requires a different set of controls.

You can opt for the sticks control system where you have the d-pad on one side and buttons for controlling which weapon to use on the other side.

On the other hand, there’s also the intuitive controls system which relies largely on gestures. Tapping and holding one position while using another finger to direct and release your arrows allows you to take out enemies from a relatively safer distance. This is particularly useful when taking out mages and wizards who cast spells from a distance and are generally difficult to take on in head-to-head combat because of their speed and elusiveness. In addition, you can also opt to use gestures to move from one point to another.

Character customization is extensive. At the end of each level you earn points which you can use to improve your character’s attributes and skills. In addition, you have numerous options for your weapons, skills and other perks.

The graphics are polished, and animation is fluid. With respect to the locations, the environment is rather static and boredom sets in after several levels in a single location. More creative effort in making the environment an essential part of the game and not just static and secondary to the overall feel of the game would be a major improvement.

In-app purchases for additional gold or permanently increasing the rate of loot drop are tempting if you want to advance quickly in the game in terms of purchasing power. Nonetheless, you can thoroughly enjoy the game without resorting to these.

All in all, the depth of customization, the range of controls, perks and upgrades make Braveheart a compelling buy. It’s accessible enough even for newcomers to these kinds of games yet complex enough for the hardcore gamer to appreciate.

What do you think? Do you want to add Braveheart to your apps collection?

Price: $1.99 • Braveheart HD in the App Store

Infinity Blade, the most hyped iPhone-iPad game ever, delivers: review

by Christine Chan

Infinity Blade for iPhone and iPad in the iTunes App Store

Epic Games demoed Infinity Blade back during an Apple keynote and it has become the most hyped game ever to come to iOS, and with good reason. Infinity Blade is hands-down the most beautiful game ever to grace your iDevice’s glass screen.

Infinity Blade utilizes Unreal Engine 3, which is used in games like Borderlands, Gears of War, Lost Odyssey, Mirror’s Edge, and Mass Effect. So seeing this in use on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad is amazing.

Because of the high graphic requirement, the game is only compatible with iPhone 3GS/4, iPod Touch 3rd and 4th generation, and the iPad.

The game starts off with you witnessing the God King using the Infinity Blade to kill a brave warrior that dared to challenge him. Turns out that was your father, and then you come into play, your character vowing to avenge his death.

Infinity Blade is a gorgeous fighting game with light RPG elements thrown into the mix. You are to advance through the huge castle and face the several “titans” of the God King before you end at the King himself.

Despite the free-roaming demo “Epic Citadel” that demoed the Unreal Engine used in Infinity Blade, you aren’t given that freedom of exploration in this game. Instead, Infinity Blade has you “move around” by tapping on blue halos on the screen. 

When you aren’t battling, your character stands still, though you can look around with your finger. There are hidden items located throughout the castle though, so make sure to look around all the time to find that valuable loot.

Gameplay during battles makes full use of the touch screen controls of Apple’s devices. You swipe the screen to attack and perform combos. The bottom has three buttons: dodge left, block, and dodge right. You can also do a parry against the enemy by swiping in the direction of their attack. Doing parries involves perfect timing though, so it’s a skill to master through time.

Since they’re touch screen controls though, there is always the possibility of the screen not registering where you touch or how you touch the screen. I found myself sometimes attacking when i was trying to dodge or parry when I was trying to attack. For the most part, the controls were good, but sometimes it can be a little off. But this is just a minor annoyance.

The controls are very reminiscent of the motion controls of the Nintendo Wii, so it gives you a realistic feeling of really “attacking” rather than using virtual joysticks and buttons.

The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, and your character appearance reflects all of the items that you currently have equipped. 

There are plenty of items to collect, with a wide variety of swords, shields, magic rings, helmets, and body armors. You’ll find a lot of various items in the treasure chests throughout the castle, but there are plenty of super powerful items to buy in the store.

Battles will yield gold and sometimes items, and you get experience points based on how you fared in the battle. You get bonus points if you use the Super Attack (stuns the enemy), magic spells, kill the enemy quickly, or do tons of damage. 

The total experience will be split between all of your items, which you will eventually “master.” In order to level up your character, you have to have non-mastered items since the experience won’t go to your character if an item is already mastered.

There are plenty of items to collect, so I found the time spent looking for and collecting items and mastering them to be fun when combined with the awesome gameplay.

The game uses Game Center for achievements and leaderboards, where you can compare yourself to friends and worldwide with Total Victories, Level, and Gold Collected. There are plenty of achievements to get, so there’s plenty of reason to keep playing even after you defeat the God King.

There is an option to start over at Bloodline 1 though, with your current level in tact with all your items and gold. This is good if the game is becoming too difficult or you just want to master weaker items (there’s an achievement for mastering 50 items). You can also reset your character if you absolutely must.

The music in this game is pretty good, though you will more than likely be tuning it out due to the intense sound of battle. Your enemies will be screaming, roaring, grunting, and everything in between. The weapons and shields will be clinking and clanging against each other in all their glorious beauty.

The drawback to the game is that it can get a bit repetitive. If you get defeated by an enemy, you can either load at the last checkpoint or start over from the beginning of the castle and go through it all again (good for farming though). 

If you get defeated by the God King, you start a new “bloodline” with another son that somehow has all the items your previous character had, and retains the same level and money. It will probably take you several bloodlines before you can get powerful enough to defeat the God King. 

Unfortunately, the castle is the same, the enemies are mostly the same, and the fights are the same. The only difference is that they get more powerful and tougher to beat. It may get tiresome to some people, but I found it entertaining enough to keep me playing.

I also found the little cutscene in battles after the enemies health drops to a certain point to be annoying. This can interrupt chances for combos, which there are achievements for.

Currently the game feels short once you defeat the King. But fortunately the developers at Epic Games and ChAIR Entertainment have updates coming in the future that will include more levels (dungeons), enemies, collectable items, and multiplayer. So it will only be getting better.

This game may seem a bit pricey with the price tag of $5.99, but trust me, it is worth it. Despite the flaws, it is worth it for the visuals alone, which is something to show off to all your Android friends. The gameplay is still excellent and takes full advantage of the touch screen. The developers clearly knew what they were working with and made it work. Repetitive, but aren’t those puzzle games everyone plays repetitive as well? I’m not really complaining, this is like a better Bejeweled that will have you going “one more battle…”

So what are you waiting for? Grab this baby now!

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • price: $5.99 • App Store link

review: Twelve South BassJump Portable Subwoofer for MacBook

by Bill Palmer

The built-in speakers on MacBook laptops are better than what you find on a lot of other laptops, but they’re still too tweeter-ish to enjoy music on for any extended period of time. Any set of generic computer speakers can be plugged into the audio-out port on the MacBook for the sake of providing a real audio experience, but Twelve South takes a different approach with the BassJump. Whereas most computer speakers cut off the built-in speakers entirely in favor of their own three (or more) speaker units, the BassJump attempts to simply add a subwoofer to your MacBook’s built-in speakers. After all, when reduced to tweeter status, they’re pretty decent in that role. As such, the BassJump is one of the most intriguing Mac accessories I’ve encountered in some time.

And I made that conclusion before I even plugged it in. Out of the box, the BassJump looks something like a Mac Mini, albeit smaller, with the familiar brushed metal sides but a black top instead. In other words, it matches the styling of my MacBook Pro perfectly. It connects via USB, and for good reason. Connecting through the audio-out port would kill the built-in tweeters, so it’s necessary to begin with. But the USB connection is also for another reason, as a piece of accompanying Mac software (sorry PC users, this is where the train stops for you) allows you to control the volume of the BassJump relative to your computer’s overall volume, along with the audio mix between the BassJump and the built-in tweeters. It’s clearly a well thought out product, from its hardware design to its integration, and the whole thing feels, dare I say it, Apple-esque.

At the end of the day, audio is what matters when it comes to speakers of course. And to that end, the BassJump predictably doesn’t measure up to the best of the all-purpose three piece speaker systems you could get for the same $69. But that’s not a fair comparison at all, as the kind of systems I’m talking about have a subwoofer that’s a foot tall and tweeters which are each larger than the BassJump. As such, the BassJump is about saving space. And in that regard, I was pleasantly surprised that its audio output was at least sorta kinda in the same area code as the giant three-piece systems. In other words, while I’ve always found music coming out of my MacBook’s speakers to be annoying thin, the BassJump rounds out the sound enough such that it’s enjoyable.

The bottom line: if you’ve got a nice three-piece computer speaker system, the BassJump isn’t going to be an adequate replacement from an audio standpoint. But if you’ve declined to add external speakers to your MacBook due to space considerations, the BassJump is definitely a legitimate option. And for travelers, while the 1.4 pound BassJump isn’t something you’re likely to toss into your laptop bag, it would be easy enough to toss into your suitcase for use in the hotel once you get where you’re going. It’s certainly easy enough to move around the house if you use your MacBook in more than one room. And because it’s powered by your MacBook, there’s no power cable to drag along

One thing to keep in mind is that this will tie up one of your USB hubs, possibly forcing you to invest in a USB hub if you haven’t already. And my one gripe is that the BassJump software, which operates through System Preferences, placed menubar item in my Mac’s top menubar, which I wish it hadn’t done without asking. But if that’s my biggest gripe about the BassJump, then it says something positive about the product overall.

Testing notes:

- I tested the BassJump with a MacBook Pro. I did not test the overall audio experience on a standard white MacBook (which I would expect to be about similar) or on a MacBook Air (which I can’t vouch for).

- Because the BassJump is so symmetrical, it would be very easy to place it upside down on your desk without realizing it, which would result in a significantly different audio output. Just something to be careful of.

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • price: $69 • TwelveSouth.com

Tim & Eric Awesome Tour, Great Job: on-site report

When something is as awesome as Tim & Eric Awesome Great Job Show, being brand new to discovering it might make one feel like they are not part of the awesome inner circle great job club. And that’s exactly the feeling I had standing at Club Nokia on November 6th in Los Angeles. As a lover of Tom Goes To The Mayor, I had only seen bits and clips and would not consider labeling myself a super fan. Of the sold out crowd in attendance, I am willing to bet I am the only one.

The venue features a main stage with a large screen behind it, and scattered small screens throughout, which is a blessing since there would have been no way at all to see what was going on over the heads of the gangly nerds high fiving each other because they were so happy to be there right then.

Tim & Eric’s live show is holiday themed (the Holiday being Chrimbus) and they had plenty of gifts for the audience. Since their sets include several character/costume changes, they managed to keep the crowd entertained by playing some of their classics as well as new material from old standbys, including some new Cynco products and plenty of pre-recorded appearances by regular characters on the show.

Known for their absurd sense of humor and off beat video editing style, they are to comedy what Dali was to art. Much like Dali’s artwork, their humor doesn’t seem to need to be understood in order to be appreciated. They’re just as obsessed with dick and boob jokes as the next middle aged Adult Swim comedian, but what sets them apart is how very little of a fuck they give while still making you like them.

“They’re either doing the smartest thing in the world in the stupidest way or the stupidest thing in the smartest. You can never tell which it is,” fan Schlomo Rabinowitz tells me in the middle of the show. “And they have a great talent for finding people to cast.”

The show itself would have been a lot more enjoyable had it not been for the pressing need of 80% of the crowd to repeat every joke made, call out regular jokes before the cast members made the jokes, or call out sketch requests at the stage. It seemed like the crowd was more into everyone knowing that they were majorly into Tim & Eric, and not as interested in enjoying the show.

However, as one fan pointed out to me, most people usually watch the show “super baked”, so the absence of a smoke cloud over Club Nokia may account for the rowdiness of the normally stoned crowd.

All in all, these two overweight dorks from Temple University have managed to revolutionize comedy in the smartest- or dumbest- or is it smartest?- Yes, I think smartest way television has seen in a long time. That certainly makes their live show worth seeing.

report by Nikol Hasler

TimAndEric.com

review: Griffin Elan Passport Wallet for iPhone 4

You need your phone. You need your wallet. Doesn’t it just make sense to keep these two items together? Meet the Elan Passport Wallet from Griffin Technology.

The Elan Passport Wallet comes in two colors: Black and Platinum. For guys, it’s best to go with the black, unless you’re bold and daring. The Platinum has lilac accents as well as a flowery lining on the inside (the black has black lining). As an added bonus to the platinum version, there’s a security lanyard included. Both colors have a very nice chrome accent on the front, which adds a nice touch.

Now let’s get to the good stuff. The wallet stays closed with a snap button enclosure. Open it up and on the left will be two slots for credit cards and IDs, along with a pocket to keep some dollar bills, small notes, business cards, etc. On the right is where you will keep your phone. The slots hold about four cards, so don’t expect to bring all your plastic in this wallet case.

The phone simply slides into the space. While testing this, I had a Gelaskin on my iPhone, and am happy to report that there is no problem with getting your iPhone with any films on into the Elan Passport Wallet.

While your phone is in the wallet, all of the front will be visible except the bottom, where the home button is. This part of the phone will be covered up by the leather, with an indentation to indicate where you need to press for the home button. This indentation has a bit of a metal piece in the metal to make it ‘easier’ to press down on the home button, though I still found it a bit difficult.

The power button, headphone jack, bottom speakers/mic, and charging port are all left open for easy access. The side of the device with the ringer toggle and volume buttons is also left exposed. Even the camera and flash gets a nice hole for you to take your photos and record video without any troubles.

I found it a bit hard to type on the phone when it was in the wallet though. The sides are a bit thick on the screen, so it made it a bit difficult, since the edges prevented my fingers from hitting some letters.

When you close the wallet with everything inside, it looks pretty good. Since you can’t pack everything in it, the case doesn’t get overstuffed. It closes easily without any need to struggle with the closure, like you may have encountered with wallets before.

While the concept is great — eliminate the need to carry your wallet and iPhone separately — there needs to be some work done to improve the case. Mainly the home button issue — personally, I think the bottom part that covers the button should be removed. It’s not necessary, when the top part above the screen is exposed. It just makes the home button so much harder to press and actually work.

The sides on the screen should be modified so it’s not as intrusive on the screen when typing as well, at least for me. But I’m not sure how to improve it. More of something that should be taken into consideration when getting this wallet.

But if you like the idea of carrying the essentials together in one wallet, then this is worth checking out. Worth getting though, even just for those times where you don’t really want to take a lot of things with you. It’s the convenience factor.

review by Christine Chan

rating: 3.5 stars out of five • $39 • GriffinTechnology.com

app review: Shibuya

There are many puzzle games on the App Store, but few can be simple to understand but at the same time challenging. Shibuya, created by NeverCenter, is reminiscent of classics such as Lumines and the king of all puzzle games Tetris; the player is challenged by falling pillars, and enchanted by a beautiful soundtrack that turns the game into an experience.

Shibuya is a simple game to understand: falling empty slots must be filled in with colored pillars before hitting the ground and similar colors must be matched up to create high scoring combos. This all occurs while holding the iPhone in a horizontal manner and tapping on the slots with the most potential. Depending on the difficulty that is chosen, the slot’s speed will increase making your tapping more frenetic.

Shibuya’s strength is in taking established puzzle concepts and adding a new spin to it. Its soundtrack, supplied by Millionyoung, provides a futuristic-techno sound that compliments Shibuya very well. With that said, it would have been a spectacular experience if the music was connected to your actions, such as your combos affecting or changing the beat, or even affecting the look of the field. There were also a few random moments where my touch commands where ignored, and caused me to lose the game.

Shibuya is a solid puzzle game that will have you hooked for hours and which is perfect for quick sessions. It is a easily one of the best iPhone games on the market, and one that encompasses everything that people love puzzle games for. Shibuya includes achievements, Quick Play and Endless modes.

review by Bagner Estrada

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • App Store link

review: iSkin revo4 case for iPhone 4

Those that are fans of silicon cases, you’re in for a treat.

iSkin recently came out with the revo4 for the iPhone 4, which is a two-color silicon pullover case for your iPhone. It’s a bit different than other silicon covers, since it covers the glass above and below the screen along with the rest of the phone. There is a space for the top camera and speaker/mic, but that’s the only exposed glass. Even the home button is covered with silicon for protection.

It was a bit weird to get on though – I had to pull the silicon over some corners before I could get it to fit. But the silicon material can stretch a bit and doesn’t look like it gets damaged as a result, so that’s good. Once the silicon is on the phone, there is an additional part of the case – the ViSOR Screen Shield. This is a piece of clear plastic that attaches on the front or back of the case by the side grooves.

The ViSOR doesn’t allow the screen to be used when it’s on the front, but it does protect it from scratches and dust when it is on the glass. When you need to use the screen though, the ViSOR can be attached on the back, which will give a bit more grip and protection. It’s pretty unique, and adds to the protection factor of the revo4. 

The revo4 gives your iPhone a good grip, while providing good protection in a nice looking package. But like all silicon cases, there may be bits of pocket lint and dust finding themselves onto the case since it isn’t the non-sticky type of silicon.

All of the buttons are covered in silicon, with openings only for the camera/flash, ringer toggle, and headphone jack. The charging sync port gets its own silicon plug to prevent any loose debris or dust from getting in the port though, which is great.

I did find it a bit weird to press the home button with the revo4 on though – the silicon felt a bit thick and I felt that there was less tactile feedback. As a result, I couldn’t really tell when I was pressing the home button. Or I couldn’t really hit the home button twice to bring up the multitasking dock. Perhaps this is because I’m not always a silicon skin user – I’m more of a plastic/rubber skin or two-piece sliding shell person myself.

For those that are fans of silicon cases and are looking for a good one to protect their iPhone 4 though, I’d recommend the revo4 from iSkin. It looks good, offers great protection, and feels good. Just be careful of getting stuff stuck on the silicon.

rating: four stars out of five • iSkin.com

review: Accessory Geeks Nature Korea Eco Brand case for iPhone 4

It’s all about going green, so why shouldn’t your case for your iPhone 4 do the same?

Amazingly, there’s a case for that. Meet the Eco Brand b&a Natural WoodCase for your iPhone 4 from Accessory Geeks.

The entire case is made of natural wood in a choice of natural colors and finishes. It also carries a natural wooden scent, so it’s a bonus to those that enjoy the great outdoors. Another great thing about this case is that the entire thing is biodegradable – no harming the environment if you ever decide that it’s no longer the right case for you.

Getting the case on is pretty simple – just slide your iPhone in from the top until the wood is fitting snugly on your device. You may be worried about how to get it out though, but that’s pretty easy too. The top left side of the case is left with an opening that allows you to pull the phone out after you push it up to the top by placing your thumb on the screen and push up. The overall process was pretty smooth.

The wood gives the phone a nice, natural feel and offers it some grip in your hand, but not really when placed on surfaces. Since the area for the ringer toggle and volume buttons is exposed, there’s no worry about being able to access the buttons. The top is also open since the device goes out that way, but this leaves your headphone port and power buttons exposed to the elements. The bottom leaves plenty of room for your older USB cables and the device speakers/microphone.

The cutout for the camera seemed a bit small, but it looks well once the device is in. I found no obtrusion in photographs when it was on. There is also a cutout for the ambient light sensor on the front as well, since the case is just one big shell, and thus covers the glass above the screen.

If you’re looking for a unique look to give your phone, then this is one of the better options out there. The wood gives it a sophisticated and polished look, and you will stand out amongst the crowd with it. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly – what’s not to like about protecting your phone and not harming the earth at the same time?

It just may feel weird at first, since you are sticking your modernized, glass phone in some wood. It also added a bit of bulk, but not enough that it became hard to get in and out of pockets.

rating: four stars out of five • AccessoryGeeks.com

review: Trident Kraken case for iPhone 4

With a device like the iPhone 4, the first thing you need is rugged protection. Don’t worry, the Trident Kraken case is there for you.

The Kraken is a dual layered case that provides all around protection for your phone. It’s a silicon cover over a hard plastic shell, with its very own screen protector.

From my experience, this case is a bit more difficult to install than the Otterbox Defender series, but it’s manageable. There are detailed instructions that come with the case, but simply they are: 1) remove the belt clip (pinch the tabs in and pull it out of the back of the case, 2) pull the silicon cover off, and 3) open the plastic shell by pulling the tabs apart.

Insert the phone in the back half of the case. Don’t worry about the belt clip scratching your device – there’s a piece of clear plastic over the hole where the Apple logo would be so that there won’t be any scratches. Snap the other half of the plastic shell on and then wrap the silicon around it. The belt clip can be put back if you want, but it’s not mandatory.

If you do want to use the belt clip though, it should be noted that this doubles as a stand for your iPhone. Just push in the top and the bottom will be open and fully able to support your iPhone on a flat surface. It can also swivel around, so it ends up in either portrait or landscape mode. Perfect for your viewing pleasure!

The Kraken case looks great with the contrasting colors for the plastic shell and silicon. There is a bit of bulk added, but that ensures that the device is protected completely. The built-in screen protector seals the phone in so that no dust will get in the phone, and allows the screen to be used normally.

All po rts and buttons are completely covered with the silicon skin, which can be peeled open when needed. This is especially great for the charging port, which seems to accumulate a lot of dust over time (check it, I guarantee it if you haven’t looked and cleaned it before). The back of the case also has a perfect opening for the camera and flash that will not obstruct any photos taken with the flash.

Additionally, the case comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack adapter to allow the device to be used with speakers and other accessories with the case on.

If you are willing to sacrifice style and fashion for the complete, rugged protection of your iPhone through practically anything life can throw at it, then the Kraken case from Trident is for you.

rating: four stars out of five • Product website

app review: Mirror’s Edge

A few weeks back, I reviewed a great game titled Canabalt by Semi Secret Software, which introduced the player to the form of free running i.e. parkour. Not to be outdone, Electronic Arts has decided to bring their critically acclaimed Mirror’s Edge title to the iPhone and introduce some new tricks to the free running genre.

While Canabalt put you in the shoes of an 8-bit sprite, running for his life, attempting to survive as long as possible; Mirror’s Edge is more about getting from point A to point B playing as delivery woman Faith, following a semi-narrative about an Orwellian society, while performing free running maneuvers such as sliding under pipes, jumping rooftops, or running across billboards. The game also pushes the iPhone to achieve an impressive visual style similar to its console big brother. It is worth noting that the game was made specifically for the iPhone 4’s retina display (Review done on iPhone 3g).

As the character of Faith, your mission is to reach the end of each stage while evading the various obstacles in your way. The controls are simple to use: you tap left or right to run in that direction, swipe up to jump, swipe down to slide. Many other swiping controls are revealed which for the most part work great. The biggest negative in this game is that while the swiping controls work, they are not perfect when attempting to achieve multiple evasive maneuvers or attacks; the game suffered from instances where it ignored or did not register certain attacks on enemies or when trying to avoid an obstacle. This ruins the flow that the game attempts to build to as the illusion of free running gets interrupted by these issues. The soundtrack for the game is also very timid when compared to the frenetic Canabalt score, which seemed to build and build as you moved faster and faster.

If you loved Canabalt or want an introduction to the genre: Mirror’s Edge is above and beyond the perfect iPhone game even with its minor issues. It is challenging while introducing game mechanics that have not been seen on the iPhone. Besides the main story, the game includes Speed Run where you can time your runs and then challenge your friends on Facebook. It is definitely exciting to think about the possibilities for the Mirror’s Edge sequel and the ideas that it will sprout in other talented developers. I encourage you to purchase these games that attempt to be different.

review by Bagner Estrada

rating: four stars out of five • App Store link

review: Speck Products Candyshell case for iPhone 4

For a device as sensitive to drops as the iPhone 4, you’re going to want a case to protect it somehow, unless you’re the ultimate daredevil. But what about adding some style to your phone as well, at the same time protecting it? Well, once again Speck has got you covered with the CandyShell for iPhone 4.

The CandyShell is a pretty popular case since they first introduced it back with the 3G/3GS models. You know those candies that have a hard shell but a soft and chewy center? That’s pretty much exactly what this is, hence the name “CandyShell.”

Installing it on your device is pretty simple – put the phone in bottom first into the rubber lining, then push it in until the case is securely around all of the iPhone. It would also be a good idea to make sure that the device is clean before inserting – the case is very snug, so having any bits of dirt and lint on it wouldn’t be so great. 

If you ever need to remove the case (for cleaning or anything), there’s some detailed instructions on how to do so. You pretty much have to press and push on the middle back of the case and then lift up the top corners slowly until the device starts popping out of the inside rubber – then the rest of the device will angle out easily.

I find the combination of a hard, polycarbonate shell backing and a rubberized inside to be quite efficient at protecting the device. The outside protects it from any wear-and-tear that you may come across in everyday usage, and the rubber lining acts as a shock absorber. The end result is complete protection for your iPhone 4.

The rubber lining extends out to the lips on the screen edges and out to the polycarbonate back on the corners only. The corners add a bit of style to the otherwise plain backing, which has nothing besides Speck’s logo.

There is a smaller space for the ringer toggle switch from what I’ve noticed, so those without nails or have bigger fingers may have trouble reaching the toggle. The volume and power buttons are covered in the rubber material so that there is maximum protection. The headset jack is exposed through enough of a space so there should be no problems plugging in your headphones or other accessories, such as a Square credit card reader or external microphone, etc. The bottom charging sync terminal has a smaller space than some of the other cases I’ve encountered but is fully compatible with older cables since there is enough space.

Over time, I felt that the polycarbonate shell gets slippery after being exposed to the skin’s natural oils, but that is easily taken care of by taking a cleaning cloth to it every now and then. At first I found it a bit hard to take the case off, but after a couple of tries, it’s become relatively easy to do.

This is definitely a keeper from Speck. If you want a simple, one-piece case that offers a great amount of protection, then snatch up the CandyShell.

review by Christine Chan

rating: five stars out of five • SpeckProducts.com

review: iSkin Solo case for iPhone 4

Personally, I love cases that are one piece and easy to slip your phone in and out of – I guess these are more like ‘shells.’ I’ve also been a big fan of iSkin ever since I picked up the Solo FX back then for my 3GS. So I’m pleased to say that iSkin does not disappoint with the Solo for iPhone 4.

These are minimalistic yet sleek, gel-like skins that wrap snugly around your device. It comes in five colors, but they’re all translucent so that the back of your device will still be visible to everyone around you (proudly tout that iPhone 4!).

I found it extremely easy to get on the phone – just insert it bottom first and push the top in until the skin wraps around the device completely. The polymer material is slick on the back but the sides have a ‘frosted’ feel that add a nice, solid grip to the device.

The shell itself is pretty thin, so those that don’t like adding a lot of bulk to their phone will probably appreciate the Solo more than other cases on the market. I found my device able to fit comfortably in my pocket without any unnecessary bulk, and because of the smooth texture, I don’t see any pocket lint getting stuck on the case or device screen, which is great.

Most cases I’ve come across have the lip of the case pretty close to the edge of the front. I notice that with the Solo, the lip goes a little further in on the screen. I’m not sure why this is, but I feel that this could be better to prevent dust particles from getting under the skin and inside the case, possible scratching the glass.

The ringer toggle is given a small opening that could be a little hard to access without a nail (I tried). The volume buttons are protected by polished baubles that I found aesthetically pleasing to look at, and is definitely a unique look that I have yet to come across from other companies.

The power button is also protected by a shiny polymer bubble, though I found it feeling weird when pressing it since it’s flatter. The headphone port leaves plenty of space for whatever accessories you need to use. The back of the shell has a teardrop shaped cutout for the camera and flash so that it is non-obtrusive in your photos.

I did find one problem with the Solo and that is with the opening for the charge sync cable. I found that my older Griffin PowerJolt SE car charger had a bit of trouble staying plugged in to my iPhone with the Solo on. It wasn’t as bad as with the Apple Bumper, since that completely doesn’t work, but the plug kept slipping out due to the smaller opening of the Solo.

It seems that the Solo is better suited for the newer iPhone cables with the slimmer 30-pin dock connector. So just a word of caution – you may find yourself annoyed at getting older, wider cables to stay plugged in with this shell on.

Overall, this is a great looking, stylish shell for your iPhone 4. It’s easy to get on and off, provides enough protection while keeping slim, gives you grip, and also shows off your iPhone 4′s beauty with the translucent polymer back. Just use your older cables with caution. Once again, iSkin doesn’t disappoint with the Solo.

Highly recommended.

review by Christine Chan

rating: 4.5 stars out of five • iSkin.com

review: NuGuard Hard Shell case for iPhone 4

What’s the point of getting a beautiful phone like the iPhone 4 only to end up covering it up with a case that doesn’t show off the natural beauty? Yes, we need to have some protection for a device like the iPhone 4, but it’s also nice to be able to show it off to everyone else, right? Well, the NuGuard Clear from Newer Technology is the solution. The NuGuard Clear is a two-piece snap on case that gives your shiny iPhone 4 protection while allowing the back to be seen by those around you. Getting it on your iPhone is easy, and it’s just as easy to take off. Newer Technology claims that this shell case offers more impact resistance than other polycarbonate shells out on the market. I’m not exactly going to test this claim though, there’s only so many iPhone 4s I can afford. But the case feels solid and secure when it is on your iPhone.

The feel of the acrylic shell offers a good grip when holding it, so you shouldn’t be dropping it anyway. It also does a good job of protecting your device from scratches, dirt and oily fingerprints, all while showing off your iPhone 4′s natural beauty. On the side is a large space for the ringer toggle and volume buttons, much like the other case I reviewed from Newer Technology, the NuGuard Carbon. The same cutout is on the back for the camera and flash. Since this is a two-piece snap on case, it protects the top and bottom of the iPhone 4. The top leaves the power button exposed and the bottom gets a space that is large enough to accommodate older iPhone cables.

Overall, this is a good shell case for your iPhone 4. The only little problem is that there is a logo slapped on the middle of the back. I see this as tarnishing the iPhone 4′s natural beauty, since it’s below the Apple logo and above the ‘iPhone’ text. The logo should be smaller and tucked away towards the bottom, where it’s not as obtrusive. I mean, you’re paying money for the case, why do you need to be walking around advertising it like a billboard? Despite the logo flaw, the NuGuard Hard Shell is a nice protective shell for your iPhone. Recommended.

review by Christine Chan

rating: four stars out of five • NewerTech.com

review: Newer Technology NuGuard Carbon Fiber case for iPhone 4

One piece snap on cases are simple, minimalistic, and add a splash of style to your phone. Newer Technology provides all of this in its NuGuard Carbon case. Snap on cases are some of the easiest things to get on your phone. With the NuGuard Carbon, just slip in one side of the phone first, preferably the side with the buttons. Then just push the other side into the case until it ‘snaps’ together. If you need to get it off for any reason, I find that separating the case from the phone on one side and then pushing the rest out is the easiest way, and is usually the standard way for snap-on cases.

The sides of the Carbon have a soft and smooth texture that gives the device some grip, which is always good to have considering that the iPhone 4′s glass can make it slippery. The back is covered with a carbon fiber pattern that adds a sense of style and texture to aid in getting a good grip on your phone. The ringer toggle and volume buttons are super easy to access with the exposed space for them, so there’s no trouble getting to them like with some other cases.

Since the top and bottom are exposed, the NuGuard Carbon has no trouble giving you full access to the charge sync terminal and the power and headphone jack. The camera is given an ovular cutout that gives the flash enough room without obstructing photos in any way. The only drawback that I can see of the case is that the top and bottom of the device is left open. This means that if the phone is dropped and hits a surface on the top or bottom, there isn’t any protection to save it from cracking or scuffs. But it shouldn’t be a problem for those that are careful with their phones, like I usually am.

If you’re looking for a simple and minimalistic case that will give you some protection while looking good, then the Newer Technology NuGuard Carbon Fiber could be a good fit for you. Ju st be careful with the top and bottom of the device. You’ve been warned.

review by Christine Chan

rating: four stars out of five • NewerTech.com

review: STM iPad Org Board

Need a way to organize your iPad and its accessories? Meet the new STM iPad Org Board — it’s a minimalist’s design for taking your necessities on the go.

The iPad Org Board was designed with an on-to-go person in mind. Both sides of the board are made to be functional. One side of the board is made of neoprene, aimed to hold and protect the iPad. The other side is made of a micro ripstop backing along with a strip of stretchy fabric runs across it to create four slots for your accessories.

The neoprene side has a pocket that your iPad can slide right into. On top is a flap closure that encloses your iPad entirely in the sleeve. In the middle is a backing made of a sturdy board to give the Org Board its shape. I recommend sliding your iPad in face down so it’s flat on this surface.

On the flip side is a 300D micro ripstop that has 4 slots for your accessories. There are two large slots and two smaller ones. The large slots fit items like an iPhone or an iPod Touch. Ideally, you may want to put your iPhone or iPod Touch in one and wrap your charging cable in the other slot. In the center are two smaller slots, perfect for a pen, stylus, and/or headsets.

One thing to keep in mind is that the neoprene is form-fitted for the iPad, so it’ll work best if the iPad does not have a case on (unless it’s super slim). On the organizational side, I recommend sliding your iPod Touch or iPhone into the slot without a case, or with a very slim case on. A thick case may stretch the slot, or make it difficult to take out.

The ideal use for this iPad Org Board is if you want to carry your iPad to a short distance, perhaps to a meeting. You can carry it on your arm like a folder and still have all your accessories when you reach your destination. It’s also ideal to pack your iPad Org Board into another bag to make it easier to take your necessities with you anywhere.

Overall, the STM iPad Org Board is thin, minimal, and very lightweight to carry your iPad in. It’s certainly one of the more unique iPad accessories that makes a great organizational tool that’s perfect for carrying alone or putting it in another bag. It could be purchased at STMbags.com for $24.95.

3.5 out of 5 stars · STMbags.com · $24.95

app review: Canabalt for iPhone

Canabalt is a game that will conjure up memories of watching Jason Bourne running on rooftops, smashing through windows and narrowly making enormous leaps. Thankfully, there is no real danger to be faced, but its rapid pace and bite size game play will have you wondering if your last attempt was truly your best. Its 8-bit like, grey and black colored visuals are deceptive, as it engages you backed by a soundtrack, reminiscent of a Ratatat song, you cannot get out of your head.

Canabalt is simple on paper: you run from left to right nonstop, leap from rooftop to rooftop (a few crumbling under your feet), with speed being your friend and foe. Trouble is also found in the form of boxes in your path that attempt to slow you down; their malevolent purpose being to make your leaps for safety that much more challenging. As you reach Sonic the Hedgehog like speeds, you realize that you may overshoot your landings or crash into the side of buildings.

The game’s charm comes from not only its visual simplicity or its soundtrack but in the way you actually play it. As your in-game avatar runs faster and faster you realize that all it takes to play is one finger, and that is a great achievement. There is no need for annoying, and clunky onscreen joysticks to distract from the game. Your one finger tapping on the screen controls your character’s jump as he builds speed.

In future updates or iterations of Canabalt it would be great to have more varied courses instead of the just one. Also, besides a scoreboard there are no other options to challenge your friends, which is disappointing (I dream for multiplayer challenges someday). Overall, this is another solid iPhone game that will have you coming back, especially with your trusty headphones.

rating: four stars out of five • App Store link

review by Bagner Estrada

app review: Tilt To Live for iPhone

At first glance, Tilt To Live seems like a Geometry Wars knockoff. This thought is quickly forgotten as it provides its own spin on the genre, and utilizes the iPhone’s accelerometer to challenge the player’s evasive maneuvers. This game is One Man Left Studios’ debut title and showcases the power of the App. Store for unheard of talent.

In Tilt To Live, the player takes control of a cursor that must evade hundreds of enemies ranging from simple red dots, to various other forms attempting to stop your quest for the ultimate high score. Unlike Geometry Wars, the player does not possess unlimited ammo and must rely on power ups generating throughout the map. Thankfully, the choices of power ups are varied: heat seeking cluster missiles, freeze beams, nukes and many more. The game is intelligently designed as it challenges the most hardcore of gamers, while providing the simplicity of pick up and play for the casual gamer. It also helps that within its simplicity the game is visually appealing with bright colors onscreen at all times. Tilt To Live’s melodic music juxtaposes the violence onscreen but is never intrusive on the game play.

The most impressive aspect about this $2.99 game is that One Man Left Studios continues to build upon their hit game. Recently releasing the new Frostbite mode, which brings its total modes to four. In Frostbite mode, the player must eliminate as many falling frozen enemies before hitting the bottom, and reanimating. Previous modes such as Gauntlet carry enemies from right to left. The player must attempt to duck, dive, dodge and collect orbs that supply a few more seconds of precious life. Code Red is a hyper version of Classic mode, which means that enemies immediately go for the kill and think about your feelings second. There is also the inclusion of the aGon system, which keeps record of all unlocked achievements, unlocked weapons and friends’ scores.

All of these modes, and the possibly more to come, turn this frenetic shooter into a must-have. Minor negatives though are the exclusion of any multiplayer modes (hopefully to be remedied in the sequel), and the occasional fickleness of the gyroscope controls that may cause some frustration. With these minor quips said, if you need a healthy dose of adrenaline while waiting in line for your panini, then this game is more than sufficient.

rating: four stars out of five • App Store link

review by Bagner Estrada

OtterBox Defender case for iPhone 4: review

Are you the clumsy type? Or just paranoid with your new iPhone 4? Then there’s a case to suit your iPhone up in pretty much what would be indestructible armor. Meet the OtterBox Defender case for the iPhone 4.

This is quite possibly the most rugged case you’ll ever come across. If you just want protection, then it’s got you covered, although the design is less than attractive. But that’s not the point here, the point is protection.

The Defender case is a two-piece snap on polycarbonate shell with a silicone cover to add shock absorption. When you first get the case, it must be taken apart in order for you to be able to install it on your device. The process is 1) pull the silicone cover from the bottom-up, 2) pull apart the snaps at the sides and top of the polycarbonate shell, and 3) take the two halves apart. You should now be left with a silicone skin, and two halves of a plastic shell.

The front piece of the Defender for iPhone 4 actually has a built-in screen protector, which is pretty awesome. The back half has a see-thru window for the Apple logo, so that you can still show off that what you’re using is pretty much an armored iPhone.

When you install the case, you need to insert the phone into the front half, then get the back piece on and snap the three enclosures together to make sure it’s in place. Then the silicone skin goes back on it.

The process to get the case on and off is a bit tedious, but the protection that the case offers is simply amazing. Once I got the case on, I felt as if I could literally just throw my phone around on concrete and nothing would happen to it since it’s sealed in super-protective armor. The entire phone is buried in two layers of silicon and polycarbonate casing.

As far as buttons and ports go, these are all covered and protected as well. The case is pretty much a box around your device. The volume and power buttons are covered by the case, and the ringer switch, headphone jack, and charge sync terminal are all covered with a silicon port cover to ensure maximum protection. It may be a little annoying having to open the cover up each time to use the button or port if you use them frequently, but it’s a minimal trade for all the protection it offers.

My only little problem with the case is that the silicon is a bit sticky – meaning that it will attract bits of dust and lint and what-have-you. But in the end, the case makes your iPhone a tank in exchange for looks. Seriously, get this case on and just throw it around a little. Nothing will happen to your phone.

So if you’re willing to sacrifice looks for the ultimate in protection and never have to worry about breaking the glass or getting scratches ever again, then the OtterBox Defender case is for you.

If looks still matter to you but you want the best in protection, OtterBox is coming out with the Commuter case for the iPhone 4 soon. Stay tuned for our review when it’s out.

rating: five stars out of five • OtterBox.com

Griffin Outfit Ice case for iPhone 4: review

Are you looking for something that’s simple, sleek looking, and offers enough protection for your iPhone 4? Well Griffin’s got you covered with the Outfit case.

The entire case is made of a matte and silky smooth plastic material that is just amazing to hold on to. It’s a two piece front and back case that snaps on and is just as easy to take off.

The overall fit is snug, and all buttons and ports are left open so that they’re easily accessible without any fuss. The camera and flash also get a ovular cutout that does not get in the way of pictures.

I haven’t tested the case in a drop test, because I don’t intend to intentionally try to drop my phone. But from how tight the snap is, I’d say that it should protect the device in most drops. The case also adds a bit of lift to the screen so it’s not going to fall directly on the screen.

This is one of the better cases I’ve tested, especially since I’m just in love with the satin smooth texture of the case. The overall look is minimalistic, which is not always a bad thing. There are different colors to match your personality and outfit.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a nice snap-on protective case that adds a dash of color to your daily regime.

rating: five stars out of five • GriffinTechnology.com

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