Good to go : personal devices create new outlet for on-the-go gaming
Since the Apple’s App Store launched on July 10, 2008, more than 500 million applications have been downloaded to the iPhone and the iPod Touch.
The App Store features applications ranging from a surgery game called Amateur Surgeon to the $1,000 ‘I am Rich’ application that does nothing except show a graphic of a ruby.
But have no fear, if you don’t have an iPhone or an iPod Touch. Since you go to Syracuse University, you probably have a BlackBerry, and we’ve got the hookup with the latest apps for those, too.
iPod/iPhone games
Rolando – $5.99
In Rolandoland, little black squares have invaded and the only chance the Rolandos have of survival is your fingers.
The user tilts and twists an iPhone or an iPod Touch to make little, spherical characters roll around, collecting diamonds and saving the king or Rolandoland while avoiding the little black cubes.
If it weren’t for the motion sensor in the iPhone or the iPod Touch, Rolando would be nothing special. However, the game poses a challenge when you have to make several Rolandos get through a dangerous passage without rolling into the evil cubes.
Fieldrunners- $4.99
Fieldrunners is a beautifully designed tower defense game. The goal is to stop enemies from crossing the screen by building defense towers.
The player earns money for the towers based on how many enemies are killed in a round. The game features three maps, three levels of difficulty and six awesome towers ranging from a rocket launcher to a flamethrower.
The game was rated one of the top 10 video games of 2008 by Time magazine and is by far one of the most entertaining applications available now.
iRecorder- $1.99
By blowing into the iPhone and the iPod Touch’s built-in microphone, iRecorder allows users to create noise that, depending on where you put your fingers on the screen, is supposed to be music.
The application features a graphic of a recorder on the screen and the user is supposed to put their fingers over the buttons to play notes. Even though the application features the ability to learn songs, it’s extremely difficult to look at the screen while holding the phone horizontally. Those who can’t play an instrument, play the recorder. Those who can’t play the recorder, play iRecorder.
BlackBerry
BrickBreaker-FREE with the purchase of a new BlackBerrry
With graphics better than the Nintendo 64, the iPhone and the iPod Touch trump visual quality of games on the BlackBerry. However, nothing from the App Store will ever equal the addictiveness of BrickBreaker. BrickBreaker is a game where the player bounces a small ball off a paddle to break blocks.
Even though the game doesn’t have the flashy colors of Apple’s games, BrickBreaker has 34 addictive levels. It is impossible to describe to a non-BlackBerry user why BrickBreaker is so addictive. If you want to check it out, ask the person to your left. Chances are good they are on their BlackBerry.
