We all know how NFC works (if not, then here's all you need to know about NFC) although one of its greatest applications is still being hidden away and unused; Google's Android Beam.
28 February 2014
Android Beam: Why you should care about this hidden gem
Near Field Communication technology (NFC) has spread its way
across the mobile landscape like a forest wildfire, yet how many of us
actually use it, let alone use it to its full potential?
We all know how NFC works (if not, then here's all you need to know about NFC) although one of its greatest applications is still being hidden away and unused; Google's Android Beam.
We all know how NFC works (if not, then here's all you need to know about NFC) although one of its greatest applications is still being hidden away and unused; Google's Android Beam.
What is NFC and why is it in your phone?
Your credit cards: gone. Bus pass and train tickets:
vanished. Those dog-eared loyalty cards for high street coffee shops:
binned.
You've been the victim not of theft, but of the future – a future where the wallet, purse, paper ticket and pocket have all gone digital and live solely on your phone.
You've been the victim not of theft, but of the future – a future where the wallet, purse, paper ticket and pocket have all gone digital and live solely on your phone.
26 February 2014
Motorola Moto G tips and tricks
The Motorola Moto G
is a game-changing phone -- its quad-core chip, pure Android 4.3 and
pin-sharp HD screen are fantastic value at the bargain-basement price of
£135. It's likely to find its way into many a stocking this Christmas,
so familiarise yourself with this super-cheap Android phone with our
handy hints and tantalising tips.
The Moto G might be cheap, but you still want to make sure you don't lose it. The phone comes with Motorola's own 'Device ID' system, where you can register the handset and locate it later on if you misplace it. When you switch on the Moto G for the first time you'll be prompted to enter your Google account to activate this service, but if you skip this step for whatever reason, you can begin the process anew by going to Settings > Motorola device ID. It's also possible to unlock the phone from this menu as well.
1. Secure your phone
The Moto G might be cheap, but you still want to make sure you don't lose it. The phone comes with Motorola's own 'Device ID' system, where you can register the handset and locate it later on if you misplace it. When you switch on the Moto G for the first time you'll be prompted to enter your Google account to activate this service, but if you skip this step for whatever reason, you can begin the process anew by going to Settings > Motorola device ID. It's also possible to unlock the phone from this menu as well.
Samsung Galaxy S5 - First Impressions
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is the latest challenger from the South Korean
brand to launch into an ever more crowded market, but at least this time
the phone has focused on what users might actually want rather than useless gimmicks.
The Galaxy S4 was a strong phone in spite of the insistence that being able to wave your hands over a phone or scroll with your eyes was a good thing.
The Galaxy S4 was a strong phone in spite of the insistence that being able to wave your hands over a phone or scroll with your eyes was a good thing.
21 February 2014
Train Conductor 2 - Android Game Review
Train Conductor 2: Travel the states of America and guide all the trains across the tracks safely!
Some of you may recognise the screenshots of this game from when it was first released by the Voxel Agents on the iPhone about a couple of years ago. But in any case, check out its good points and our game tips on how to beat your mates below!
Some of you may recognise the screenshots of this game from when it was first released by the Voxel Agents on the iPhone about a couple of years ago. But in any case, check out its good points and our game tips on how to beat your mates below!
Bag It! - Android Game Review
Bag It!: Top notch grocery packing tetris game which morphs into bagging mayhem!
Usually when you think of doing the groceries, the packing part is a bit of a chore… in fact… come to think of it, I like those supermarkets where someone does the bagging for you. But this game converts this mundane task into a skill and artform! Check out some of the good points below…
Usually when you think of doing the groceries, the packing part is a bit of a chore… in fact… come to think of it, I like those supermarkets where someone does the bagging for you. But this game converts this mundane task into a skill and artform! Check out some of the good points below…
20 February 2014
WhatsApp Alternatives: Six instant messaging apps
Facebook just annnounced its plan to buy WhatsApp for $19bn, leaving some users fearing the worse for the instant messaging service. Will Mark Zuckerberg take the best features from the hugely popular application and build it into its existing Facebook Messenger app or leave it relatively untouched? Only time will tell.
If you are not willing to wait to find out, and Facebook’s big spender attitude is enough to convince you to contemplate ditching the instant messaging service, here are six WhatsApp alternatives to try out instead.
If you are not willing to wait to find out, and Facebook’s big spender attitude is enough to convince you to contemplate ditching the instant messaging service, here are six WhatsApp alternatives to try out instead.
17 February 2014
God of Blades - Android Game Review
God of Blades: A cutting edge game which is also beautifully stylised art
It takes a lot to stand out from the crowd nowadays and every decent game has its distinctiveness – the general rule of thumb is that a game has to look good. On AGR we’ve come across many games which are great eye candy, but none are truly as artistic as God of Blades. This game rips out the frame of normal visualisations and immerses you into another realm. On the one hand you have a swipe centric game whereby you’re slashing your way to victory and on the other hand your mind is being blown away by the artistic dialogues and 70s album art.
The game itself is amazingly simple: Four different gestures will control your running king. You have one block action and three different slashes which differ in terms of attack timing and how long they leave your player exposed. A good parry can have you beheading your foe, but a badly timed swing could also lead to your own demise. The special moves in the game are triggered by a button in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Once the power is activated, then the sword’s abilities are used. Herein lies the little titbit which keeps player coming back for more action. As you play through the rounds – then you’re able to unlock different types of weapons which have unique attributes.
It takes a lot to stand out from the crowd nowadays and every decent game has its distinctiveness – the general rule of thumb is that a game has to look good. On AGR we’ve come across many games which are great eye candy, but none are truly as artistic as God of Blades. This game rips out the frame of normal visualisations and immerses you into another realm. On the one hand you have a swipe centric game whereby you’re slashing your way to victory and on the other hand your mind is being blown away by the artistic dialogues and 70s album art.
The game itself is amazingly simple: Four different gestures will control your running king. You have one block action and three different slashes which differ in terms of attack timing and how long they leave your player exposed. A good parry can have you beheading your foe, but a badly timed swing could also lead to your own demise. The special moves in the game are triggered by a button in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Once the power is activated, then the sword’s abilities are used. Herein lies the little titbit which keeps player coming back for more action. As you play through the rounds – then you’re able to unlock different types of weapons which have unique attributes.
Dracoo the Dragon - Android Game Review
Dracoo the Dragon: Use your super handling powers to guide Dracoo to freedom!
Ever seen a dragon in superman colors? … no?… well now you can if you play Dracoo the Dragon! Ok ok, its definitely not the new age Man of Steel tones, but Dracoo’s wings definitely remind me of the classic superman. Speaking of superpowers, you’ll probably need something like that when playing this game.
Upon launching into an adventure with Dracoo you’ll instantly understand the 2D side scrolling game style.
The on screen buttons are intuitive and relatively easy to use. Up, down, left and right are clearly indicated and the buttons are also sized to be correct for those with fat fingers. The initial menu screen of multiple levels and the level distance guage in the top right hand corner gives you the idea that this levels are a series of fixed distances (as opposed to unlimited runner stages).
Ever seen a dragon in superman colors? … no?… well now you can if you play Dracoo the Dragon! Ok ok, its definitely not the new age Man of Steel tones, but Dracoo’s wings definitely remind me of the classic superman. Speaking of superpowers, you’ll probably need something like that when playing this game.
Upon launching into an adventure with Dracoo you’ll instantly understand the 2D side scrolling game style.
The on screen buttons are intuitive and relatively easy to use. Up, down, left and right are clearly indicated and the buttons are also sized to be correct for those with fat fingers. The initial menu screen of multiple levels and the level distance guage in the top right hand corner gives you the idea that this levels are a series of fixed distances (as opposed to unlimited runner stages).
Draw Wars - Android Game Review
Draw Wars: Real-time strategy in bite-sized chunks
With Draw Wars, we have a unique and ambitious blend of puzzle and real-time strategy, combining the well-trodden ground of wartime tactics with the freedom of touchscreen manoeuvres.
In a sense, the name of the game says it all. Each level sets you on a terrain with a certain limited amount of resources (Tanks, infantry, planes e.t.c.) to attack the enemy’s base while defending your own. You do this by drawing paths for your vehicles to follow, destroying enemy vehicles and the enemy base to complete the level. Once you’ve decided your initial plans, everything goes into real-time and your tactics will require timing as well as cunning. Upon completion, the familiar three-star system rewards you for how well you did, as well as giving you cash to upgrade and buy items like mines and artillery.
With Draw Wars, we have a unique and ambitious blend of puzzle and real-time strategy, combining the well-trodden ground of wartime tactics with the freedom of touchscreen manoeuvres.
In a sense, the name of the game says it all. Each level sets you on a terrain with a certain limited amount of resources (Tanks, infantry, planes e.t.c.) to attack the enemy’s base while defending your own. You do this by drawing paths for your vehicles to follow, destroying enemy vehicles and the enemy base to complete the level. Once you’ve decided your initial plans, everything goes into real-time and your tactics will require timing as well as cunning. Upon completion, the familiar three-star system rewards you for how well you did, as well as giving you cash to upgrade and buy items like mines and artillery.
16 February 2014
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 review
Key Features: 12.2-inch 2560 x 1600p display;
Quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor; Magazine UX
Manufacturer: Samsung
Samsung has packed the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 full of business apps to help give it a different angle to the new 12.2-inch Tab Pro. However, the stylus makes more sense than ever on a large screen like this, and it is a cut above its Tab-series brothers in a few respects.
The large screen, relatively heavy body and pricier-than-an-iPad Air £649 cost mean it’s not for everyone. But it’s a great tablet for the right person.
Quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor; Magazine UX
Manufacturer: Samsung
What is the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2?
The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 is an expansion of the Note phone and tablet range. It’s a 12.2-inch Android tablet with a pressure sensitive S Pen stylus.
Samsung has packed the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 full of business apps to help give it a different angle to the new 12.2-inch Tab Pro. However, the stylus makes more sense than ever on a large screen like this, and it is a cut above its Tab-series brothers in a few respects.
The large screen, relatively heavy body and pricier-than-an-iPad Air £649 cost mean it’s not for everyone. But it’s a great tablet for the right person.
LG G Flex review
Key Features: 6-inch flexible plastic OLED display;
Self-healing rear; 13-megapixel camera
Manufacturer: LG
The LG G Flex is not a normal phone. It’s not here to square up to mobiles like the Samsung Galaxy S5. It is here to prove a point, to prove that certain things can be done. It is a curved phone with a self-healing back. It’s a mutant, a weirdo – a proof of concept, if not quite a statement of intent for the rest of LG's 2014 phones.
As a demo of new technologies it’s interesting. However, as a phone you’ll have to pay more than £500 for, it’s a no-go
Self-healing rear; 13-megapixel camera
Manufacturer: LG
What is the LG G Flex?
The LG G Flex is not a normal phone. It’s not here to square up to mobiles like the Samsung Galaxy S5. It is here to prove a point, to prove that certain things can be done. It is a curved phone with a self-healing back. It’s a mutant, a weirdo – a proof of concept, if not quite a statement of intent for the rest of LG's 2014 phones.
As a demo of new technologies it’s interesting. However, as a phone you’ll have to pay more than £500 for, it’s a no-go
10 February 2014
Draw Something - Android Game Review
Draw Something- Insanely popular version of Pictionary, great fun all around!
Draw Something has taken the mobile games industry by storm, in a little over a month from when the app launched it has been downloaded by over 25 million users. That’s some serious momentum. To put that into perspective that equates to roughly 10 million active users a day, making it the fastest downloaded application of all time.
So what’s all the fuss about?
As with all games that quickly capture the public’s imagination, the gameplay is simple. You are given a set of 3 words, from which you need to choose one to draw out on a blank canvas so that your partner can guess that word correctly.
Space Keeper - Android Game Review
Set in the distant future against the backdrop of drifting galaxies and
luminous planets, your job is to move a variety of renewable energy
cells into brightly coloured wormholes where they are sent to Earth to
be used as an energy source. With the clock ticking, you aim to move as
many as possible, avoiding obstacles and floating asteroids along the
way and gaining bonus points for trickier manoeuvres.
At first glance, you may think: how thrilling could sweeping things into a hole possibly be? Is this just some kind of franticmini-golf set in space? Happily, Space Keeper’s seemingly one-dimensional gameplay style is deceptive.
At first glance, you may think: how thrilling could sweeping things into a hole possibly be? Is this just some kind of franticmini-golf set in space? Happily, Space Keeper’s seemingly one-dimensional gameplay style is deceptive.
Best Apps for Pet Owners
Animal lovers naturally want to keep their companions healthy and happy, and technology gurus are answering the call. Pet-centric smartphone apps make it easy to have key information at your fingertips. Apps are alphabetically ordered.
Fish aquariums require a lot of maintenance to keep the water levels just right for the type of fish you have. AqDiary helps you keep track of tank maintenance and add reminders.
Platform: Android
Cost: Free
AqDiary
Fish aquariums require a lot of maintenance to keep the water levels just right for the type of fish you have. AqDiary helps you keep track of tank maintenance and add reminders.
Platform: Android
Cost: Free
Desert Stormfront - Android Game Review
Desert Stormfront: Full Real-Time Strategy on your mobile phone!
Back in the nineties there was a strong period of strategy games which spawned the likes of Mega Lo Mania, The Settlers, Warcraft… the list is endless and now the developers at Noble Master Games have created a strategy game for your touchscreen phone: Desert Stormfront. Check out the good points about this game below…
Gameplay
This is a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game which means that all the action happens live in real time as opposed to turn based games. This means that you need to think quickly and react instantly. Perhaps a better explanation is that Desert Stormfront is like Starcraft 2, but it’s a cut down version instead. For you classic gamers out there, then the best description is that this is a cross of Command and Conquer with Civilization 2.
Kings Can Fly - Android Game Review
Take your airships around the world in this lighthearted and enjoyable puzzle game
We first saw the Kings Can Fly promo video a few months back and since then we’ve been waiting for the Firedroid developers to release their game…. the wait is now over! Check out its good points below…
Gameplay
You’re a king who has finished conquering the kingdom and the state of peace is sending you to sleep. So what do bored rulers do? Obviously they listen to their young and beautiful assistants who tell them they should go on one last trip and see the world from high in the sky!
9 February 2014
Toy Defense - Android Game Review
Toy Defense: Feast on this bird’s eye view tower defense! If you’re familiar with Balloon Defense and enjoyed it then don’t miss out here!
In your average tower defense games you simply build, upgrade and destroy. Soon enough you become bored and you fast forward knowing that you’ve achieved maximum domination… you have the game in the palm of your hands whilst the enemy units are barely crossing half the map. However, Toy Defense is different here – it features an original idea whereby you upgrade your defense system outside of the battle. Improving your facilities outside enables you to upgrade your towers within the warzone. In other words, your towers will remain weak unless you develop them outside of warfare.
Gameplay
In your average tower defense games you simply build, upgrade and destroy. Soon enough you become bored and you fast forward knowing that you’ve achieved maximum domination… you have the game in the palm of your hands whilst the enemy units are barely crossing half the map. However, Toy Defense is different here – it features an original idea whereby you upgrade your defense system outside of the battle. Improving your facilities outside enables you to upgrade your towers within the warzone. In other words, your towers will remain weak unless you develop them outside of warfare.
Strike Fighters - Android Game Review
Strike Fighters: Top Gun in the palm of your hands!
Over the last three decades flight simulator games have improved in leaps and bounds. There are so many variants now that even Wikipedia lists separate categories for combat flight sims, general flight sims and space simulators. So now that we’ve got such powerful phones in our pockets it’s no surprise that we would eventually have fully decked out combat sims. Read on to hear about the ace product made by the developers at Third Wire Productions.
Jelly Flop - Android Game Review
Jelly Flop: Help the poor and helpless ocean critter fulfil his dreams to fly!
Concrete Software are living up to their name by delivering a solid and thoroughly entertaining Physics game. Don’t let the flimsy and whimsical name deceive you – this is a smash hit game for sure and the millions of downloaders would be testament to this fact!
Logitech Powershell review
Key Features: iOS 7 game support; console-style controls;
Built-in 1500 mAh battery; iPod Touch adaptor;
Around 60 compatible games
Manufacturer: Logitech
The Logitech Powershell Controller Battery is an iPhone and iPod Touch accessory that turns your iOS device into a handheld console, replacing the often frustrating touchscreen controls with more responsive physical ones.
Controllers like this have existed before but the difference with something like the PowerShell is that Apple’s decision to provide support for third-party controller manufacturers through iOS 7 now means making game compatible is much easier.
Built-in 1500 mAh battery; iPod Touch adaptor;
Around 60 compatible games
Manufacturer: Logitech
What is the Logitech PowerShell Controller Battery?
The Logitech Powershell Controller Battery is an iPhone and iPod Touch accessory that turns your iOS device into a handheld console, replacing the often frustrating touchscreen controls with more responsive physical ones.
Controllers like this have existed before but the difference with something like the PowerShell is that Apple’s decision to provide support for third-party controller manufacturers through iOS 7 now means making game compatible is much easier.
8 February 2014
Motorola Moto X tips and tricks
Want to get the most out of your Motorola Moto X? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve been investigating every feature and secret of the phone to find out the ways to get that little bit more out of it. It’s not quite ready for primetime fresh out of the box.
Here are our top tips, tricks and secrets of the Motorola Moto X.
Here are our top tips, tricks and secrets of the Motorola Moto X.
iPhone 5S tips and tricks
The iPhone 5S is easy to use. However, it has bags more features than the early iPhones. To keep it as simple for technophobes, Apple has had to carefully hide away a few of the things it can do.
We’ve uncovered a few of the extras we think you should know about.
We’ve uncovered a few of the extras we think you should know about.
7 February 2014
Luminus - Android Game Review
Luminus: Original puzzle gaming which will enlighten you!
If you’re looking for fun, challenging and free games, then Luminus is one to add to the list. The Endless Cat developers have laid out a series of puzzles which will have you flexing your brain cells.
Gameplay
Colored crystals emit beams of light and you need to reflect them into detectors. Each level has a range of objects on the table and you need to place and orientate the mirrors correctly in order to get the light path correct. So this is almost like those old Physics lessons where you’re learning about light… but this is way more colorful (… and there’s no annoying lab coat man ordering you about!).
Monster Crew - Android Game Review
Monster Crew: Smash and grab the loot in this endless platformer!
Finally we’ve found a uniquely stylised game which is fresh and original in multiple different ways. Keep reading to hear more…
Antibody Boost - Android Game Review
“Pew pew… pew pew” goes the anti-bacteria gun which you unleash to
KILL. You are the final defence of your immune system that will destroy
all invaders in order to protect your body. Increase your reaction
speed, improve your reflexes and focus your mind to annihilate the waves
of germs, bacteria and flu viruses…
Objective: Destroy all to survive.
Objective: Destroy all to survive.
6 February 2014
Plague Inc - Android Game Review
Nowadays the game market is saturated with heaps of top title games,
so it’s rare to find genuinely unique games out there. But Plague Inc
is one of those anomalies which is 100% different and special. Not only
is the strategy element of the game amazing, but it also has a weird
underlying message hidden within it.
Before I scare any readers of a sensitive disposition… this game has strong ties to its name. That means it’s about viruses and there is illness and death within it. Please stop reading if this all sounds too morbid for you. Disclaimer aside, yes this game is all about infecting the world’s population and trying to exterminate everyone on the planet.
Before I scare any readers of a sensitive disposition… this game has strong ties to its name. That means it’s about viruses and there is illness and death within it. Please stop reading if this all sounds too morbid for you. Disclaimer aside, yes this game is all about infecting the world’s population and trying to exterminate everyone on the planet.
4 February 2014
Megaflux - Android Game Review
Whenever I see pipes on a grid and liquids flowing through them then
I’ll instantly be reminded of Pipe Mania, the classic hit from the
nineties. The SoFresh Games developers have made their own revision
which they can justifiably say is their own refreshing version. Read on
to hear about this unique game.
Gameplay: Generators are pumping out flux into nano pipes which you need to orientate so that the flux can flow through into the Processors. Yes… the customisation and stylisation has been done with so much detail that it’s hard to even read the gameplay explanation! To cut through the jazz… you need to have the pipes in the correct way so that the liquid can flow from A to B.
Gameplay: Generators are pumping out flux into nano pipes which you need to orientate so that the flux can flow through into the Processors. Yes… the customisation and stylisation has been done with so much detail that it’s hard to even read the gameplay explanation! To cut through the jazz… you need to have the pipes in the correct way so that the liquid can flow from A to B.
Flow Free: Bridges - Android Game Review
With the puzzle games market seemingly filled to the brim with
cartoon animals, improbable projectiles, dodgy physics engines and
revamps of classics, you may find yourselves wanting a slightly calmer,
simpler choice.
If so, you’ll be happy to know that the premise of Flow Free couldn’t get much simpler. Fill your grid by joining together dots of the same colour using a single path. Overlapping paths will cause them to break unless you carefully utilize the bridge in the position given to you.
If so, you’ll be happy to know that the premise of Flow Free couldn’t get much simpler. Fill your grid by joining together dots of the same colour using a single path. Overlapping paths will cause them to break unless you carefully utilize the bridge in the position given to you.
Roll Mania – puzzle platformer - Android Game Review
As a fan of round objects this game definitely gave me a positive
impression and only until I play this game did I find that it’s full of
it! With wheels and barrels to watermelons and eggs! (Eggs are oval, but
they’re still considered round right?)
This is a physic engine based game where you as the player will control a selection of round object to accelerate left or right in a 2D platform map to reach to the designated exit whilst going through challenging obstacles. The score on completing the level is represented by 3 stars you get each for completing each specific criteria of that level.
The Main Concept
This is a physic engine based game where you as the player will control a selection of round object to accelerate left or right in a 2D platform map to reach to the designated exit whilst going through challenging obstacles. The score on completing the level is represented by 3 stars you get each for completing each specific criteria of that level.
Dotbuster - Android Game Review
The simple things in life are the most enjoyable, and especially the
ones which remind you of your childhood. Do you remember when you were
young and you had to connect the dots to create the pictures? Dotbuster
has that initial vibe about it… except that its amped up on steroids.
Small green circles appear on the screen and a simple swipe of the finger will connect the points together. Once you connect all the way back to the starting point then your polygon will be complete and the circles will disappear. Its very intuitive and actually if there’s nothing else on the screen then you’re naturally going to press on the green dots like childsplay. Quite literally there doesn’t appear to be much else that appears on the screen because of the minimalist stylisation.
Small green circles appear on the screen and a simple swipe of the finger will connect the points together. Once you connect all the way back to the starting point then your polygon will be complete and the circles will disappear. Its very intuitive and actually if there’s nothing else on the screen then you’re naturally going to press on the green dots like childsplay. Quite literally there doesn’t appear to be much else that appears on the screen because of the minimalist stylisation.
Stickman Downhill - Android Game Review
Physics-engine based bike game: get from start to finish as quickly
as possible without crashing and get your time gauged with the three
star system. You’ve probably seen it all before, so what more does this
game offer?
Immediately you notice how slick the display is; the screen zooms out gradually as you go faster, giving you a fighting chance of reacting to a ramp, edge or pile of rocks before the otherwise inevitable explosion of bike parts. Of course, the system isn’t infallible, but you can be sure that the vast majority of levels will feel fair and can be done without any trial and error. To help the cause, the developers place Slow Down signs with varying degrees of urgency which you’ll do best to follow as accurately as possible lest you suffer an untimely demise.
Surprisingly, there is a good deal of variety through all the levels, and you need not be wary of simple A to B stages across a bumpy plain again and again and again. Some will test your patience as you race against the clock, requiring some careful timing and use of brakes while others will examine your reactions as you anticipate the terrain at breakneck speed.
With 70 reasonably long levels, gradually rising in difficulty, the game should keep you busy for a fair amount of time. As you may expect, completing levels gives you access to a range of bikes, which not only vary in looks and speeds but also provide some options for emphasis in robustness, handling, braking and weight to match your own style. The game does require you to Like on Facebook to unlock certain bikes, but even without those ones, there are plenty to choose between.
In contrast to what you may expect from a game called Stickman Downhill, there’s a satisfying range of well-designed and attractive settings which offer not just a change in background image, but also subtle differences in the styles of track.
Fortunately, while there are full-screen ads, they are infrequent and fairly unobtrusive, only appearing while the game is loading and without the risk of you touching them accidentally and triggering a web page to open.
Considering the enjoyment factor, replay value and technical strength, Stickman Downhill is among the best in its genre and is worth a try even if you’ve been frustrated by other games in a similar vein.
Rating: 4.5/5
Immediately you notice how slick the display is; the screen zooms out gradually as you go faster, giving you a fighting chance of reacting to a ramp, edge or pile of rocks before the otherwise inevitable explosion of bike parts. Of course, the system isn’t infallible, but you can be sure that the vast majority of levels will feel fair and can be done without any trial and error. To help the cause, the developers place Slow Down signs with varying degrees of urgency which you’ll do best to follow as accurately as possible lest you suffer an untimely demise.
Surprisingly, there is a good deal of variety through all the levels, and you need not be wary of simple A to B stages across a bumpy plain again and again and again. Some will test your patience as you race against the clock, requiring some careful timing and use of brakes while others will examine your reactions as you anticipate the terrain at breakneck speed.
With 70 reasonably long levels, gradually rising in difficulty, the game should keep you busy for a fair amount of time. As you may expect, completing levels gives you access to a range of bikes, which not only vary in looks and speeds but also provide some options for emphasis in robustness, handling, braking and weight to match your own style. The game does require you to Like on Facebook to unlock certain bikes, but even without those ones, there are plenty to choose between.
In contrast to what you may expect from a game called Stickman Downhill, there’s a satisfying range of well-designed and attractive settings which offer not just a change in background image, but also subtle differences in the styles of track.
Fortunately, while there are full-screen ads, they are infrequent and fairly unobtrusive, only appearing while the game is loading and without the risk of you touching them accidentally and triggering a web page to open.
Considering the enjoyment factor, replay value and technical strength, Stickman Downhill is among the best in its genre and is worth a try even if you’ve been frustrated by other games in a similar vein.
Rating: 4.5/5
Neon Motocross - Android Game Review
Tilt, tap and flip your way past bumps, ramps and loops, to cross the finish line as quick as you can in one piece.
For the most part, the physics engine is solid, apart from how your bike is seemingly made from springs, spraying all parts plus driver miles around when you get hit. The rather understated cry of “Ugh” from the poor guy adds further to the bizarreness.
For the most part, the physics engine is solid, apart from how your bike is seemingly made from springs, spraying all parts plus driver miles around when you get hit. The rather understated cry of “Ugh” from the poor guy adds further to the bizarreness.
3 February 2014
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is a phone that many people have
asked for – a mobile with top-end specs but a screen small enough to let the
phone comfortably fit in your pocket. Not everyone wants a 5-inch screen. And
god knows why anyone would want a 6-inch one.
In many respects the Z1 Compact and the 2013 flagship SonyXperia Z1 are pretty similar. They both have expandable storage, the same UI,
the same camera and a familiar design.
2 February 2014
Archos sees an opportunity in Windows Phone amid swamped Android market
French mobile manufacturer Archos plans to throw its beret in to the Windows Phone arena.
CEO Loic Poirier said the company will launch a handset on Microsoft's gradually improving platform, joining its budget offerings on Android.
CEO Loic Poirier said the company will launch a handset on Microsoft's gradually improving platform, joining its budget offerings on Android.
Best Moto G cases to buy 2014
Looking for the best Motorola G cases to buy? We pick six of
the best to keep the brilliant budget Android phone safe, secure and looking
boxfresh for as long as possible.
The Motorola Moto G is one of the hottest phones of the
moment. We normally say that about mobiles that cost £500, but this time around
it’s different.
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