Best iOS apps this week
Twenty-fifth in a series. The App Store saw some excellent releases this week, including two expensive games (by App Store standards) which are well worth the asking price, a powerful email client, a fun, modern day take on an old arcade classic, a superb journaling tool, and an app which can help you take back control of your digital identity.
In other news, all three Infinity Blade games are on sale this holiday weekend. The original Infinity Blade is now $0.99, Infinity Blade 2 is $1.99 and Infinity Blade 3 is priced at $2.99. If you don’t have any or all of these games, now is your chance to right that wrong.
As always, if I miss an app that you think should definitely have been included, let me know in the comments below, or drop me an email.
Here is my selection for this week.
Paid App of the Week
Civilization Revolution 2 ($14.99)
Yes it’s pricey, but if you’re a fan of Sid Meier’s Civilization, and/or Civilization Revolution, the 2008 PC original, you’re going to want this game.
The aim is to build a glorious empire that will stand the test of time and the game offers updated 3D graphics, new units, tech, buildings and wonders, as well as historic events and battles available in the Scenario Challenges mode.
Free App of the Week
The cloud-based desktop email client for Mac and Windows is now available as a mobile app for iPhones. It’s geared toward helping you save time by organizing all of your email accounts into one, simple interface.
The app includes standard email features, like sorting email by day, author and message size, and introduces something new -- sorting your email by personal relevance through Inky’s advance algorithms, determining what messages users will want to read, and ranks them first.
Other Apps
Demolition Lander: Universe ($3.99)
This game offers a destructive twist on the classic Atari arcade game Lunar Lander. Instead of attempting to land your craft peacefully, you now get to destroy everything in your way. You can fully customize your ship, and there are multiple ships and locations available, as well as obstacles to avoid including black holes, natural danger zones, airspace mines and anti-aircraft missiles.
Extra planets and levels, and multiplayer options are planned for future releases.
This app will help you take back control of your digital identity. It lets you see what information you’re sharing via social networks, websites and apps, and make changes to boost your privacy. There’s also a Personality section which connects to your Facebook account and shows how advertisers, data brokers and others might see you. Are you conservative or liberal, spontaneous or organized, reserved or outgoing, or calm or stressed? The app will tell you.
The latest update to Yummly’s iOS app lets you sync your shopping list between devices (this is apparently the most requested feature). Additionally, there’s a recipe suggestion option where users will get ideas of what to make with the ingredients right within the shopping list.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($14.99)
A hunting game from Capcom, the aim is to take on quests and slay monsters. As you progress you earn money which you can use to get bigger and better weaponry which will help you master even bigger challenges.
You can play on your own with up to four friends over Wi-Fi. If you’re stumped on a quest, just call for backup!
Apple’s App of the Week
Apple’s free app this week is a diary/journal tool that usually comes with a $4.99 price tag. Day One has a smart, clean interface and offers a range of useful features including a full screen mode, privacy passcode lock, customized writing reminders, location and weather data, and the ability to search by keyword and create tags and hashtags. You can star favorite entries, and share content with friends and family.
Day One keeps your entries in sync across platforms via iCloud.
