Half Pi D brings a different dimension to mini-golf

Sure physics and timing have a lot to do with mini golf, but how minimal can you make mini-golf and keep it interesting? Half Pi D Mini-Golf takes the game to its very basic parts. Rather than presenting a 3D simulation of real-world mini-golf, Half Pi presents a two-dimensional, chalkboard version of the game. Power and timing are the name of the game as you navigate through familiar and creative holes.

While it's different from the game you play at the local putt-putt, the unique approach can hold your attention.

Here's a look:

Half Pi D Mini-Golf in the App Store.

Ragdoll Blaster 2 for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Sometimes a strange idea pays off in an iPhone app, other times it falls flat. Kudos to the creators of Ragdoll Blaster 2 for going out on a limb, and returning with a unique, straight-forward game. Ragdoll Blaster 2 has a simple premise: shoot ragdolls out of a cannon, with the intent of hitting a target. Rather than just relying on aim though, several levels also employ problem-solving skills, as you need to first move other objects around on the screen or bust through walls, all by using the power of your ragdoll cannon. There's also a free version to see if it will be your cup of tea.

The end result is a polished, unusual game that I'm sure will reward the developers with fans. Sometimes ideas are just crazy enough to work.

Here's a look:

Ragdoll Blaster 2 in the App Store.

Don't go to Jared, just get her Jewel Up

Ok, that might not be the best holiday gift-buying advice, but you'll certainly save a boatload of money. Jewel Up is a game in the same style as Bejeweled. In Jewel Up you need to connect as many gems of the same color as you can to remove them from the game board, and to also transfer their power to the tubes/generators for each color. Once each is full, you move on to the next round. 

Strategically, it is probably best to watch the tubes and see which color you need most, and connect those gems. (You connect by holding your finger to the screen and moving it across adjacent color gems.) However, I choose to simply connect the ones I feel like connecting, and then I can be pleasantly surprised when I manage to fill all of them. (I guess I like the bright colors.)

At any rate, if you don't like the Bejeweled style of games, you probably won't care for Jewel Up either. On the other hand, if you're one of the many, many fans of this type of game, it's probably worth giving Jewel Up a shot.

Here's a look:

Jewel Up in the App Store.

Z is for Zombie video review

Kids, if you're thinking about a career in the exciting world of iPhone app reviews, first of all don't do it. And secondly, if you ignore that advice, do me a favor and have your site focus solely on zombie apps: I'm just about all zombied out here.

Now then, today we're looking at Z is for Zombie. As you may have guessed, there are zombies, who happen to be after you. What you might not have expected is a graphical style more reminiscent of notebook doodles during fifth  period, than gory, realistic graphics. In this side scroller, you need to avoid the zombies (good luck) and make it from place to place. Unfortunately, the placement of the controls means you won't actually be seeing much of your character, as it will be under the directional controls for most of the game.

While the onslaught of the zombies may prove too tough for some, (myself included) kudos to the developer (Jonathan Mulcahy)for bringing a novel look to an ultra-crowded game genre.

Here's a look:

Z is for Zombie in the App Store.

Cake Doodle for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

Finally, a 'doodle' game that has nothing to do with jumping: Today we're looking at Cake Doodle. No, you're not suffering from deja vu. If this app seems familiar, that's because it is quite similar to Cupcakes! which we looked at last week: You select the type of cake you want to make, mix the ingredients, bake it, then decorate away, choosing from several different styles of icing. You can then choose to eat your creation, or share it with others.

If cooking without any of the mess (or taste) is your thing, then Cake Doodle is for you. Of course, it also could be just the way to get your little one to stop pestering you to bake; simply let them make a virtual cake instead.

Here's a look:

Cake Doodle in the App Store.