Beatwave for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

There are two different ways to review an app like Beatwave. One is as a professional musician, and the second is as someone using it as a novelty app. Despite many a nerdy night practicing my trumpet in middle school, this review definitely fits into the latter category.

At its most basic level, Beatwave allows you to create funky beats by tapping on different squares on the screen, representing different notes/sounds, etc. If you think you've created something really cool, you can save it, or even create a second loop to play with/over it. For me, that's where Beatwave ends. For musicians, several in-app purchase packs give you a bunch of additional useful features and instruments. Try Beatwave for free, then you can upgrade in-app to the pro version.

Here's a look:

Beatwave in the App Store.

Pinball HD Video Review

Having been in a position to do app reviews from day one of the App Store, it's been fascinating to watch the changing economics of the store. When the store debuted, a good, single-table pinball game would cost at least $4.99. Today with Pinball HD, you get three tables for 99 cents.

And not just any tables either: all three are graphically stunning, and play really well. The app uses a smartzoom to zoom in and out, and change perspective for detailed looks at the action. Once you adjust to this, which doesn't take long, you can get lost in the game itself.

Also rather than re-skinning the same table, all three games have unique elements: a few have upper flippers, the use of modern tech in the table varies, and each one has a distinctly unique feel.

Definitely a great value for the pinball fan, or at 99 cents, the casual player.

Here's a look:

Pinball HD in the App Store.

SpellStacker for the iPhone and iPod Touch

It's hard to change a classic game like Scrabble, and get better results. After all, it's a time-proven winner, and the rules are well known by aficionados. That didn't stop the creators of SpellStacker though. They give the game a vertical dimension, as well as a shifting game board, ensuring each round is just a bit different.

The game has the same familiar rack and tiles pieces, but you create words by stacking letters in addition to forming them on the board. There are some fun networked play options as well.

If you like Scrabble-style word games, you should enjoy SpellStacker for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Here's a look:

SpellStacker in the app store.

NHL GameCenter iPhone App

For the NHL fan, the 2010 NHL GameCenter brings together some impressive features. The app has one of the most robust collections of team and individual stats of any major sport, along with game reminders/alerts and scoring notifications. There's even a feature allowing you to track where and when goals were made from in-progress games. This isn't quite as satisfying as the similar aspects of other sports apps, just due to fast-paced nature of the game.

Unfortunately, there's one big feature missing: Video. While it might be understandable to not have live game video (at least not in a free version of the app) it would be great to have video clips to go along with all those scoring stats. Still, for the serious fan who wants all their hockey, news, stats, and schedules in one place, NHL GameCenter delivers. (Note: The NHL now offers a Premium version of the app for $19.99. While it adds video highlights, and live game audio, you cannot watch games live.)

Here's a look:

NHL GameCenter 2010 in the App Store.

Cubed Rally Racer Video Review

Cubed Rally Racer takes a different approach to racing on the iPhone: rather than the usual oval or road course racing, with several laps, Cubed presents several short point A to Point B (rally style) races, in which you're racing against the the clock, instead of other drivers.

For fun, 8-bit-style graphics and equally retro sound round out a fresh look and unique gameplay.

Here's a look:

Cubed Rally Racer in the App Store.