FrogHop for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

I'll give the folks behind FrogHop credit for truth in advertising: As the name implies, the game consists of a frog hopping from place to place. Or more precisely, from one colored ball to the other, as you press the corresponding color at the bottom of the screen. You'll also want to eat flies and mosquitoes along the way, and don't miss the princess kisses.

While the game is well produced, unfortunately, the gameplay gets repetitive pretty quickly. Younger players, who are probably the target audience, might have a higher tolerance for it, but it would be great to see some minigames, or other variation thrown in.

Here's a look:

FrogHop in the App Store.

Brain Caffeine for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

It's okay if you're a little groggy on this Sunday morning: after all, you haven't had your Brain Caffeine yet. Brain Caffeine puts you in the brain, attempting to connect same colored neurons before time runs out, removing all the neurons in time. While the basic play of the game is fine, it takes a long time for the levels to offer a true challenge. Meanwhile, the soundfx between rounds are over the top, similar to something from the Flamin' Finger arcade game if you are familiar. (And if you're not familiar, visit the local Dave & Buster's or Chuck E Cheese, but I digress)

Overall, for me, the game just couldn't hold my interest, as you are pulled out of a round, before really getting engaged in the game.

Here's a look:

Brain Caffeine in the App Store.

White Knight HD for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

White Knight HD brings the unique movement rules of the knight in chess to this puzzle game. You have to move the knight strategically so he eventually lands on each white square on the game board. Points are awarded, and a timer limits your decision time. Definitely a challenging twist on a simple concept, and one that can prove frustrating. Maybe it is because I don't play chess (although you certainly don't need to, to play the game) but I found even the third and fourth puzzles to be nearly impossible to complete in the allotted time.

If you're up for the challenge though, it is a solid, simple game.

Here's a look:

White Knight in the App Store.

Rescue Pine iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

What's a lost porcupine to do!? Get back to his father, of course! The only way you can Rescue Pine is to complete each puzzle correctly, re-arranging branches and rocks to re-unite Pine and his Dad. The game combines puzzle and timing elements, as you need to not only remove the proper pieces, but also ensure Pine touches his Dad before landing on the ground.

The graphics are fine, and the puzzles are tough: maybe too tough at the beginning, especially for younger players.

Here's a look at Rescue Pine:

Rescue Pine in the App Store.

All in One Casual & Puzzle GameBox delivers

There are a bunch of all-in-one game packages popping up in the app store. As you might expect, the quality is all over the place. Today's app offers a great value for the casual gamer (as the name implies.) This package has eight games: Solitaire, Mahjong, Bounce, Word Search, Samegame, Minesweeper, Bubbles, and Shisen-Sho. 

Personally, I enjoy a very occasional game of Solitaire, but not nearly often enough to warrant buying a Solitaire app. The same is true for word searches, and yes, even Minesweeper.

All the games are well produced, with nice fit and finish. You are spared the bells and whistles, but aren't left with an entirely sparse gaming experience either. Again, if more than one of these games appeals to you, it is worth picking up the All-in-One Casual & Puzzle GameBox.

Here's a look:

All in One Casual & Puzzle Games in the App Store.