When Balls Drop for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

What's in a name? Today's app is titled When Balls Drop. Yes, there are many things that come to mind as one considers the different types of scenarios that might be in this game. In the end though, it is merely a repetitive game in which you drop balls down a board (think Plinko from The Price is Right, tPiR as the kids say) without the cheering audience or real prizes.

While it functions on some level as an interesting digital kinetic sculpture, as an engaging game, it just doesn't measure up.

Here's a look:

When Balls Drop in the App Store.

Towers in Space for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

While it doesn't quite measure up to my favorite tower defense game, Towers in Space is loaded with unique graphics, corny dialog, and a silly premise that makes it worth checking out. It takes a few levels for the game to come into its own, but before long, you're keeping flying enemies from traveling from one end of an ice rink to the other in "New Kwebeck." If you're not sure if it's the right tower defense game for you, there's a lite version to try first.

Here's a look:

Towers in Space in the App Store.

X Invasion 2 for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

The aliens are coming! The aliens are coming! X Invasion 2 puts you in the cockpit of several different aircraft, in hopes of thwarting an onslaught of UFOs. Generally on iPhone games, if there's a story/campaign mode and an arcade mode, I prefer the story mode. However X Invasion 2 starts with several somewhat tedious training missions. If you're buying this game to have dogfighting fun right away, then the arcade mode is for you.

The graphics are solid, the enemies are challening, and overall the game makes for a good time.

Here's a look:

X Invasion 2 in the App Store

iShark for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

It's sad to see another shark week has come and gone. How can you possibly enjoy more shark rage throughout the year? Well, if you're looking for a healthy does of cartoonish violence with your sharks, now there's iShark.

First, let's set the record straight: This is definitely one app we would put in the novelty category, rather than all-out game. The play consists of drawing a line on the screen, which your shark then follows, devouring people, fish, birds, and even helicopters that get in the way. The overly dramatic music adds to the absurdity, and serves to remind us this app doesn't really take itself that seriously.

Here's a look:

iShark in the App Store.

Scarface: Last Stand for the iPhone and iPod Touch Video Review

Say hello to my little app! If you like paraphrasing movies from 25 plus years ago, this might just be the game for you. Scarface: Last Stand, as you may have guessed from the name, re-enacts a bloody gun battle scene from the movie. Over, and over, and over again.

If this app wasn't branded as a Scarface app, you would think it was another run-of-the-mill shooter, with okay controls and redundant cut scenes, quotes, and enemies. I know it's not a good idea to upset Tony Montana, but the fact of the matter is, the Scarface name can't hide the less-than-great elements of the game.

Here's a look:

Scarface: Last Stand in the App Store.