Video Review: Kiko The Last Totem

Given the name, I expected Kiko: the Last Totem to be some sort of variant on the successful Tiki Totems iPhone app. Instead, Kiko has it's own look, feel, and gameplay that has nothing in common with the similarly named game.

In Kiko, you must solve a series of puzzles by moving Kiko from what position on the board to another. Easy enough, right? Except Kiko keeps moving until he/she/it runs into something. Therefore, you must plan your moves ahead, and consider how to use Kiko's friends as blockers to get Kiko to the goal.

The graphics are solid, and the gameplay is challenging without being too difficult for the novice player. It will be a hit for those who enjoy movement-based puzzle games.

Here's a look:

Kiko: the Last Totem in the App Store.

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.