As we start a new year, it is time to spend a minute or two reflecting on the past one. In 2013 we say a lot of neat apps and games for both Android and iOS. Today and tomorrow we will highlight some of games and apps we have enjoyed. For my post, these apps might not be the most popular or most downloaded but they are the ones that I have used or enjoyed the most. What apps would you feature?
6. Todoist (Android, iOS) – I have tried a whole variety of different apps to help me keep track of the app reviews, postings, press releases, and a variety of other tasks and I found that Todoist really does the job. This task oriented app is available for both platforms and has a nice web interface. Recently the app has added a nice plugin for Gmail users (on the computer) and for DashClock Widget (Android). The app is free but there is a premium membership you can purchase to unlock more features.
5. Feedly Reader (Android, iOS) – I spend a ton of time each day keeping up with my favorite blogs and app sites so I need a RSS reader that works. Feedly is available for both Android and iOS but the key for me is its web interface. I want to be able to access my feeds from anywhere and Feedly allows me to do that. The interface and the various options for sharing and saving articles is excellent.
4. Angry Birds Star Wars I, II (Android, iOS) – I love Star Wars and so do my kids. Angry Birds (in general) is not that bad either. LOL Overall I really like how they incorporated the Star Wars environment and characters into Angry Birds.
3. Candy Crush/ Papa Pear Saga (Android, iOS) – The question comes in, who is not playing Candy Crush. Yes many are probably tired of hearing about the game but I must say I enjoy the challenge the game provides and yes I have not spent any money! In addition to Candy Crush, I have gotten into Papa Pear also. Again these puzzle games from King.com provide a nice distraction during the work day. How far have you gotten?
2. HayDay (Android, iOS) – Well this game is probably the most popular in our family. I found it over the summer and really liked it. I play a little each day and my farm is really starting to grow. The main reason I like it is because if you are patient you can really go far in the game without having to spend any real cash. I think the developers did a great job in setting up the in game economy and overall game play. Soon after I started playing I found out my niece was playing…well soon my wife, three sons, and another niece are all playing.
1. Agricola (iOS) – I never played the game until I got it on my iPad. It is now one of my all time favorites. The game is definitely well designed, somewhat easy to play, but definitely hard to master. I read a lot about the game before it came out and the more I did, the more I wanted to try it. For a newbie, it might take a little bit of time to figure out but it is not impossible. If you enjoy German style board games then Agricola from Playdek should be on your iPad.
“The goal of the game is to build the most well-balanced farm at the end of 14 rounds, consisting of plowed fields for crops and fenced pastures for livestock. The farm should have little fallow land and a large farmhouse built of high quality material. The player should also expand the family tending the farm from its initial two members to a maximum of five. “(Wikipedia)
You can play by yourself or against others online. The game comes with a tutorial and plenty of explanations on the cards, rules, and scoring. The app was recently updated for iOS 7 and 2 new sets of cards were added (via in-app purchases). So if you enjoy board games, then I highly recommend Agricola for iOS.
