A couple of years ago, Julie told us about the Mindflex game from Mattel.  It’s a “a mental acuity game where you use your thoughts to move a ball through an obstacle course.”  Now Mattel is offering the Mindflex Duel so you can go head-to-head (pardon the expression) against your friends.  There are five game modes, and the game comes with two headsets and four foam balls.  The Mindflex Duel is available through Amazon.  Price varies depending on the vendor, but starts at about $80 for a new game.

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, News

Tagged: Brain, Games

Use the Power of Your Mind with the Mindflex Duel Game originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

A company named Royal Jumbo has created the iPawn board games that you play on your iPad.  There are four games available now – Snakes and Ladders, Game of Goose (shown), Air Hockey, and the Fishing Game.  You buy a set of playing pieces and download a free app for your iPad.  The pieces are made of ABS plastic that transmit small electrical charges from your fingers to the iPad screen.  The board will animate as you move the pieces – for example, the snakes will writhe and hiss as you move your piece by them in Snakes and Ladders.  The games should ship later this month.  A UK company, Firebox, is taking pre-orders now.  Luckily for us in the US, Firebox will ship internationally.  The iPawn games are about $16 each, and Firebox is offering all four on pre-order.

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Games, iPad app

iPawn Interactive Games – Family Game Night Using Your iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 4, 2011 at 8:13 am.

The Rovio folks are at it again….they have just released their most recent holiday version of Angry Birds Seasons. First was Halloween, then Christmas, and now Valentine’s Day. A quote from their website (says it all):  Hogs And Kisses for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy the Valentine’s Day spirit of love and affection by popping more pigs!

Angry Birds Seasons is now available at the App Store $0.99 for the iPhone or Touch version and $1.99 for the iPad HD version….well worth the money (this game is also available for Android devices). I am not a gamer at all but the Gadgeteer Kid & I regularly play this (very addictive) game.

How many of you are still addicted???

Filed in categories: Android related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Android, Apps, Games, iPhone

Angry Birds: The Valentine’s Day Edition originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 9, 2011 at 9:30 am.

Develop your control of The Force with the Jedi Mind Control Game from Hammacher Schlemmer.  The game has a headset with sensors for your forehead and ears that “translate your brain’s energy into a wireless signal that is sent to the game’s base station”.  Your steady concentration sends signals to adjust the speed of the fan in the game’s base that keeps the ball levitating in the tube – much like Luke Skywalker’s Jedi training remote.  Yoda’s voice will encourage you while you progress through the 15 training levels – from Padawan to Jedi Master.  The Jedi Mind Control Game is $99.95.

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, News

Tagged: Games, Star Wars

Jedi Mind Control Game from Hammacher Schlemmer originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 29, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

LOOPZ from Mattel looks like a cross between a Simon game for the 21st century and a fun new musical instrument similar to one that I saw at the International Toy Fair this past February. First of all it’s a memory game that challenges you to repeat patterns of light and music by waving your hands through the matching loops. Other modes allow you to create your own music. Check out the fun video demoing the music playing feature. LOOPZ is available now at Target and Toys “R” Us for $29.99.

Filed in categories: Kid Gadgets, Musical Gear, News

Tagged: Games, Kids, Musical instruments, Spotlight Gadgets

LOOPZ – Mattel’s New Game / Musical Instrument originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 7, 2010 at 1:46 pm.

Ultimate Hangman from Ensena Soft is a fun version of the old word-guessing game that you can play on your iPod touch or iPhone.   When you miss letters, animations show a little stick man growing more agitated as he gets more complete – and closer to hanging.  If you don’t want to watch the little guy swing, you can choose the disappearing snowman or the flower theme.  You can choose various categories of words – verbs, adjectives, parts of the body, plants, various difficulty levels, etc.  Ultimate Hangman is only $0.99 from iTunes.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Games, iPhone App

Ultimate Hangman App for iPhone originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2010 at 9:18 am.

You know what’s missing from your iPhone?  According to the team at Sega, that would be a hedgehog, dolphin, and dragon-riding dwarf.  And their remedy happens to be a new iPhone application (aptly titled the “Ultimate Genesis Collection”) that turns your iPhone/iPod touch into a virtual Sega console.  Fans of old Sega titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Ecco the Dolphin, and Golden Axe will soon be able to relive these classic games on the go.  The application provides users with virtual buttons on the side of the screen that mimic the controllers from the original Sega Genesis system.  In addition to playing the games, users will also have the ability to save mid-game — a perk that didn’t exist on the original console.  The emulator app will be available sometime this month, free of charge.  Games, however, will range from 2.99 to 5.99.

[Courtesy of CNET]

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Apps, Games, iPhone

The Glory Days of Gaming – On Your iPhone/iTouch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 2, 2010 at 2:19 pm.

For me, winter weekends mean staying indoors and either reading a book, watching some TV, playing my ukulele, surfing for gadget news or playing iPhone games. Today I’ve been trying out four different puzzle games that have helped me waste a large chunk of my Sunday afternoon – but in a good way

.

Rescue Razzle

$1.99

Rescue Razzle from Sunstorm Interactive is a 40 level game where the object is to rescue Razzle the rat who is trapped in a cage stacked on top of a bunch of crates. You need to lower Razzle safely to the ground by tapping the crates with your finger to make them explode. As they do, the cage will drop or slide one level (or more). Just don’t let Razzle fall to ground or in the water.

It’s an easy game to learn to play but it’s one that will keep you busy for awhile as it takes some strategy and physics to figure out which boxes to explode first.

The background music and sound effects are pleasant and the graphics and animations are fun. Control is easy since all you are doing is pressing your finger on a box.

For some reason the price on Sunstorm’s website says $0.99, but the price on iTunes is $1.99. I wouldn’t pay the higher price…

infeCCt

$1.99

infeCCt from  Handy Games is a 300+ level game that is kind of hard to describe…

Each level is a playing board with tiles. There can be stones, tunnels and intersections in addition to free tiles. The object of the game is to draw a path with your finger so that every tite is touched, without retracing your steps. It sounds easy, but can be a real challenge.

I like the background music (which can be turned off if desired) and the graphics are very good. Control is easy since all you do is trace your fingertip along the tiles. It does mean that your finger will obstruct the board as you’re doing it though. But, it’s not a big deal since this isn’t an arcade game.

I highly recommend this one, it’s easy to learn, addictive and fun. With 300+ levels, it should keep you busy for a long time.

Rich Diamond

$0.99

Rich Diamond from Core Concepts an 80 level game that is sort of a cross between Sokoban and Chip’s Challenge.

Each level is a room where you must collect the treasures and open the door to the next level. Of course there will be obstacles in your way. Boxes that you can move, boulders that you can roll, etc.

I’ve always been a fan of Sokoban games and found this one to be pretty fun. The controls to move your character are pretty small, but since this isn’t an arcade game, it’s really not that bad. You are also able to undo your moves which is helpful.

I love the background music. It reminds me of Everquest The graphics are really simple, but it adds to the charm of the game. If you like Sokoban games, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s definitely worth 99 cents.

Connected

$0.99

Connected from Made-Up Software is a fun little pipe laying puzzle game with 40 levels.

Each level has several pipe pieces that you need to slide around and connect to the start and end points along the edge of the board. When all the pieces are used and all the points connected, you’ve solved that level. It sounds simple, but it gets difficult quickly. Moving the pieces is easily done sliding them around with your finger.

This game does not have any background music or sound effects. The graphics are nothing overly spectacular, but that’s just fine for a game like this one.

Connected is a good brain twister and is one of those games that you can play anytime you have a few minutes to kill. It makes a good stress reliever when you need to get your mind on something else.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Games, iPhone

Four iPhone Puzzle Games for a Winter Afternoon originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 10, 2010 at 10:11 pm.

Khet, a boardgame from Innovention Toys, LLC, combines lasers, Egyptian-themed playing pieces, and chess-like strategy in a two-person game.  Innovention says the game is easy to learn because all pieces move the same way.  Players may move a piece or rotate it up to 90 degrees during a turn.  After each turn, the laser is lighted.  Unless there is smoke or fog on the board, the laser is invisible until it hits a non-reflective surface.  Any playing piece that is illuminated is removed from the board.  The object is to use your mirrored pieces to illuminate your opponent’s Pharaoh.

There are expansion packs available.  One pack adds an Eye of Horus beam-splitter to each player’s arsenal.  The Tower of Kadesh expansion pack turns the playing board into a 2-level field.

You can order directly from Innovention or Amazon.com.  The game is carried in some brick-and-mortar stores as well.  Use the store locator on the Innovention website to find stores in your area.  Amazon carries both the original game and the 2009 version, though they don’t describe what the differences are.

Note:  The game carries a warning that it uses 2 Class II lasers and is for players aged 9 and up.   The game costs about $50, depending on your source.  Expansion packs are about $15 to $25.

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, News

Tagged: Games, Laser, Spotlight Gadgets

Khet – “Strategy at the Speed of Light” originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2009 at 2:02 pm.

Who has a mobile device and a little time to kill throughout their day? My guess is just about all of us, especially when it comes to having a bit of fun.

Over the past few days I was able to spend some time playing games. Sounds tough right? Well, I was able to play with astraware boardgames for the Blackberry. It is also available for just about every other mobile operating system as well. Before I get into the nitty gritty of game play, let me just say this app is fantastic!


The package includes chess, backgammon, ludo, checkers, reversi, nine mens morris, and of course tic tac toe. There are some really cool things that I liked a lot when it came to game play. The graphics were very crisp and the game pieces moved very smoothly. There is a bit of movement difference depending on which device you are using. I used my Blackberry Storm and my Curve, one being touch and the other not. On the touch screen you just highlight and slide(very smooth) on the non-touch screen you have to highlight the desired piece then you see a highlighted area that you can move that piece into. Regardless game play was fun and very easy to figure out.

Each game did have sound in the background. However the sound was very basic and slightly annoying. At least you have the option to mute the sound. Which is what I did after about 30 seconds of playing. Besides, I didn’t want to be heard when I was in my staff meetings.

I would say that chess is my favorite game to play, but that is mainly due to the fact that I just learned how to play it (yeah i know I am a late bloomer)! I also like it because it has an instructional mode, so you can learn as you go. Tic Tac Toe would have to be my least favorite, and that’s mainly because it was very basic and besides, it is tic tac toe and there is only so much you can do with it.

Each game is fully customizable, from being able to make your own rules (yes you saw that correctly) to the difficulty level of game play. The fact that you get 7 games for only $9.99 I would definitely buy this one on my own. If you are going to spend the money make sure you do like these types of games. If these aren’t the type games you like just head over to www.astraware.com and take your pick from their huge selection of other games they have to offer.

Definitely check out this package. Not only do the games make you feel like a kid again but they are fun to play and at the same time they make you use your brain!

All I can say now is CHECKMATE and KING ME!

Filed in categories: Blackberry related, Windows Mobile related

Tagged: Blackberry, Games, Palm, Palm OS related, Windows Mobile

Astraware Boardgames Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 31, 2009 at 7:47 pm.

Astraware makes some of my favorite games for mobile platforms. Now you can have their Solitaire game for Palm, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Symbian and the iPhone, for just 99 cents (make sure you use this link – which isn’t an affiliate link or anything like that). That’s a great deal considering it includes 12 different card games (Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Clock, Yukon, Canfield, Four Seasons, Sultan’s Harem, Idiot’s Delight, Golf, Calculation, and Freecell).

Filed in categories: Uncategorized

Tagged: Games, Gear Diary

Astraware Solitare for 99 cents originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 5, 2009 at 12:04 am.

Hey hey! This just flew onto my radar screen. Good Old Games, who I mentioned here, is fending off the Great Depression Redux by throwing a 2 game bundle at you for $11.98. You get Stronghold and Stronghold Crusader. If you like older sim games like Age of Empires and Civilization, you’ll like this, my son and I sure do. And as a bonus, it should work on your Vista laptop that won’t even run the chess game that came with it! Enjoy!

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous

Tagged: Desktop Gaming, Games

GOG.COM’s Weekend Stronghold Bundle Promotion originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 17, 2009 at 10:29 am.

If you’re a fan of the popular TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, then you will enjoy playing Prime Time Quiz Show from Pixellive on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

The installation of this game on your iPhone requires 9.4mb. Launching it takes about 15-20 seconds before you can begin playing. I hate looking at a splash screen with the words loading… staring at me for that long.

The main menu is simple enough. Other than the sound toggle in the lower Right corner, I have no idea what the other three icons do. You can toggle them on and off but I couldn’t find any info about them in the in-game tutorial, the app store or Pixellive’s website.

Tapping the New Game button will take you into the game, with some nice animation and graphics of your host. He even talks

The game board and gameplay are very similar to the Millionaire TV show. You are asked questions with four possible answers. It’s your job to pick the right answer before time runs out.

If you answer correctly, you advance to the next round. Typically you would assume that the questions would get harder as the game progresses, but more difficult questions are mixed in with easy ones.

When you run into a question that you’re not sure about, you have 3 life lines that can help you out.

You can swap out the hard question with a brand new one.

You can get a 2nd chance to answer if you answer incorrectly.

Or you can have two answers removed, so that your possible choices are lowered from four to two.

There’s a high score board that is preserved between games.

There are supposed to be a total of 2000 different questions, but I’ve seen several questions come up numerous times. The questions span all types of subjects, from sports, TV, movies, history, science, geography, etc.

It’s easy to start feeling cocky while you’re playing this game. I know that I felt that the questions were all mostly easy. But of course, I’ve yet to win a game yet. I’ve gotten pretty darn close though. This is a fun game to play when you want to show off your general knowledge. You can’t beat the 99 price either.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related

Tagged: Games, Software, Trivia

Pixellive Prime Time Quiz Show iPhone Game Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 13, 2009 at 8:40 pm.

I’ve always enjoyed playing card games like Solitaire on my PDAs and phones, but I never really became interested in the game of BlackJack until now. James Lee of Seahorse Software asked if I might like to try his BlackJack Run game. I accepted, didn’t think that I would find a game of BlackJack all that fun. I was wrong

One thing that I liked right away with this game was the fact that I didn’t have to wait too long for the game to load before I could start playing. I don’t know about you, but I get really impatient when I have to stare at a splash screen for more than 10 seconds.

After the splash screen disappears, you will see the game board. I’ll admit that at first glance I was a little intimidated. A quick read of the How To Play info, was all I needed though. Basically, you’re playing five games of BlackJack all at one time and you have 30 seconds to finish each round. Face cards each count for 10, Aces are either 1 or 11 and numbered cards are equal to their number. The idea is that each row needs to add up to 21. Sound easy? Ummmm… it’s not and it is.

Before I get to the game play details, let’s check the settings screen. I like that there’s no scrolling involved and that everything is finger friendly.

Ok, back to playing the game…

You have 30 seconds (or 20 if you’re wanting a challenge) to make each row count up to 21 points. Time begins as soon as you tap the Start button.  The next card to play is displayed along with the time left for the round. All you do is tap the row you want the card to be placed in and you’ll then see the total listed for each row. You can skip one card per round and you can also pause the game. When you can make any more moves and you still have time left, you want to press the Stop button.

At the end of each round, a screen with the point tally will be shown. Bonus points are awarded for the number of BlackJacks (rows that total 21 points).

There’s a Best Scores page where you can see how well you’ve done and also see a list of global best scores. You can create a user name and maybe you’ll see your own name on the global score board if you practice long enough So far I’ve not even made it to 1000 points.

I really have enjoyed playing this game. It’s fast paced and addictive. It might even help your brain since you have to do quick arithmetic I’ll definitely keep playing this one for sure.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related

Tagged: Games, iPhone, Software

Seahorse Software BlackJack Run iPhone Application Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 6, 2009 at 10:26 pm.

Looking for a new iPhone / iPod Touch game to try? How about Cronk from Cronk Games? It’s cute little arcade style game with fun graphics and easy game play. It’s one of those titles that you can pick up at anytime and not worry about where you left off in the game the last time that you played.

The premise of the game is that you are Cronk, a cave man. Your job is to save your village from being destroyed by an avalanche of boulders. Oh the humanity!

After the splash screen, you are presented with the top score scoreboard. The game has two modes, Classic mode or Timed. It also has Easy, Medium and Hard levels.

If you’ve ever played the popular Popcap game Zuma, Cronk will feel familiar to you. Multi-colored balls (boulders) start rolling out of one corner of the display and you have to throw your own boulders into the right spot to match colors. Three matched boulders will go poof and the rest of the balls will fill in the void.

The train of boulders will keep rolling, so you don’t want to dilly dally trying to clear the screen. There are a few special boulders that will reverse the flow, blow up all the rocks in the vicinity and pause the game.

If you’re too slow clearing the boulders, they will crash at the bottom and you’ll have to start over.

This game as several levels with fun graphics and music that doesn’t get on your nerves within the first five minutes. Cronk makes for a fun diversion whenever you need a little break.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related

Tagged: Games, iPhone

Cronk iPhone Application Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 6, 2009 at 3:09 pm.