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TENS! (Free) by Kwalee is a combination of Sudoku and block-dropping game that proves to be fun and rather addictive. If you are a big fan of logical puzzle games, similar to Threes! and Blyss, then you'll love what TENS! has to offer.

Life gets stressful (going through a rough patch myself right now) so I like to unwind with puzzle games after a long day. While I have several consoles, I still prefer to turn to my iPhone lately for games, just out of convenience. While I'm familiar with Sudoku, I don't often play it myself because it's not my usual preference when it comes to puzzles. However, when I saw TENS! on the App Store, I was intrigued by the concept and had to check it out myself, as it's not your traditional Sudoku-style game.

$2.99

Threes!

Sirvo LLC

$2.99

Blyss

Dropout Games Private Limited

Visually, TENS! has a pretty simple and clean aesthetic that is pleasing on the eyes. Like many games these days, the design is flat so it's rather minimalistic. The typeface is easy to read, and the colors are a nice mix of pastels and bright hues. If the default color scheme doesn't do it for you, there are additional ones that can be purchased through in-app purchases. There are smooth and fluid animation transitions as lines add up to 10 and get cleared out while adding to your point total. The game also has quirky clicking sound effects that are fun to listen as you play.

In the initial free download of TENS!, players have access to the Normal Mode with Endless and Challenges. You can get an Expert Mode if you want more of a challenge, but it is only through a $2.99 in-app purchase, and it includes an exclusive skin.

In the Endless Mode, you try to get as high of a score as possible before you run out of space on the board to fit the given blocks. Challenge is more puzzle-like and features different objectives that you must complete, such as beating a specific point threshold.

The point of TENS! is to drag dice onto the grid and have a total of 10 in a row or column. When this happens, you get a point for however many dice are in that line, and there are bonus points for getting combos, multi-line clears, and even getting rid of all dice on the board. Once there are no more spaces to fit the die pieces, then it's game over.

Controls are simple in TENS. At the bottom of the screen are three dice pieces that you can choose from. Just tap-and-drag the piece you want and place it somewhere on the board where it fits. Once it's placed in, the number on the row and column change to reflect the total number in it right now. When you've used the three pieces, the next set of three take their place.

You then repeat the process until no more moves can be made. If you make a mistake, there's an Undo button, but since the game is free, you'll have to endure an ad each time you want to use it. That is, unless you opt for ad removal, which costs $1.99.

TENS! is a fantastic new approach to Sudoku style puzzle games that is sure to delight everyone.

The Good

TENS! is a unique approach to dice and Sudoku, and it's rather enjoyable. The game's minimalist graphics are appealing, and the sound effects are fun. Even if you don't play Sudoku on a regular basis, TENS! is not too overwhelming in difficulty and it's easy to follow. Controls are simple and the different modes offer a good amount of variety. Plus, if you need more, the Expert mode and other theme choices should satisfy you.

The Bad

As a free game, TENS! is supported by ads — a lot of them. I felt like there was an ad every few minutes. I try not to use the Undo button too often either because it means sitting through a 30-second ad. I am not a fan of obnoxious ads, and TENS! has them. I wish it wasn't so intrusive.

I'm also not a huge fan of how each theme will cost you a dollar, and there's different prices for ad-removal and Expert Mode. I think the game should just include one all-or-nothing IAP, rather than nickel-and-dime you for every small thing.

The verdict

As someone who enjoys all kinds of puzzle games, I find TENS! to be rather refreshing. It's a new approach to Sudoku, and it's much more fun and straightforward. The default color theme is fine with me, but it's nice that there are plenty of other options available if you're seeking a particular theme (there are sports ones) or color. TENS! is proving to be rather addictive, and I'm going to look into purchasing the Expert mode later on. It's gorgeous, challenging, and addictive. I just wish that the ads weren't so annoying.

I recommend TENS! to fans of puzzle games, specifically Sudoku. You can find TENS! on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for free with in-app purchases.

8.8

OVERALL

Replayability 9

Game Controls 9

Graphics 9

Gameplay 9

Sound/Music 8

FREE

TENS!

Kwalee

Source link: http://appadvice.com/reviews

Cat Bird! (Free) by Ryan Carag is a cute and charming platformer that features flying cats. Because what's better than normal felines? Flying ones, naturally. If you enjoyed other platformers like Super Phantom Cat 2 and the Mikey Shorts series, then you will like Cat Bird as well.

Stress can get the best of me sometimes, so I'm often looking for ways to escape through video games. I grew up with an NES and SEGA Genesis, so platformers are a tried-and-true genre with me. I love playing them because they're usually a fun challenge, and who doesn't like a good platformer? When I saw Cat Bird! on the App Store, I was intrigued because flying cats? Count me in.

Free

Super Phantom Cat 2

Beijing Veewo Game Co., Ltd.

$1.99

Mikey Shorts

BeaverTap Games, LLC

Visually, Cat Bird! features a gorgeous retro pixel art aesthetic that is delightful and nostalgic. The game is rendered in 2D with lush environments and endearing character sprites that are distinctive. Cat Bird! has a nice color palette that consists of soft and muted earthy tones as well as bright and vibrant colors when needed. The animations are smooth and fluid, so there was no lag on my iPhone 7. As far as audio goes, Cat Bird! has a nice chiptune soundtrack that's fun to listen to, and the sound effects are quirky. For the developer's first release, they did a pretty good job with the visual and audio design.

Since Cat Bird! is a platformer, it's split up into several different worlds that contain a good amount of levels each. To get to the next stage, you'll have to clear the previous one first. The goal in this game is to help your flying cat friend reach the portal at the end of each level so he can get home. While it seems easy enough at first, things get trickier when you encounter more dangerous hazards, such as spikes, pits, saw blades, and various critters.

Controls in Cat Bird! are simple enough. In the bottom left corner are two buttons for moving left and right. On the other side, there's a single button for jumping. You also long-press this button to have your cat flap his arms to fly and hover. The catch is the fact that your cat can only jump and hover once, at least until he touches ground. When this happens, he is able to do it again.

Because of this game mechanic, it's all about timing when it comes to successfully completing stages in Cat Bird. You'll have to be precise with your jumps and time them correctly to get past tough obstacles. Later stages also take up more sections on the screen and sometimes keys are needed to gain access to the portal, so exploration is mixed in with the platforming action.

I've only just started Cat Bird! today, but it's proving to be an enjoyable experience. The game is free to download and play, so there are ads that pop up between levels every now and then. However, it allows players to play several stages at a time before they pop up, so it's not overly intrusive. An option to get rid of ads is available as a $1.99 in-app purchase.

Jump as a cat, fly as a bird, and try to complete retro inspired platformer levels.

The Good

Cat Bird! showcases beautiful pixel art graphics that are detailed and colorful. The music and sound design adds to the overall charm of the game. Stages are crafted tastefully and offer a good amount of challenge for both casual and veteran gamers. The controls work out well enough, and the game offers Time Trial mode, boss fights, and more so the content is plentiful. Ads are not overly obnoxious, which is always a plus.

The Bad

I found the positioning of the buttons to be a tad annoying. The spacing and size is a bit off from other precise platformers like Mikey Shorts, so I would end up going the wrong direction sometimes. it takes a bit of getting used to and readjusting, but it's not too much of a problem.

The verdict

As a fan of platformer games, Cat Bird! is definitely one to try out. The game offers up cute visuals, great music, and is simple to play while offering up a challenge. I do wish that there was an option for customizing the button positioning, as I believe that would help me be more accurate. Regardless, the game is fun and delightful, even with the occasional ad.

I recommend giving Cat Bird! a spin if you're looking for a quirky platformer to kill some time with. Cat Bird! is on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for free. There's also iMessage stickers.

8.8

OVERALL

Graphics 10

Sound/Music 9

Gameplay 9

Replayability 8

Game Controls 8

FREE

Cat Bird!

Ryan Carag

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