Game Review: BioShock

In the Genre of “Console Ports” there are relatively few options for iOS. With EA Releasing the Mass Effect and DeadSpace titles, there was some hope… it continues to fizzle. The Knights of the Old Republic port is a fantastic console quality game on the iPad, but for those of us who played that game to death on the PC or Xbox, it is an old hat. iOS gamers have been chomping at the bit for another Console quality game to hit the store.

This year, we saw the most notable game of our generation hit the App Store: BioShock.

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Game Review: World of Tanks Blitz

World of Tanks – Simply one of the best iOS Shooting games out there!

You roam a small set of maps in a wide range of tanks trying to wage war and destroy the rival team. There are now more than 50 tanks in the game that meet all gameplay styles, from running-and-gunning to sniping. The game is monetized, but for additional experience boosts (aka. spending less time on the leveling grind). The interface is smooth and crisp, with a great dual analog style. Unfortunately when I play the game with my connected SteelSeries Stratus, the game is clunky and the control mapping does not seem to match with gameplay.

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Game of the Week: Democracy 3

Democracy 3 is a game that snuck up on me! I was happy and minding my own business when an article came across my desk about a new App with an in “Depth Government Simulation.” I scoffed a bit because who would be able to explain the nuances of government in a single Application. I downloaded the game, and there it sat while I was waiting to review a couple of other simulations. During this past summer, I was cleaning off my iPad and stumbled across the app again, in my queue to delete. It did not seem fair that I delete the App without even launching it, so I took a few minutes to fire the game up. An hour later, I but the game down unable to think straight.

At its core, Democracy 3 is a government simulation game. You take on the role of the newly elected ruler of a country of your choice. Each turn in the game is the span of three months of your reign. During that time, you earn and spend political capital, try to balance the budget, and make changes to further your society. Where the app excels is in its description of the interconnectedness of policies. I was immediately tasked with wanting to reduce the crime rate in my country. I banned drugs, criminalized prostitution, and provided additional support to the legal system – which all made logical sense. After six months, my GDP was down, my parents were upset, and crime had drastically increased.

In an education context, I see this game as a very powerful way to model government. Students have the ability to manage policies and then see the downstream effects of those policies. In the skilled hands of a seasoned educator, this will be a wonderful way to engage students in Government.

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Game of the Week: Dominant Species

Platform: iOS     Cost: $4.99 This week, I looked at a game that has been in the App Store for quite some time. I am on a search for games and simulations that can be used in the classroom. As such, I bit the bullet and purchased Dominant Species for iPad. As a former Science Teacher, and board game geek, I was looking for something that could help to teach evolution and natural selection. Dominant species does just that. Unfortunately, it can be a bit cumbersome for students to learn, as the rules are difficult to follow and hard to grasp in game. Take a look at my video review for examples...

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Game of the Week: Stealth

Platform: iOS     Cost:$1.99 This game is a great homage to the wonderful Thief Games for PC. I remember playing Thief when I was in middle school and loving the suspense and action of the game. This game is a great addition to the genre. I had some issues with the game being in third person, but after a few minutes of game play, I got over the visual differences. A great app at a great price… The Video Review Overall Stealth is one of those great games that released to quiet receptions on iOS. I found the game pleasing after a few minutes of getting past some graphic concerns. All in...

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