A stunning minimalist iOS puzzle game, in which you must guide a beam of light through a network of pipes, is just one of the great App Store picks we’ve highlighted for this week’s “Awesome Apps” roundup.
We’ve also selected a great music-making app for iPhone and iPad, a smart Bluetooth device finder for tracking down your lost Apple Pencil, and an entertaining parkour endless runner. Check out our choices below.
Groovebox
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Groovebox is a music-making app for iPhone and iPad that’s both simple enough to let you start creating from the moment you launch it, and in-depth enough that you’ll be able to keep playing with it for a while.
The big hook (no pun intended) is the ability to create your own bass lines, melodies and beats, compared with other apps that just let you string existing ones together in new combinations. Groovebox comes with a bass synth, poly synth, and drum machine as standard — although you can expand this selection with reasonably-priced in-app purchases.
Once you’ve created your tune, you can then share your groove as a mix, or send the separate tracks out to work on in another app (sadly not including Apple’s own GarageBand.) You can check out a more detailed review of Groovebox from my Cult of Mac colleague Charlie Sorrel here.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Get it from: App Store
Bluetooth Finder
Photo: Deucks Pty Ltd
For my money, the Apple Pencil is the best Apple accessory in years, but keeping track of where you left it can be a major pain. Bluetooth Finder is a new iPad app that works much like Find My iPhone for your Bluetooth accessories — Apple Pencil included.
There are some major limitations, such as not being able to track down accessories after you’ve restarted your iPad. Tracking is done via Bluetooth so long distances are a problem as well. Still, it you constantly lose your stylus or wireless headphones, Bluetooth Finder could be the answer you’re looking for.
Available for: iPad
Cost: $3.99
Get it from: App Store
Linelight
Another week, another minimalist puzzle for iOS, right? Well, kind of — but Linelight is among the cream of the crop.
The game offers six different worlds, all of which are linked together to form one giant puzzle. Your goal is to move a beam of light through pipe-like platforms, while dodging enemies and hazards. From that simple premise, the developers manage to work in a range of different challenges to keep you on your toes.
Both visually and aurally Linelight is a real stunner, while the perfectly-calibrated touch controls make it a joy to play. My favorite iOS puzzle game of 2017 so far!
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $1.99
Get it from: App Store
Time Crash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqkyAd-Jd-Q
Time Crash is a stylish first-person endless runner, where your goal is to race through a parkour-style environment, bypassing enemies who seek to slow you down.
With its mix of varied parkour gameplay, combat, EDM soundtrack, and “time bending” (!) gameplay mechanics, Time Crash is definitely worth checking out for a quick adrenalin rush on your commute to work.
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Cost: $3.99
Get it from: App Store
