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99 Bricks Wizard Academy/App Store
Pick Me

5 apps worth downloading this week

Featuring a brain training game that’s a little bit different, a Tetris-style building game and a way to find any useful amenity nearby.

EACH WEEK, WE highlight five apps that are worth downloading for your smartphone and tablet. There are a lot of apps released on a daily basis, but not all of them are worth paying attention to.

This week includes a brain training game that’s a little bit different, a Tetris-style building game and a way to find any useful amenity nearby.

Elevate – Brain Training
For: iOS
Cost: Free (Subscription costs €6.99 for one month/ €44.99 for one year)

- Whether you believe brain training games are effective or not, they can be entertaining although it’s can be hard to believe that playing a game will improve your IQ or logic.
- Elevate is one of the better attempts out there. What it does differently is instead of testing skills like logic or spatial awareness, it tests more practical skills like reading comprehension and focus.
- The app gives you three challenges to do each day, meaning you will probably only spend 10-15 minutes on it every day.
- It’s better to view this as a fun distraction rather than something that will make you more intelligent/focused. So long as you don’t expect too much from it, you’ll enjoy it.
- The only drawback is the subscription costs for the pro version is a little steep. Even the cost for one year (€3.75 per month) feels a lot at first glance.


Elevate / Vimeo

Flickpic
For: Windows Phone
Cost: Free

- If you find yourself sharing photos among your friends and family often, here’s a way to do it without needing an internet connection.
- There’s no need for WiFi or a 3G/4G connection, all you need is Bluetooth to share any photos.
- The useful part is you don’t have to go through the trouble of upload and download photos in a email or message. Photos are deleted when you restart (unless you save them) so you won’t run out of space unexpectedly.
- The only caveat is that those you’re sharing it to must have the app installed.
- Handy if you’re with a group and want a hassle free way of sharing photos.

Flickpic FlickPic / Windows Phone FlickPic / Windows Phone / Windows Phone

Worms 3
For: iOS, Android
Cost: €3.99 (€0.99 on iOS)

- It took a while for it to arrive on Android but finally, Worms 3 has landed.
- If you’ve played any of the Worms series (excluding the 3D games as they were hit and miss), you will know what to expect here. 2D landscape, cartoon visuals, silly humour and tons of outlandish weapons.
- The single-player campaign has enough meat in it to warrant the price tag, but the real draw has always been multiplayer. Few games can beat the feeling of winning a game by using a holy hand grenade, especially if it’s a friend of yours.
- One of the new changes is the introduction of cards, allowing you to modify the level, improve your character or hinder your opponents. It adds an extra layer of strategy to a solid game without breaking it.
- If you’re familiar with Worms, then you probably know whether it’s something you will enjoy or not. Those who aren’t may be pleasantly surprised at what it offers.

Team17 / YouTube

99 Bricks Wizard Academy
For: iOS
Cost: €2.69

- Considering it was Tetris’ 30th birthday yesterday, it’s apt to cover a game that takes inspiration from the series in its own way.
- Terrible name aside, 99 Bricks Wizard Academy trying to reduce the number of bricks you have, your job is to stack them up as high as possible.
- You’re also need to ensure your tower is solid and defend it from nature, rival wizards and other obstacles.
- Not all of the bricks slot smoothly and trying to ensure your tower is structurally sound while you try to reach the stratosphere can be challenging. one badly placed drop can turn your sturdy creation into a jumbled mess.
- A surprisingly deep game that will keep you more than occupied during your free time.

TouchGameplay / YouTube

GeoFindIT
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

- Should you have trouble using Google Maps to find a business or service, there’s an alternative in place
- GeoFindIT comes from GeoDirectory,  an up-to-date database which has 2.2 million addresses in Ireland. In short, it comprehensive.
- That means you’re practically guaranteed that every business and address is covered here, as long as you have a decent idea of what you’re looking for.
- The real gem is its nearby feature. Since it has roughly 195,000 businesses addresses from across the country, you can easily find a nearby cafe or service from within 2 kilometres.
- A very handy companion app to have alongside Google Maps.

GeoFindIT GeoFindIT / Google Play GeoFindIT / Google Play / Google Play

Read: 5 apps worth downloading this week – 31st May >

Read: After nearly ten years, Sony will pull the plug on the PSP >

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