iPod Touch\iPhone\iPad -- Ongoing App Sales

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ryanflucas

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This is a continuation of this previous thread. Since it was getting very close to the 5,000 thread mark, I figured it was time for a reset.

Post any deals you find, recommendations, requests for deals, etc. Please keep things as civil as possible. There's no such thing as a bad deal post and reviews are opinions. :)


Games in the App store are constantly going on sale. While I originally posted games and prices in this post, it's become almost impossible to keep up with it all. Feel free to post in this topic on good deals and games you enjoy. Developers are also encouraged to join in, especially if they are running promos or sales.

If you want to check out a particular game, try the following review sites, or ask in here so fellow CAG's can assist you.

Price Drop Sites



App & Game Review Sites



YouTube Video Reviews



Apple Game Center
Apple Game Center allows you to keep a friends list, track your in game achievements, and compare with your friends. Many games are starting to support this. Currently this only runs on iPod & iPhone, but an update will be coming soon that enables this for iPad users.

Make sure to checkout the official CAG Game Center exchange thread. You can post your game center name and see the names of your favorite CAG'rs. You can also exchange OpenFeint & Plus+ names there.



Important Notes:

  1. Make sure to check for periodic updates either in iTunes or on your iOS devices. For each release of new firmware, there's usually a bunch of games updated right afterward.
  2. Some applications also go on sale by their authors when they reach 1 million download and similar milestones.
  3. Apps often have specials the day before, during, and after holidays, regardless if said game/app is related to the holiday.
  4. Newly released apps will often have a % or dollar amount off for a limited period of time to gain a large following quicker. While browsing the app store you can go to a particular type or genre and order according to release date. This can make finding new app discounts faster.
  5. Make sure to backup your purchases in iTunes to CD/DVD for safe keeping. You can do this by clicking File-->Library-->Backup to Disc. Then choose all purchases, applications only, and full or incremental backup. How often is up to you, but I do this monthly, or more often if I buy a lot of apps.
  6. Apps can be re-downloaded without incurring an extra charge if you previously purchased it. This is good if you have a crash and forget to backup your purchases. I don't know if this is a permanent feature so backing up regularly is still important.
  7. I strongly advise not to buy iTunes Gift Cards by 3rd parties unless you know they can be trusted. Retail stores, receiving cards as gifts, etc are the best ways. There are many credit card scams, stolen cards, hacked cards going around, especially on Ebay.
  8. If you are the victim of a iTunes Card scam or get your account locked due to one not all hope is lost. Apple has been fairly lenient on these issues. Call Apple directly at 1-800-MY-APPLE, or check the iTunes Store support page. Also going to your local Apple Store to discuss it can help. The account locking is an automated process and can be reversed. This can take time so be cautious if you use gift cards from 3rd party sources.
  9. If you somehow break your iOS device, you have some options. If you bought the Applecare warranty it should be covered for most items. If your Applecare ran out or you don't have one, try using one of the repair guides on iFixit to repair it yourself. Apple Stores have been known to give discounts if you bring in a iOS device that they will not fix since it's not in warranty. This discount however is very small.
  10. Using a screen protector can extend the life of your device. Most stores carry these, but they can be hard to install. The best I have personally used are made by a company called Power Support. They have both clear and anti-glare protectors. They are easier to install because the protector is a firm yet thin piece of plastic. Two come in a pack, average price I've seen is $20. They have an Ebay Store that might save you a few bucks. Griffin Technologies and Zagg are also very good.
 
[quote name='jcp42877']to owners of the iPhone (prefeably 4) on AT&T:

the required data package that comes on..do most of you have the $25/month or $45/month?

I'm heavily considering terminating my Verizon service and going to AT&T to get a cheaper monthly bill and cheaper iPhone 4....don't want to chance not getting a Verizon one.

But...the thing that everyone says Verizon's seems to have going for it, is the same unlimited data package my Android currently has. and APPARENTLY apps use a bunch of data on AT&T's iphone, and they only give you 2 gigs for the $25 (cannot, and will not pay for an extra $45 montly on top of my $39.99 and extra texting fee)..but i want to know how MUCH data, and which apps suck the most?

what consists of using data? playing my music, buying off the app store/itunes on-device, streaming netflix, playing games???

i hate the fine print BS just to get a phone bill later showing i've bounced my allowance :/[/QUOTE]

Have you thought about porting your number to google voice and then starting a new contract on AT&T? That way you could get unlimited texts for free and all of the other google voice extras. I have the $30 a month unlimited and the only time I get close to or pass 2GB is when I stream a lot of Netlfix. My iPhone is jailbroken and I can download podcasts and apps larger than 20MB, which I do a lot and I still don't get near 2GB. Like others have said there is WiFi in a lot of places so that should help but YMMV on the free WiFi.

As for sales, its been very slow lately. I UMK3 and was kinda disappointed. I loved the DS version and this one is just not doing it for me. IDK why they would change the character models the way they did and the buttons are too close together. I got GameDev story and went through the 20 year cycle like 3 times already. I let the game run while I am doing homework or watching TV (which is pretty much all of the time) and I can't wait for the second one. Just wish they would add bigger offices or something else in an update.
 
[quote name='Sir Daniel Fortesque']For those who missed the pist, I'm selling a $100 iTunes Gift Card for $80. PM me if interested.[/QUOTE]
No offense but that's kinda why there's a trading thread...not to mention that the first post where you are trying to sell it is on the very same page.
 
[quote name='JJSP']AT&T iPhone plan options

450 minutes/900 minutes/Unlimited -- $39.99/$59.99/$69.99
1000 texts/Unlimited -- $10/$20
200mb data/2gb data/4gb data w tethering -- $15/$25/$45

I left out the now discontinued $5/200 texts and $30/unlimited data. Unless you're doing heavy audio & video streaming, it's unlikely anyone goes over the 2gb cap. Between AT&T and Verizon on the iPhone, the price difference is more or less negligible (I believe VZW offers a $5/200 texts option as well). Their voice coverage is likely better, but their data network is slower than AT&T and can't handle simultaneous voice & data (MMS while on the phone, browse the web while on the phone).

I've got a 3GS on AT&T (550 minute/unlimited text/unlimited data family plan). Yes, I work at AT&T but I'm far from the corporate shill you'll likely find. I'll try and answer anyone's questions as best I can if Google won't find you the answers you're looking for.[/QUOTE]
Quick question to you and your post, are you getting unlimited family data or are you just saying you have unlimited for your 3gs?

I have a family plan with two iphone 4s on it, and I don't like how I have to pay data for each iphone. I wish there was an option where I can just pay $30 or some flat rate for unlimited smartphone data instead of $25 each. I mean if they have an easy option to pay $20 for unlimited family texts why don't they make it easy for family data. please share the info if there is a way to share unlimited family data
 
Data plans are per phone - guess I should have clarified that. We're paying $59.99 + $30 text + $60 data, but I get 25% off every month as an employee. I believe all carriers charge data plans per phone instead of family style for smartphones.
 
[quote name='anathema728']cash in $40 at coinstar machines get free $10 itunes

cash in coins (i've heard of people putting in bills and it still works)

have to cash in $40 to itunes, gets you $10 itunes

http://www.coinstar.com/SpecialOffersDetail/PromoId/7

now that i've read it, seems like it's a trash deal, better off buying itunes cards are discounted prices[/QUOTE]

I've got at least $40 in coins, so I'm up for this deal. I'm glad that it's back. Thanks for the heads up!
 
QWOP is the new OpenFeint Free Game of the Day (http://itunes.apple.com/app/qwop-for-ios/id410319945?mt=8).
"QWOP is the local sporting hero of a prosperous country in the scandinavian alps. Unfortunately, it is too cold there for an outdoor track, and QWOP has come to the championships without completing his training!
You can help QWOP achieve his sporting dreams! You just need to show him how to run.
Control QWOP's legs and arms by moving your thumbs around in the diamonds on the screen. Move your thumbs in clockwise circles to make him run. Make QWOP lean forward and back by tilting your device.
And whatever you do, don't let QWOP's body touch the ground!"
 
[quote name='Dimsdale']QWOP is the new OpenFeint Free Game of the Day (http://itunes.apple.com/app/qwop-for-ios/id410319945?mt=8).
"QWOP is the local sporting hero of a prosperous country in the scandinavian alps. Unfortunately, it is too cold there for an outdoor track, and QWOP has come to the championships without completing his training!
You can help QWOP achieve his sporting dreams! You just need to show him how to run.
Control QWOP's legs and arms by moving your thumbs around in the diamonds on the screen. Move your thumbs in clockwise circles to make him run. Make QWOP lean forward and back by tilting your device.
And whatever you do, don't let QWOP's body touch the ground!"[/QUOTE]

This is actually pretty decent. I mean the controls work on the iPod and free is always good.

Also I highly recommend the Tune In Radio app. While it's not free, this awesome app will allow you to listen to any radio station that has an internet stream, plus you can pause, rewind, fast forward (if there is enough of the stream to do so), and you can also record anything (so if you hear a song you like, you can rewind it and then record it).
 
Finally booted up Secret of Mana.
I like what they did with the graphics -- very similar to the rez-up on XBLA ports like Streets of Rage.
Virtual control stick feels decent, but I was missing rabites pretty often.
Couldn't figure out where the items were -- making it tough to eat candy. Got to the menu, but it didn't seem like an option.
Also, it seems they screwed with the difficulty. Fighting the underground ant in the very beginning, he killed me like a dozen times -- usually in ways I couldn't combat. I hope the rest of the game isn't like that.
FYI: I played through the game on my SNES again about a year ago, so it's pretty fresh in my mind.
 
[quote name='typical guy']I've been trying for a couple of weeks but haven't won anything.[/QUOTE]

Well at least it's easy to play, keep trying, the contest doesn't end until April, it took us a couple of week to win anything but we didn't play every day or anything. Well good luck and please leave your comments on Tonys thread, I don't want this to bring this thread off-topic, just wanted to throw it out there for you guys. Thanks
 
Reiner Knizia's Ra is currently back on sale for $3.99 (http://itunes.apple.com/app/reiner-knizias-ra/id400213892?mt=8). Not exactly cheap, but it's the lowest price that the game has been sold for so far.
"Build an empire that will live forever. Compete to become the most famous ruler of all time as you wield almost god-like powers over the course of three major Epochs in Egyptian history. Collect tiles representing various aspects of Egyptian life and civilization while your rivals try to do the same. Wisely use the few tokens that Ra, the sun god, has given you to earn your place of honor in the Valley of the Kings.
With stunning HD graphics and trademark attention to detail and theme, this latest offering from developer and publisher Sage Board Games makes it simple and entertaining to play a quick game of Ra with your friends or by yourself -- no matter where you are!"
 
Ra is a great game, but don't believe in the new online feature - it's completely and utterly broken, not to mention thoroughly confusing. Still, it's a great single-player game and there's hope that the dev will be able to fix the online. They are active in the thread on toucharcade.com and are aware of the issues.

EDIT: the dev just posted on toucharcade that an update is going to go to review soon that allegedly addresses the online issues, including streamlining and simplifying the setup process. We'll see....
 
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Spend $50 or more on iTunes gift cards at Best Buy this week and receive a 15% discount (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960&p=[promotion%2C+synonymns]&pu=defaultusr&pt=1297058401). It's not a great deal, but it's better than nothing. Discount is also available online if you don't live near an actual Best Buy store.

The Sims 3 has dropped to .99 for 48 hours only (http://itunes.apple.com/app/the-sims-3/id317904170?mt=8).
"The Sims™ has turned 10! So join our year-long anniversary celebration with the #1 BEST-SELLING GAME for 2009 on the App Store. Long live The Sims!"

Looks like EA is running a few other games on sale for .99 right now, too. Included are:
Need for Speed Undercover (http://itunes.apple.com/app/need-for-speed-undercover/id314297798?mt=8)
"DRIVE THE WORLD'S #1 CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RACING FRANCHISE TODAY. Real cars! Real Fast! Drive 20 of the world’s fastest, hottest cars like the Porsche Carrera GT. Each one boasts its own style & performance output."

Monopoly Here & Now (http://itunes.apple.com/app/monopoly-here-now-the-world/id299110947?mt=8)
"** WINNER, BEST GAME ** 2008 Mobile Excellence Awards! THE GAME YOU KNOW & LOVE GOES GLOBAL. Build an empire with the world’s most coveted real-estate properties like Paris, Rome and Barcelona."
 
Sims 3, is a great Iphone game imo.

I wish more ipad apps went on sale, i am in a frenzy buying them for my new incoming IPAD as soon as they announce the next one.
 
[quote name='Big St3ph3n']Sims 3, is a great Iphone game imo.

I wish more ipad apps went on sale, i am in a frenzy buying them for my new incoming IPAD as soon as they announce the next one.[/QUOTE]

I'm there with you on wishing for iPad game discounts for a (near?) future iPad 2 purchase. I've been especially keen on universal apps in preparation for that day. :) I wish there were more iPad game sales, but I've got some good ones in universal form lined up and playable now too. I downloaded Movie Kitty HD for free, or whatever that's called, and I don't even like trivia games so I have no idea why. :)
 
I hated Sims 3 on my Android, so I'm not risking the purchase on my new iPhone. I did pick up NFS and am tempted to get Monopoly...

Oh and is RA really worth the purchase? It looks super basic...
 
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[quote name='Darknuke']Oh and is RA really worth the purchase? It looks super basic...[/QUOTE]

As with many a good Knizia game, it seems simple, but once you play it you realize it's a lot more interesting and clever then it first appears. If you like Euro boardgames I recommend it. Now... previously you asked about pass-and-play. I presume you removed that because you saw that it offered it, but you shouldn't have deleted that, because I went and double checked, though I was pretty sure it had it, and found that pass-and-play now seems to be broken. :( Whenever I put another human player in the game I end up with a blank box with a non-working checkmark button in it covering nearly the entire playfield. Doh! I reported it on toucharcade and the dev is now aware. FYI, here's a screenshot:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5738/1000001512.jpg

You can still play it single player, but pass-and-play does this for me every time.

EDIT: the dev posted a workaround for the pass-and-play issue and I can verify that it works. You can disable "status messages" in the options and then it is at least playable. You don't get status messages, but at least it's playable (I'd suggest playing some single-player with status messages before turning that off, so you can learn the game.) EDIT2: and you can have it off, start the game, and then turn it back on it and it works. So there's a way around the issue completely.
 
[quote name='Big St3ph3n']I wish more ipad apps went on sale[/QUOTE]
Wish Granted, courtesy EA. All $0.99 down from 4.99
Pictureka for iPad
Snood for iPad
Clue: Secrets & Spies
Reckless Racing HD
Yahtzee HD
Boggle for iPad

I can only vouch for Yahtzee HD and Boggle, as I had gotten both in previous sales. Both are good for .99, but I don't think I would have spent much more on them.
 
[quote name='Sir Daniel Fortesque']How does Sims run (framerate, performance issues)?[/QUOTE]

I have ambitions and it runs smoothly on my 4, I imagine they use the same engine.
 
[quote name='crunchewy']As with many a good Knizia game, it seems simple, but once you play it you realize it's a lot more interesting and clever then it first appears. If you like Euro boardgames I recommend it. Now... previously you asked about pass-and-play. I presume you removed that because you saw that it offered it, but you shouldn't have deleted that, because I went and double checked, though I was pretty sure it had it, and found that pass-and-play now seems to be broken. :( Whenever I put another human player in the game I end up with a blank box with a non-working checkmark button in it covering nearly the entire playfield. Doh! I reported it on toucharcade and the dev is now aware. FYI, here's a screenshot:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5738/1000001512.jpg

You can still play it single player, but pass-and-play does this for me every time.

EDIT: the dev posted a workaround for the pass-and-play issue and I can verify that it works. You can disable "status messages" in the options and then it is at least playable. You don't get status messages, but at least it's playable (I'd suggest playing some single-player with status messages before turning that off, so you can learn the game.) EDIT2: and you can have it off, start the game, and then turn it back on it and it works. So there's a way around the issue completely.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I removed that part because I saw that it had pass-n-play. Interesting that it is hard to get working tho... I might pass for now. Catan is still my favorite board game of all time and I'm sure that'll keep me more interested anyway. Thanks for your opinion on it tho.
 
Add FIFA10, Monopoly, Need for Speed Shift, and The Simpsons Arcade to the list of .99 EA sale titles. Sorry for the lack of links. Doing this from my handheld.
 
League of Evil is alright. It's decent for a dollar. Nothing special though.

Scarlett and the Spark of Life feels like amateur hour at Lucasarts Adventure Game Co. It feels like a less interesting, uncanny valley-ish attempt at a Monkey Island style game. That said, for free, it's worth a playthrough.

EDIT:The dev for Reiner Knizia's Ra is the same group of amateurish dopes who made Medici for the Iphone, which has been tweaked a LOT since launch but is still barely playable and a giant mess of awful UI.

Plus, I've had Ra for a while and not seen a lot of patches for it. Not nearly the frequency we had them for Medici.

As far as Reiner Knizia Iphone app developers go, I wouldn't trust these clowns as far as I could throw Manhattan. There are TONS of other ones working other ports.
 
The dev for Reiner Knizia's Ra is the same group of amateurish dopes who made Medici for the Iphone, which has been tweaked a LOT since launch but is still barely playable and a giant mess of awful UI.

Plus, I've had Ra for a while and not seen a lot of patches for it. Not nearly the frequency we had them for Medici.

As far as Reiner Knizia Iphone app developers go, I wouldn't trust these clowns as far as I could throw Manhattan. There are TONS of other ones working other ports.
 
[quote name='bostonfrontier']Sucks that it's only iphone games for EA on sale and not any good iPad games on sale[/QUOTE]

I agree, I was hoping to pick up monopoly after work today. Has anyone played the iPhone version on iPad?
 
I actually really like League of Evil. In fact, while I tried the demo of Super Meat Boy and didn't buy it because I didn't find it fun, just incredibly frustrating without reward, for some reason I did feel that reward with LoE and so far I'm really liking the paid version. Definitely worth a buck.

I also like Medici and Ra, just not impressed with their effort with this particular update to Ra - they are amateurs when it comes to online, yes. Mind you, I agree the UI isn't very good in Ra, but the game plays really well once you get past that. Medici I haven't had any issues with at all, at least not since they made it easier to work with on the iPhone.
 
More .99 EA deals:
SimCity Deluxe (http://itunes.apple.com/app/simcity-deluxe/id380017992?mt=8)
"BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP TO BE THE BEST SIMCITY™ EXPERIENCE FOR iPHONE® & iPOD TOUCH®! Made to maximize the Retina Display, see your dream city come to life with simplified controls, optimized performance, inspiring visuals, exciting new scenarios, and starter cities. Designed for dedicated and casual players alike, let your inner urban planner run wild!"

RISK: The Official Game (http://itunes.apple.com/app/risk-the-official-game/id380013217?mt=8)
"THE REAL RISK EXPERIENCE! Now on iPhone® & iPod touch®, pursue world domination with THE ORIGINAL game of strategic conquest. Mobilize against relentless computer-driven enemies or challenge up to 6 real-world multiplayer opponents. Play the game that has fired dreams of global conquest for generations!"


G.Blacksmith.Color has dropped to FREE for the first time (http://itunes.apple.com/app/g-blacksmith-color/id375702378?mt=8).
"Not much has been known about the life of a goblin. Until now. Begin your own empire by helping the goblins build underground caves and dominate the world. To perfect your skills in the goblin's underground workshops, you must understand the system, be quick on your feet, and plan shrewdly. Only the most cunning will successfully construct the goblin empire.
Along your journey be prepared to fend off robbers, get brawny in the blacksmith shops and hone your engraving skills. You'll need strength, bravery, and determination to complete the journey ahead of you.
Enjoy this new take on the time management genre. Help manage the goblin workshop efficiently and satisfy your customers before they get cranky! One miscalculation and you'll get stiffed big time. A few missteps and your dreams of running a goblin empire will be gone forever."
 
[quote name='mkernan']I mentioned a week or two ago that Puzzle Quest 2 was $5, down from $10. I just read over on Touch Arcade that it'll be getting a retina update and online multiplayer via Game Center fairly soon.

http://toucharcade.com/2011/02/07/upcoming-from-namco-bandai/[/QUOTE]


Everything I've read about PQ2 makes me think even the $5 is overpriced. Now the $3 for Dungeon Raid is probably a better deal and that's not even on sale.

As for the EA sale, well it's too bad they didn't knock the price on Dead Space down because if it'd had any price drop at all, I'd have probably bought it. Keep in mind, they just had DS2 on PC, 360, and PS3 on sale today at Amazon, so dropping the price of the iOS version wouldn't have been bizarre. A missed opportunity.
 
[quote name='Felder71']Am I the only one who feels starstruck to have Shipwreck post in our thread?[/QUOTE]
Who? That Boatcrash guy? I guess he's alright:lol:
 
[quote name='HisDivineShadow']Everything I've read about PQ2 makes me think even the $5 is overpriced. Now the $3 for Dungeon Raid is probably a better deal and that's not even on sale.

[/QUOTE]

PQ2 is brilliant, and so is Dungeon Raid. PQ2 is a steal at $5. Period.
 
FIFA 11 joins the roster of .99 sale games (http://itunes.apple.com/app/fifa-11-by-ea-sports/id394220958?mt=8).
"REAL PLAYERS, TEAMS, AND LEAGUES – UPDATED FOR THIS SEASON
Take the field with superstars like Real Madrid’s Kaka and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. Match up more than 500 teams from real leagues around the world and march into action in 35 authentic stadiums. The world of soccer is truly in your hands. "

Here's more on EA's sale (stolen from Free App Calendar):
"Enjoy some pre-Valentine treats Feb. 8 and 9 on the App Store. EA is delivering an assortment of nearly 30 games for only 99¢ each. Save up to 86%. But don't wait. Like the first blush of young love, this sale is fleeting. That is, it only lasts for 48 hours.
So seize the day and the sweetheart deals on some of our biggest titles for iPhone & iPod touch like SCRABBLE, TETRIS, Madden NFL 11, and The Sims 3. Also check out acclaimed games like Reckless Racing and Pictureka! (which was recently chosen by Time magazine as one of the 50 Best iPhone Apps of 2011).
Reckless Racing and Pictureka! and more are available on iPad, too, for just 99¢ each. 99¢ iPad games? You've got to love that."
Click to see the games in iTunes.
 
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