Need For Speed - Most Wanted: Dare to challenge the most wanted

Warning: All stunts performed here are by extremely well trained professional stunt men like me. Do not attempt any stunts at any cost.

Well that was just to set the stage :) and to tell you how realistic is the game play of "Need for Speed: Most Wanted". I love racing games and undoubtedly "Need For Speed" is the ultimate racing game. It is developed by one of my favorite company Electronic Arts. 

Game Play
NFS: Most Wanted is a street racing game in which you challenge opponents from the most wanted list. As the street racing is illegal beware you also have to tackle the police vehicles. Police will do all to bust you, so you just not need to concentrate on the race but also avoid or eliminate the police vehicles. NFS gives you a chance to try your hands on the most sought after and greatest cars in the world. The graphics quality is absolutely top-notch and the game runs smoothly on my Nexus 7.

NFS Most Wanted: Launch Screen

There are numerous race tracks in this game covering various locations like downtown or barren factories and difficulty levels. Its not like you always race against opponents, there are some races which have objectives like finishing the track in specific time or finishing the track with an specified average speed etc.

NFS Most Wanted: Race tracks

When you start playing the game for the first time you are at the end of the most wanted list. As you keep winning the races you earn speed points and prize money in dollars. Each race has objectives with associated prize money and milestones which has associated speed points. Collecting more speed points unlocks new cars and those can be bought by the prize money you earned. You can play the same race again to better your score or earn the prize money.

NFS Most Wanted: Race objectives and rewards

As your speed points grow so your position in the most wanted list and enables you to challenge the who's who on the list for the position. Your ultimate dream should be to reach on the top of the most wanted list but, trust me that's not an easy task. 

NFS Most Wanted: Challenging from the most wanted list

Game controls 
The controls of this game are simple, you can choose how you want to steer i.e. tilt or touch control. For on-screen options you can touch on the right side of the screen for drifting, left side for braking and on right side flick you finger upwards for triggering nitrous boost. 

Before the race starts you can choose a vehicle from your garage and even apply mods to your car to boost its performance.

NFS Most Wanted: Hit the pedal to the floor

The races are no holds barred so you can dash the vehicles to slow down your opponents but be ready, police vehicles can also dash your car. Remember, if you are not paying attention to the police you could be busted and your race will end.

NFS Most Wanted: I told you beware of police

You can get a good 360 degree view of your dream cars, apply mods and drive. Even though virtually but in NFS we can enjoy driving a Bugatti, Jaguar or a Merc.

NFS Most Wanted: Unlocking the greatest cars

How much it costs you: 4.99 US $ (approximately)

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments section.

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See also:

Other posts in this series:

Beach Buggy Blitz : A fantastic racing game which will transport you to a stunning island, that too for free

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Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 3

This post is the third installment in the series "Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android". In this post too, I am listing some of the already well-known utility / productivity apps for both smartphone and tablet.

See also:
Other posts in this series:

1. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 2
2. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

Let's see what we have in store this time.

1. QR Droid

Human beings are very curious species. This is evident from almost all our actions. Think about it, if we see a barcode or now a days a QR code (Quick Response code), we try to understand the information hidden in it, but that's not an easy task. So, we look for apps on Google Play store which can do this task for us. Look no further, QR Droid from DroidLa is one of the best app available on Android to read barcode and QR code along with providing some other useful features.

As you launch the QR Droid it activates the Android device's main camera. Just point the device to the barcode or the QR code and this app will read the code. Once it is able to read it, it will give you feedback (beep and vibrate) about the completion.

QR Droid: Scan the code

After the previous step, it shows the screen where it displays the just read product number and few actions which can be performed with the number like you can web search for details or can use Google shopper or Amazon to get details of the product. QR Droid is quite accurate and fast and gets the required information based on the scanned code quickly.

QR Droid: Product search

You can also create your own QR code using this app for example it can create QR business cards, Web Address, Contact etc.

QR Droid: Create your own code

Here is a small quiz for you, I have also created one QR code based on some information, get QR Droid app on your device and try scanning the below code and let me know what is it through the comments section :).

QR Droid: What's hidden in this code?

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

2. XE currency

Well, if you are into foreign currency trading or an expatriate planning to send some money back home and wondering what the latest exchange rate, which site you head to? The answer is simple, xe.com, which is simply the best currency site. They also have this app 'XE currency' on Google Play store to get the information right on your Android device.

XE currency is a simple app, which is easy to understand and does its work efficiently. Once you launch the app, you can add the currencies you like to monitor. As you select the option 'Edit currency' you can add currencies to monitor and also change the order of the shown currencies.

XE Currency: Adding another currency

Essentially that is what you need to do, and 'XE Currency' will start showing you the conversions. From the settings menu though you can set preferences like update frequency, number of decimals to display, shake to reset etc.

XE Currency: Showing the conversions

It also provides a basic calculator which can be accessed from the right side of the currency on top, so you can do some basic math from the app itself.

XE Currency: Basic calculator for quick math

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

3. Pixlr Express

Now days, Android smartphones are laced with very powerful and high quality cameras which can take stunning pictures. But accept the reality, not all users are good photographers so the pictures may not look that stunning which was expected from the high-end phone. But all is not lost as there are good photo editing apps available on Google Play store and I find Pixlr Express one of the most feature rich app. Coming from Autodesk you can expect this photo editing app to be of a certain quality and it is. I have earlier covered "SketchBook Mobile: Fantastic drawing / painting app with professional touch" from Autodesk.

As you launch Pixlr Express, on the launch screen you have option of choosing an existing photo from the gallery or taking a new photo.

Pixlr Express: Launch screen

Once you have the photo, apps shows you the photo and the options bar at the bottom. Pixlr Express has a rich set of options under 'Adjustment', 'Effect', 'Overlay', 'Border' etc. You will be amazed by this app functionality and its results once you are done editing your photo. 

Pixlr Express: Photo Adjustment options

Pixlr Express: Applying color effects

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments section.
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Despicable me - minion rush: Addictive running game from Gameloft

It all started quite some time back, when Imangi Studios introduced us to the endless running game 'Temple run' and then 'Temple run 2' which became hugely popular and I have no doubt that everyone has played this game or at least heard about it. This caused other game developers to come up with variants of running games like 'Subway Surfers', 'Gravity project' etc. with interesting game play but with similar theme. The best thing about running games is it is very addictive and you can play the same level again and again without getting bored.

Well, 'Despicable Me' is also another running game present by one of my favourite company Gameloft. 'Despicable Me' is a great looking game with high quality 3D graphics which is well suited for high-end smartphones (dual core or above with HD / Full HD screen) or tablet. Initially, I installed it on my humble HTC Desire S, but it could not take on the load of this game and I moved it to my Nexus 7. 

This game is based on the animation movie 'Despicable Me'. Here you play as a small yellow minion, who is competing for the 'Minion of the Year' title. On his way he faces various difficulties, avoids hitting the obstacles, collects the bananas and obviously keeps running.

Despicable Me: Launch screen

On the game start screen you can see the options like changing the costume, select the locations and have a look at the goals and settings. It is a free game but through in-app purchase (IAP) you can spend real money to buy tokens. These token enables you to buy certain things while playing the game.

Despicable Me: All set for the run

If you wish you can change the appearance of minion by dressing it like a firefighter, dad, mom etc. Changing the costume also increases the pace at which you collect the bananas and also the distance multiplier, but keep in mind, these options are quite expensive.

Despicable Me: Changing the look

While playing the game there are few goals to achieve, as you keep achieving the goals your score multiplier keeps on increasing, helping you to score more and quickly.

Despicable Me: Missions

Game starts with the Gru's lab location, but you can choose to play a different location if that location is unlocked, by spend some tokens. The controls are very simple, flick your finger left and right to turn in left and right direction, up for jump and down for sweeping. At times you can tilt your device left or right to guide minion in that direction especially when he is riding on a rocket or a horse. Different locations have different obstacles but the basic idea is to avoid hitting any of them.

Despicable Me: Running without getting hit

If at all you are hit, you are presented with revive option in exchange of tokens, by reviving you can continue the game from exactly the same point and your progress will be preserved.

Despicable Me: Revive option is quite costly

On your way along with collecting bananas, some special items can also be collected like a vacuum cleaner to suck the bananas, rocket power to collect extra bananas, a ride on jumping horse to collect even more bananas.

Despicable Me: Riding on the rocket

Despicable Me: Riding on the jumping horse

Despicable Me: it's the mega minion

As you complete the level, you enter the next location. The good thing about this game is you get regular updates from Gameloft which adds new locations. In the recently released update they have add the beach location.

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments.

Do not forget to subscribe through email subscription option.

See also:

Other similar games:

1. Manuganu: fantastic running game with difference

2. Major Mayhem: running action game, great action, unlimited fun
3. Granny Smith

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Samurai vs Zombies Defense 2: Action packed top tower defense game

I had heard earlier about tower defense games but never got a chance to play one. This was the first time I played such game and I feel "Samurai vs Zombies Defense 2" is a great game from this category.

Presented by Glu Mobile (lately I started liking company), this game is best played on the big high-resolution screens, I installed it on Nexus 7 and it runs like a charm. While playing this game you get a Japanese feeling, be it the locations shown in the game or the background music. 

Lets start with the plot of SvZ defense 2 game, you play the role of a savior of a village, the village which is under attack by an army of zombies which is hell bent to destroy the guarding gate of the village. You mission is to eliminate the enemies before they reach at the gate and destroys it, if the zombies are able to achieve that, the game is over for you.

There are three characters (actually five but will talk about it later in the post), which you can impersonate while playing as the savior. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses and depending on the level or wave (as the game calls it), you should wisely choose the character. The best part is, you are not alone in this battle, you can call your friends (allies) for help in the mission.

SvZ defense 2: Opening screen

This game can be played in three modes as: "Daily Challenge" mode in which you play any random wave that is presented to you, playing this mode allows earning some handsome rewards. The "Single Player" mode, which is the real levels based mission and "Multiplayer" mode in which you can play against other online players. Now a days I am struggling in Wave # 29 of "Single Player" mode :).

SvZ defense 2: Three game modes

As you play the game and eliminate zombies, you get rewards like coins, Glu credits, special rewards like revives (extra life) etc. The coins you collect enable you to buy upgrades for the warriors like health, weapons and power-ups. You can also upgrade the abilities of your allies hence making them stronger.

SvZ defense 2: Selecting the hero

When you select the "Single player" mode, it shows the wave, which is active currently (I could not find the option to choose a previously completed level though) and the zombies which you are going to face.

SvZ defense 2: Can you see the zombies?

For most of the waves, you can select any of the unlocked characters, my personal favourite is Kunoichi, she is very fast, attacks swiftly and even though low on health, can recover super quickly. After her, I like Ronin, he is heavily armored, slow moving but very tough.

SvZ defense 2: Look out zombies!

SvZ defense 2: Ronin in action

The "Multiplayer" mode in which you compete with other online players, is a time based mission, and you have to destroy the village gate of your opponent before the opponent can do so. If you clear the level you win some special rewards and items.

SvZ defense 2: Kunoichi in Multiplayer mode

The two characters Sorceress and Daimyo out of the five I mentioned earlier are locked at the start. These can be unlocked for a hefty price, 55 USD and 44U SD respectively, I think it is too much in terms of real money. Glu Mobile are you listening?

SvZ defense 2: Unlocking characters, costs too much

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments.
Do not forget to subscribe through email subscription option.

See also:

Other games from the Glu Mobile:

1. Frontline Commando: D-Day

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Monthly roundup: Top blog posts of August 2013

Monthly roundup of the posts from the month of August 2013 on the top apps / games available on Android. 

1. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 2

This post is the second installment in the series "Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android", and just to tell you, the first post in this series is the most viewed post of this blog. In this post also I am listing some of the already well-known utility / productivity apps for both Smartphone and tablet.

2. Kids Doodle - Color& Draw: A creative app for kids

Kids Doodle: Get ready you all little geniuses to show-off your creative side. Using this app whatever you draw, it simply looks beautiful.

3. Manuganu: fantastic running game with difference

Manuganu is one of the best 3D running game where you play the role of a little boy named Manuganu. The little boy Manuganu has embarked on a journey, in which he has to face lots of difficulties on his way. I have no doubt that kids love this game.

4. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

An assorted collection of top utility, productivity apps for android, which are already popular and widely in use.

5. Major Mayhem: running action game, great action, unlimited fun

Major Mayhem is a cool looking running action game with lots of fun. This major is on its own, out on a mission to save his girlfriend.

If you like these posts or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments.

Do not forget to subscribe through email subscription option.

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