Today’s apps worth downloading seems fitting, given all the huge headlines that have hit the news this week. It’s Wibbitz, an app that summarizes news stories into videos that you can watch and listen to, in order to get you what you need to know when you’re on the go. We’ve also got two games for you to try: Contra: Evolution, a remake of the 1990s shooter classic, and Hoppetee!, and endless runner in which players race the sun.
Wibbitz (Free)
What’s it about? Turn news articles into video summaries with Wibbitz.
What’s cool? There are a ton of news stories that hit the Internet on any given day, and while staying up on the news is made easier by social networks and other such innovations, it can be hard to find the time to read everything. Wibbitz looks to make it easier to stay informed by summarizing news into short, easy to watch videos. The app gives a summary you can listen to along with the important visuals, but it also gives the option to read the article as well, if you’d prefer to get the whole story. You can also pick news stories from various categories to get the kind of news you’re interested in.
Who’s it for? News junkies on the go, you might want to check out what Wibbitz has to offer.
What’s it like? You might also check out Umano, another app that will read news to you when you can’t read it yourself.
Contra: Evolution ($0.99)
What’s it about? Go back in time and play an updated version of side-scrolling shooter Contra in Contra: Evolution.
What’s cool? Konami’s historic alien shooter is back in Contra: Evolution, a game in which players storm through various levels blasting all kinds of enemies and working hard to avoid getting hit themselves. The game is all about ducking and weaving against evil aliens and their weaponry, while also grabbing power-ups that turn your regular machine gun into a spread gun, a heat-seeking missile launcher, and more. Contra: Evolution includes a pair of different game modes – the standard arcade mode and a mission-based mode in which players are challenged to complete certain objectives and unlock new characters.
Who’s it for? Fans of shooters and the original Contra from way back in the Nintendo Entertainment System days, you’ll want to check this one out.
What’s it like? You might also enjoy Random Heroes 2 and Monster Dash, which share similar shooter sensibilities.
Hoppetee! ($0.99)
What’s it about? Endless runner Hoppetee! challenges players to gather points and fireflies during each day, in order to fend off darkness and keep the game going by night.
What’s cool? Most endless runner games throw obstacles and enemies in your path as you tear through the various side-scrolling levels, but Hoppetee! has none. Instead of dodging bad guys, Hoppetee! is all about preparation. As you travel through each day, you need to gather up fireflies and song notes to score points; when night eventually falls, the fireflies provide light to keep you going. If you run out of light, the game ends, so catching more fireflies along the way is key to success. There are also items you can buy with items you gather in each level that can give you a score boost in future runs.
Who’s it for? Endless runner fans, Hoppetee! is a mellow title with some great graphics.
What’s it like? Check out Polara and Outland Games, another pair of great-looking runners.
