Every Hero Has a Game App

There are a lot of really cool Superhero game apps. The ones I reviewed below are just a few that I thought were really good, if you would like a longer list there is a website www.superherogame.org/mobile and although all these apps are "free" there are in game purchases available so make sure you (or people you suggest these to) have the settings on their device prompt "password for purchases".

 

Flappy Superhero (Free. iOS and Android) If you have never played Flappy Birds.... maybe you are better off. It is an extremely simple game that for some reason is incredibly hard. You tap the screen and your bird (or in this case superhero) goes up and if you don't tap he goes down. The goal is to pass through as many obstacles as possible. As you get further you have more superheroes and backgrounds to choose from. Appropriate for all ages (but may not be safe from someone who gets annoyed by games and might throw a device.)

 

Spiderman Unlimited (Free. iOS and Android) Fun game that reminds me of Temple Run and other games where you run, jump, and slide. The graphics style is comic book and it has a good story that ties it all together. I think this might be good for kids third grade and up.

 

Marvel Puzzle Quest (Free. iOS and Android) This game combines a Jewel Quest or Candy Crush type puzzle game with a superheroes fighting bad guys overarching story. To power-up your heroes you have to connect certain colors and to disable bad guys you have to eliminate certain colors. No actual violence so I'd say this is appropriate for second or third grade and up.

 

Injustice: Gods Among Us (Free. iOS and Android) A fighting game much like its predecessors "Street Fighter" or "Mortal Kombat". Your team is made up of three superheroes or villains and they fight another three. The idea is that you use blocking, combinations, special moves, and timing to defeat your opponents. As you win, the game unlocks new characters and special powers. It isn't bloody or gory but the almost higher-level violence may make it more appropriate for late middle school or even high school age youth.

 

Marvel Contest of Champions (Free. iOS and Android) Another fighting game, this time one on one, but less violent so it may be appropriate for older elementary school aged children. It has online game play where you can talk to other people playing the game, players do not need to use this feature but it may allow them the opportunity to unlock certain bonus items and play in tournaments. Unfortunately the game cannot be played without being connected to the Internet which can mean the use of a lot of data if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. The story, graphics, game play, and options make this a fun and addictive game. It has won multiple mobile app and mobile gaming awards.

 

Superhero Apps

Which Superhero Are You (Free. iOS and Android) I'd like to first point out that the Android and Apple versions do the same ting but are from different companies. The Android version has better graphics and includes villains. What you can do is pick a superhero in your head, answer questions, and see if it guesses correctly. The other use is to answer the questions about yourself and see what superhero (or villain) you are most like. It's cute and appropriate for all ages.

Super Hero Photo Quiz (Free. iOS only) If you are a comic book, anime, and manga master this is the app for you. It shows a picture of a character and you try to answer their name. You can get help but it costs coins, which you are awarded with correct answers, watch ads, write a review of the app, share on Facebook, or purchase. Users might get frustrated and give up quickly or they will really like it.

Comic Book Trivia (Free. Android Only). Test your knowledge of comic book characters. Multiple choice questions that have varying degrees of difficulty. Many reviewers complain that it focuses too heavily on DC and Marvel.

POW (Free. iOS only) A cute app that makes silly superhero sounds (think 60's Batman) when you punch your phone in the air. It can be a quick workout, relieve stress, or in my case annoy the coworkers in the cubicle next to you. Little kids may find it fun and funny. They app was glitch and froze a couple times, so it has some flaws.

Superhero Comic Book Maker ($1.99 iOS only) Create your own digital comics by using pre-made characters, effects, backgrounds, and speech bubbles. You can record your own voice, use 29 different crayons, and animate panels. It seems really aimed at 6 - 12 year old kids. http://www.duckduckmoose.com/educational-iphone-itouch-apps-for-kids/superhero-comic-book-maker/

Comic Strip It! (Free or $1.99 pro version Android only) Create your own comic strips, comic books, memes, story boards, and quick how-to directions. You can share quickly with social media or save your creation. The Pro version gives a lot more tools / options and allows exporting as a digital comic book format.

Comics Apps

comiXology (Free. iOS, Android, Windows) One of the best cartoon, comic book, and graphic novel apps it has a library of over 50,000 titles. Publishers include: DC, Disney, IDW, Marvel, and Viz, but unfortunately not Dark Horse. The Android app allows purchase within the app but the Apple version requires comics to be purchased through the website (this is supposedly because Apple sells comics through iTunes / iBooks). There are free comics available for download, all purchases are saved to users account and can be accessed online. New comics are available digitally the same day as the print. Unfortunately, accounts require a credit card, in case of purchases, and mature content is available so parents may need to monitor their child's purchases. The reader / display is beautiful and easy to use making for great digital presentation / reading.

Marvel ($9.99/mo. iOS, Android) Like Netflix the Marvel comics app requires a subscription. To sign up users have to create an account at the website. Users have access to 70 years of comics 13,000 issues. The library updates weekly but unfortunately it takes 6 months or more for new titles to show up. Subscribers get access to discounts on various merchandise and exclusive rights to purchase limited edition items.

Comic Zeal ($4.99. iOS only) If users already have comics purchased from Amazon, Apple, CD-ROMs, or other files. Transfer to iPhone or iPad using Wi-Fi, cloud storage, or plug in an transfer via USB. The app boasts great organization tools sorting users collection various ways. Reading features include zoom, page lock, and auto rotation. There are parental controls to keep children from viewing mature rated materials.

Astonishing Comic Reader (Free. Android only) Users can automatically download comics from their collection stored in Dropbox. Powerful search and tagging functions create organization tools that make finding titles easy. The reader has easy-to-use buttons, page thumbnails, zoom, and auto scroll. Take snapshots of pages to share with friends or use as wallpaper for your device.

 Comicrack (Free. Android only) Companion app for the comic management and eReader program ComicRack for Windows; the app is optimized for phones and tablets it allowing users to read eComics anywhere. When used together with ComicRack for Windows it allows automatic synchronization of eComics with your Android device via USB, including reading positions, reading lists and bookmarks. Synchronized eComics are also converted and optimized so they can be read fast and reliably on your handheld devices. Supports most formats including PDFs and WebComics. eComics can even be size optimized during synchronization making the file size half without noticeable quality reduction.

ComicRack includes a Live Wallpaper that shows random covers from your library. Users can read by double tapping the background.

GoComics (Free. iOS, Android, and Windows) Fans of comic strips such as Calvin and Hobbs, Dilbert, Doonesbury, FoxTrot, Peanuts, and many more have access to over 20 years of material. Users can share a strip via FaceBook, Twitter, and text message. Over 30 comics are available to be read in Spanish. Political cartoons from both perspectives are available. Users can save strips for later reading. There is also a link to a comic strip blog that talks about the industry for those interested in a career as a comic strip writer.

Music Apps

Shazam (Free. iOS, Android, Windows) This app detects songs and television shows in a matter of seconds, proving purchasing options, lyrics, sharing with friends, and a convenient means of streaming the tracks via Spotify once recognized.

Vevo (Free. iOS, Android, Windows, web) It seems Vevo has inherited the music video crown MTV decided was too heavy to wear. Users can create individualized playlists and steam live musical performances, or simply browse HD videos.

SoundCloud (Free. iOS, Android, Windows, web) Comprised of a community of musicians, bands, and fans. The app has all of the functionality of the website, allowing users to search for new artists to follow, listen to songs, and record audio on the go.

Songkick (Free. iOS and Android) This app is all about the concerts. It scans users music library for favorite artists, conveniently alerting you and providing venue, line-up, and ticket information whenever a band you’re following decides to play a show near you.

Garage Band ($4.99. iOS only) The app isn’t very different from the desktop version. Users can play and loop a variety of instruments, from cello to drums, using your iPhone’s touchscreen display. Change the tempo, time signature, and chords creating your own original music or create remixes and mash ups.

DJ Studio 5 (Free. Android only) This app allows users the convenience of carrying turntables in their pocket. The app allows users to mix, remix, scratch, loop, pitch, and record music using two virtual turntables. Save musical creations or post the final mixes to SoundCloud.