Despite my best attempts to successfully manage my time, I always overbook myself and wind up behind. True to form, this week’s App Attack has 8 apps total because I couldn’t pass up a good app. I could have pushed two back to next week’s article but several of the games have recent release dates and each app deserves recognition. This week’s apps left me plenty entertained and at times surprised at how fun they were. I hope you’ll purchase a few and experience the same thing.

Anooki Jump

I rarely have the chance to play a game that really stands out from anything I’ve played before. Anooki Jump by Bulkypix is a whimsical game that focuses on two Eskimos as they try to bounce their way as high as possible. What I enjoyed most about this game is the minimal approach to its graphics and gameplay. Each level uses a maximum of three colors and the characters are controlled through your device’s tilt mechanism. Anooki Jump’s mechanics may lose their novelty due to their limited scope, but the game’s fun factor left me with a constant “one more try” urge.

Flap Craft

I had never heard of Pixelmator, but this is one iOS developer that knows how to make a great game. Flap Craft is an object launching game where your goal is to earn money to purchase parts that transform an everyday object (in this case a log) into a respectable flying machine. The graphics in Flap Craft are absolutely gorgeous and the gameplay is as addicting as any app I’ve played. Flap Craft is a casual game, so don’t expect very extensive gameplay, but if you want to lose track of time while playing a mobile game, it won’t dissapoint.

Tapsteroids

Tapsteroids is the brainchild of two developers under the name UNAgames. Tapsteroids has the heart of an arcade game with the controls and graphics of modern day mobile gaming devices. The game is about as flawless as an iOS game can be and the fact that it was made by only two people leaves me more than a little impressed. The game’s objective is to protect your space station and incoming ships from asteroids. Tapping the screen causes your home base to launch missiles (or the selected weapons) at the asteroids. Asteroids will destroy incoming spacecraft that must be protected if you wish to advance to the next level. Lose too many ships or fail to protect your base and it’s game over. If you want to purchase an outstanding game while supporting an indie developer with a bright future, spend a dollar and download Tapsteroids.

NFL Rivals

From NaturalMotion Games, the developer behind Backbreaker Football and Icebreaker Hockey, comes NFL Rivals. This is just about the most fun I’ve had playing a sports game since my days playing Red Card on my PS2. NFL rivals takes one of the best parts of a football game – the game-changing plays – and drops you right in the middle. Not only can you play as 32 authentic NFL teams, you’ll have the chance to play games as they happen in the real NFL season. I don’t follow sports or have a favorite team, but if NFL Rivals can be this fun for someone who doesn’t follow football, I imagine any true football fanatic will love it.