One-hundred and sixty in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps and games released for Windows 8.x and Windows 10 in the past seven days.
Game of the week is the great looking fighting game Gods of Rome in which you fight as gods, demigods and mythical heroes both against the computer and other human opponents.
Other apps of note are Microsoft's Deals Hub application which lists all deals on Windows Store in a single app and King of Thieves, the new game from the creators of Cut The Rope.
As always, if I missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email instead.
Discounts This Week
Red Stripe Deals are back. Up to six applications and games are discounted and highlighted in Windows Store each week.
The following is this week's selection:
- Big Days of our Lives: Countdown Timer Digital Event Count Down Clock, for $0.99
- Doodle Creatures HD, a puzzle game for $0.99
- Duck Tales Remastered, a remake of the classic arcade game for $0.99
- Lara Croft Go, a strategy game for $1.99
- MeteoEarth, a weather application is free currently.
- myTube, a popular YouTube application is free today, available for $0.10 on December 26th and 27th.
- Prune, a beautiful game about trees for $2.99
- Reading Trainer for $1.99
- Snowboard Party 2, a snowboard game for $0.99.
- Spelling Mix 2, a spelling game for children for $0.99
- Wolfram Alpha, the official application for $1.49
App of the Week
Gods of Rome is a fighting game that features great looking graphics and gameplay that resembles that of classic arcade style fighting games such as Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter or Dead or Alive.
While called Gods of Rome, it features gods from other ancient pantheons, for instance Zeus or Athena.
Summon and upgrade gods, monsters and heroes that you can play as, and fight gods and mythical creatures in single-player missions or by participating in PVP events to beat other human players of the game.
The fighting is basic when you compare it to classic arcade fighting games as you have three types of attacks, one special attack and one block at your disposal.
While that may sound like much, it is not really that much considering that you usually win by smashing on those buttons as fast as you can, at least in the earlier levels and against computer opponents.
That does not mean that the game is bad or anything, but it is simpler. This may appeal to some however who don't want to learn 99 different combos using 12 or so buttons and movement.
Other apps
An unofficial port of ScummVM which allows you to run classic adventure games if you have the data files already.
It supports the majority of LucasArts adventure such as Monkey Island, Indiana Jones or Day of the Tentacle, but also third-party adventure games from other studios. The version is based on the latest development build.
This official Microsoft application lists deals that are currently available on Windows Store.
The app brings together Red Stripe Deals, as well as other deals under music, movies & TV, and apps & games.
So, instead of having to browse to various store sections to check out all the deals available, you only need to run the app to do the same.
You need a miCoach Smart Ball from Adidas to use the application. It has been designed to improve your control and manipulation of footballs by providing you with instant feedback that includes information such as power, spin, strike or trajectory.
In addition to that, it offers tips and guidance to improve your skills further.
A new version of the popular Tower Defense game franchise in which you play against the computer or human opponents for the first time.
It works similar to previous games of the series, but instead of trying to beat levels on your own, you have to take your opponent into account now as he or she may send extra balloons your way using gold.
Get your Cricket fix with the app which follows domestic and international matches. It features live scores, fixtures, and stats, and also live streams for subscribers on top of that.
The official 4Shared application for Windows lets you sign in to your account to manage files hosted by the service.
It features a search, options to filter by file type, and previews for certain file types. It is labeled as beta so keep that in mind.
The new game from the makers of Cut The Rope mixes platform action with PVP multiplayer.
You try to become the wealthiest thief by stealing gold and gems, defending your loot, and competing in the worldwide leaderboard.
The game features 80 single-player missions and provides you with access to user-generated content on top of that.
Notable updates
- Bamboo Paper has a brand new look and is compatible with Windows 10.
- Perfect Tube, a YouTube application supports Vevo videos now.
- TED, the official application, has been relaunched as a universal app.