EVAC: A unique game using concepts from Pacman and Metal Gear

When it comes to gaming, many legends to mind. Pacman can be considered one of the most influential games in gaming history. I'm sure everyone knows of this hungry, yellow circle being chased by colorful ghosts. I'm also sure many people blew many quarters at the local arcade hangout. This game stood the test of time thus it is considered a classic.

Pacman was influential but Metal Gear Solid was a game changer. The Metal Gear series has its roots traced back to the late 1980's. The gaming world was changed once Metal Gear Solid hit the Playstation console.  Some of the most memorable moments include hiding in the shadows from guards and having your memory card read by Psychomantis. This game was definitely another classic.

So you may be wondering why I'm talking about Pacman and Metal Gear Solid. Interestingly there's a game on the Android Market that utilizes a couple of concepts from these two iconic games. EVAC by Hexage Ltd makes use of the "run from the bad guy" concept from Pacman and also the "sneak and hide" stealth concept from Metal Gear. By the way, Hexage Ltd is a prominent player in mobile gaming on the Android Market. They have various hits such as Radiant and Totemo to name a few.

This game originally caught my eye because I have a thing for bright, vibrant graphics. Honestly I didn't know what to expect but after playing this game for a bit, I immediately became hooked. Some information about the game: You are a cute little block on the run from an evil empire trying to capture you. Each level is a maze/puzzle and you need to utilize your problem solving skills all while staying alive. As you progress through each level, you will find more difficultly. Each level has a couple of power ups ranging from ghost mode to a homing spinning missile barrier. I found it quite interesting how several levels make use of a "hiding area" so if enemies spot you, you can hide in the shadows until they calm down (very Metal Gear-like). To pass a level, you must collect all the dots to open the portal to the next stage (Pacman-like).

Now you see me

Now you don't ;P

Ghost powerup

Homing Barrier Powerup

Kicking some ass

Overall I find this game quite addicting. The neon graphics are vibrant and eye catching. The soundtrack is also very pleasant. Unlike other games, there's actually a story involved. The concepts used within this game are also quite intuitive. I love the random powerups.

Although the file size is a bit large (7mb), if you have Froyo, you can move it to your SD card (it'll shrink to ~400kb). I find the game a bit short because the Lite version only has 7 levels. All of which are quite challenging. Though, if you get addicted, you'll find yourself asking for more. Luckily there's a full version (EVAC HD $2.84). This version has more levels and is optimized for higher end devices i.e. Desire, Nexus, Galaxy S. The one minor complaint about this game is the controls. Controls on the touch screen can be a little cumbersome but if you have an optical pad or trackball, all will be good. Other than that, this is an especially fun app to pass the time. Check out the free version first if you plan on getting the paid version. =)

Free Version

EVAC Lite for Android on AppBrain

Paid Version

EVAC HD for Android on AppBrain

Retro Gaming- Snesoid (Super Nintendo Emulator)

If you grew up during the 90's like me, you'd definitely know about the Super Nintendo. This powerful 16 bit system had a great library of games. It won the console wars against the Turbografx and Sega Genesis. This system was so popular, it lasted well into the 32 bit era before ceasing production in 1999 (Japan ceased production in 2003).

If you were also like me, you were flat broke. As a child, I didn't have much money so I wasn't able to afford many games. Years passed and many games became rare gems. Some games can cost up to $300 per cartridge. You can spend much money on games but I decided to take the more cost effective route.

Emulation using a certain Android app is the way to go! If you don't want to sit in front of your tv screen and want some gaming on the go while pinching a few pennnies, SNesoid by yongzh is your solution.

Snesoid is the best Super Nintendo emulator on the Android Market. Developer yongzh is also very prompt with updates unlike other developers we know *cough*. Many options can be found in this emulator such as frameskip, c-core emulatior (runs Super Mario RPG, Starfox, Kirby Superstar; anything with the enhanced graphics), and various button mappings to name a few.

I've been using this app for quite a while. I have yet to find a ROM that does not work. It's also simple and easy to use. Just download a ROM, create a folder named "SNES ROMS" then drag all ROMs into the folder. While running the app, click the ROM and you're good to go. It should work on just about any Android device. The QR code is posted below =)


There are two version of SNesoid app: A free version and Full version. The free version doesn't have "quick save" states but it does have normal save states you'd find throughout the game. The Full version costs $3.99 which includes the "quick save" states. If you like taking risks between save states, the free version is suitable but if you're like me and don't want to risk an important battle, I suggest you get the Full version.

Edit: If you need help finding roms, let me know =)

Chrono Trigger

The rare, Tactic Ogre (English Patch)

Starfox 2 Prototype (Not released but I got it =P)

Super Mario RPG

Free Version of SNesoid App

Full Version of SNESoid app

Coloroid- Simple yet Fun App

Who thought playing with colors would be so much fun?

Coloroid by Tapjoy was one of the first puzzle games I downloaded onto my Android phone. It's a very simple game. The object of the game is to fill the screen with one color. You have a set amount of moves before you reach "par." You can choose from one of the 35 levels available. Each board is represented by different lengths and widths. For example, level 11 is a 11 by 11 board. Level 35 is a 66 by 66 board. It also keeps tally of your overall wins. As you can see, my win to lose ratio is 16/38. It's pretty difficult on the higher levels. 

Overall it's an entertaining little puzzle app. It has a very small footprint so it won't use our valuable internal memory. Very useful when you're sitting on the bus or waiting for your girlfriend to show up for dinner. I have yet to beat the game because the higher levels are quite difficult. Best of all: It's a free app!!

QR code for App

Coloroid for Android on AppBrain