ドーナッツ大好き

 ドーナッツ大好き (I Love Doughnuts) App for iPhone
     This is a really cute story about a little girl who loves doughnuts (Donuts).  it's beautiful artwork and cute fantasy story telling will warm your heart.
     This being said, please know that this story is only written in Japanese.  there are no translations or English version.  If you can not read Japanese, you can try to follow along with the story through the illustrations.  However, that may prove to be slightly complicated.  i do wish that they would have translated this before releasing it to the US market.
     I truly do love the art style used in this story.  And even the application itself has a really lovely visual setup.  It's like reading an actual little story book.
     There is background music that plays.  However, you can turn this off whenever you like by clicking the sound icon at the top right corner.  To bring up the sound option and progress bar, tap the screen.  To make it disappear, tap it again.  You can do this at any time throughout the story.  To turn the page you can swipe across the screen or tap the page edge.
     I am going to provide some sample pages from the story below.  I will also provide translations for these pages.  Though if you wish to read the whole story, you'll need to do your own translations.
     TOP LEFT: Oh mother, every day every day
Cooked doughnuts are the most delicious in the world!
"You may have just one" Mother smiled gently.
"Yeah! Natsumi is alright with one" (Natsumi says)
Natsumi eats the doughnuts with filling.  She smiles and laughs.
     TOP RIGHT:  "Hey, it came to life!"
"Hey, tell me how you changed the doughnut.  If you tell me, I'll return home right now, alright? Teach me!"
Natsumi listened intently as she stared at it.

     BOTTOM LEFT: Natsumi was surprised it looked so poor.
The doughnuts were inedible...  Their stars were gone...
It's been a long journey, but I have finally discovered the blue planet.
Natsumi made a new friend, a doughnut, it was very fulfilling!
     BOTTOM RIGHT: The adventurer was silent, and closed his eyes.
With open arms he spoke clearly, 'Thank you', and I couldn't move.
This person who is gentle and orange was filled with light.
This moment!
The green left pocket on my dress.  It began to shine.
     I hope that anyone who reads this will like it as much as I did.  Though I'm not great with Japanese, I understood enough to follow the story.  I really do love this application.  My only displeasure is in the fact that they do not provide it in English.
Rating: 4/5

• Free
• Category: Books
• Released: Sep 30, 2011
• Version: 1.0.0
• Size: 14.5 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Cocone Corporation
• © Cocone Corporation 2011

Rated 4+

How To Make Origami

How To Make Origami App for iPhone
     This is a cute application that teaches you to create your own folded paper creations, called origami.  There are many categories and within each category, many different designs to choose from.
     When you first download and open the application, there are only a couple of origami designs available to try.  However, you can download more designs through the application, for free.  This way you only have designs for things you actually want to make.  This is a great idea, I feel... Because it doesn't take up unneeded storage for designs you'll never want to use.
     To the right, you can see some of the designs you can download.  Just click the plus buttons to add them to your collection.  It even shows you how many steps each design takes.  The more steps, the more difficult the origami will likely be to create.  Start with the easier ones and work your way up.
     When you have your designs downloaded you can choose a category to go to, to choose which piece you want to create.  To the left you can see my list of bird type designs.  This list shows the difficulty level of each design, and what the finished piece should look like.
     You can click on the design you intend to begin making.  Get your paper ready. To the right you can see I've chosen a T-shirt design.  Click the begin button and the application will take you through the process, step by step.
     Each step will have a picture of what the paper should look like at that point.  It will also show a short animation so you know how to fold it, in case the instructions written below the image are puzzling or too confusing to understand.  Clicking the middle button below the design will show the animation sequence over again.  Sometimes watching it a few times will better give you an understanding of what you are supposed to be doing.  The back button takes you back a step and the forward arrow, to the next step.  These can come in handy if you realize you misperformed a step or didn't do something you should have.  You can back track and see where you went wrong.
     I made several of the designs in the application to see how easy the process was and how easy the steps were to understand.  Also some of the origami is a bit odd to me, since it involves cutting, most of them do not.  Personally, I don't consider it origami if you have to cut the paper at some point.  I made the T-shirt (Which most people make from a dollar bill and leave as a tip.  This is because the initial shape is that of a long rectangle and not a square, as traditional origami is), the giraffe (Which requires cutting for the legs), the star (Which requires cutting and in the end is just a flat piece of paper in the shape of a star, and not a folded star shape), and the duck.  You can see some of my creations to the right.  I made them from pieces of magazine paper, so they aren't the most visually appealing origami creations.  They are the giraffe, the T-shirt and the duck.
     Overall I believe this is a very useful and fun application.  It has pieces easy enough for a small child (Around 5-7) to follow along with and ones more complicated that someone older may want to preform.  Best of all, each of the designs are free to download and use.  I love that it has animation to help guide you, and that you can replay the animation when you need to.  I really enjoyed this application and I think you will too.
Rating: 5/5

• Free
• Category: Education
• Updated: Sep 07, 2012
• Version: 1.0.10
• Size: 12.0 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Sergey Burlakov
• © 2011 Mobilicos

Rated 4+

Cecile-Fumetto

Cecile - Fumetto App for iPhone
     This is a lovely story told in pictures (Comic book style).  It features an artist who learns the ups and downs of falling in love.
     Though this story is entirely in Italian (Which is funny since the app information claims it's in English), you can still enjoy it and follow along without reading (I'd imagine).  Many of the frames don't have any text.  Of course knowing at least a little Italian is useful to get the full details of the story.
     I really enjoyed the art style of this book.  I enjoyed the way it was coloured.  how some bits were shaded, and others in colour.   The characters were also very interesting.  Especially the artist, himself.  Always sketching.
     Below I'll post some of the frames of the story.  This will give you a basic idea on how it looks, so you can decide for yourself if it's something you would be interested in.  At least from a visual aspect.

 
 
     The story is told in days as stages, that act as chapters for the stories.  It's almost like reading through a journal or diary of the main character.  But the character drew everything rather than just writing what happened.  I really enjoyed this aspect of the application/book.
     I found this to be very enjoyable.  Though the ending might surprise you.  I suggest giving it a read.  It's a really good story and really nice artwork.  My only unhappiness would be that this was not translated to English, when posted in the US marketplace.
Rating: 4.5/5

• Free
• Category: Books
• Updated: Aug 15, 2012
• Version: 1.1
• Size: 81.0 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Severine Lambour
• © PJPL

Rated 12+ for the following:

• Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content or Nudity

21 Girls

21 Girls App for iPhone
     No this isn't a bad porno game... This is an art portfolio for J.R. Tessier.  A book of drawings to show off the artist's skills.
     This application can be viewed in both French and English.
     There are 2 parts to this book.  One part has your basic art pieces.  They are drawn and coloured in a lovely style.  All complete works.  Including an option that shows you the process.  It starts as a sketch, adding colour, more colour, and the finished result.
     The second part is a sort of short story in images (Like a comic).  But it's also interactive, which is interesting.  Try clicking around and see what happens.
     Because this is an art portfolio, the best way to let you know what the application has to offer, is to show you some screens.

     The style is very beautiful.  Large pouty lips and rounded faces.  I really enjoy the artist's works.

     I enjoyed this application and I think you will too.  I like how it's more than just a generic collection of drawings.

 Rating: 5/5

• Free
• Category: Books
• Released: Jul 29, 2012
• Version: 1.0
• Size: 135 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Emedion
• © 2012 Emedion

Rated 12+ for the following:

• Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References

UsaNeko

UsaNeko App for iPhone
     Usagi/ウサギ (Rabbit) + Neko/猫 (Cat) = UsaNeko.  These are the two main characters of this cute collection of web comics.
     Now, as you can tell from the title and the launch screen to the right, this application is in Japanese.  This 'can' be an issue.  however, there is a bright side.  Many of the comics do not have any text on them.  A lot of these comics are visual story telling rather than using words to explain the scene.  So even without being able to read them, a lot of these pages can be enjoyed by everyone.
     These comics show the silly antics of a rabbit and a cat.  Even though many times cat chase rabbits, these two seem to be good friends.  Though they do fight from time to time.  As all good friends do.
     The icons at the bottom of the screen will take you to different areas of the application. The rabbit icon is for the comics.  You can view them as a title list, by clicking the title of the comic you wish to view.  Alternatively you can simply click the forward or backward buttons to view the previous or next comic on the list.  Swipe down the screen to view the panels from top to bottom, while viewing.
     The Cat heat icon will take you to a character list where you can learn about the characters from the comic (This is also in Japanese).
     The dog head icon (Yes, that is a dog head silhouette) takes you to a collection of wallpapers with artwork from the comics and characters within.  You can see some samples in the screen capture to the right.  They are very cute and can be used as backgrounds for your smart phone.  There is even one specifically for your lock screen.
     The rice ball will take you to the website.information.
     There are ads at the bottom of this application, but nothing inappropriate that I have noticed.  it also does not cause any complications with using the application.  I have noticed some app banners will cover parts of the app.  This app does not have that issue.  So I am not bothered by the ads at all.
     I really enjoyed this fun comic strips and even if you don't have the ability to read Japanese, I feel like you can still enjoy them.  So I recommend this.
Rating: 4/5

• Free
• Category: Books
• Updated: Aug 03, 2012
• Version: 1.2
• Size: 16.2 MB
• Languages: English, Japanese
• Seller: slowtime design Inc.

本気出すマニュアル

Honkidasu (I'll Do My Best) App for iPhone
     Think of this as that "Hang in there" cat poster people keep on their walls to motivate and empower them through out the week.  Honkidasu means "I'll Do My Best".  Or more of a direct translation "Get Serious".  It means it's time to stop messing around and get down to business!
     The launch screen is seen to the right.  Basically it says that this is the manual to getting serious.  Or the manual to trying your best.  Whichever translation you prefer.  When you tap it, you'll see a little comic page for the cat.  Sometimes it's one page.  Sometimes it's a few pages that link together.
     The cat comics are meant to be a source of entertainment and motivation.
     I will post some samples from the application below and give you the translations.  Remember that you can click on them to view them larger.  Also, I apologize if any of my translations are slightly off.
     The screen on the left says "The Tokyo skies... After you are finished doing your best."
   The screens below are a sequence.  It will go through the sequence on it's own, without any tapping.  However, if you have trouble reading Japanese, this can be a bit annoying since it's a bit fast. "As I thought of my inhibitions... I suddenly realized... Work hard"

      Here are some other phrases it has. "Even if you're hit 1000 times.  Do your best.", "When taking photos.  When you take it, do your best.", "When you win a sweepstakes, get serious." and "When you look back, at the end of the day, know you did your best."
     This is a cute free application.  The drawings are very entertaining and the messages are somewhat motivating.  However, this is only in Japanese.  So if you can't read Japanese, it isn't going to do you a lot of good.  it's almost the opposite of motivational.  It's saying "I would like to motivate you, but you can't even read what i'm saying to you".  So if you can read Japanese, a good application.  if you can't... not so much.  And of course as usual... an application on the US market that has not been translated is always unnecessarily lazy to me and will lose this application some points.  Especially since it's an application about working hard and doing your best.
Rating: 3/5

• Free
• Category: Reference
• Updated: May 25, 2012
• Version: 1.6
• Size: 17.5 MB
• Language: Japanese
• Seller: keita mamizu
• © 2010-2012 horse_water All Rights Reserved

Etiquette Survival Guide

Etiquette Survival guide App for iPhone
     I downloaded this a few months back only to realize this is a "humour" application, and not something to take seriously.  So keep that in mind if you intend to download this.
     Now before I go into the review for this application I would like to state that though this 'was' available to the US market, it no longer is for some reason.  Do not ask me the reason.  I tried doing a little research but have not been able to find anything.  I also tried finding it in the JP, GB, SK, CN, FR and KR.  Either it's been pulled from all of the Apple App stores or it's on one of them that I didn't check.  however, that being said, you can still download this on alternative app stores.  Just not the official apple one.  Places like Stunning Apps, FreeNew and so on.  Keep in mind that these are not official Apple stores so you don't have the same security as when you download from the Apple store.
     On to the review!
     This is a community updated list of basic etiquette skills for every day events.  From Bathroom etiquette to Public Transportation etiquette.  They are funny little tid bits of things the average individual likely already knows.  And some of which are likely bad ideas.  Below I have provided some samples.  You can click the smaller images to view them as larger, and easier to read images.

      

     This is a fun little application full of things to read for a subtle chuckle.  Remember not to take them seriously.

     Now, though this is listed as something that is updated by a community, I did not see anyplace to 'add' anything.  Nor or there any features other than reading what has already been written.  They don't even list the app creator's information, which I found to be particularly odd. (Hidoi Productions is the app creator, if you are curious)

     Nothing special, but a cute and sometimes funny application.  It's free so if you find it, you could give it a look.  After all, if you don't like it, you can always delete it.  Again, I am not sure why it was removed from the Apple market.  If you know, leave a comment and share the information!

Rating: 3.5/5

Free

Grimm's Rapunzel ~ 3D Interactive Pop-up Book

Grimm's Rapunsel 3D Popup Book App for iPhone
     This is a fun popup book for younger users.  Perhaps you use your iPhone or iPad while baby sitting, or caring for your child or siblings.  This is a great way to get them to sit down and listen to a story while having fun.
     Because this is a digital pop-up storybook, it has the ability to do things that traditional paper books can not.  Each pop up page has a task for the child to complete before moving on.  Whether it's taping a music note to help the prince find his way to Rapunzel, or filling a basket with apples and flowers.  It helps to keep the child engaged with what is currently happening in the story.
     This book can be read by a voice over narrator or by the child or yourself.  I really enjoy the "Read t to me feature" in applications like this.  it's great for children who can not yet read.  Or people who have a difficult time reading smaller screens or text due to a medical condition.
     If you stop partially through the story, you can click the autoplay feature the next time you open the application.  This will continue where you left off last time.  I find this to also be a very useful feature to have.
     The story isn't just for English speaking individuals either.  It can be read in German, French or Spanish as well.  And as such, can also be used to teach a child a new language.  To change the language from the opening screen select the small blue circle in the bottom left hand corner.
     There is a charming tune that plays in the background.  however, if this becomes too irritating, one can click the music note at the bottom to mute it.
     The creators of this application have made several of this type of story book.  They've done ones for stories such as 'Hansel & Gretel', 'Red Riding Hood', 'Rumpelstiltskin' and more.


     I would highly recommend this application for teachers, baby sitters and mothers of young children.  It's fun and interactive.  Great for bed time or story time.  The only down side that I see is that the price is a bit high.  At just under 5 dollars, you could probably purchase a real book for the child.  Though a digital book may be easier to carry with you, since it's inside your device.  It also means the child has to be using the device whenever they wish to read the book.  I hope you aren't expecting any calls on that long car ride.
Rating: 4.5/5

• $3.99
• Category: Books
• Updated: Dec 08, 2011
• Version: 1.0.6
• Size: 33.0 MB
• Languages: English, French, German, Spanish
• Seller: StoryToys Entertainment Limited
• © 2010 StoryToys