MCOC: In Game Graphics

Marvel Contest of Champions
   A selection of graphics from the game in addition to those posted in my review of the app which can be viewed here.
     These images are mostly screen shots of 3rd power attacks in battle.

Photo Amie

Photo Amie App for iPhone
     All alone in that photo?  Need a friend?  A girlfriend, perhaps?  Photo Amie is here to be of assistance   Just slap a character on any photo you have already stored on your device.  Show off your cartoon friendship to the world with Photo Amie.  A free application for iOS.
     You will see the launch screen to the right when you start up the application.  The whole process of using this app is actually quite simple.  However, I shall elaborate, nonetheless.
     There is no sound for this application.  The graphic of one of the characters in that particular pose and outfit is the only free graphic available to use.  Using additional outfits or poses will cost money, and may be purchased through the application.
     There are 4 buttons at the bottom of the app screen.  The plus and X should be faded upon load up.  You may press the camera function to choose a photo from your gallery to use.  Alternatively you may press the gear cog icon to  access the settings.
     You may notice right away that this application can access the files in your device storage, however does not have access to your camera.  This is not a problem, don't fret.  If you go into the settings option you can have the application access your camera, rather than the storage.  I will explain later.
     Once you have selected a photo from your storage, it will load on the screen with this pink haired girl stuck onto the center of the photo by default.  You will also see a rather unattractive blue time/date stamp in the lower right corner of said photo.
     Using the pinch and drag methods you can resize and drag her around the photo to place her where you wish.  You can not flip or tilt the character.
     You may notice that the plus sign and X icon are now available for use.  The plus sign will save your project to your device as it when you press it.  The X will trash the project.  Both will immediately relocate you to the title screen.
     Other than moving the single character around the photo, there are no options in edit mode.  Rather disappointing, to be honest.
     Let's cover the settings menu now.  This is of course back at the main screen.  You can see the initial settings menu in the screen shot to the right.
     This is a list of characters available to place in your photos.  There are 9 characters in all.  The free one is actually named Ai, and not Amie.  Which I found a bit confusing.  There 'is' a character named "Ami" with braids but she is not free to use.
     Despite the fact that you can not use them in the application without paying, you 'can' view the characters and their available costumes and facial expressions.  Simply click the name of the character you wish to see.  You will then see the screen to the left of this part of this blog entry.  The top selections are costumes, the bottom, expressions.  Some characters share outfits, others have more original looks.
     It is difficult to see the emotions because the images are so faded before you pay.  Each character has 6 different emotions.
     Even though Ai is free for the free application, you only have one available costume and expression.  Though you can view her additional looks in the options, here.
     If you have already purchased more characters, you can choose which one to use here.  Though I would prefer being able to do that in the photo edit mode function.
     The graphics are very nice.  I especially like that the characters have shadows.
     Back on the character select part of the options menu, scroll down, below the character list.  You will see another option."Misc, Purchases".
     From this part of the options you are able to toggle the "Background".  This is where you decide whether the app should use photos from your storage to place the character over, or access your camera to allow you to take a photo specifically to use with this application.
     You can also toggle the "Mirror Picture" which will turn the character the other direction.  If she faces left usually, she will now face right.  I do wish this were an option within the edit mode, and not from the main screen's settings function.  Seems terribly inconvenient, doesn't it?
     Remember that ugly blue time stamp?  You can turn that off from here as well.  Or, if it's already off, you may wish to turn it on.  Though I don't know why.  It looks awful.
     Lastly, you may purchase images from this part of the application.  The images being the additional characters and costumes.  Fortunately they come all in one lump sum, rather than being sold individually.  I am very glad for that.  For one payment of 1.99USD you can unlock all of the extra characters, costumes & expressions.
     I like the concept of the application.  It reminds me a bit of the My Girl's Camera series of applications.  Though they allowed more free content than this does.  Still, it's a nice application.  If you enjoy adding cartoon characters to your photos this could be a great application for you.  However, if you want more variety, there are better free applications that do the same thing (It just wont have the same characters).
Rating: 2.8/5

• Free
• Category: Photo & Video
• Updated: Mar 26, 2012
• Version: 1.02
• Size: 8.3 MB
• Languages: English, Japanese
• Seller: Toshiyuki Nakamura
• © 2012 IRLAB

Rated 4+

Thumb

Thumb App for iPhone
     Have you ever wondered if those trousers make you look fat?  Does that hair cut really work for you?  Are you too old to be watching Pokemon?  Need an honest, unbiased opinion?  This is the place to get it.
     This application was fun for the first week or so, but I lost interest pretty quickly, after that.  I got tired of scrolling through questions that weren't actually questions at all.  Questions targeted toward a specific person (Hello, these are all publicly posted, why would you do that?), and tons of "Am I hot?" "Do I have Swag?" and "Who is cuter, me or my friend?" questions.
     I'm going to cover the basics of this application to give you an idea of all the content and customization involved.
     After creating your account you can upload a photo of yourself or use a picture from the internet.  Maybe a cover from your favourite Beatles album.  You can start asking questions right away, but I suggest not plunging into the deep end right away.  Baby steps...
     Clicking the "Vote" button at the bottom will load a random question.  You can give the question a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a neutral vote.  You can also add a comment along with your vote, if you want to.  However, type your comment first.  Once you press the thumb, it loads a new question.
     If you don't like the questions you're getting you have some options.  Clicking the "Vote" button again will sometimes load a new question.  Sometimes it'll just keep loading the same one, even if you've already voted on it.  You can select neutral to skip a question.  You can also select what categories you want in your search.  Don't want political questions?  Uncheck them.  Want to only get questions about fashion?  Uncheck everything but the Fashion option.  It is 'supposed' to only give 25+ age people questions asked by other 25+ age people, and the same for people under 25.  However, everyone in the community has noticed that this doesn't happen.  Someone needs to get off their bum and fix the coding.
     Each question requires an image.  So sometimes people will just grab a random image to go along with their question.  If you are asking a question and don't have an image you want to add, it allows you to grab one from the internet through the application.  You can do a search for a word or phrase and it will load a few images that are related to that.  Choose the one you want to use and stick it on your question.
     The Get Opinions button is where you go to ask questions.  Once you ask something you can keep track of the votes by clicking the "Response" button at the bottom.  It'll update with every vote.  When people add comments you have the option of replying to the comment or even giving them a star.  A star is added if you liked their comment.  The amount of stars people get are listed on their profile.  The more stars, the more comments of theirs that people enjoyed.  Getting a lot of stars in a certain category can make them in expert in that category!
     Sometimes commenting on questions, or replying to comments is really great.  You can share ideas, discuss opinions and even make new friends.  However, sometimes you'll end up regretting it, and wondering why you bothered to try talking to someone that obviously seemed like they weren't someone you should be associating with.  Comment with care.  However, you can always block people that you don't like.  You can also close a conversation by clicking the stop icon in the top right of the conversation page.  This will stop you both from people able to make any more comments in that thread.
     Want to see if any of your comments on questions have gotten replies or stars?  Click the "Your Comments" tab under Responses to do this.  Scroll down and see how it went!
     Your profile is where your avatar and a brief description you write goes.  It lists how many stars and ratings you've tallied.  You can also add thumb up and thumb down icons to the bottom.  These aren't questions.  This is a "Likes and dislikes" style area.  If you like sushi but hate beef, make a Thumb up for sushi and a thumb down for beef!  people that visit your profile can see your thumbs and even add them to their own profile.  Likewise, you can visit other people's profile and add their interests to your profile.
     There is also a friending system.  Whenever someone on your friend list asks a question it will show up in a special section.  You can choose to answer it or delete it if you don't want to.
     I think this is an interesting concept.  I feel like the application, minus a few issues (Like the age divider not working), is solid.  The community is a bit lacking, however.  When it comes to social media, it always boils down to the community quality.  For me, it just wasn't a high quality.  There are some gems in there, but most of the users are just there to get attention or cause problems for other people.
     Not sure I recommend this application.  I feel like maybe it'll improve as it grows and the community matures.  It'll be interesting to watch and see how it goes.  If you decide to try it out, let me know how your experience was.
Rating: 3/5

• Free
• Category: Social Networking
• Updated: Dec 12, 2012
• Version: 3.8.3
• Size: 8.1 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Thumb, Inc.
• © 2012 Thumb, Inc.

Rated 12+ for the following:

• Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence
• Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
• Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor
• Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
• Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
• Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content or Nudity

P.F. X'Mas

PhotoFrame X-Mas App for iPhone
     If you enjoy decorating photos but need something a little more 'festive', this application could be just what you're looking for.
     This is a pretty simple application.  As you load it up you'll see the screen to the right.  The options are to use your camera to take a photo to edit, use one from your album, or view the photos you've edited in this application (Gallery).
     If you load a previously edited photo from the gallery, you'll have the option to load it up in the editor and do more editing.  So don't worry if you aren't happy with the edit.  You can go back later and fix it!
     When starting a new edit, once you've selected your photo, or taken a new one with your camera, it will load up into the editor.  You'll see a long column of options on the right side.  These are the categories.  Frames, stamps, etc.
     At the bottom are the items within the chosen category.  If you've chosen frames, the bottom bar will have frames on it.  If you chose stamps, it'll have stamps.  Swipe left and right to scroll through them.
     Some of the categories have various "sets" within it.  To check for additional sets, click the icon on the left bottom, next to your frame/stamp/etc options.  It will lift the bar up and show any additional sets below.  I will mention any categories with additional sets here, so you'll know.  Remember, new sets may or may not be added later.  So this information may change.
     Frames: One set, 10 available.  Stamps: One set, 67 available.  Glitter: Four Sets, 7, 5, 9 & 8 available.  Text: Three sets, 23 per set.  Drawing Pen: Six sets, 16 per set.
     Below those options are an undo button, a redo button a trash (remove) button and of course a save function.
     The save function gives you the following options: Save to disk, Delete, Something I'm not sure of (Nothing happens when I click it.  The icon looks like Pacman eating an iPad). Back to main, Facebook, Twitter & Email.
     There is no shoppe to purchase more stamps.  What you have is what you have.  However, if you'd like to get the "standard version" there is a small link at the bottom of the launch screen.  Or you can go to the App Store and look up Photoframe Dada.  It's 1.99USD.
     This application is completely free.  It has good graphics.  I like that it has multiple sets and a lot of variety.  Some of the stamps are a little old and say the wrong year.  But there's also ones for this year, so it's alright.  This is a good quality photo sticker application.  I 'would' like to see more frames.  But even with what it has, it's really worth the download.  So if you want to make your Holiday memories a little cuter.  Give it a shot!
Rating: 4/5

• Free
• Category: Photo & Video
• Updated: Dec 15, 2011
• Version: 1.7.1
• Size: 84.5 MB
• Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese
• Seller: adada Inc.
• © 2010 adada Inc.

Rated 4+

SugarPost

SugarPost App for iPhone
     I really wanted to download this for a long time because it looked so cute.  I adored the artwork.  I couldn't find a way to communicate with the app creator or artist.  Eventually I ended up downloading it, so I could browse through all of the adorable images and make some cute cards.
     This is a paid application, but with the limited selection, you'd think it was a free application.  At least there's no ad banners.
     This is an application for making little digital cards to send to friends and loved ones.
     There are 15 regular cards.  Each one has a cute picture and some words.  Some examples are
"You make me smile"
"Good evening and good afternoon, good night.  Do you have any good news?"
"Cheer up  Better days are coming.Everything's gonna be alright"
"Together we make dreams come true"
"Will you be my sweetheart?"
and "I'm so sorry, please forgive me.  I love you"
     You swipe across the bottom, where the cards are displayed, to sift through them.
     You also have a place on the card that you can personalize with your own message, as well as a To and From area.
     When you have finished choose the card and writing your message you can click the "Send" function in the upper right corner of the card edit screen.  From here you can preview the card, save it to your device, send it in Kakaotalk, Upload it to Facebook, or send it via email.  There is also an option that says "Message" which I assume sends it through a text, but it doesn't appear to work.  It just loads endlessly.
     Aside from these cards, there are also photo cards.  To access these, click the "Photo Card" image on the upper left of the launch screen.
     There are only 7 photo cards available to choose from.  Each one works like a photo frame.  You click the empty spot where the photo goes and access your photo album to fill it with the photo of your choice.  You also have the option of taking a new photo to add.
     This is where the issue I have comes in...  When you load a photo, it stretches it out.  Also, trying to pinch and drag it to fit properly causes the image to spazz and jump all about.  Never staying where you want it to.  Using the photo cards is next to impossible, if you want the photo to actually look right.
     Otherwise, the photo cards work the same way the regular ones do.  They each have a different adorable drawing and a phrase.  Some examples being...
"You can make your dreams come true"
"To be happy"
"Happy Cheer Keep Smiling"
and "Happy Birthday to you!  You make me smile"
     These also have a place for the message you wish to write, the To and the From.
     Clicking the send button here works the same as in the other section.  If you wish to return to the message section from the photo card section, simply push the "Message Card" image in the top right side of the screen where you select the photo cards.
     I have to say that though I adore the artwork in this application, I regret purchasing it.  The limited variety, not working SMS and the inability to properly use the photo cards is more than just a bit disappointing.  I speculate that the photos used to work, but after iOS updates has gone a bit 'off'...  I don't think the application creator updates this app anymore (It has never been updated since the release in June).  So I doubt it will ever be fixed.  But we can hope!  If the creator fixes the photo card performance and adds some more cards, I'd gladly give it a higher score... But for now... the score is as it stands.
Rating: 2/5

• $0.99
• Category: Entertainment
• Released: Jun 10, 2012
• Version: 1.0
• Size: 19.2 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: HYE SUN LEE
• © PonyBrown

Rated 4+

Obamney

Obamney App for iPhone
     Whether you prefer Obama or Romney for US president, this app can be fun for you (Unless you are not in the US or not interested in politics at all).  Choose from many poses from Obama, Romney, Michelle and Ryan.  Stick them in your photos and share them with your friends!
      You can either choose a new photo or one from your library on your device.  Alternatively, you can choose a Facebook photo you've already added to your Facebook account.
     You can set up an account with this application by linking it to your Facebook or Email.  However, you can opt to not do this by clicking the very small text that says "Later" under those options, when displayed (When the app starts up).
     Once you have your photo, you resize it to fit into the square area you'll be using. If you want the people in the photo to be standing next to the candidates, they shouldn't be full head to toe in the photo.  Waist up or chest up works best.
     Also, many of the graphics are just head shots.  This can make them a little harder to add to some photos.  Get creative, and see what you can do!  Personally I prefer the graphics that include the body along with the head.  After all, we aren't electing a bunch of heads in jars.
     To choose someone to add to the photo, click the small icon of the chosen candidate in the bottom left corner.  You'll see a screen pop up (The screen shot to the left).  Click the one you wish to add and it will replace the chosen candidate on your edit screen. \
     Cycle through the photos available for this person by clicking the arrow on the right bottom of the edit screen.
     You can move the graphic around by dragging it.  You can also use the pinch method to make it larger or smaller, as well as tilt it.
     There is a bar as the bottom that you can use to make the background photo more or less blurred.  I didn't use this function on any of the screens I have provided.  I didn't really see a need to.
     Below are some screen shots of the various candidates placed into the same photo.  You may notice that there is only one candidate er photo.  This is because you can only add one.  You can choose to save the image and reload the saved image into the edit screen to add a second person.  This is up to you.  Apparently they don't get along, so you can only add one per save.

     When you've finished your masterpiece click the "Share" function at the top right of your edit screen.  From here you can share via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email or just save it to your device.
     I like this application, and it's perfect to get into the spirit, with voting day coming up this week.  With as long as the lines usually are at the polls, this could be just what you need to ass the time waiting to put your vote in!
Rating: 4/5

• Free
• Category: Entertainment
• Updated: Oct 29, 2012
• Version: 1.1
• Size: 22.7 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Iddiction, Inc.
• © Iddiction

Rated 4+

OldBooth Lite

OldBooth Lite App for iPhone
     Flash back to the days of black and white photos, pin curled hair and tucked in shirts.  It's Old Booth!  An app that can take a regular photo of you, a friend or loved one and transforms it into a classic early-late 20th century photo.
     You can use a photo from your album or take a brand new photo to use.  But make sure you're facing forward and don't have any hair in your face.  If you wear glasses, it may be a good choice to remove them.  As they can make it a bit more difficult when it comes to the blending process.
     The lite version of this application has 8 free photo bases to use (And 4 free bases that can be unlocked through Facebook or Twitter).  You can choose to spend 99 cents to buy the full version, which allows you to unlock additional photos.  In fact the full version of this application has 170 bases to choose from (But bases are purchased in 'sets'.  Paying for the full version does not allow you access to all the other bases).
     Once you choose your photo style you'll see the photo without the individual's face... Other than being horrifying, this is also useful.  You can fit the individual's head into this hole while taking a photo or click the photo library button to browse your device's gallery and find one that will fit properly in the hole.  The faces are not always straight on, so sometimes it can get complicated if you're using pre-taken photos.  For the best match, take a new photo.  This also works best if someone is taking the photo for you.  This is because with the front facing camera, you can only get so far away from the device.  And no one wants to look as though they have a huge face on a tiny head.
     Once you've fit yourself (Or someone else) into the picture there may be an issue with the skin tone.  They have a brightness shifter to help you try to match it up, as well as a way to shift the contrast.  Now mind you, this only does so much.  Try not to use photos that have a skin tone too drastically different from the subjects.  As far as the lite version goes, there aren't a lot of skin tone bases available.  It's really quite limited in that sense.  But in the full version there's far more variety.  To be fair though, I think they should have added more skin tone options to the free version.
     Once you've finished you can view your lovely new (old) photo!  You can share it with your friends by posting to Twitter or Facebook via the application.  You can also email it or save it to your device.
     On this (Left) screen you also have two options at the top.  Gallery: takes you to a page that lists all of the pictures you've made with this application (As seen to the right).  New: takes you back to the selection page to create a brand new look.
     Another nice function is the ability to use the same photo you used for your last edit.  When you select an old photo base and get to the scary no face person screen, you may notice in the bottom right corner that there is an option to use the same photo you used for your last edit.  This can often save time if you're trying out a lot of styles on the same person.  I really appreciate them implementing this.
     One last feature this application has that I really enjoyed was the ability to create your own bases from your own photos.  This means you can take a photo of you or a family member and remove the face.  You can then put someone else's face into the hole you've just created!
     I really enjoyed this app.  I think it's a fun and silly way to waste time or spend time with friends.  The free version is a bit limited, but this is generally to be expected.  I would still like to see more variety for skin tones in the free version.  Otherwise I think this is a really done application.  The price for the full version is also reasonable.  Why not give this a try?  You might just like it.
Rating: 4/5

• Free
• Category: Entertainment
• Updated: Jul 26, 2012
• Version: 5.1
• Size: 6.3 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: Piotr Bialkowski
• © GetApp

Rated 4+