Washington -App reviews: Noda math game, Monument Valley pretty puzzler.
NODA
Divide, add, conquer this math game
Arithmetic and strategy come together in this little puzzle game that asks you to add and divide numbers in a smart way to reach your goals.
Each stage starts with a handful of numbers on a grid, and users have to combine or split them to end up with the right types of numbers in the right colours to complete the level.
The more efficiently you solve it, the better you score. It's simple and addictive — just what you want from a brief game.
The levels start pretty easy, but they get tricky fairly quickly, which could be frustrating for younger players. (And innumerate older ones.) But it's good, clean, numeric fun and a nice workout for your gray matter when you need it. Free, for iOS.
MONUMENT VALLEY
A puzzle that's as pretty as a princess
This is one of the most captivating mobile games of 2014, and there's a reason it's topping a lot of “best of” lists. This stunning puzzle game puts players in the shoes of a small princess, Ida, who's anything but a damsel in distress.
You navigate through a beautiful, geometric world that twists and turns and takes you through a series of puzzles that slowly — but surely — become more challenging over time. With a soothing soundtrack and some serious style, Monument Valley is a joy.
At $4 (about R40), it is a little pricey and a little bit shorter than you may want.
But it's well worth it for any game lover who's happy to support high-quality games on the smartphone, and it has decent replay value if you want to visit the valley again. $3.99, for iOS and Android devices. -The Washington Post