Late last year G5 Games released a ‘Game Navigator’ for iPhone and iPad, and has since integrated part of it into all of their games. That familiar interface where you see a number of recommended games, the most recent release, and the game you are starting all at once, has become an integral part of every G5 game – which is a testament to how well this app works. Let’s take a look!
The Hype:
The most convenient solution for finding the best quality casual games, watching the latest game trailers, receiving hot news from G5 Games, following G5 on Facebook and Twitter and getting technical support is now available as free download to Kindle Fire. Just one tap to open Games Navigator – By G5 Games – and you’ll have immediate access to all of the games news and information you need.
The Reality:
One thing most of us can agree on – finding games on the Amazon Appstore can be a daunting task: if you know the exact name you will have no problem … but if not, you are in for quite a challenge! Hoping to help navigate at least their own corner of the Amazon Appstore, G5 introduces the G5 Games Navigator. Let’s take a quick look!
Sometimes things that seem obvious after they have been introduced, and G5 Games Navigator is definitely one of those! It isn’t the first time there have been ‘games catalogs’ on the various App Stores, but whereas those previous efforts were entirely self-serving and were generally links to microgames looking to extract money from you, this time things are different.
The G5 Games Navigator offers a clean four-panel interface, providing access to their growing list of Kindle Fire compatible games. Simply tap a section and you get a list of all games on that platform in reverse chronological order. The newest releases have a ‘NEW’ tag, and all games have their icon displayed.
Tapping on a game on the list brings you to the detail page for that game. You get the basic summary of what type of game to expect, how much content is included and what sorts of added features to unlock. You also can view some screenshots and the full trailer. Finally, there is a link to the Amazon App Store listing for the game. If there is a Free and Full version you get two links, otherwise just a single link to the game.
There is already a separate Android version of this app that is available on the Android Market, specifically focused on the Android platform.
The only real concern I had was that loading up the navigator seemed a bit slow – about as long as it takes to load a full game. Not a huge hassle, but it seems like it should be almost an ‘instant availability’ app.
The app also provides access to the G5 Games Twitter and Facebook pages, and also the ability to send an email to their Support group. These are all useful and efficient additions – especially since the Facebook and Twitter pages are integrated into the app rather than popping out to yet another page.
The G5 Games Navigator is a simple, efficient, ‘does exactly what you think’ app. And since it dynamically updates content as needed, you will always be up to date with the great games coming out of G5. If you already have an interest in G5 and their games, this is a great way to keep track of their constant flow of great new games!
Kindle Fire App Review: G5 Games Navigator
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Price: FREE
What I Like: Excellent interface; Simple ‘does what you think’ approach; Loads of content; Dynamic updates mean you are constantly informed; Direct links to buy games
What Needs Improvement: Load times are still a bit long for what is essentially a catalog