The gaming market is exploding on the BlackBerry PlayBook as games like Angry Birds Space and Lara Croft make their way onto the tablet. At the same time we also can't forget about BlackBerry smartphones. During my daily stroll through App World I noticed that RIM had a new game featured in the carousel called Plumber, so I decided to give it a try. The concept of the game is relatively straightforward: you're a plumber and you want to ensure that all the pipes are connected. Just make sure you don't get in over your head with flooding water.

As a newly made plumber, your mission is to connect pieces of the pipe, so that the water can flow from one side of the screen to another. As soon as a player manages to do that and turns on the water, a new puzzle with new pieces of the pipe will appear on the screen. Please, keep in mind, that your time is limited and that your score depends on the number of the pipes (puzzles) you will manage to do!

Plumber features almost endless gameplay, with the ability to change the difficulty as you become a master plumber. One thing that I wished this game had was online leader boards and/or BBM integration. Something I've found is once a developer puts either leaderboards or BBM into their game the chance of it going viral increases tenfold. If you have ever played Pipe Dream on the PC (a windows 98 game mind you) then you should feel right at home racing against time in Plumber for BlackBerry smartphones. Plumber is available for most BlackBerry smartphones running OS 4.5 and higher and can be found for free in BlackBerry App World.

Download Plumber for BlackBerry smartphones

Gameloft is a super popular developer of games for all platforms, including the BlackBerry PlayBook. They have announced that they will be bringing not one or two of their top games to BlackBerry 10 devices, but in fact 11 titles will be available either at launch or soon after. 

We are happy to state that with a very organized developer website, and effective debugging tools, the resources provided to us have enabled us to work quickly and efficiently. Thus, as we are set to optimize 11 new titles from Gameloft covering a variety of genres ranging from hardcore to casual, while also boasting the distinctive social integration of Scoreloop and BlackBerry Messenger.

The games are set to be integrated with BlackBerry Messenger and support Scoreloop social gaming tools and multiplayer functions. It's a great thing to see some of the most successful names in mobile gaming committing to BlackBerry 10.  I personally can't wait to play some Oregon Trail and N.O.V.A. 3! Check out the press release below, and let us know what games you're looking forward to on BlackBerry 10 in the comments.

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As BlackBerry users, sometimes we have to sit on the sidelines while our friends on other mobile platforms get apps and games that we don't. For whatever reason, some developers just don't want to bring their apps to our devices, even though we would gladly pay for them if that's what it took. (I'm looking at you Instagram, Draw Something, Words With Friends, Skype, Netflix, etc, etc, the list goes on.) Luckily, we have some developers that are seeing the gaps in our App World and trying to help fill some of them. No Draw Something? That's ok, we have Sketch w Friends. No Instagram? That's ok, we have other options. Of course, not all apps have an alternative, but most of us are making do with what we have.

The newest addition to this list of independently developed games is called Tomb Escape by SolverLabs. You may have heard of a game on some other platforms called Temple Run that has gained popularity recently. Tomb Escape is a version of Temple Run for BlackBerry Torch 9810, Bold 9900/9930, and the Porsche Designed P'9981. Gameplay is very similar to the other app, with your goal being to escape from pursuers while avoiding obstacles by turning, jumping, and sliding. There are coins to collect along the way which you can use to buy power-ups to help you on your mad run. While the game doesn't play as smoothly on BlackBerry as it does on iOS,  I have to say it's on par with other BlackBerry games in terms of responsiveness to controls. I had actually downloaded the game over the weekend and played it a bit, then today noticed it had an update which added the ability to tilt your device to move your player as well as support for the trackpad, as opposed to just using the touchscreen to turn your runner. The graphics also improved with this update, and overall I think the game feels smoother. Hopefully future updates will continue to make this game all it can be.

Tomb Escape is free, and definitely worth downloading if you enjoy gaming on your BlackBerry and are looking for something fun to try out. There are in-app purchases available if you're interested in getting more coins, and even though the game itself is free, there are no ads to be seen. I played it on my Bold 9900, and while it's a game I will be playing more in the future, it might be more fun on the larger Torch screen, and I bet it would be awesome on the PlayBook (hint, hint, SolverLabs). Again, this game is available for the BlackBerry Torch 9810, Bold 9900/9930, and the Porsche Designed P'9981 on OS 7.

More information/download Tomb Escape
More games from SolverLabs

Once in a while a sale comes along that can only be described as Epic and today, that sale is here! XIMAD has just released a bunch of their games on sale for less than a dollar ($0.99). Many of these games are for various BlackBerry devices as well as a few for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Several of XIMAD’s games have been covered here on the blogs and can be seen here. Over 12 different games are available ranging from shooters to brain teasers. There is sure to be a game for everyone! Keep reading after the break to see all the games on sale.

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As a commuter, I spend at least two hours a day going back and forth from work. This means I'm always on the lookout for a new game to keep me occupied and pass the time. Chimpantech, who just began developing apps, themes, and games for BlackBerry, just released their newest creation, Fruit Salad Shop, a challenging memory game to help boost your brain cells and have fun all at the same time. It relies on your ability to recall different fruit combinations and recipes and is not as easy as it sounds. Think you have what it takes to remember them all? Find out more after the break.

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Remember trying to find that distinctive striped red and white sweater clad character in those books from your childhood? Well now you can search for him on your BlackBerry! Gameloft has released a version called Where's Wally Now that is very similar to the Where's Waldo books and games we had when we were younger. Follow Wally through the past and explore the future through entertaining search and find levels.

Features

• Quick Play Mode 
• Adventure
• Mini Games
• Bonus Items

This is a great time waster when sitting on the train or waiting in line and at only $1.99, you aren't breaking the bank. The graphics are nice but it can be a bit hard to see some of the items you're searching for on the 9930's screen size. This is much better on the larger screen devices. I found the sound a bit distracting but you do have the option to turn it off. Where's Wally Now is available in App World for most BlackBerry devices running OS 4.5 or higher.

For more information / purchase Where's Wally Now

Now, I know that the handheld Rubik's Cube game isn’t all the rage anymore, but I remember getting quite angry at that stupid cube because I wasn’t able to get the colors to line up. Now we have a touch screen to get angry at. If you’re looking for an updated alternative to the Rubix Cube you are in luck as Dust Bit Games has brought their interpretation of the popular game to the BlackBerry PlayBook. Cubyrinth is a 3D cube based game for the PlayBook that has a twist, literally. While you rotate the 3D cube you also need to align the path to allow the orb to make its way back to the rotating cube. The kicker, the cube has thousands of options to get that orb back home and while it starts off easy it moves along quite fast and you’ll be cursing at your PlayBook in no time.

To spice things up, some Cubyrinths are protected by Turrets and/or Triones. Turrets are heavy armored stationary security systems, which will destroy the prototype on line of sight. But even more dangerous are the mobile security units, called Triones. Those fast bots will hunt the prototype as soon as they are able to find a way.

So not only are you expected to get the orb from one place to another at some stages in the game you are required to dodge turrets and triones. If you’re reading this you may be starting to think that this game is a little over your head. Trust me you’ll power through it, it’ll just take some extra thinking at times. Cubyrinth is available in BlackBerry App World for $2.99.

Purchase Cubrinth for the BlackBerry PlayBook

The Best BlackBerry Games for the Bold 9900 and 9930!

You always have to find time to put a little fun into the everyday workload. All work and no play makes for a disgruntled employee, who is one email away from freaking out! Not that I speak from experience mind you, but as you move from meeting to meeting, taking a break, or on your daily commute (via public transit), games are a great source of entertainment and stress release. Primarily being a Bold 9900 user, I find the keyboard and touch screen the perfect combination for not only communication, but for gaming. In order to help you be productive in being non-productive, let’s put the search on hold and look at the best games for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930.

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Going back in time a few months, we introduced a BlackBerry PlayBook game called The Moron Challenge. Like a Transformer, the game is more than meets the eye. While it may seem some levels are blatantly obvious, you may find yourself getting stuck on the over 120 steps it takes to traverse the accomplishments from Moron to Genius. If that`s not enough, the timer will prevent you from taking too much time on each puzzle. Of course, we looked at version 1.0.1 when we first talked about it. Since then, The Moron Challenge was updated to version 3.0 with new, trickier challenges, including famous quotes and Holiday season themed brain teasers. The Moron Challenge has three flavours that can be found; a free version or the $1.99 HD version for the BlackBerry PlayBook and a BlackBerry smartphone version for $0.99.

Recently, aBs jMicro SRL informed us that they hit their benchmark of 50 000 downloads. While congratulations are in order, they are not stopping there. Without skipping a beat, they`ve released the Famous Quotes level to their smartphone version as a free update. Only a moron would skip out on taking on new challenges.

Contest: We have 50 copies of The Moron Challenge for BlackBerry smartphones to giveaway. All you have to is leave a comment in the post to be entered. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th 2012, at Midnight PST.

More information/download of The Moron Challenge for BlackBerry smartphones
More information/download of The Moron Challenge FREE for the BlackBerry PlayBook
More information/download of The Moron Challenge HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook

If you love classic board games then Contlex Ventures, the developer behind Bomberman vs. Zombies, let us know they have the answer with their latest release Dice Strategy. While it may not sound familiar, its roots go back to the hugely popular Parker Brothers board game called Risk. Both are strategic games whose main objective is to conquer the world. Using just a pair of dice, players control armies which they must use to gain control over neighboring territories (or continents). These wars continue until one player occupies every territory on the board thus achieving world domination.

What Dice Strategy lacks in graphics it makes up for in gameplay. Players can choose the level of difficulty, the size of the map, battle types and army placement, and their starting setup and color. If you'd rather not play against the computer opponents, there's a "Play and Pass" mode that pits you against up to four of your friends or colleagues. I've been playing it on the train to and from work and while it's a fun way to pass the time, it takes a certain amount of maneuvering and skill to win. If you think you can dominate the globe then be sure to check it out. Dice Strategy is currently available for FREE in BlackBerry App World for most BlackBerry devices running OS 4.6 and higher.

More information and to download Dice Strategy

If you're looking for a fun game to pass the time then you should give Space Blast by XIMAD INC a try. Yes it's another bubble game and is a variation of their popular offering Bubble Birds but here the action takes place in space (to save humanity) rather than in the jungle. I don't normally play a lot of games on my BlackBerry, I'd much rather enjoy the bigger screen of my PlayBook, but I'd thought I'd give it a try.

Game play doesn't veer too far off from the original: players must match three or more balls of the same color to remove them from the field and score as many points as possible to top the scoreboard. Special bonus spheres form obstacles such as asteroids or ice comets, act as helpers by changing the ball to the color you need, or even set off a nuclear bomb to help clear the board. While the concept is the same, I do like how they've updated it with a new look and feel. 

Overall Space Blast is an entertaining game that offers amazing graphics and sound, and runs smoothly on my BlackBerry. It kept me occupied during my six hour plane ride from New York to Las Vegas. However, I must warn you that the app size is ~5MB. Space Blast is $1.99 in BlackBerry App World and is compatible with most BlackBerry devices running OS5 and higher but is not available for the Torch 9850/60 or the Style 9670. For a limited time, Ximad is offering the full version with all levels absolutely FREE. 

For more information / screenshots and to purchase Space Blast
For more information / screenshots and to download Space Blast Free

The guys at Smarter Apps let us know that they are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their hit Angry Farm with an update and sale. The update brings 50 new levels to conquer as well as the addition of dynamite for those tough to beat levels.

Angry Farm was released a year ago this month and Smarter Apps isgoing to celebrate with a new version of Angry Farm for the BlackBerry Nation! First off we are putting it ON-SALE for a limited time at $2.99. Secondly, we have added 50 NEW and challenging levels for a total of 250 levels of Angry Farm fun. Finally, for any of those levels that the foxes are making it difficult or tricky to get through, we have now added a bundle of "DYNAMITE" which can be purchased to blow up the barn! You can purchase the dynamite via in-app purchase but it can only be used once per hour. All upgrades are free to existing customers for life and Smarter Apps is working on more levels for the future! 

Angry Farm is on sale now for just $2.99, so if you haven't tried it before you should grab it while the gettin' is good. Current users can find the update in BlackBerry App World.

More information/download of Angry Farm

Football fanatics! You know what’s on next weekend- Super Bowl XLVI (that’s 46 for you non-roman numeral reading folk)! By now, you should have made your plans already. Hopefully you’ve made friends with the guy at work with the 65 inch TV at home. Or maybe you’re the one with a big TV who is suddenly popular. It’s a day jam-packed with tailgate parties, unhealthy food eating, crazy commercials and an entertaining half time show. Okay, there’s a hopefully amazing football game in there, as well. Before you plaster on the face paint, set up your BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook for game day. Regardless if you’re rooting for the New England Patriots or New York Giants, we’ve got you covered. After the jump you can get into the game with quick access to apps, themes and wallpapers.

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The team at TechSoft Ventures have brought many fun and highly entertaining games to our Blackberry devices. They expand their repertoire with the next episode in their popular Crazy Survival saga with Crazy Survival World Trip! Boy meets girl, they fall in love and everything is right in the world until...an enemy kidnaps his true love. Crazy Man must brave seven continents and face numerous trials before he can save the girl he loves.

FEATURES:

• breathtaking story of a beloved character against a powerful villain
• good graphics
• nice sound
• interesting levels
• all continents in Premium Version

The Premium version is $1.99 but you can always try out the FREE version first to get a sample of the game.

For more information / purchase Crazy Survival World Trip

Time and time again, I’ve heard arguments about how smartphones make for dumb people. In other words, our continuous reliance on our smartphones have made us mentally lazy. We no longer need to remember addresses and phone numbers. Keeping tabs on appointments is as simple as a reminder and there’s no longer a need to worry about forgetting birthdays and anniversaries. Your mobile browser is your source of information, useful or otherwise, so your brain can be emptied of interesting facts.

On the other hand, not having to keep track of so much has been said to free our minds for more important things. We are free to create, innovate and dream. No matter which path your cranium may take, you should make sure you give it a workout once in a while. Since your BlackBerry smartphone, and the BlackBerry PlayBook, have taken so much away from your mind, it’s only fair that they give something back, as well. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Brain Teaser Apps and Games for both the BlackBerry PlayBook and BlackBerry smartphones.

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