At PROTECH, we’re
focused on all things tech. Our summer intern, Alexa, compared some of the most
popular (and similar) free vs paid apps in the marketplace. Let us know your
favorite app in the comments below!
When
a tech company rolls out a user-friendly, profit-generating application, dozens
of others in the industry attempt their own versions, struggling to keep within
patented parameters and away from copyright infringements. Many will try, and
fail, to boost sales of a copycat app. Consumers are then faced with the
question: which app is better? Is it worth it to spend the 99 cents (or more) on
a less-advertised download or stick with the popularized free version that
might be just as good, or vice versa? Here’s a look at some of the digital
world’s most featured applications and their alternatives.
Candy Crush (Free)
vs. Smiles HD ($$)
Anyone
with an app-enabled smartphone has heard of Candy Crush, whether or not they’ve
actually played it (or admitted to playing it), but an extremely similar game,
Smiles HD, seems to have been around longer. The sweets matching app costs
nothing, unless the user chooses to purchase extras, such as more lives or a
candy hammer, while the veggie-packed alternative costs $3.99 on the iTunes App
Store. Candy Crush has hundreds (and hundreds) of levels to be passed, while
Smiles HD offers three modes of play and unlockable achievements.
In
conclusion: Both games are colorful and cutesy, with parallel strategy and
progression of difficulty, and even happy music, but Candy Crush offers
virtually continuous gaming for no cost to the gamer.
Temple Run
(Free) vs. Ski Safari ($)
Was
Temple Run the game to set off a cult following for endless running games? That
cannot be determined, but it continues to be one of the most popular apps ever,
with over 500 million players. Gamers run and run (and run), collecting coins
as they do, just to run some more. Ski Safari is endless skiing; users guide
Sven through avalanches and on adventures with animals to level-up.
In
conclusion: When it comes to a continuous movement game of any kind, it’s
always better to opt for the free app. Choose Temple Run.
Angry Birds
($) vs. Crazy Penguin Catapult (Free)
Before
Candy Crush, and even before Temple Run, there was Angry Birds, the game of
sling-shots, birds, and mischievous green pigs. The app stills reigns as the #1
paid iPhone game in over 60 countries and has grown to now include over 500
levels, as well as power-ups and secret levels. However, the game is prone to
advertisements and external links, despite purchase, which can take away from
the fun. Crazy Penguin Catapult, a completely free alternative, involves
flinging penguins at polar bears to free captive birds and features two play
modes and three maps.
In
conclusion: Though Angry Birds has added to its original interface and created
more than one spinoff (Angry Birds Rio!, anyone?), one can only play so many
variations of the same thing (the addictive qualities of Candy Crush are hard to
duplicate). Download Crazy Penguin Catapult for no charge and play essentially
the same game for less money.
