It’s not easy to find love. But with hundreds of thousands of apps on the iTunes App Store, there’s probably an “app for that” too. With Valentine’s Day on the way, I decided that I would try to create my own app for the season of romance. Inspiration stuck me when I was looking at greeting cards. A piece of paper with words — such a simple thing seemed expensive when compared to an app. I set out to create a 99¢ app that could work as a creating card. The result – Secret Admirer. It’s part virtual card and part arcade.
The reason this works is through a feature in iTunes. Apps can be gifted. That option creates a lot of competition for developers around the holidays. Last Christmas was nuts. Big companies like Electronic Arts were were releasing great games for 99¢ each. I noticed that my peers were becoming reluctant about releasing holiday apps. The competition is just so fierce. Combine that with a general sense of dread around Valentine’s Day, there’s plenty of reasons to avoid the February festivities. But success is like love, you can’t find it if you don’t keep trying.
I felt such strong emotions while creating this app. I think it’s a work of beauty and it’s a huge difference from my usual shoot-em-up apps. The initial launch screen magnificently presents the enclosed entertainment. Hearts pour down from above, like a like snowfall in heaven. The background music loop sets the mood. By pressing one of the three round icons, a game can be selected.
Game #1 – This is a slide puzzle. Blocks adjacent to the open square will slide when touched. Touch and hold the screen for five seconds to reset the game. A secret message is revealed when all of the squares are in their correct position. Secret Message: You Complete My Heart!
Game #2 – Control the bottom heart by touching the screen. It will horizontally follow the touch. Use the bottom heart to keep the orb bouncing. The orb can smash the blocks. With careful planning and aim, the orb can be directed to the top heart. When the orb and the top heart meet, additional points are added to the score. Message: Your love can break the walls between us!
Game #3 – This is heart-themed pinball game. Touch the screen to launch the pinball. Touch the left side of the screen to move the left flipper. Touch the right side of the screen to move the right flippers. By launching the pinball up the left lane, an additional pinball is added to the action. Message: I’m flipping crazy for you!
How to gift: Log into the iTunes App Store. Click the down arrow next to the price listing for the “Secret Admirer” app. Select “Gift This App”. The app is not customizable, but you can send your own email message through iTunes. When you gift an app, the recipient is given information on how to download the app. If you don’t know the email address, there is an option to “Print gift myself”.
The app is great option for those that are Internet dating. Maybe you just met someone online, but you haven’t met in real life yet. With the Valentine’s Day weekend approaching, gifting this app could be a way to show that you care.