5 intriguing apps for Windows 8.1: April 17, 2015

With the ever-growing number of apps and games in the Windows Store, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with what's out there.

For that reason, every Friday we showcase some apps that have piqued our interest. They may have been in the news recently, they may be new to the Windows Store, or they could simply be old apps that we just stumbled upon.

They are the 5 Intriguing Apps of the Week. This week: game's edition!

Supra RPG

Supra RPG

Many eons ago, brave warriors fought their way through danger-filled 8-bit worlds, fighting past evil creatures, to make the realm safe for the rest of us. Supra RPG is a throwback to that magical time. This pixelated platformer takes you on a journey to destroy an evil wizard who is wreaking havoc throughout the land.

But don't let the retro graphics fool you. Supra RPG is more complex than it looks. As you travel on your way, vanquishing monsters, you will level up and gain new weapons and abilities. You can choose different skill trees to follow to fit your preferred fighting style.

If you yearn for the days of yore, suit up, grab your sword and download Supra RPG.

Pegs 'n Holes

Pegs 'n Holes

Peg 'n Holes is a deceptively complex puzzle game. The object is to fit the different color pegs into the corresponding holes in the squares until they are all filled.

But there are two challenges. The first is that you have to move the pegs in a certain order because not doing so can leave you stranded. The second is that you are being timed. If you are playing leisurely by yourself, there is less pressure to finish quickly. However, Peg 'n Holes allows you to pit yourself against other players online, which adds a whole new layer to the game.

As you get better and better, you can expand the size of the board and number of pegs. And though you may not believe it, each randomly-generated puzzle has a guaranteed solution.

Despite its minimalistic (and beautifully colorful) design, Pegs 'n Holes will have you transfixed on your screen, racking your brain, and scrambling to make the right moves.

It is available for both Windows and Windows Phone, free of charge.

QR: Pegs 'n Holes

Felix the Loony

Felix the Loony

Felix's boss chewed him out, until Felix snapped and punched him out, subsequently landing him in a mental hospital. Now he is trying desperately to escape.

Your job is to help Felix by navigating through the hospital, collecting keys so he can pass from room to room. Unfortunately, he is only able to move in straight lines, and he can only turn when he hits a wall or obstacle. Therefore, you must plan your moves carefully, so as not to strand him in the hospital ward.

Artistically, the game is well-designed, right down to the humorous cinema cuts in between levels. Politically incorrect in every way, Felix the Loony is a puzzle game filled with pills, personal demons, and men in white coats. Just don't get too frustrated with it, or it will drive you crazy.

Checkpoint Champion

Checkpoint Champion

Checkpoint Champion is a two-button driving game for Windows and Windows Phone. The object is to race your vehicle to different stars (checkpoints) on the board in a limited stretch of time.

The controls are basic, turning left or right, and occasionally using turbo boost, but it takes a while to get the hang of it. Throw in the fact that you need to get to where you're going before the clock runs out, and it can get pretty manic.

As you complete more challenges, you will unlock new levels and new paint jobs for your car.

Checkpoint Champion is free and free of advertisements. You can also opt to donate $1.99 to the dev team in exchange for some additional car skins.

Check out our full review or just try it for yourself.

QR: Checkpoint Champion

Game Over

Game Over

Game Over is a cross between Minecraft, Marble Madness, and magic mushrooms. It is part platformer, part puzzler, and part exploration. The goal is to get through the boxy isometric world by rolling and hopping.

Along the way, you will have to avoid traps, teleport, and hail the occasional taxi-whale. It's a tricky, and trippy, proposition.

The controls can be tough with the keyboard commands and touchscreen controls are not available. However, you can use a gamepad to play, which is probably the way to go. Once you master them, it's up to you whether you want to mosey along or speed through this strange land.

Game Over is free and fun to play.

Be sure to check out our other selections from previous weeks. Have a great weekend!

Do you have an app you want us to highlight? Drop us an email at tips@windowscentral.com with "5 Intriguing Apps" in the subject line.

Seth Brodeur