From Outer Space to iOS: Men In Black III & Other Alien Apps
May 23, 2012
The past decade hasn’t been without its fair share of alien invaders, in movies and in apps. Some came and visited from Cybertron, some picked unfair fights with dusty Cowboys, and recently it turned out a bunch were chilling at the bottom of the ocean. But way back in 1997 (and then again in 2002) we got to experience one of our favorite modern example of human-alien relations in the Men In Black franchise, whose sense of humor has been sorely missed ever since. On Friday, Men In Black III finally arrives in theatres, this time teaming up Agent Jay (Will Smith) with two Agent Kays (both Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin in the same role), in a Back To The Future-style time-travel adventure that takes the action back to 1969.
To help get you in the mood for the next addition in this sci-fi summer blockbuster series, we’ve rounded up the best alien-themed apps in the iTunes store.
Men In Black III: The Game (Free) – This game just came out today, so we’re still checking it out ourselves. But considering they’re giving it away for free, there’s nothing to stop you from joining us in a play-test! This short teaser trailer posted earlier doesn’t show off too much gameplay, but expect a top-down Sims-like experience where you get to be an Agent with the Men In Black. There are at least dark sunglasses and a Neuralyzer in there, as well as that adorable suit-wearing pug, Agent Frank, so it’s worth a download.
Cows Vs. Aliens ($.99) – Clearly, this is why we need a secret government organization to watch our backs when it comes to dealing with interstellar travellers. In Cows Vs. Aliens, little green men are out to snatch your livestock, and it’s up to you (who else?) to stop them. Use your thumbs to push your cows back to safety in the barn before they become more fodder for the enemy’s flying saucers. The game is far from deep or challenging, but the touch controls are just the right amount of simple fun when you have a quick moment to fill.
Sci-Fi Weapons Sounds (Free) – Grab this free soundboard app to help score your own homemade science-fiction film, or perhaps to convince your little brother that he’s the next in line for an early morning abduction. At the right price of free, you get access to a couple dozen sound effects, with 100 more available if you like them for only $.99 more.
Star Walk – 5 Stars Astronomy Guide ($2.99) – We like to keep an eye to the sky, just in case any actual aliens try to make Earth their new home planet. This augmented reality stargazing app will help identify all of those shiny spots in the sky and tell you what stars they are…if they’re actually stars at all. Find constellations and track satellites from your window by holding your iPhone or iPad up and letting it tell you what’s a mere lightyear or two away.
Flux Capacitor ($.99) – Sure, their mission might be chasing aliens, but Men In Black III isn’t just about life from another planet; it’s also a time travel movie! And there’s no better way to appreciate the fine art of space-time manipulation than with your very own Flux Capacitor. Officially licensed from Universal Studios, this app helps you hop Back To The Future with the help of your iPhone by putting the DeLorean’s dashboard directly into your pocket. With each individual film’s unique control set accurately represented with clickable buttons and dials, you can re-write history with the same sounds and visual effects as Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Once your phone is filled up with these alien-centric apps, all that’s left to do is watch the Men In Black III trailer one more time before catching it on the big screen. Agents Jay & Kay (& young Kay) return to theatres Friday, May 25th.
Alexei Bochenek is a lifelong tech nerd & film buff based in Los Angeles. When he’s not playing with his phone, it’s because the movie has started. Shhhhh!
