AppWatchr

Keeping up with Apple's ecosystem

Unethical Opportunists

Posted 5 months ago

It took me some time (and help) to come up with that name. But, I think it suits perfectly to the developer of MoonCraft Mine, a new iPhone app which has just been released an hour prior the writing of this post. Looking at the screenshot on the AppShopper’s page, we can immediately learn that this is a complete rip-off of the original Minecraft.

Here’s how I found out about it. I scroll down to see what other apps this developer has created. And I was surprised to find these names, Kung Panda Fu Warrior, Sushi Ninja, and the one that I despise most - Zanda, Linked Swords. Out of curiosity, I click to see what Zanda, Linked Swords is all about - and I was right, it’s a blasphemy to the original Zelda’s games.

So, I take a look at the description of the MoonCraft Mine game, and here’s what it says

★★★★★ “INCREDIBLE!” / ★★★★★ “Most Addictive Game 2011”
★★★★★ “Finally GREAT CLASSIC game!!!” / ★★★★★ “BEST 100% GUARANTEE”

Since the iTunes Store (and AppShopper) will display the app description on top of anything else, can you imagine how misleading all these claims are? “Most Addictive Games 2011” when it’s just released an hour ago? “Best 100% Guarantee”? What kind of guarantee are they offering?

Forget any other game similar to this. This is the only game you need.

Incredible.

PRESS QUOTES:
• “It’s definitely a winner, very addictive” - (5/5)
• “Best Arcade App for all ages!” - (5/5)
• “Brings back old school memories and fun. Love it” - (5/5)

AVERAGE REVIEW SCORE is 4.85 / 5.0
Check out other reviews and do not miss this old school classic fun all round breath-taking game!

And if you’re not careful, you would think that this app really has some press for its release. Luckily no one gets mentioned there. And, what about that average review score? Where does it get reviewed, especially when it’s just released an hour ago?

I don’t know who should be responsible for this. I’m not sure that the developer breaks any law or any agreement with Apple. But, I think it’s our responsibilities to educate the market (which includes everyday users who may not be so cautious about this) to help minimize the disappointments generated from developers like this.

One more thing, please check out the developer’s name - which I don’t want to mention here, and one of his app, Super Retro Ninja. I’m speechless.