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.
Fanfic Reader
Fanfic Reader is a third-party client app for the popular tribute-writing site FanFiction.
Fanfic Reader lets you search and browse thousands of original stories extending the universes of some of your favorite books, movies, comics, and shows. See what your fellow fans think would have, could have, or should have happened.
Filter your experience to see only the stories you want to read. Bookmark the spot where you left off or flag submissions that you want to check out later.
You can log into your FanFiction account for even more options, like managing your profile, viewing others' profiles, and accessing your favorite stories and authors. You'll also be able to write reviews and communicate with your fellow users via private messages.
Whether you peruse FanFiction for the best, it has to offer or the worst, Fanfic Reader is an excellent way to enjoy it on your Windows PC or smartphone. The app will run you $1.49, but you can always check out the free trial first.
- Download for Windows ($1.49, Free trial)
LINE
Just yesterday, LINE went truly universal, releasing their Windows 10 Mobile app.
LINE is a widely-used messaging app that lets users make free high-quality voice and video calls. There is also an instant messaging element with rich features, like emojis, location marking, and photo sharing. This latest version added the ability to send your contacts just about any kind of file type.
There is also a cool Timeline feature that lets you craft a story of your latest happenings using a combination of words, images, movies, and location markers.
LINE continues to grow in popularity across multiple platforms. Their latest Windows 10 app for PC and phone is sure to add to that.
- Download for Windows (Free)
FunimationNow
Funimation, one of the biggest names in anime, released their official streaming app, FunimationNow.
Available on computer, tablet, and smartphone, FunimationNow lets you watch the company's entire library of animated shows in HD and free of advertisements. Choose from episodes dubbed in English or the original Japanese with subtitles.
You'll also get access to OVAs (original video animation), which are episodes created for straight-to-video release, having never aired in theaters or on TV.
FunimationNow is a beautifully-designed Windows 10 app with advanced search and filter options. You can set episodes to auto-play for binge-watching sessions without disruption. And both your queue and current episode progress will sync between all of your devices, so you can pick up right where you left off no matter where you are.
Funimation now is free to download, but you must be a subscriber to their streaming service of the same name. You can sign up for a free trial to see if you like it.
To learn more about FunimationNow, be sure to check out our interview with the company's COO, Mike DuBoise.
- Download for Windows (Free; Requires subscription; Free trial)
Loco Music Player
Loco Music Player
Loco Music Player is a slick audio app for PC and phone that is geared towards creating and editing playlists.
Add tracks from individual folders or subfolders, or search or browse your songs and add them that way. It's incredibly easy to add, remove, sort, and shuffle them around. Your playlists will save automatically and there is no limit to how many you can create. You can add music from your local device, SD card, and even OneDrive.
As a music player, Loco does just fine as well, offering up a split view of your playlist, track/album info, and library navigator, with controls on the top and bottom. Along with your typical playback options you will also find a sleep timer, which is a thoughtful and handy feature.
Loco Music Player's default look is pretty appealing as-is, but there are also several different themes to choose from.
If you aren't a huge fan of Groove Music or are just looking for a refreshing change, be sure to give Loco a try. Read our review of Loco Music Player or just download it for free.
- Download for Windows (Free)
GunFinger
GunFinger is a zombie-themed shooter in which you use your finger to aim and fire at targets. But it's not as simple as pointing and shooting. Not only do you need to tap to fire, you'll have to reload your weapon occasionally by sliding across the ammo meter.
There are also advanced aiming functions, like zooming in on a zombie by holding your finger down and then releasing to fire.
Plus, the zombies move as they slowly trudge toward you, and the point of view on the board also shifts around, making it difficult to get a clear shot every time.
Killing enemies and clearing levels will get you coins that you can use to purchase weapons and upgrades. You can also use real-life money to buy gold bricks for the same purpose.
GunFinger has pretty impressive graphics, reminiscent of the old arcade game House of the Dead, but a little more kid-friendly. It's also a bit more humorous.
You can get GunFinger on your Windows 10 computer or smartphone, free of charge, with optional in-app purchases.
- Download for Windows (Free, with in-app purchases)
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.
