5 intriguing apps for Windows 10: Hard-hitting news, Kodi controls, and magical adventure for all ages

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.

1. VICE for Windows 10 (Unofficial)

In case you aren't familiar with the website or hit HBO series, VICE is one of the most in-depth and grittiest news sources out there, bringing you boots on the ground reporting from around the world.

VICE for Windows 10 and Mobile brings their unique perspective to your computer or phone. Designed specifically for Windows 10, VICE compiles the latest in politics, world news, and more in a tiled layout with pictures and summaries. The app is unofficial, but well supported.

Get the headlines of the day or sort by topics like politics, crime, and different corners of the globe. VICE not only offers their poignant feature writing and vivid photography, but HD videos on demand as well.

The VICE for Windows 10 app also lets you access snippets from the HBO series, which is pretty great in its own right. And you can access their social media threads to see what's cooking online.

VICE for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile is a well-designed portal to news organization's content and it's free to download.

Download for Windows (Free)

2. The Games Database

The Games Database, unsurprisingly, is an app that lets you look up information on your favorite video games. Using a back end powered by the Internet Games Database, the app will provide general information, screenshots, and videos from over 16,000 games.
The Games Database also keeps an ongoing list of upcoming release dates, which can be filtered by console platform. If you're super excited for a particular title, the app can be set to ping you when it comes out via Windows 10 notifications.
A more recent addition to the app is a news feed from some of the biggest names in gaming. Get the latest from Gamespot, IGN, Giant Bomb, Polygon, and Neoseeker. The optional Live Tile will cycle through the headlines.
The Games Database is a nifty free resource for the average video game enthusiast and is available for Windows 10 for PC and Mobile.

Download for Windows (Free)

3. Kodi.Remote

Kodi, originally known as XBMC, is an open source media application that creates a media center for streaming content from the internet and local network sources.
Kodi.Remote is a Windows 10 app designed let you access and control your Kodi devices. Using the app, you can access any and all of your Kodi/XBMC devices on your local network, and the media on them.
You can sort your movies, TV shows, music, and pictures, create playlists, and stream your media over the network to any Kodi/XBMC media center or Microsoft Play-To compatible device. Playlists and library changes sync to all of your other devices.
There are also optional plugins that can be purchased within the app that will unlock other features as well. You can play or download to your local device, or even access your media while offline.
Kodi.Remote fulfills all of your Kodi/XBMC needs, and beyond. It is a universal app available for computer and smartphone and costs $2.49, without the additional features.

Download for Windows ($2.49, with in-app purchases; Free trial)

4. Perfect Weather Universal

Perfect Weather Universal is a simple, but effective weather app for Windows 10 for PC and Mobile.
Using either your detected location or a specified locale, the app will pull down the latest 10-day weather report displayed in an animated backdrop. You can switch between days like you would browser tabs and slide your finger through different times of the selected day to see the forecast.
The animated theme will change depending on time of day and weather conditions. But don't let the cartoon effects fool you. Perfect weather provides in-depth data like temperature, wind, and air pressure. You'll also see the sunrise, sunset, day length, and moon phase.
You can pin one or more Live Tiles to get a quick look at the forecast for different locations.
Like a meteorologist in a party hat, Perfect Weather Universal is both fun and reliable. It's free to install with the option to purchase some extra themes, including an old school Super Mario Bros. one.
For more information you can read our recent review of Perfect Weather Universal.

Download for Windows (Free, with in-app purchases)

5. Tower in the Sky

The Kingdom of Tyrune has been invaded by some nasty-looking beasts and it's up to you and your companions to stop them. Tower in the Sky is a lighthearted RPG that has you and your merry band of wizards and warriors gallivanting along the countryside beating down bad guys in a fantasy world.

The game sports some brightly-colored storybook artwork, along with its own epic music and quirky sound effects.

The battlefields consist of different lanes of enemies, so you must switch your characters around to line up with them to attack. Victory means experience points to gain levels, new skills, and better weapons, not to mention the occasional sweet T-shirt.

Along the way you'll also meet new characters who will join up with your crew. You can manage your party members and all of their skills and gear.

Tower in the Sky is kid-friendly, but requires its fair share of strategy, making it entertaining for adults as well. It's ad-free, and there are no in-app purchases or boosters, so the entire adventure will only cost a buck.

Make sure to read our full review of Tower in the Sky.