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"Late to the Party" Must-Have iPhone Gamesby Ryan Morse - May 2, 2010 |
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The App Store, as convenient as it might be, is deluged with new content every day, so it's hard to tell what's good from what's not and the rating/review system is usually of no help. Sadly, if a game is not extremely popular, it's often buried deep in the store and not every game comes with a free demo to try. This makes word of mouth recommendations very powerful. This post will deal specifically with iPhone and iPod Touch games, but don't worry iPad users, these games are compatible with the iPad, too. However, many publishers are releasing or have already released special "HD" versions designed especially for the iPad's larger screen, so look for that when available. Since the App Store has been up and running for almost two years now and we've recommended zero applications, these are my "Late to the Party" must-have iPhone/iPod Touch games:
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With tilt controls and the Multitouch interface, the Apple iPhone, 
The Rolando series are my favorite games for the iPhone and I would be remiss to mention one and not the other. You play the role of Finger, the benevolent guide to the Rolandos of Rolandoland. In the first game, a sinister group of enemies have invaded Rolandoland and it's your job to direct the Rolandos through various physics-based puzzles using the tilt and Multitouch controls to save the kingdom. Unlockable secret levels, an iSave feature that automatically saves your progress, and catchy tunes make for a thoroughly enjoyable single-player experience. In the second game, a new 3D perspective is added as well as new game play elements and characters that provide even more fun. A free demo version is available as Rolando Lite, and Rolando 2 is available in a pay-as-you-go option, in case you don't want to take the plunge right away. Both games are compatible with the Plus+ social play network, providing achievements to track your progress and guide you in new ways to play as well as a friends list for a little friendly competition.
It's the classic arcade game you know and love combined with updated graphics seen in the 2007 Xbox Live release as well as new controls that utilize Multitouch and the built-in accelerometer. I selected the Championship Edition because of its new visuals and its lower initial price than original PAC-MAN. The four control schemes include a classic D-Pad mode, Directional mode for tapping left and right with your thumbs, and Pointer-finger and Thumb-swipe modes. There's more than your money's worth of game play with 120 levels in Mission mode and fifteen in Championship mode, but an expansion pack purchase is required to "unlock" the fifteen levels in challenge mode. The expansion pack costs $3.99 and also gives you another 100 levels in Mission mode as well as ten to Championship mode. 
Harbor Master uses the unique touchscreen features of the iPhone/iPod Touch to let you draw lines with your finger and guide various seafaring vessels to a safe docking station. Watch them unload their cargo and send them away to clear the dock for the next ship, but manage your time and paths wisely; more and more ships keep coming and without your help they are bound to collide. Six different maps add unique challenges and the fast-paced play makes it easy to pick up and play for a few minutes at a time. Multiplayer is also available over a Bluetooth connection so you can settle disputes head-to-head with your friends over who is the true Harbor Master. Harbor Master HD is available for the iPad and debuted free on the App Store.
The Tap Tap series of games are in the rhythm genre and are similar premises to Dance Dance Revolution and Rock Band/Guitar Hero games shrunken down to the iPhone/iPod Touch interface. The third generation, Tap Tap Revenge 3, offers an in-game store to purchase licensed music bundles so you can tap through your favorite tunes. Included in the game are over 100 free indie tracks to download with more added over time. It's easy to pick up and play with Quick-play mode and even supports two players at once using a split-screen layout. The game also includes built-in achievements, an avatar system, as well as an online multiplayer network with various game modes and in-game chat. The iPad version, Tap Tap Radiation, is also available for free.
Facebook users might recognize this newcomer to the App Store as a Farmville clone and that's almost exactly what it is, but with one great exception: no annoying status updates sent to your friends! Plant crops to earn experience and coins to build up your castle and expand your territory while designing your very own kingdom. Each crop provides a given amount of experience and takes a certain amount of time to mature for harvest. This game also uses the fantastic Plus+ social play network to let you visit your friends' kingdoms and check out their designs and even order goods and services from the various building-types in their kingdoms. There is an iPad version and it is free. 
