We reveal our picks for the best games available now from iTunes so you can get some glorious gaming on your iPod while on the go.
As some of the fastest-growing portable gaming platforms today, it’s no wonder that over a quarter of the 500,000 apps (applications) available to Apple iPhone and iPod Touch owners are digital diversions. In fact, given these devices’ user-friendly, motion-sensing interfaces; sharp 3D graphics; selection of titles for all ages and interests at a variety of comfortable prices; and ability to retrieve content on-demand virtually anytime, anywhere, well… Let’s just say we’re confident that of the over ten billion downloads users have presently notched up in the App Store, more than a few have been purchased with productivity the furthest thing from buyer’s minds. Looking for the perfect way to kill time while waiting for the bus or standing in line to score tickets to a sporting event?
Also check out our picks for The Best iPhone Apps, The Best iPad Apps, and The Best iPad Games.
Asphalt 6: Adrenaline ($0.99)
Gorgeous graphics, solid controls and over 42 cars and bikes to choose from including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati fill this racing game’s garage. Tune your cars, challenge your friends, and race across the globe – from L.A. to Tokyo in this fun iOS racer.
Valor (Free)
Valor is a massive multiplayer online real time strategy game (MMORTS) which tasks you with leading a small kingdom to glory and greatness. You play against other iOS users and battle it out for the right to rule the realm. Form alliances, create guilds, and even betray rival kingdoms in this engrossingly deep strategy game.
Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery EP ($4.99)
The label of games as art is often bandied about – typically to no avail. But just every now and again a game like Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery comes about and makes a compelling argument for videogames. In Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery, you play as a wandering warrior monk, solving mystical musical puzzles as you adventure across this beautiful and magical realm. The game is affected by phases of the moon and you can co-operate with friends through Twitter to unravel its mysteries.
Angry Birds ($0.99)
The trial-and-error trajectory plotting of Scorched Earth meets realistic physics in Angry Birds. Players sling a variety of (appropriately enough) angry birds into castles fortifying the pigs that have stolen their eggs. Loopy backstory aside, an increasing number of bizarre birds (like ones that split apart into three or hammer their way through hard obstacles) and ingenious structures keep the action fresh and more difficult than you would expect.
Doom Classic ($4.99)
The age-old first-person 3D firefight – wherein you play a lone space marine squared off against Hell’s legions – remains as compelling as ever in this predictable port, which delivers retro-style demon-blasting excitement on the go. The action couldn’t be simpler: Merely stock up on ammo, health and armor, then fill anything that moves (especially those bristling with fangs and spikes) full of dinner-plate-sized holes.
Doodle Jump ($0.99)
Any app with four and a half stars from 2,700 reviews and counting has to be doing something right. Such is the case with Doodle Jump, which earns its hallowed place on the list with ultra-addictive gameplay that you’ll learn seconds and won’t be able to put down for hours.
Little Metal Ball (Free)
If labyrinth-style games that keep you confined to just one screen start to feel cramped and repetitive, Little Metal Ball offers the same tilt-to-roll gameplay on a much more adventurous scale. LMB challenges you to navigate giant-sized platforms as quickly as possible without keeling over the edge, and throws in stars that give a time bonus, moving platforms, and even jumps along the way to keep things interesting.
Mirror’s Edge ($0.99)
This is one of the first games develop for iOS that fully utilizes the iPhone’s visual capabilities. Its concept is simple, requiring the player to become the “runner” and take part in parkour stunts of every variety. The 2D interface actually makes for a crisper visual, and don’t worry about not having a controller – the swipe controls don’t lag, keeping you constantly in the game and not worrying about the mechanics.
Dungeon Hunter 2 ($6.99)
Taking a nod from desktop staples like Diablo, this lavishly rendered hack-and-slash quest sends you scurrying off to slay monsters and collect loot in piles. It’s not surprising how well put together the outing feels since the original was so solid. From its brilliant visuals to moody atmosphere and surprisingly wide array of options for character customization Dungeon Hunter offers everything a mobile gamer could possibly want.
Infinity Blade ($2.99)
After teasing us with Epic Citadel last year, Epic Games finally released Infinity Blade. The RPG uses extremely cutting edge graphics and 3D effects to keep your attention, but it also multi-player options and an intricate storyline that can easily cause you to forget you’re staring at your iPhone and not parked in front of a console. Epic Games developers are also wise to use to touchscreen to its advantage, and there are multiple and easy to master combat moves for players to enjoy.
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