Review: Best New iPod and iPhone AppStore Games
With the recent iPod Touch update Apple has positioned and marketed the device as a new type of mobile gaming platform. Games have always been some of the best selling applications in the AppStore for both the iPod Touch and the iPhone. A recent advertisement for the iPod Touch carries the slogan “The Funnest iPod Ever” and features a number of games. We decided to try out and review each of the games featured in the ad and rate the ‘fun factor’ ourselves.
The Apple mobile devices have become decent gaming machines, with some of the newer games providing in-depth 3D environments and absorbing gameplay. We found a number of games that were extremely well developed and addictive, as good and better than most of the dedicated mobile gaming devices available on the market today.
We previously reviewed the best iPhone Apps so far this year. The following is our review of 12 of the new iPod Touch and iPhone games featured and highlighted in the recent Apple campaign.
If you have found any cool and fun new games for the iPod Touch or iPhone, or you have a particular favorite game, let us know in the comments. We’ve also added an Appsfire widget with all the apps at the bottom of the post.
Top Gun
TechCrunch Rating:
Download: Rated 9+; $1.99
The game features 10 missions, each one increasing in difficulty as you progress. The controls are balanced and the game is well designed for the most part. The graphics were crisp, and there was no frame lag when I played. It did seem odd though that the game had no throttle control: you are unable to speed up nor slow down, which meant I couldn’t use my favorite Top Gun quote, “You’re gonna do what,?!” while playing. The lack of a multiplayer mode keeps me from giving it a higher ranking, but for two bucks, you can’t really go wrong. Playing to Danger Zone adds another star to the rating, it just pumps me up everytime.
Real Racing
TechCrunch Rating:
Download: Rated 4+; $6.99
Overall, this game is amazing. The graphics are awesome, the gameplay is crisp, and you can even post your best races straight to youtube! The only thing that seems to be missing is a non-local multiplayer so that you can challenge anyone around the world, but the upsides far outweigh this point. Definitely worth the $6.99.
For a more detailed review of this game, click here
F.A.S.T
TechCrunch Rating:
Download: Rated9+; $0.99
With multiplayer mode you are able to fight one-on-one with a friend over WiFi or bluetooth. With WiFi, you can indulge in more advance multiplayer modes that allow you to team up with a friend against another team, or go all-out in a free for all mode. The controls are much more advanced than in Top Gun, and as a simulator it is much more accurate (blackout from high G-forces, etc.). The overall response rate is excellent. The 99c price makes it cheap, and there are plenty of extras to be purchased within the game such as extra planes (13 available in total). A classic game and a favorite of ours.
Monster Trucks Nitro
TechCrunch Rating:
Download: Rated 4+; $0.99
Unfortunately, I finished quite quickly and realized that there was no replay value to it other than simply going for all Gold medals. Also, there was no real sense of speed even when I used the Nitro. The graphics are decent, the framerate is adequate, and the multiple camera angles add a neat aspect to this game. However, the amount of content is definitely the shortcoming in this game and keeps it from a better rating.
3D Rollercoaster Rush
TechCrunch Rating:
Download: Rated 4+; $4.99; Limited Free Version
Being able to race the game designer’s time and demolish it is pretty satisfying, but I would still like a multiplayer function if I’m going to be shelling my hard earned(ish) cash. Overall, the $4.99 is a bit steep compared to other games, but worth it. At a slightly lower price, it would definitely be a 5-star ‘must have’ game. Try out the free version first to find out if you enjoy the game.
For a different perspective on this game, click here
Touch Hockey: FS5
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $0.99; Limited Free Version
The only problem is that in single-player mode the AI is way too easy, so unless you have a friend to play against over WiFi, the game becomes very boring very quickly. The only difference between the free version and paid version is the removal of ads, which for most won’t justify the purchase price as the ads are not very intrusive.
Homerun Battle 3D
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $4.99
My only gripe is how, when playing alone, the computer can throw six 80 MPH fastballs in a row, and then come with a 104 MPH slider. That’s ridiculous. Other than that, this game is a must have for anyone looking for a casual and fun game.
For a more detailed review of this game, click here
Tiger Woods PGA Tour by EA Sports
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $4.99
The game offers actual PGA courses to play on, different difficulty levels, and upgradeable equipment and abilities. The graphics are as good as they get, the gameplay is on par with any other game out there, and replay value is high, especially for fans of golf. An online multiplayer would have seen this game receive an off-the-charts rating, and I hope we see that feature soon. This game is definitely a must have for anyone with either an iPhone or an iPod Touch.
Slope Rider
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $2.99; Limited Free Version
There is no multiplayer, and the only way to gauge how good you are is to check the global leaderboard. For this game, I would definitely recommend saving your three dollars for one of the other games on this list, and just downloading the free version.
Aqua Moto Racing
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $3.99; Limited Free Version
While this game doesn’t have true multiplayer functionality, it does offer ghost mode. Ghost mode lets you race against the times of those who have made the global leaderboard. While this game isn’t on par with some of the other stellar apps on this list, it is definitely worth the free test drive, especially for those nostalgic for the old Wave Race.
For a more detailed review of this game, click here
Finger Foos
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; FREE
It is a very very poor version of Touch Hockey: FS5, but does have the benefit of allowing more players to compete at once. It is a free game, so try it out yourselves to find out just how terrible it is and how misleading the ads can be.
2XL Supercros
TechCrunch Rating:
AppStore: Rated 4+; $7.99; Limited Free Version
The controls take a little while to get used to, but once you get them, the game is a lot of fun. And if you don’t like the preset controls, no worries, as the game has eight different control configurations. This is another must have for any game enthusiast. Best of all, it has a free version to test-drive.