Steve Jobs set out to change the gaming world with the iPad, and he succeeded. Apple’s tablet has a comfortably sized screen for casual gameplay, with an alluring HD display. Games are still on a small screen, but not so small that you lose detail in the mobile experience. Setting standards for the tablet gaming world, here are the best iPad games of 2010.
Great graphics
Real Racing HD is everything you’d want in a racing game. Drive real-time against other players, wheeling your iPad across 12 distinct tracks. Priced high at $9.99, this game has countless game modes, career racing, custom rides and local multi-player rounds. Add a soundtrack from your iTunes list, and you’re ready to ride.
Gameloft’s known to deliver stunning graphics; its efforts aren’t lost on N.O.V.A. 2 for iPad. Journey across 12 diverse scenes on your mission to save humanity in this sci-fi game sequel. For $6.99, you can battle solo, locally or online. It’s your job to load up on arms, kill the enemies, and discover the truth behind this epic civil war.
Dazzling graphics and fancy footwork are the big perks for Madden NFL 11 for iPad. Priced low at 99 cents, this football gaming classic has evolved into a mobile madhouse for sports fans. Play against friends locally in real time, and get deep into the game with detailed close-ups. Draw and save your own routes, match up real teams, and aim for victory.
Spider: Bryce Manor HD is a wonderful game, with hand-drawn graphics in all their glory. As a spider in an abandoned mansion, you explore the spread, making discoveries about the family, building webs, hunting insects and battling hornets along the way. This iPad puzzler is good for most ages, ringing up at $4.99.
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Family fun
One that’s mentioned on every top games list is Angry Birds. There’s no denying this smash hit of a game, and it delivers delightfully on the iPad. This $4.99 game has level after level of building up, and demolition. Save your birds’ castle from the pigs, using each bird’s special skill for trapping the greedy grunters.
Babylonian Twins HD is a great puzzler for gamers of any age. The characters are on double duty, making their way through mazes and obstacles across a dozen or so levels. Found in the app store for $2.99, the game’s ancient backdrop really pops on the iPad screen. Build your logic, find treasures, and climb the leaderboards, with OpenFeint support.
Strategy, smarts and more
Civilization Revolution for iPad sets the stage for building up a population. You’re the creator of this world, warring with world leaders, playing international politics, and bringing new technologies to your people. How far can your civilization go? It’s up to you, in this stunning strategy game. You won’t regret the $12.99 price tag.
EA has brought a timeless board game to the iPad with Scrabble, with live play against friends. This version gives your brain a bigger boost with the Teacher feature, helping you learn from previous moves. Party mode lets local friends in on a virtual game, making this 99-cent game fun for everyone.
Mirror’s Edge is a console favorite, given flight as an iPad app. In this thrilling mystery, you’re an underground runner fighting in a “Big Brother” society. Available from the iTunes App store, this HD game enhances your perspective, rattling your iPad with every bump, jump and roll. Reasonably priced at 99 cents, you get multi-player and other modes of gameplay.
Diner Dash: Grilling Green is an iPad exclusive. This version of Flo’s popular diner game series has you racing to and fro, cooking, serving, and servicing the customers. Build up business with diner upgrades, gaining skills while you line your pockets. Master all the challenges of this $4.99 game, sharing accomplishments with friends.
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