There’s nothing better than a great new game – well, maybe a great new update. Late last week, Capcom added E. Honda and C. Viper, as well as two in-app costume purchases, to its console-turned-iOS hit Street Fighter IV.
Of course, if you prefer new games, the past week had plenty of those, as well. From yet another Sims release to a Gangstar sequel, it was a busy week in iPhone gaming.
The Sims 3 Ambitions
The Sims 3 was only released in June of this year, but as of last week EA has already released two follow-ups to the wildly popular live simulator. The Sims 3 Ambitions ($4.99) follows World Adventures as the latest app based on an expansion pack, bringing with it the first appearance of babies on a Sims app. As the name suggests, this incarnation of the series is all about goals. Whether they are professional or personal, you’ll have to keep your Sims’ wish list in mind when playing the game. I would recommend those who still haven’t played Sims 3 to check out that app first, though Ambitions is a perfectly acceptable download for the many of you who simply can’t get enough of the series.
Beyond Ynth
A sequel to last year’s puzzler Ynth, FDG Entertainment’s Beyond Ynth ($3.99) is an all-around improved game that probably will be much more successful. The basics are the same: You control a ladybug named Kribl, flipping boxes to figure out elaborate puzzles. The most notable changes are the drastically improved graphics, which now present Kribl as a bright, cartoonish and entirely loveable character, as well as backgrounds with much more detail and varied environments. The four-button control system returns, and while mastering it can take some time, there’s something to be said for offering unique controls these days. There’s a ton of content in Beyond Ynth, with 80 levels and an advertised 15 hours of gaming. I’m sure anyone who downloaded the original will be quite impressed with this sequel, as will any self-respecting iOS puzzle fan.
Gangstar: Miami Vindication
Gangstar: Miami Vindication ($6.99) is the latest effort by Gameloft to bring console-style gaming to the iPhone, and the second game in the Gangstar series to hit the app store. For those who skipped out on West Coast Hustle (there’s a free lite version that I would recommend), Gangstar can most easily be described as heavily Grand Theft Auto influenced – though not without its own charm. And while the mission-based gameplay that includes plenty of driving and violence might not exactly be fresh, it works well on the device, and is quite fun. But possibly the most incredible thing about Miami Vindication is that a scriptwriter from “The Wire” helped write the storyline, which is easily the coolest thing I’ve heard today. Action fans shouldn’t overthink this; if seven bucks isn’t too hefty a price tag, then this game is a must download for you.
MovieCat!
I’m telling you, cats are quickly overtaking zombies as the most common theme in iOS gaming. Okay, that’s not true, but an app reviewer can have his dreams. MovieCat! ($2.99) is a movie quiz app that replaces the actual actors with cartoon cats, and challenges you to answer questions in 14 different categories. So you might be presented with a cat in particular clothing or a cat in an iconic still screenshot and be asked what movie it’s from. In addition to the standard quiz goodies, there are hundreds of puzzles (as well as an additional in-app puzzle pack for 99 cents) and 10 unlockable cat scenes. While MovieCat! is certainly heavy on the furry felines, this is really more of a game for movie buffs – and if you happen to love both cats and film, then you are in luck.
ISUD
The $1.99 bullet-dodger ISUD (as in It Shoots U Dodge) is a typical game from that genre, but one that nonetheless will be a hit among action gaming fans. There are five levels and four bosses in the game, which has you trying to avoid a multitude of bullets via a single sort of joystick control. This simple method works well, and as is common in games of this ilk, the explosion of colors is absolutely fantastic. A downside related to that, the game will only work on third-generation-and-up iOS devices. Replay value comes from OpenFeint leaderboards and achievements, so while this game might be typical, it does seem to do everything it needs to do well.
