As we approach the midpoint of 2011, in many ways little has changed about iOS gaming. Angry Birds is still the top dog, veterans like Words With Friends, Fruit Ninja and Doodle God continue to gain fans, and free apps like Tap Zoo and Zynga Poker continue to make big bucks through in-app purchases. But that’s not to say there haven’t been some refreshing additions to the App Store, from the big thing in casual gaming to the revival of an arcade classic and much, much more. So at the halfway mark of this year, here’s the newest and best iOS gaming has to offer.
World of Goo
iOS gamers who are lucky enough to also own a Wii may already be familiar with 2D Boy’s World of Goo ($2.99), a physics game released on WiiWare in late 2008. For those who are new to the game, the basic objective is to build structures out of balls of goo, leading other balls of goo to a pipe at the end of the level. Admittedly, that description undersells just how fascinating this game is, as it ingeniously combines structured levels and a storyline with a sandbox-esque element of freedom. An intriguing soundtrack and charming look top things off, making World of Goo an all-around five-star game. This is a must download for fans of physics games, and strongly recommended for those who are just looking for a different iOS gaming experience.
Tiny Wings
After a quick glance at Tiny Wings ($0.99) you may write this off as another Angry Birds knockoff, though aside from superficial similarities this is an entirely different beast (or bird, in this case). Faced with the unfortunate limitation of super small wings, you must use hills to gain speed and launch your bird, fluttering along for as far as possible. Repetition is the one problem with this game, though Tiny Wings is smart enough to change each level’s visuals on a daily basis – a purely cosmetic solution, but a solution none the less. The February release has already seen one large update, and given the game’s ever-increasing fan base one would have to think more are on the way. But regardless of what the future holds for Tiny Wings, so far it is clearly the breakthrough iOS game of the year.
NBA Jam by EA Sports
The death of NBA Live may have been surprising to some, given that it was the most established name in basketball video gaming. On the bright side, Live’s demise has led to two new iOS games, the more simulation-based NBA Elite and the classic arcade game NBA Jam by EA Sports ($4.99). Aside from just offering just offering name recognition, NBA Jam also boasts gameplay that makes more sense on iOS devices – namely (virtual) button mashing and faster games. Similar graphics and true-to-the-original announcing are welcome sights to those who want to get their game on like it’s 1993, but more than anything this is just a fun sports game. Unlockable legends and cheats add replay value, as does a multiplayer mode via Bluetooth. With the latest versions of FIFA and Madden yet to hit the App Store, NBA Jam stands alone as the top iOS sports game of 2011 thus far.
Air Penguin
Gamevil has been a force in the App Store seemingly as long as there has been an App Store, which makes it even more impressive that the company’s most popular game, when all is said and done, may very well be Air Penguin ($0.99). Much of the game is controlled by tilting your iPhone or iPod Touch to avoid obstacles, with the occasional jump and slide thrown in there to keep things interesting. There is also plenty of content, including a story mode with 100 stages and a survival mode. The graphics may be a little too cutesy for some gamers, but they’re solid and definitely fit with the theme of Air Penguin. Like Tiny Wings, this is exactly the kind of game that excels on iOS devices, and undoubtedly one that many gamers will eat up.
iOOTP Baseball
While soccer simulation games have already developed a niche in the App Store, baseball simulators have been few and far between. So the very recently released iOOTP Baseball ($4.99) gets points for, essentially, being the first of its kind. Like Championship Manager 2011 and Football Manager Handheld 2010, iOOTP places you in the role of head of an entire organization, leading your team to glory with trades and roster-building savvy as opposed to button-mashing prowess. Fans of the PC version of the game will notice this is stripped down, but you still have real players, three historic seasons and plenty of other goodies that made you fans in the first place. Newcomers will be blown away by the amount of detail in the game, just don’t come expecting a traditional baseball game. iOOTP is easily on par with Championship Manager and Football Manager, and instantly one of the best baseball games the App Store offers.
