If the barrage of television ads weren’t enough, the recent release of Gameloft’s Real Soccer 11 (given the developer’s tendency to beat EA to the punch) should have clued you in that FIFA 11 is now available.
And while that soccer franchise might be the most noteworthy of releases over the past week, there were plenty of other notable games to come to the App Store this week, including the long-anticipated debut of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which can be previewed here and downloaded here for just under ten bucks. Enjoy!
FIFA 11 by EA Sports
Views on FIFA 11 by EA Sports ($4.99) are sure to vary, but if nothing else the game a fascinating release. More than the past two games, it now seems clear what EA has in mind for the series beyond simply offering a mobile version of the console game. First the good: the game looks fantastic, noticeably better than the previous two iOS games. The controls are also an improvement, with multiple scheme options and iPhone-unique things like tapping the screen to perform a special move. On the downside, there are fewer management options (only three modes – Cup, League and Practice), and while the graphics are a step up the game is prone to slow, rough patches. Another important note, the game is only available for third generation and above devices, though many 3G users have complained about being unable to play the game. Once all the kinks are worked out it looks like this will be a great game, though I’d advise you wait for them to be worked out first.
Cut the Rope
It looks like Chillingo has another hit, this time in the form of the physics puzzler Cut the Rope ($0.99). The premise of the game is that you must feed candy, which is dangling from a rope, to an adorable little monster called Om Nom. There are also three stars to grab in each level, which adds a much needed twist to the game. Aside from that there are plenty of game play elements to keep you interested, good-enough graphics that fit the game’s cute premise and intuitive controls that will take you no time to learn. I would say that Cut the Rope is sure to be a hit, but the app – released on Tuesday – has already made its way to number two in the App Store’s top paid games list. So it’s already a hit, and recommended for anyone with an iOS device.
Urban Ninja
Urban Ninja ($0.99) is the quintessential Donut Games release, from its quirky storyline to solid game play to cheap price. You control Francois, ‘a chubby Ninja hero with a French accent’, through 40 missions, guiding him along rooftops to an escape helicopter. The trick is that every jump takes away energy, and once you’re out of energy your game is over – fortunately there are stars throughout each level that increase it. Like Donut Games’ other apps there is a three-star scoring system, which provides plenty of replay value. If I had to pick a fault it would be that the graphics aren’t great; they’re actually pretty similar to Cat Physics and many other of the company’s games. But when that’s the biggest fault in a 99-cent game you know you’re dealing with a good game, which Urban Ninja absolutely is.
UFO on Tape
Despite there being a ridiculous number of games in the App Store, all too often it feels like developers are recycling ideas or simply ripping off a more popular game. That’s part of what makes Revolutionary Concepts’ UFO on Tape (on sale for $0.99) so refreshing, as it doesn’t instantly remind you of a game you’ve already played. As the title suggests, you are challenged with tracking a UFO for as long as possible by tilting your iPhone. While it doesn’t have superior graphics the games presentation is very well done, from its realistic camcorder-style view to in-game audio from a virtual girlfriend. Though it may not be the most complete game and I don’t see much replay value here, a game this unique is always a refreshing sight.
GravBot
Team Phobic’s GravBot is yet another physics-based puzzler, and while it may not be as instantly likeable as Cut the Rope there’s still plenty here to enjoy. You control an old-school television that has the ability to manipulate gravity, a skill you use to navigate industrial-inspired levels in search of batteries. It’s typical of game in this genre, with you using various levers, buttons and elevators to maneuver through each level, all the while avoiding dangers such as lasers and spikes. But the best news is that the game is free – or at least the first 12 levels are. There are two, 20-level packs available via in-app purchase for 99 cents each for those of you who can’t get enough. There are better physics puzzlers out there, but given its price fans of that type of game have no reason not to check this one out.
