It is another great week for game sequels as Let’s Golf, Chopper and Aqua Moto Racing all returned to the iPhone. It was also a week to celebrate for fans of the PC game Somersault, which made its app store debut, and action fans, who were treated to the pirate-themed Plunderland. Now that I think about it, it was just a big week in iPhone gaming – let’s just leave it at that.
1. Let’s Golf 2
Gameloft brought its Hot Shots-inspired golf title back this week in the form of the not-so-creatively titled Let’s Golf 2 ($4.99). Among the changes in this sequel are high-def graphics for iPhone 4 users and some new game modes, including Shoot Out (a multiplayer game in which one player is eliminated after each hole) and the self-explanatory Closest to Pin mode. The game is still controlled with the familiar two-touch system, tapping once to control the distance and once to control the accuracy. There are eight characters, each of which has unique abilities and arcade-style special shots, six locations and 108 holes in all. You can also play online via either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. Simply put, this is the typical Gameloft game: it’s got a great look, good gameplay and is a bit pricey. It won’t do anything for you if you’re looking for a Tiger Woods-style golf simulation, but arcade gamers will eat this game up.
2. Chopper 2
It took a while for Majic Jungle Software to release a sequel to the popular side-scrolling action helicopter game Chopper, but by all accounts Chopper 2 ($2.99) is well worth the wait. Much of that time seems to be spent on graphics, as this sequel sports an all-around better look. And while there are additional new features, this is very reminiscent of the first game in the series – you rescue civilians and avoid obstacles ranging from missiles to birds as you work your way through levels. Of course, there’s also the cooler than cool remote feature, which allows you to play the game on your iPad while using the iPhone as to control it. It includes 36 missions and 12 locations and is recommended for any action game fan. And if you have both an iPhone and an iPad, then this is something you simply have to experience.
3. Somersault
Enter-Brain-Ment’s Somersault ($5.99) certainly has many elements of the ‘Indie Game of the Year’ tag plastered atop the game’s iTunes page. Not only does it boast an elite-level presentation – most notably it’s sharp, bright graphics – but it also has controls that make it hard to imagine playing the game on any other platform. You bounce balls through environments by drawing and moving platforms, a tricky proposition that will take you a little while to master. There are additional gameplay elements, such as collecting coins and avoiding life-taking obstacles, though guiding your ball from one end of the level to the other remains your primary goal. The big problem is that even when you consider the PC version of the game costs $15, six bucks is a lot of money for an iPhone game these days, whether it’s a legit contender for Indie Game of the Year or not. Fortunately you can download a free PC version of the game, and given the price I’d advise doing that first.
4. Aqua Moto Racing 2
It’s a wonder how a seemingly small change can completely change a game. Probably the biggest addition to Aqua Moto Racing 2 ($4.99) is that instead of racing along water that could be confused for concrete, you race on more realistic (and tumultuous) water, and one that represents a massive improvement to its gameplay. Unlike other racing games you also have to stay in control, as running into a buoy or another racer will send you flying off your jet ski. And of course Resolution Interactive included plenty of gnarly tricks, making this one of the better water racers you’ll play. There are six locations and 48 courses in the game, as well as 12 jet skis and a career mode that spans 14 championships. Even better, there’s a free lite version of Aqua Moto Racing 2 in case you’re not yet sure this is the racer for you.
5. Plunderland
Unlike the other games on this list, Plunderland ($2.99) from JohnnyTwoShoes does not aim to be the greatest looking game of all time. Instead, it goes for the more familiar (and pleasant) crude, cartoon-style presentation and centers around pirate-themed arcade action. The game is sort of like Angry Birds on the seas, as you fire cannons with a similar pull back and aim method, but you are being knocked around by waves and attacked from all directions at the same time. You also tilt your iPhone to control your ship, making this a hectic gaming experience at times. Plunderland has three campaign modes as well as a survival mode, along with the promise of free updates in the future. In short, this is a fun and humorous game that is perfect for the iPhone.
