Whether you are a hardcore gamer looking for console-worthy graphics and functionality on your mobile device or just want an addictive 5-minute distraction while waiting for the bus, there were some great new games released for Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android smartphones and tablets in 2011.
Here are five of the best you should download right away.
Infinity Blade II (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad: $6.99)
In terms of graphics, gameplay and story, Infinity Blade II is the best looking game to date for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The original Infinity Blade, an epic sword-wielding combat game, made a huge splash when it was released a year ago, in very large part because it showed off the power of Apple’s devices (and Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 graphics software) in a very real and surprising way. It looks amazing, and sets a new standard for what is possible (particularly on smartphones). Fans who enjoy the first version of this game will find that everything in the sequel is bigger and better. You can dual-wield weapons or opt for a hefty two-handed number to deal massive damage to your enemies. The game has been tweaked substantially to make everything about it deeper and more expansive. While Infinity Blade II understandably performs the best on the iPhone 4S and iPad 2, it is still a worthy download on older devices. The game is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, the third and fourth generation iPod Touches and both iPads. Apple’s iOS 3.2 software or above also needs to be installed on the device.
World of Goo (iPhone and iPod Touch $2.99, iPad $4.99, Android Devices: $4.99)
While this physics-based puzzle game technically launched on iOS devices in late 2010, it was not available to Android users until October of this year. The game is based on the basic mechanics of building structures using blobby balls of goo. Each puzzle asks you to build a structure large enough to reach that level’s exit pipe. The challenge comes from building with few enough balls so that you can meet that levels exit quota. Easier said than done!
Tiny Wings (iPhone, iPod Touch: $0.99)
In addition to being the game that officially dethroned Angry Birds as the No. 1 paid app in the iTunes App Store, Tiny Wings is a simple and addictive arcade game that is well worth the 99-cent download cost. Your goal is to see just how far you can fly until the sun goes down. To do this, you use the hills to help launch your bird in the air. Tapping the screen will fold your bird’s wings and help you down, while letting go will flap your wings to fly.
JetPack Joyride (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad: $0.99)
The art style and effects in this running game are simply gorgeous. It’s full of tongue-in-cheek humor and references to other iOS titles, including main character Barry Steakfires who was introduced in last year’s shooter game Monster Dash. The soundtrack to JetPack Joyride is also fantastic.The simple one touch game play just exudes elegance, which is probably the symbolism of the start menu music. It’s one of those games that you just have to keep playing “just one more time,” over and over.
Cut the Rope (iPhone, iPod Touch, Android: $0.99, iPad: $1.99)
Like World of Goo, Cut the Rope debuted on iOS devices in 2010 before making its way to Android this year. From the people who brought you Angry Birds, Cut the Rope has users feeding candy to an adorable little monster called Om Nom. Publisher Chillingo also released the 99-cent sequel Cut The Rope Experiments for iOS devices earlier this year.
