Best iPhone Games of the Year 2012
iPhone, especially the later versions, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s are incredible for games. They feature very potent hardware architecture, have great displays, (iPhone 4S especially) and therefore make great entertainment devices.
It is therefore no wonder that the games available are never coming to a halt, and every company, indie, exclusive for iOS or multiplatform, works hard to create entertaining experiences that can make a difference. So, the following is a list of the games that we found most enjoyable this year. There will be some multiplatform games in there, some that have versions that will also run on the iPad, and there are also some exclusives to the iPhone. The genres included will reflect the entire palette, and we have tried to pick the most interesting for us, but also games that have attracted a lot of interest from the community. While not necessarily a top, you could also see this as a countdown, the later games being the ones we loved the most.
Best iPhone games of 2012 :
Total War Battles - Shogun : This is a reimagining of the PC game released a few years back. This one is available booth on iPhone as well as on iPad; they are similar and, to our surprise, the iPhone version lacks none of the features of the iPad game. In short, this is a split between a turn-based strategy game, and the tactical interventions that can be automated or played directly, by maneuvering the troops yourself, as you see fit in a real time encounter. There is also a story attached to the game, so this is not a simple iteration of skirmishes. You can play it in short bursts and then save or you could take as much time as you have available; the is great no matter how you approach it and it runs deep.
Saving Private Sheep 2 : Some would find this to be an angry birds clone, and of course, you can?t really deny that it has some of the design and construction elements of the former. But, in all honesty, it is a fun experience, riddled with humor, with an approach that is nothing short of exhilarating and that will see you laughing out loud. Give it a try if you enjoyed the first release or let this be the one that takes you away from Angry Birds.
The Tiny Bang Story HD : This game is a sweet combination of puzzler elements, straightforward adventure like in the old days and also some intermissions of hidden object gaming. Each element is nicely weaved into the game and, although there will be times when it becomes a little too crowded, the varied experiences make it worthwhile. The visual style is really beautiful, the decors, although cartoonish have a very soothing effect. Expect to be taken away on a short, yet amazing journey.
Reckless Racing 2 : Top down, very nice graphics and very exhilarating races. There are no bits and bobs added, no shooting, no power-ups, this is a clean, skill based game. Since the previous version, the controls have become more responsive and more efficient, so the game really feels more nicely, both on the iPhone as well as on the iPad. This one will be especially attractive for those that want a "clean" racing game that does away with other tropes of the genre and focuses on controlling your vehicle.
Super Crate Box : The game has had a very good response from the community. It is, unlike many other games on the iPhone, very demanding and very skill based. At heart this is a platformer but it is contained, and the action sequences required in order to win need to be executed with incredible precision. Also, the entire design is meant to take you by surprise. The weapons and sometimes even the enemies are randomized, so that you may find yourself completing the same levels in a multitude of ways. The graphics are minimalistic, 8bit like, and the colors themselves seem kitschy, with shades of green and red and aquamarine blues all mixed into the recipe. But, in the context it works great, and you will find yourself playing it over and over again.
Fibble : The game is a Crytek creation. Yes, even though it comes from the creators of Crysis , this cartoon puzzle game is their creation. And, for the theme of the game, it sure does look great. It sports a wonderful top down view, with very crisp models, environments and so on. Gameplay wise, it is a satisfying, mildly difficult, though engaging game, where you have to get your hero from point A to point B through a multitude of interesting moves and effects. This is a nice game, with great graphics, a nice overall experience. It wouldn't have hurt if it was a tad more challenging, but, as it is, it delivers great quality.
The Hunger Games - Girl on Fire : Now this one is a really interesting game. It was built by the Canabalt and Meat Boy teams and it was a feature game to create hype on top of the incoming release of the Hunger Games movie release. It could have easily been given to a big studio, to the EA or Gameloft, or what not, but instead, the indie team assigned with its creation really made something spectacular. This is a simple, Canabalt like jump game set in a luscious jungle environment, with the added benefit of shooting arrows. It stands out because the minimalist graphics truly make a difference and seem very well in tune with the theme of the film, while controls are snappy and require quick coordination and reaction time. This one is great for short bursts of play, and you will go back to it time and again for the added value of beating your own scores. A must play!
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! (Force = Mass x Acceleration) : Well, to conclude the list we picked up one game that seems to generate a love/hate response that is unlike other games on the iOS. You may have plaid it on the PC a few years back, and the fact that it was successfully ported on the iPhone is really incredible. So, basically, what you do is fall through a labyrinth like structure of mazes and has to avoid the incoming obstacles while also accumulating points for reckless behavior. Don't hit a wall, as of course, that will only kill you. There is an underlying story to this crazy little game, an alternate universe, and so on, but, for the most part you'll be much more concerned about increasing your score on one of the many included levels. We always seem to have this one with us, and for the most part, it's a great game to play in short bursts.
