What an exciting week for mobile gaming! With the official release of the PS Vita, it remains to be seen how the portable gaming landscape is going to be transformed. As if rising to the challenge, a number of tremendous new games have hit the App Store, and we’ve collected some of the best to show you.
Have a look after the jump!
Beat Sneak Bandit
Simogo’s new sneaky puzzler is an incredibly original mash-up of genres that succeeds beyond our wildest expectations. It’s a stealth puzzle game … that’s entirely rhythm based! Think Patapon meets Thief.
You play a the Beat Sneak Bandit, on a quest to steal back all of the world’s clocks from the nefarious Duke Clockface. Tapping to the beat keeps you sneaking past obstacles, and eventually more complicated patterns are required to navigate the treacherous levels. Not only does this mechanic work brilliantly, but it seems to open the doors for more clever ideas for future expansions to the already healthy dose of levels included in the game.
The art style is reminiscent of the Kuntzel and Deygas classic opening to Catch Me If You Can. Match that with tight controls, charming sound design, a trippy soundtrack, and a fitting retro style and you just might have a new iOS gaming classic on your hands — you certainly won’t manage to pry it out of ours!
League of Evil 2
Time for a blockbuster sequel: League of Evil 2! After the first was widely hailed as one of the more impressive platformers on iOS devices, the continuation raises the bar consistently and creatively, offering more of the classic gameplay in a polished package.
The challenge you’re used to is back in full force, and you will be thankful for the perfectly responsive controls as you speed through each level, collecting the bonus briefcase on the way if you’re so inclined. As before, your end goal is to punch a scientist in the face at the end, but levels have gained new types of obstacles and now range across a variety of environments.
Visually, you’ll find yourself impressed by the brighter and more diverse art, and the cutscenes continue to impress with their fitting comic feel. Smooth animations help sell the action, including convincing gore, and the bosses and customizable costumes add extra layers to what is already a superlative gaming cake. You don’t want to miss this one.
Price: $0.99
Developer: Ravenous Games
Download: App Store
Pizza vs. Skeletons
Pizzas … attacking skeletons. Well, why not, right? Riverman Media offers you the opportunity to experience this unique conflict in style with its newest title.
You’ll control a 25 foot tall customizable monstrosity, essentially as if you were the giant ball chasing Indiana Jones, except you’ll be chasing the undead. And you’re a pizza. There is a huge amount of content, not only in terms of levels but also in terms of accessories, enemies and things you can do. You’ll also be happy to know that, despite its steep price tag, the game has no in-app purchases to be made and all future updates and such will remain free. It’s a much appreciated change of pace from the increasingly exploitative IAP models emerging these days.
Besides being a clever concept though, the game is actually very fun and feels expertly assembled across the board. It’s one of the more unique titles to hit the App Store in a while, and since it’s universal you can grab it for all your iOS devices with one pizza poke of the finger. Anyone else hungry?
Price: $2.99 (On Sale)
Developer: Riverman Media LLC
Download: App Store
Little Acorns
Though there’s hardly a shortage of platformers on the App Store, we still love keeping our eye out for the fresh ones that manage to use the same pieces to somehow assemble a brand new experience.
Little Acorns fits into this category, as it’s just as you’d expect a platformer to be: good controls, simple goals, tough obstacles and charming characters. In this case, you play as a squirrel collecting acorns, and what it lacks in innovation, Little Acorns makes up for with superb style, useful powerups and the kind of light and optimistic feel that makes it irresistible.
For you, or your nimble-fingered offspring, Little Acorns offers a simple and rewarding gameplay experience.
Price: $0.99
Developer: Chillingo, Ltd.
Download: App Store
Zombie Parkour Runner
It’s always nice to end with a freebie, so here’s Zombie Parkour Runner!
There’s nothing like a running game to get you feeling energetic, and this parker take on the genre lends an extra dimension. You’ll dash across different city environments to collect your stolen goods (little-known fact: zombies are kleptomaniacs), and use your moves to avoid and bludgeon the undead along the way.
Tons of collectible items, upgrades and achievements make it easy to enjoy the levels for a while. If you love runners and want a little extra bounce in your step, Zombie Parkour Runner does not disappoint.
Price: Free
Developer: Break Media
Download: App Store
What Have You Been Playing?
One thing’s for sure: it’s not going to be a boring week with all those wonderful games to keep you busy. Tell us if you liked them, or if you found some others worth playing in the comments!