If you’re into digital stocking stuffers then you’re in luck, because this week has been another great one for significant game releases on the App Store.
Rather than focus on the flurry of Christmas-flavoured updates, here are some of the new titles that you shouldn’t be neglecting!
Shadow Guardian
Shadow Guardian
There seems to be a push recently into the “next gen” of iOS gaming. Gameloft, one of the stars of the App Store gaming scene, is keeping up with the trend by putting out some remarkable releases, one of which is Shadow Guardian.
If Uncharted was squeezed into a phone, Shadow Guardian would be the result. In the game, you play as Jason Call, a dashing action hero who must intercept a group of mercenaries and beat them to a remote temple where an ancient relic called the Prima Materia lies hidden. This familiar plot is balanced by exquisite environments and superb graphics. The gameplay is surprisingly diverse, featuring cover-based shooting, climbing, and even melee combat. The controls handle this diversity admirably, and despite the impressive scope, the game always feels right at home on your mobile device.
Let’s see: puzzles, adventure, action, and great presentation? What’s not to love? As long as you’re packing one of the later generations of iOS devices, you shouldn’t think twice about this one.
N.O.V.A. 2
N.O.V.A. 2
Also from Gameloft is this fresh sequel to their first groundbreaking FPS for the iPhone. N.O.V.A. 2 brings expanded multiplayer, improved graphics, wider variety of gameplay scenarios, and of course more weapons and abilities.
If you liked the first game then there’s no reason to avoid this one. It’s an excellent example of taking a good foundation and building upon it successfully. The AI is smarter too, so veterans of the first game will enjoy a better challenge when they’re not playing against friends. Said veteran players also have an advantage when joining multiplayer matches; you’ll find a handy XP boost has been applied to give you a headstart. Not sure if that’s a fair system since it leaves new folks at more of a disadvantage but it’s nice to see Gameloft reward its fans.
Of course, achievements and leaderboards are active as well. Despite its hefty pricetag, this is definitely a next gen iOS game and it’s well worth your time if you’re a fan of well polished shooters.
Riven: The Sequel to Myst
Riven: The Sequel to Myst
I’m a huge Myst fan. As soon as I heard that Cyan Worlds was adapting their classic series for the iOS devices, I was extremely excited. Nevertheless, along with the majority of people, I found that the first port was underwhelming. It seemed like a rough and uncomfortable transfer to the mobile device and the result was something of a sour aftertaste despite the familiar game setting.
For the sequel, things have definitely improved. Gameplay feels a bit smoother and of course the sequel itself is a more sophisticated game. Unfortunately, despite being over a gigabyte in size, the graphical fidelity is still noticeably compressed from the original which detracts from the experience somewhat. Beyond that though, Game Center achievements have been added, and there’s a solid bookmarking/autosaving feature that lets you multitask and leave the game at any point without losing progress.
Veterans will find the hint system annoying, but for those who are new to Myst’s difficult puzzles, they can be a life saver. Either way, if you’re a fan of beautiful classic games with rich story and compelling puzzles, Riven is an easy winner and a good step up from its predecessor.
Price: $5.99
Developer: Cyan Worlds
Download: App Store
Tiki Totems 2
Tiki Totems 2
In case you’re not a fan of the really huge next-gen type titles, I’ve also got a couple of more traditional offerings. First up is Tiki Totems 2, the follow-up to one of the most attractive and popular physics puzzlers on the App Store.
Tiki Totems 2 is essentially a continuation of the first, with the same tried and true gameplay mechanic of carefully dismantling structures made out of various types of blocks in order to bring the Tiki Totem safely to the ground without damaging it and angering the Tiki gods. The graphics have been slightly overhauled — for better or worse, depending on your taste — and the sequel also features two slightly different gameplay mechanics based on the original. They fit in perfectly and lend the title some extra diversity without feeling tacked on.
Once you finish the 100 or so levels, you get to play with the built-in level editor. This fantastic tool lets you create and share levels, instantly securing a huge amount of lasting appeal for the game’s extensive fan base. The difficulty curve still ramps up gently, so even if you haven’t played the first, it’s easy to pick this one up and enjoy.
Geared 2!
Geared 2!
Last but not least is another puzzling sequel: Geared 2!
Another basic extension of a good formula, Geared 2! features plenty of fun levels where your task is still to make all the blue gears spin by carefully placing and interacting with various sized gear wheels available to you. Your entire system is powered by a rather adorable little hamster that whistles, hums, giggles, and farts every now and again. It’s a hilarious little companion to your pondering and makes the game feel friendly and easy-going.
Geared 2! sports another take on the papery visuals, and it pulls it off quite successfully. Just like the first, it’s one of those games that’s great to spend a bit of time with when you’re waiting for something or just looking for a dose of cuteness and relaxing gameplay.
Price: $0.99
Developer: Bryan Mitchell
Download: App Store
What Have You Been Playing?
We hope that (between bouts of gaming) you manage to enjoy a fun, warm, and relaxing holiday weekend. When you get a chance to peel away from family and friends, let us know what other cool games you’ve been playing in the comments.
Don’t drink too much eggnog!