This week’s roundup features everything from nostalgia to ninjas, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to send us tips about interesting upcoming titles and things you’ve discovered about old ones. But for now, kick back after your long week and take a peek!
Dink Smallwood HD
Dink Smallwood HD
Once you’re all done giggling about the name, search your memory and you’ll likely recall that Dink Smallwood started out as a classic RPG way back in 1997 before being released for free in 1999 and continuing to please its devout cult of followers ever since. After much improvement to the original coding, the original creators are now offering the more polished game on the iOS platform. And it’s a stellar title.
The game is essentially a mash-up of classic RPG tropes and you will likely find yourself reminded of Monkey Island, Diablo, and perhaps even Zelda in equal measure as you’re playing. You control Dink Smallwood, a pig farmer who lives with his mother and is thrust into adventure in a world that is often hilarious and quirky. The plot is surprisingly involved and there are plenty of hours of gameplay to be had.
With refreshed music, old-fasioned isometric art design with a facelift, a revamped save system, and two different control methods for navigating the basic gameplay mechanics that characterize the genre, Dink Smallwood is a worthy and witty addition to your game collection.
Price: $2.99
Developer: Robinson Technologies
Download: App Store
Sky Wars
Sky Wars
A warning: this one’s very addictive. Sky Wars is the kind of game that does mobile multiplayer just right, and even if you’re on your own there’s still plenty of fun to be had with the single-player, though beating the computer-controlled opponent may not be as satisfying as conquering a live foe.
The premise is basic and involves you flinging a line of airships against your enemy. Each turn, you get two moves and the object of the game is to knock your opponent’s airships off the edge of the screen by flicking your finger to send one of yours hurtling into it. Think steampunk bumper cars and you’ll have a good idea of what this game is all about. There are also a number of randomly appearing special powerups that can help turn the tide, and there is a good deal of strategy involved.
Of course, there are online leaderboards, achievements and more perks to the multiplayer, and the best part is that said multiplayer doesn’t require wifi to run: you can compete over 3G and Bluetooth as well. If you really hate ads, then there’s a paid version, but otherwise this is one great-looking freebie you do not want to overlook!
Price: Free
Developer: Digital Prunes, Inc.
Download: App Store
Hollow Episode 1
Hollow Episode 1
Hollow is the inevitable iOS homage to Limbo, and serves its purpose admirably. This is one unforgiving game. Fans of cheerful, predictable platforming puzzlers need not apply.
First thing’s first: expect to die a great deal in Hollow. The levels feature a number of traps, many of which you will only become aware of when you activate them. Danger lurks in the darkness. Somehow, this adds to the challenge but doesn’t frustrate too much so long as you go in with an understanding that this isn’t intended to be your average run & hop title.
The art is characteristically dark and high contrast, and while the movement physics aren’t as tight as Limbo’s nor the story as developed, Hollow Episode 1 (sequels incoming, we suppose?) is a challenging and very atmospheric game that will creep you out as soon as entertain you.
Bunny Ninjas
Bunny Ninjas
Here’s a management game with a serious dose of cute. Bunny Ninjas puts you in charge of raising a clan of rabbit warriors with which you will then fight the rival porcupine clan.
As per the genre’s standards, you’ll be doing a lot of growing, planting, and collecting, but for fans of this gameplay style that caters to the recurring play crowd, this title won’t disappoint. There is a good variety to the items you can purchase and produce, and the aesthetic is attractive and nicely polished. Don’t be tempted to jump into the raids too soon because they do pose a challenge, but certainly enjoy them once you work up to it.
Bunnies + ninjas + lots of long-term gameplay potential and promised updates = good combination. Go kick some porcupine butt!
Price: Free
Developer: YayNinjas LLC
Download: App Store
Shiny Restaurant
Shiny Restaurant
If you’ve worked up an appetite with that last one, then here’s another quick freebie micromanagement game to nourish your gaming hunger.
Shiny Restaurant has you designing and operating an eatery, and it differs from some of the other games in the genre in that there is a lot of content that you are given for free without having to do any in-app purchasing. Free gifts each day, and expansion packs that are unlocked whenever you level up means that it feels particularly rewarding without draining your bank account.
So while it may not be breaking too much new ground and still has the odd bug to be squished, Shiny Restaurant is still an excellent genre item and a great value for the price tag.
Price: Free
Developer: Big Shiny Factory Inc.
Download: App Store
What Have You Been Playing?
Have fun with those this weekend and drop in some comments if you get the chance to let us know what other goodies you’ve been playing this week!