We’ve had an excellent week for new releases on the App Store for those of you itching to try some new games (including a fresh Kairosoft title!), and as usual, our favourites are waiting for you right after the jump. So whip those phones out and click through!
Inferno+
An unsurprisingly popular genre on the iPhone is the arcade shooter; their frantic pacing and simple-to-learn mechanics make them ideal for mobile gaming, to the point where developers Radiangames has just released an expanded version of their Inferno title, which is popular on Xbox Live.
The iOS port is a brand new experience, featuring lots of fresh content, full Retina compatibility for all devices and Game Center integration with achievements. Described as a cross between Gauntlet and Geometry Wars, Inferno+ is basically a Tron-like twin-stick shooter with exquisite production values and all the satisfying upgrade options you’d expect.
Before long the pace picks up, and you and your upgraded weaponry are dishing out massive damage while navigating the game’s 40 or so levels. There’s also a New Game + mode to look forward to once you’ve beaten everything. Inferno+ is a highly polished and beautifully animated action game that will more than satisfy fans of the genre.
Price: $2.99
Developer: Radiangames
Download: App Store
Expand It!
Physics puzzlers start to look same-y after a while, which makes it all the more encouraging when a developer brings a new mechanic to the table instead of just putting a fresh coat of paint on a tired concept. FDG Entertainment has done with with Expand It! (of Flash fame), a game in which you manipulate the size of little dinosaur blocks in an effort to reach the rainbow.
Each tap on a dino will cause it to inflate by a certain amount, so while the first levels are pretty obvious, once you start getting more dinos on screen to work with, it becomes challenging to set up the perfect chain reaction that gets you to the rainbow. The game’s 60 levels go by in a flash, and it’s nice to see some strategy attached to the addictiveness.
Like the best of its genre, Expand It! is joyously simple but draws you in with its charming aesthetic and responsive gameplay. It’s hard to resist the adorable animations when you reach the rainbow in each level.
Price: $0.99
Developer: FDG Entertainment
Download: App Store
Galaxy Life: Pocket Adventures
Aliens + RTS gaming = fun times, right? Galaxy Life: Pocket Adventures gives you the opportunity to find out, as you’ll take command of the funny little Starling aliens. You’ll be doing a lot of building, as you can expect, and some battling once your colony is stronger.
It should be mentioned right off the bat that because of Galaxy Life’s persistent universe, you’ll have to be connected (via 3G or Wi-Fi) to the Internet while you’re playing. This is a bummer for some people, but given the game’s social nature it’s an understandable requirement. Battles happen in realtime and are fought between a number of unit types. Perhaps the best part is that you can actually communicate directly with other players via the in-game messaging system, allowing you to set up alliances and work together.
For a free game, there’s a lot of content to be earned, though you’ve also got the option of making some IAP to speed up the process and support the developers while you’re at it. Galaxy Life: Pocket Adventures is a quirky and enjoyable mobile RTS that offers a favourable balance between strategy and casual appeal.
Price: Free
Developer: Digital Chocolate, Inc.
Download: App Store
Little Things Forever
If you remember the old Eye Spy books that used to be fantastically popular in elementary school, you will be delighted to know that KLICKTOCK, makers of the much-loved Little Things game, is back with a vengeance and a new sequel: Little Things Forever.
Much like the first game, Little Things Forever is a hidden object game of sorts, where you’re given items to locate within a picture made up of tiny little things. It’s incredibly soothing and the game makes sure never to get too stressful, which makes it an ideal time passer for kids, too. You’ll either be given a list of items to find right off the bat, or it will ask you to locate things one at a time with a couple of minutes allowed per item.
There isn’t much depth to the game, but it’s appealing because of its breadth. New levels are on the way through frequent updates, and its family-friendly nature makes it worth a look for all you parents and big siblings out there too.
Dungeon Village
Let’s end on a Kairosoft title. The newest micromanagement simulator from the makers of Game Dev Story is called Dungeon Village, and it’s a slightly funny premise about creating the best RPG questing town in the land — you know, the places you always stop to buy potions and fix gear before heading out on another adventure?
Building on the familiar formula, you’ll have the option of using the interesting new Cauldron feature, which is essentially an alchemy interface like you’d see in typical RPGs. In Dungeon Village, you’ll use the Cauldron to combine various spoils from the local heroes into new and more powerful combinations that can help your citizens do their thing more effectively.
They may not push the envelope much, but Kairosoft’s games are trustworthy in their addictiveness and strangely broad appeal. You would think that a micromanagement game wouldn’t be that much fun, but then you try it and the next thing you know it’s not the weekend anymore and you’re late for work but you don’t care because you’re regent of the mightiest Dungeon Village in the kingdom!
Price: $3.99
Developer: Kairosoft Co., Ltd
Download: App Store
What Have You Been Playing?
That’s all for this week. Come back next Friday for another set, and feel free to drop some mentions in the comments if you’ve been playing other cool titles that we didn’t feature.