Let’s be honest: you’re already out there, deeply addicted to the new Plants vs. Zombies 2 now that it’s finally out. But just because it’s the most newsworthy title of the week, doesn’t mean it’s the only one worthy of your attention.
We’ve got a handful of wonderful new App Store arrivals to show you, so hop in and gear up for the weekend!
Like the article? You should subscribe and follow us on twitter.
Pirate Legends TD
We’ll start today off with a tower defense title from Super Hippo Studios. Pirate Legends TD is a perfect example of the best and worst of the genre.
The best is immediately evident in the design of the levels, production values and variety of towers, special abilities, heroes, environments and other gameplay elements. There’s a tremendous wealth of content in Pirate Legends, and all of it is finely tuned to provide a strategic advantage when combined intelligently. The worst aspects make an appearance quickly; after shelling out $3.99 for the game, you’ll swiftly encounter the paywall, and the IAP are pushed relentlessly at you, sometimes even at the expense of letting you play the game. It’s egregious and unnecessary; an off-putting money grab that contributes to the bad reputation of the freemium model without even actually adhering to it.
Taken together, these two sides of the same coin make for a conflicted game. You’ll have to be stalwart and thrifty to keep from paying more than the upfront price for this title, but if you’re willing to give a little or you’re a huge fan of top-notch TD experiences, then Pirate Legends is among the best.
Price: $3.99
Developer: Super Hippo Studios Limited
Download: App Store
Plants vs. Zombies 2
As the game’s marketing says, “it’s about time.” It’s been a while since we were promised this sequel, and after some painful delays we can finally play the follow-up to the biggest casual gaming phenomenon since Angry Birds.
By now, you’ve likely already given it a try. You’ve seen the new plants, the new zombies. The new environments facilitated by a clever and engaging time-travel plot. The new game modes, the finger powers, the plant food powerups and — needless to say — the new freemium structure. There’s no doubt that Plants vs. Zombies 2 offers more of the gameplay we all loved the first time around, with all the adjustments and changes working in concert with what made the original so successful. The boat isn’t being rocked too hard, but this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade: think Angry Birds: Space rather than Seasons.
The big question is whether or not adopting a freemium model is a good idea. While PopCap has been merciful enough to allow the IAP to tempt you without nagging too much, the fact remains that you’ll find yourself unable to enjoy this game the same way you did the original — paying one price up front and then simply working your way through. This is increasingly common in the industry, and how you feel about it will ultimately have a lot of influence on how much you can enjoy Plants vs. Zombies 2. For me, it’s an unfortunate but survivable blemish on an otherwise perfect sequel.
Gold Diggers
Speaking of money grabbing, here’s a game that wears it on its sleeve: Gold Diggers. Set in an alternative version of the wild west, you’ll control your digging machine deep into the earth in search of gold.
The digging machine itself is a wonderful steampunk earth train of sorts that can be upgraded and expanded with additional wagon types. Something about endless games makes them ideal for mobile play, and Gold Diggers is a perfect example of how this can be done well. Optimized for play sessions of almost any length, the game is easy to control, fun, and extremely easy to return to round after round.
You’ll find some IAP available alongside more useful items in the store, but the game doesn’t shove them in your face and it’s easy to get absorbed and earn the gold just by playing, which is as it should be. Gold Diggers is a respectful, relentlessly entertaining and well-polished freemium game that earns two thumbs way up.
Way to Go!
Strangely under-appreciated, Way to Go! has flown under the radar despite being a thoroughly awesome puzzle title with more than 350 levels and no IAP!
Each level is presents you with an environment and an arrangement of block tiles and obstacles. Playing as one of three characters, each with different abilities, you’ll have to drag and drop effect blocks and then hit the start button to “run” the level. Blocks can tell your character to turn, or they can create items, help against obstacles, and more. The game is patient, but it gets quite challenging and will keep you occupied for a long time.
You’ll have to complete levels within a certain number of steps to progress, and even if you find a solution it’s often tempting to return to a completed level to see if you can make it run more efficiently. All in all, Way to Go! is a great way to challenge yourself and even your kids with friendly, cute, and well designed puzzles.
Price: $0.99
Developer: Headup Games GmbH & Co KG
Download: App Store
Maniac Manors
Difficult, deep and utterly engrossing, Maniac Manors is a standout app this week. Like many adventure games, there’s a lot of scrutiny involved in playing through; seeking clues, solving puzzles and exploring are the foundation stones of this title.
After purchasing a secluded mansion at a too-good-to-be-true price, you swiftly discover that there’s a reason for the bargain. The fully 3D-realized home is fraught with interesting situations and visuals, and you’ll have to pay attention to details to make it through. The game does not hold your hand, even when you wish it would, and ultimately this makes for a better, more challenging, experience that will appeal to old-school adventure lovers.
With a Lovecraftian story and a madness system, you’ll find no shortage of spooky atmosphere here. Even a few scares await you in the Maniac Manor. If you’re up for it, turn down the lights, put on some headphones, and come on in …
Price: $0.99
Developer: Cezure Production
Download: App Store
What Have You Been Playing?
Ok, back to Plants vs. Zombies 2 we all go! But come back next week for our newest gaming recommendations.
     |