It could be argued that all the best games in the App Store cost money, however we’re going to dispel that myth in this issue of Game Friday. Our roundup this week focuses solely on the free games available for the iPhone including Jet Fighters, Warships and Sudoku 2.
Like always, if you have a game you want reviewed, please let us know!
Sudoku 2
Sudoku 2
Sudoku, the Japanese number puzzle game that exploded in popularity a few years ago, has no shortage of games available for the iPhone. Sudoku 2 is definitely one of the best of these, combining some lovely graphics with Open Feint integration.
The game is slightly forgiving, awarding you a correct solution if you complete the puzzle with less than three errors. Notes can also be added to each square, so that you can easily work out what can still be placed there and hints can also be given if you get stuck. You can pay for Sudoku apps that do less than this and as a time killer, there is no puzzle game better.
Price: Free
Developer: Finger Arts
Download: App Store
Rollercoaster Extreme
Rollercoaster Extreme
For those of you who downloaded Waterslide Extreme from Barclaycard, you’ll know exactly what to expect from Rollercoaster Extreme, essentially the same game but on a rollercoaster rather than a waterslide. The game includes 8 tracks around New York City, utilising the accelerometer to steer your cart down each course, collecting speed boosts and dodging obstacles.
The faster you go, the higher your score and you can collect a badge on each level to demonstrate your riding ability. The cities look fantastic, especially for a free game that you don’t even explore and there is replay value for those wanting to improve your score.
Price: Free
Developer: Dare Digital
Download: App Store
Jet Fighters
Jet Fighters
A text-based massively multiplayer fighter game, Jet Fighters pits friends against each other as rival squadrons do battle on the iPhone. Join a squadron, train up your pilot and complete missions in order to level up your fighter.
Money earned in assignments can be used to upgrade your weapons and armour and there is months of battle to be had as you try to dominate the skies. For those of you who get very involved in these games, honour points can be bought for anything up to 4000 for $100, but these are optional extras and the game functions fine without them.
Price: Free
Developer: The Godfather
Download: App Store
Bubble Explode
Bubble Explode
Bubble popping games can either be very enjoyable, or just a button bashing mess whereby you can gain a high score without really knowing what you are doing. Thankfully Bubble Explode is one of the former, where you clear matching colours that are touching in order to score points. If the screen fills up you lose the game.
There are some interesting elements not found in other bubble games, such as bonus points for certain shapes, and a variety of game modes that increases the lifespan of the app. An Ad-free version is available for $0.99, but if you aren’t that fussy, this version is well worth a look at.
Price: Free
Developer: Spooky House Studios
Download: App Store
Warships
Warships
Battleships is a classic game that has appealed to many generations of children and adults and Warships aims to extend that love to the iPhone generation. Featuring multi-player Bluetooth capability you can challenge your friends to battles to determine who rules the seas. You can also take on the computer in three levels of difficulty, however the AI programming leaves a little to be desired and could do with being improved.
Unfortunately, you often find that the computer knows more that it should appear to and this does impact on the game’s enjoyability. However, there are three different game modes to try, including God Mode where you have just 34 shots to defeat your enemy on a giant board. Best played with a friend, but still ok for a quick game alone.
What Have You Been Playing?
We always appreciate your feedback and suggestions for other games so please let us know what you have been playing in the comments below.