iOS Watch List
19 CommentsiOS Watch List: The Final Episode
By Russ Frushtick on Feb 21, 2013 02.21.13
Yes, this is it. Our final episode of the iOS Watch List. Horrible, I know.
But worry not! We'll be back in a few short weeks with a new show. A better show! It will highlight not only iOS releases, but also Android and Windows Phone releases, as well. So if you're that same guy who, at the bottom of every iOS Watch List, posts "Why are you not covering Android games?" consider yourself vindicated.
In the meantime, please enjoy this final, all-iOS episode, which focuses on three very interesting games:
Worm Run (link)
Color Sheep (link)
Year Walk (link)
iOS Watch List
13 CommentsiOS Watch List: Relic Rush, Puzzle Restorer and Rock Runners
By Russ Frushtick on Feb 14, 2013 02.14.13
Relic Rush (Link)
If you thought the original Pitfall was far too complicated, you might want to try Relic Rush. This one-touch platformer doesn't have much in the way of variety, but it does have very large pixels. That's something, right?
Puzzle Restorer (Link)
If you're looking for a puzzle game that brings together the magic of painting with the horror of resource management, you've come to the right place. Puzzle Restorer starts off pretty simple but becomes brutal in no time.
Rock Runners (Link)
Because there aren't enough iOS games where you run and jump while collecting gems, here comes Rock Runners!
iOS Watch List
17 CommentsiOS Watch List: After Burner Climax, Krashlander and Roar Rampage
By Russ Frushtick on Feb 07, 2013 02.07.13
After Burner Climax (Link)
In the spirit of the original After Burner (read: shoot planes with other planes) comes After Burner Climax. Pretty graphics and decent controls make it a worthy addition to the series.
Krashlander (Link)
"Krashlander" means "Skiing" in German. Probably. Which would explain the subject of this strange, 2D physics game wherein you must ski jump into the waiting arms of robots.
Roar Rampage (Link)
Just when you thought you were safe from the menace that is a giant dinosaur with boxing gloves...
iOS Watch List
9 CommentsiOS Watch List: Baseball Superstars 2013, Sortee and Table Top Racing
By Russ Frushtick on Jan 31, 2013 01.31.13
First up we've got Baseball Superstars 2013. It's basically the same Baseball Superstars game you've played over and over again in years past (to the point where I'm not sure why it's even an annual franchise, save for the money to be made), but they did boost the graphics this time around. It's free-to-play, and you should get a few hours of gameplay before the in-app purchasing demands start to kick in. (Link)
Next we have Sortee, a game all about, well, sorting. Not terribly thrilling, mind you, but it might intrigue those Brain Age fans in the audience. I actually had a fair bit of fun with it, at least until the game demanded that I sort by color and, being color-blind, I ended up rage quitting. Yellow and green are not my friends. (Link)
Last this week is the most promising...
iOS Watch List
13 CommentsiOS Watch List: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes, Half-Inch Heist and Wide Sky
By Russ Frushtick on Jan 24, 2013 01.24.13
Well, they can't all be blockbuster weeks, right?
First up we have Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. It's a long-awaited port, bringing Capybara's fantastic DS puzzle game to iOS. Unfortunately, the transition isn't quite so smooth as we would have hoped. It's still a story-driven puzzle game with RPG units acting as the match-three pieces, but the controls are inconsistent and need some work. There's also some strange in-app purchasing options, especially considering the $5 price and the fact that it came out on DS four years ago. But hey, if you don't want to lug your DS around in addition to your iPhone, your options are sorta limited.
Next is Half-Inch Heist. It's a free-to-play, survive-as-long-as-you-can game where you take on the roll of a tiny jewel thief trying to remove a...
iOS Watch List
9 CommentsiOS Watch List: Temple Run 2, Final Fantasy: All The Bravest and Momonga: Pinball Adventures
By Russ Frushtick on Jan 17, 2013 01.17.13
First up we have Temple Run 2, from a series which has often been duplicated but rarely replicated. The sequel's biggest boon is the revamped engine, which is far prettier this time around. There's also a lot more verticality, as levels heave and sway with hills, traps and ropes. As an added bonus, it's free-to-play and is surprisingly not very demanding of IAP. It's there, of course, but you'll get a large amount of enjoyment without having paid a cent.
Next is a strange one called Final Fantasy: All the Bravest. Imagine the graphical style of the original 8-bit Final Fantasy games, but with the gameplay of, well, I'm not really sure this is gameplay. You tap on the screen a bunch and the guys attack until the monster is dead. There's no real strategy to it. As evidenced in the video...
iOS Watch List
4 CommentsiOS Watch List: Joe Danger Touch!, Noble Nutlings and Hundreds
By Russ Frushtick on Jan 10, 2013 01.10.13
First up is Joe Danger Touch! Developed by the same folks that made the console versions, this iOS remake includes content from both Joe Danger titles, as well as host of touch-specific features. For example, you no longer have to hunt for letters throughout each of the maps. Instead, you an let your fingers do the walking.
Next we have Noble Nutlings, a free-to-play racer made by former Rovio team members. The game has you using tilt controls to pilot a merry band of squirrels through a few dozen levels. Most interesting are the customization features, letting you change the wheels and chasis of your vehicle for a very different feel.
And lastly we have Hundreds, a puzzle game that is both devious and ingenious. The objective is simple: tap circles to increase their values until you...
iOS Watch List
23 CommentsiOS Watch List: Baldur's Gate, Middle Manager of Justice and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
By Russ Frushtick on Dec 13, 2012 12.13.12
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ($9.99)
It's a remake of the original Baldur's Gate, which released way back in 1998. This version has been updated with some of the fan-created mods from over the years, as well as full touch controls. In terms of bang for your buck, it's a pretty good deal at $9.99, given that the full game is liable to take you around 60 to 80 hours to complete. That said, the graphics haven't exactly aged well, so set expectations accordingly.
Middle Manager of Justice (Free)
The studio that brought you Psychonauts is now dipping its toes into iOS waters. Its first attempt is Middle Manager of Justice, which places you at the helm (or...slightly below the helm) of a burgeoning super hero emporium. While the gameplay doesn't diverge too much from all the other iOS...
iOS Watch List
16 CommentsiOS Watch List: GTA: Vice City, Minigore 2 and Into the Dead
By Russ Frushtick on Dec 06, 2012 12.06.12
It's actually a pretty strong week for iOS gamers. The most high-profile release is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City ($4.99), but we've also got the long-awaited sequel, Minigore 2 ($1.99), as well as a clever twist on the forever-runner genre with Into the Dead (free).
Any other new mobile games you're playing? Let me know in the comments. Always looking for some unheralded gems!
iOS Watch List
10 CommentsiOS Watch List: Jet Set Radio, The Bowling Dead and Writer Rumble
By Russ Frushtick on Nov 28, 2012 11.28.12
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it will offer a quick selection of games and updates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. It's worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Jet Set Radio
Jet Set Radio
Being a law-abiding citizen is all well and good, but sometimes you...
iOS Watch List
14 CommentsGot an iPad Mini? Feed it these classic games!
By Russ Frushtick on Nov 22, 2012 11.22.12
Earlier this month saw the launch of the iPad Mini. At the time, it wasn't readily apparently whether the device would prove as ideal for gamers as it would be for media and web consumers. But, several weeks in, it has quickly become my go-to iOS gaming device. Why? Essentially, its weight and size make it perfect for commute gaming, whereas the standard iPad can prove too bulky for a narrow subway or airplane seat. But, because it's considerably larger than an iPhone, there's less of a crowded-screen-real-estate issue in games.
With this new size also comes a new audience that maybe hasn't experienced iPad gaming quite yet. For those folks, as well as for folks who have a horrible memory, we thought it'd be a good idea to pick out some of our favorite iPad games so far, which...
iOS Watch List
0 CommentsiOS Watch List: Skylanders Battlegrounds, Motley Blocks and Meganoid 2
By Russ Frushtick on Nov 21, 2012 11.21.12
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it will offer a quick selection of games and updates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. It's worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Skylanders Battlegrounds
Skylanders Battlegrounds
Kids today! In my day, we had toys and we had...
iOS Watch List
13 CommentsiOS Watch List: Beatdown, Arranger and Verticus
By Russ Frushtick on Nov 14, 2012 11.14.12
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it will offer a quick selection of games and updates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. It's worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Beatdown
Beatdown
Ravenous Games has been making a lot of retro-inspired titles, but one genre...
iOS Watch List
6 CommentsiOS Watch List: Angry Birds Star Wars, Chip Chain and Wraithborne
By Russ Frushtick on Nov 07, 2012 11.07.12
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it will offer a quick selection of games and updates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. It's worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Angry Birds Star Wars
Angry Birds Star Wars
You may scoff at the Angry Birds phenomenon. You may...
iOS Watch List
19 CommentsiOS Gaming Watch List: Borderlands Legends, Arc Squadron and Heads Up! Hot Dogs
By Russ Frushtick on Oct 31, 2012 10.31.12
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it will offer a quick selection of games and updates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. It's worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Borderlands Legends
Borderlands Legends
The success of Borderlands and its sequel meant that a...
iOS Watch List
3 CommentsiOS Gaming Watch List: Crazy Taxi, Devil's Attorney, and Funky Smugglers
By Russ Frushtick on Oct 09, 2012 10.09.12
The most promising iPhone and iPad releases for October 11th, 2012.
Each week the iOS Gaming Watch List will inform you of some noteworthy releases coming to the App Store. Major releases tend to hit on Thursdays, so we'll be coming at you every Wednesday with the games to look out for, as well as some of the bigger content updates on the way. While this won't be a comprehensive list of games releasing for a given week, it does offer a quick selection of games and upates that show promise or look interesting for one reason or another. Worth noting that we have not played many of these games, so you shouldn't take these as short reviews. Think of this more like a helpful guide of games to investigate as they launch on Thursday.
Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi
Apparently it's time to make...
