People are starting to believe that the iPhone can be a worthy portable gaming platform for the market — even perhaps up to the point to compete with Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s PSP. Certainly, Apple is pushing the platform’s gaming experience in the new iPod touch commercials where it’s labeled as “the funnest iPod ever.” And since a gaming platform is nothing without quality titles, here’s a look at five of them that are priced at $5 or less.
Enigmo (iTunes link) $4.99
The ADA-winning game had a price drop from its $9.99 debut, as if you had an excuse good enough not to download it now. Enigmo basically is a port from the amazing Mac physics puzzle game, which may actually play better on the iPhone because of the intuitive touch controls the platform offers. Also available from Pangea are many other fantastic games available at low prices, so check them out.
Texas Hold’em (iTunes link) $4.99
This game is a heavy download at around 129MB, but once you play it you’ll notice why: it has videos of real people as your card-playing opponents. Also, this game features online gameplay, so Apple definitely came up with a great game for the App Store’s launch date.
Trism (iTunes link) $2.99
The developer made a lot of money with this game, and no wonder why: it’s fantastic. While it may be a Bejeweled-esque game, it makes use of the iPhone’s accelerometer for some clever puzzle solving.
Toy Bot Diaries (iTunes link) $3.99
This one is a fun platformer game. Here, you guide the little robot hero through the levels as you move him by tilting the screen, and use his grappling hook by using the touchscreen. If you’re eager to try it out before you buy it, Toy Bot Diaries Free is basically a demo version of the game that anyone can download.
MotionX Poker (iTunes link) $0.99
Perhaps the most addictive game — poker being played with realistic-looking dice that you roll by shaking your iPhone. While the computer may look as if it’s cheating at times as it comes with a fantastic hand at the last minute to beat yours, I cannot stress out how addictive it is. Compulsive gamblers: beware!
Bonus! Five great free iPhone games.
Tap Tap Revenge (iTunes link) - Dance Dance Revolution for your fingers.
Dactyl (iTunes link) - Game where your reflexes will be your best weapon in defusing bombs.
Sudoku Free (iTunes link) - Free Sudoku, need I say more?
Aurora Feint The Beginning (iTunes link) - An artistic puzzle game with RPG-like game elements.
Cube Runner (iTunes link) - Use motion to steer away from the incoming cubes.
Galley on October 7th, 2008 at 8:30 am says:
MotionX-Poker was the first game I bought, and still one of the best I’ve played.