Vampires, The Sims, Star Wars, and more: New iPhone games of the week
iPad, shmi-pad. Cool new games continue to arrive for the iPhone and iPod Touch--which, by the way, both do something the iPad can't: fit in a pocket.
As I mentioned in last week's write-up of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, not all the hot gaming action these days is on the iPad. Developers continue to crank out some mighty slick titles for the iPhone and iPod Touch, as evidenced by these five compelling newcomers:
1. Above Jumping games (like the terminally addicting PapiJump) are ideal when you've got a few minutes to kill--er, jump. Above (above) takes the platform-jumping genre to a new, um, level, as your tireless briefcase-wielding hopper ascends ever skyward. A techno soundtrack and lush, scrolling backgrounds help keep the action interesting. Above costs $1.99.
2. Bounce On 2: Drallo's Demise If you prefer rolling to jumping and platforms that keep you moving horizontally instead of vertically, Bounce On 2 ($3.99) is your game. I can't say I played (or even heard of) the original, but this charming, fun-for-all-ages platformer hooked me right from the start. You don't have to take my word for it: Try the free Bounce On 2 Lite before you spring for the full game.
3. The Sims 3 World Adventures You know what makes bored Sims (and Sims players) happy? Travel! EA's new World Adventures ($6.99) lets you take new or existing avatars (imported from the original Sims 3 for iPhone) globe-trotting to China, Egypt, and France. This is no mere expansion pack: In addition to the new locales, World Adventures offers new goals, new clothes, new furniture, and even new faces. And when you're ready to "head home," you can export your virtual peeps back to the original Sims 3.
4. Star Wars: Cantina The most famous bar not located in Boston gets its own game. But the only "Force power" you'll need in this cartoony title is the power to serve the right drinks to the right scum and villainy, and fast. So, yeah, it's Diner Dash, Star Wars-style. But thanks to John Williams' lively, always-engaging "Cantina Theme," well, the Force is strong in this one.
5. Vampire Origins When it comes to the undead, I prefer zombies to vampires (not that they're mutually exclusive or anything). That said, give me swords, guns, and a good story, and I'll gladly mow down any unholy creatures you send my way. Vampire Origins ($6.99) offers plenty of third-person hack-and-blast-and-slash action for the aspiring vampire hunter. Check out the gameplay video below.
Seen any other exciting games this week? You know what to do: Tell me all about 'em in the comments!