#6. Dream:scape
Genres: Casual Adventure, Visual Novel
[xrr rating=4/5]
Story-heavy but a little light on actual gameplay, Speedbump Studios’ debut became a love-it-or-hate-it title when it hit the App Store. Sean ultimately fell on the “love it” side of that equation, particularly because of how creepy an atmosphere it delivered. From the review: “Interactive digital art at its finest! Dream:scape scores major points for its superbly delivered story and palpable atmosphere, although it doesn’t offer much to those for whom gameplay depth or open-endedness are strong pre-requisites.”
#7. Haunted Domains
Genres: Time Management, Simulation, Action Puzzle, Logic Puzzle
[xrr rating=3.5/5]
We’re still waiting on touch sensitivity adjustments for the iPhone and iPod Touch version Sean was hoping for in his review, but even so, Haunted Domains is a deliciously fun and challenging title for time management fans! It’s got tons of levels and upgrades, and enough offbeat Halloween antics to strike your funny bone if you’re in a more playful mood.
#8. Requiem
Genre: First Person Runner
[xrr rating=3.5/5]
This run-for-your-life fest casts the player as a boy locked in a nightmare where he’s eternally chased down by a giant demonic bull. Sean’s UI complaints directed at the release version have since been addressed, pushing Requiem up a few ranks in our list. If you’re up for an arcade style first-person running game that’ll get your heart thumping, look no further!
#9. Army of Darkness: Defense
Genre: Castle Defense
[xrr rating=4/5]
It’s kind of like Legendary Wars, but doesn’t have quite that level of depth. Nevertheless, as we noted in the review, “…it recovers with sheer accessibility and the natural strength of its core resource management mechanics. Castle Defense fans who don’t need to micromanage to have fun should take this one for a whirl.”
#10. Zombie Samurai
Genre: Slicing, Castle Defense
[xrr rating=4/5]
From our review: “The slicing genre may compete with the endless runner for most worn-out concept on iOS, but Zombie Samurai is a compelling package thanks to the way it marries the depth of the Castle Defense genre with swipe-at-everything gameplay.”
#11. Call of Mini: Zombies
Genre: Third-Person Shooter, Survival Horror
[xrr rating=4/5]
This “Gore-tastic” Third Person Shooter comes close to the likes of To-Fu: The Trials of Chi, Diversion, and Legendary Wars for most updated game this year, by our reckoning! Kieran was looking for more flesh on the bones in his review, and the developer has since answered the call with plenty of new characters, weapons, and environment maps!
#12. Vermes on Mars
Genre: Top-Down Shooter
[xrr rating=4/5]
It’s like Tremors, but only robots get eaten by the sandworms here. From our review: “An unconventional title that’s difficult to categorize neatly into any one genre. Vermes on Mars should greatly appeal if you’re open to a sci-fi action game that’s got plenty of meat on the bones and requires methodical real-time strategizing. While touch friendly, its controls are best appreciated by gamers who don’t mind a little complexity in the interface department.”
#13. Zoombie Digger
Genre: Castle Defense
[xrr rating=4/5]
From Ru’s review: “Heck, even if you don’t particularly like zombie games, or indeed the Defense genre, Zoombie Digger’s whacked-out sense of fun and outlandish eye-candy are still well worth the price of admission. This is one of those titles I really hope everyone and their mother downloads, simply because I can’t wait to see what Crazy Bit cook up next!”
#14. Infernus: Verse 2
Genre: Casual Adventure
[xrr rating=3.5/5]
Talk about an exercise in atmospheric minimalism — there are no enemies here other than a palpable loneliness and the eternal fear that some big, nasty thing is going to interrupt it. Well, that, and a real stumper of a logic puzzle toward the end. From the review: “If you’re willing to factor time spent pestering the developer for solutions into its purchase price, it succeeds as an immersive and intriguing experience for the short time that it lasts.” Note: Evidently second gen iDevice users need to stay away from this one, as it requires a 3GS or above!
#15. Hysteria Project 2
Genre: Casual Adventure, Logic Puzzle, Survival Horror
[xrr rating=3/5]
From our review:Â “[The puzzle rules aren’t always clear], but those forgiving enough to stick with it are likely to find that its second hour of gameplay is much better than the first, holding within its bizarrely constructed folds a few nuggets of survival horror gold. A pick-up-and-play title sure to enthrall millions? Not a chance. Worthy of scoring a cult following among die-hard survival horror fans? Absolutely.”