With four worlds (five levels each) and unlimited replay value, 1-bit Ninja is a worthwhile purchase for old schoolers, new schoolers, and anyone else looking for a challenging retro platformer.

For less than a dollar, there really aren't too many better experiences out there.

My only complaint would be that load times can seem a little long for when I'm trying to get a quick game in during a commercial break on television or something, but it's certainly worth waiting for - it's also totally understandable when considering the detail in the levels that's been squeezed onto our little devices.

For fighting game fans who haven't played the original Street Fighter IV on iOS, this is the version to get.

A gem, and a nice change of pace for those who don't think of catapulting birds or slashing ropes as true puzzles.

This is about as simple as gaming gets, and about as addictive, but what Nuts! has in style it lacks in fresh challenges and varied scenery. No matter how high Jake climbs, the tree and danger zones don't vary.

With over sixty levels spread across three areas (Deep Caverns, Lava Tunnels and Lunar Foundry), and fifty eight ship parts to collect, it should keep all but the most persistent players busy for a while.

Setting up traps can get a bit tedious at times, but watching the bunny get flung, squashed, burned, and pummeled in different way is quite entertaining. Cartoon bunny lovers may want to pass on this one, though.

Magnetic Baby is a fun, cute platformer. Admittedly, it lacks originality – borrowing heavily from Super Mario Galaxy, primarily. But despite this truth, it's still an entertaining and challenging platformer. And for 99 cents, it's definitely worth a go.

Sword and Soldiers is a great example of what a casual strategy game can do. It's deep enough for core gamers to enjoy, yet is simple enough that casual gamers can get in to it, while appreciating its deeper elements.

While slinging Blobster around the game's levels, watching him bounce all over the place, it really feels like one's playing with a toy, rather than simply controlling another video game character. This is what makes Blobster a unique, stand-out platformer.

Control issues aside, Z The Game is still a lot of strategic fun. The fast-paced nature of each level fits well with the on-the-go style most iOS users are used to and it practically feels like Z was originally designed with the platform in mind. Anyone who enjoys PC strategy games should find plenty to love here.

Solid visuals and quality controls collide in this awe inspiring battle for iOS supremacy.

The graphical style is basic but cutesy and it's certainly very easy to just pick up and play. For those wanting a less than cerebral offering, Pocket RPG could be just what they want. RPG fans will need to look elsewhere for their next fix however.

A complex sim and one that demonstrates just how wondrous it was the first time.

Blast endless waves of zombies in this addictive casual shooter with tons of style.

Not enough can be said about the visuals of Gravity Lab! as they are pretty astonishing.

I've got a folder set aside for these kind of games, the 'just one more go' games that are inexpensive but compelling. Ninja Fishing will be happily residing there for a while to come.

The sumptuous feast of cars, the variety of different racing challenges, high production value along with simple brand recognition assure Need For Speed – Shift 2 – Unleashed will race to the top of the charts – where it deserves to be.

Still quite fun, but it isn't entirely fresh. Those looking for new levels with new concepts that explore the familiar formula will enjoy this. Those tired of the game won't find much here to appeal to them.

Dream Track Nation is fun and frustrating; I have often rage-quit while playing it, but it made future success so much more sweet. This is a very feature-packed game for $0.99.

At first I was kind of on the fence about Bug Heroes Quest, but after a leveling-up my heroes a bit and playing a few stages that are a bit more involved than the early ones I've done a complete 180. I love this game. A lot.

A very good-looking game, and one that is well-designed. The levels can be daunting at times, but it really just takes some strategic planning in order to solve the game's challenges. For those who have played one too many tower defense games and want a new perspective on things, this is worth checking out.

Regardless of control niggles, NyxQuest is still a must buy, even more so at its introductory price, but it'd be nice to see a future update correct the control based inaccuracies.

Pickpawcket isn't just charmingly funny. It's a fun and challenging stealth game with plenty of varied levels, and one that shows off a classy touch on the part of the developer. At 99 cents it's a steal.

Back to the Future Episode 5 might be more of the same, technically (warts and all), but it ensures that the season ends on a high note with a selection of strong set pieces to enthral.

When judged on its own merits, Save Yammi is a creative puzzler with cute graphics, reliable physics and charm. It offers something a little different into the iOS puzzle game world, which is welcome, especially for those of us who have been cutting ropes for a long time and want a fresh challenge in a friendly and familiar form.

The one thing all great puzzle games share is the ability to induce players into a state where they stop thinking and are just playing. Fractal: Make Blooms Not War is one of those games and anyone looking for a cheap yet high-quality iPad puzzle game should definitely give it a look.

Add one part Limbo, one part World of Goo and a dash of Cut The Rope - get Contre Jour.

A great game and players will have a wonderful time caring for these monsters. Hopefully the developer is working on more content because 10 levels won't take very long to complete, even if there is an option to go back and improve a score.

Cado is certainly one fun and hard to put down game. The 40 levels (soon to be 60, total) are somewhat of a mixed-bag as far as challenge goes, but that shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying this addicting casual physics puzzle-platformer.

I was, and still am, genuinely surprised and impressed with Emissary of War. It's fun, funny and genuinely different in a genre over-saturated with Blizzard wannabes.

The game is perfectly suited for a mobile platform and makes great use of device features.

Puts players in the shoes of suspect-turned-detective Antoine as he tries to discover the truth about his foster father's murder and clear his name. It's a very tight, well-made mystery title that should delight fans of the genre.

Even without a multiplayer mode, Quarrel is a phenomenal game. Frustrations aside, it is so enjoyable and very hard to put down. Strategy and word game fans will both find things to love about this game and players that enjoy both genres will be in heaven.

I'm certain there are some people out there who will find NOM 5 enjoyable, but unless the tap-timing sees an improvement I have a hard time imagining it finding much of a fanbase.

It's a solid effort for Hogrocket, however. It just needs a challenge level re-adjustment to make it truly as great as I suspect it could be.

1000 Heroz's daily task mechanic is what really makes this game stand out, and encourages the kind of long-term play that the strongest iOS games have.

4Towers Onslaught is certainly one of the more enjoyable tower defense titles out there and it merits a looks from players looking for a new game in the genre to enjoy.

Fans of defense games and the geoDefense series will enjoy this.

Race Illegal isn't going to drop jaws, but its a solid racer thats a lot of fun to play. And the branding – Chillingo – is a good choice. This is a racer that looks arcade, but plays casual enough for all skill levels to enjoy.

Wildlings is a nice change of pace. The game can easily suck up copious amounts time, and it becomes addictive to get three stars on every stage. Those that are looking for something a bit whimsical, challenging and pleasing on the eyes and to the ears should definitely give this game a look.

While those who fell squarely on the side of Vlambeer in the Ninja Fishing/Radical Fishing debacle will likely be disgusted by Muffin Knight, there's still an original art theme, engrossing RPG elements, and the fun multiplayer as well.

Machinarium is a stunning game. Working just as naturally on the iPad as it did on the PC, it's the kind of flawless experience that all point and click fans should check out immediately. They won't be disappointed by any means.

Personally, I could care less about a fair few of these games, but a couple of them are surprisingly good. Good enough to be their own game in a few cases, actually.

The gameplay isn't deep, but it isn't meant to be. In the pure flick games, I would have liked a little more sensitivity to the strength of the flick – most of mine seemed to go the same distance and have the same impact regardless of my intended velocity – otherwise, the games worked as expected.

One of Another World's largest shortcomings, which is really a product of its original design, is that it's more of an exercise in repetition than actual skill.

TITUS certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but I've had plenty of fun with it. The mini-games kept the simulation aspects from dragging, while those same simulation aspects kept me invested for the long term.

Fans of shooters looking for a game with high production values and console-quality gameplay scaled down for mobile will love this. Just be aware that it does pale in comparison in terms of complexity to the big-name console titles that it is inspired by.

Fling a Thing manages to combine flinging physics, arcade tomfoolery and just a hint of virtual pet with surprising success.

Fans of arena survival games like Tilt to Live, Hard Lines, and Silverfish ought to check this one out.

iOS gamers looking for a challenge from their games will be satisfied by Commander Pixman, as it is extremely difficult.

Nagging issues aside, Beyond Reasonable Doom ends the series with a bang. Several of them. Literally. I doubt it will win over point-and-click haters, but my goodness is it a great offering for fans of the genre.

One of the smartest games I've played on iOS, and it demands a kind of precision and planning that other games just don't have. The game works well no matter which platform it's played on, but iPad owners will definitely want to check this out on the larger screen.

SpaceChem isn't the most beautiful of games but it's certainly complex. Controls are easy to use and the concept is perfect for the iPad screen.

The characters are cute and well designed, the levels are challenging yet not brutal, the music is bright and lively, and flinging the squids around the screen is a ton of fun. And we can all use a bit more of that, right?

This game is visually-stunning, and its missions have a great sense of scope to them.

Danger Alliance: Battles is a solid title although one that would benefit from future updates. Speedier enemy AI would be welcome as well as the much promised single player campaign. Despite such niggles, currently on sale at $1.99, it's a good time to jump onboard the Danger Alliance: Battles ship.

From the difficulty to the combat, to even just the way the game feels like it was yanked straight out of a SNES, there is a lot to love here.

Make no qualms about it, this is a great puzzle game for iOS. The world is gorgeous, the puzzles difficult, and the story interesting. Gamers looking for a puzzle game that finally breaks the mold, has quite a bit of character, and can adjust to the controls will find a great value in this title.

Crazy Escape's cartoon style graphics suit the game perfectly and add humor. It's hard not to laugh as the sheep are dragged mercilessly behind the jeep. This is a great introduction to path drawing games for younger gamers, but packs a fast-paced challenge for even a seasoned finger-pilot.

That level of ingenuity ensures that Rope Rescue HD is well worth playing. It's an interesting title that's enjoyable to play for gamers of all age and skill levels. What more could anyone want?

It's a very good game that's a lot of fun. It's just that the original offers pretty much the exact same experience with a lot more content and modes. If someone already owns Fruit Ninja, I can't really think of a reason why they'd also want this version. Unless they're a huge fan of the movie or the actor, anyway.

The environments and models look great and they hold up during extensive play. Players looking for something different should give Sky Gamblers: Rise of Glory a look.

This may not be the most inventive or unique physics game out there, but it is a strong new entry in genre.

Obscure metrics aside, Drawin' Growin' is a fun game. I really enjoyed watching the different areas of the kingdom spring to life as I completed levels, and the hectic all-at-once management style of gameplay fits the iOS style perfectly.

Fans of the Metroidvania genre of platformer will find a great example of the genre here.

Players looking for the next great word game should check W.E.L.D.E.R. for sure.

It's one of those games that's obviously been designed specifically for iOS users, the current crop of iOS users that have grown accustomed to quality portable titles, from the ground up. It probably shouldn't be missed.

Zombies as a cultural phenomenon may run the risk of being passe' and overdone very soon (My prediction? The zombie bubble collapses when a broadcast TV network decides to make their own ripoff of The Walking Dead), but thankfully Zombieville USA 2 does a great job at interpreting a classical genre in the modern era.

With more than 240 different puzzles that generally last all of 15 seconds, it's incredibly easy to get caught up playing Blueprint 3D. It's another one of those "Just one more..." games that's bound to please.

While the omnipresent theme song may get a bit grating and it sadly lacks the multiplayer modes of the original Xbox version, Rocket Riot still serves up plenty of good, mindless, destructive fun and bizarre quirky charm. Warm up those jet-butts and check it out.

Ultimately, Chocohero is just a little crazy. Throwing so many zany and fantastical ideas all at once makes for an experience that's ideal for casual gamers as well as family gamers.

The free end of Asteroids Gunner offers plenty of boulder-blasting enjoyment, especially if one likes the satisfaction of chasing the cost of that next upgrade or besting an old completion time. And all of this without the risk of swollen thumbs; isn't modern technology great?

This game is a great bite-sized retro masterpiece with focused gameplay and modes that will fit any gaming occasion. Box Cat's quirky, unrelentingly enjoyable role reversal will keep players crashing this kitty for a long, long time.

Major Mayhem is yet another addictive time gobbler to add to [adult swim]'s rapidly growing battalion of quirky, tongue-in-cheek titles. Almost anything under their aegis is a safe purchase and the Major is definitely no exception.

The unique tornado-as-a-weapon mechanics bring something new to the genre and players should definitely take notice.

It's a great package for card game fans and Assassin's Creed fans alike. The story mode within Assassin's Creed Recollection promises 8-10 hours of fun and the online multiplayer will no doubt extend that. Throw in the time it'll take to collect all 280 cards/memories and there's a lot of gameplay to be had for fans of the franchise.

An enjoyable game, despite a few niggles. Of course, more maps would have been welcome, but what's included will keep the player busy for quite a while.

Desert Zombie Last Stand is actually quite the fun third-person shooter involving waves of zombies. Which makes the horrific and constant framerate dips all the more frustrating.

Michael Jackson The Experience HD is a really enjoyable rhythm game, with some great visuals and stunning sound.

Simple and to the point, nothing detracts Bejeweled Blitz from a format that's worked for years.

A charming conversion of a much loved platforming classic.

For anyone who enjoys an action-puzzler, but is tired of variations of the same themes over and over, this is a solid pick up with a lot of promise.

There's a lot to love about Tank Riders. It looks and sounds fantastic, and the idea behind the gameplay is sound; in fact some of the levels are quite tense. It's a shame that the controls always feel a bit too sluggish, because while it doesn't ruin the game, it's a prominent niggle in an otherwise fine game.

Overall, Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World is worth a look for those after a challenging yet humorous adventure.

Suffice it to say, Cave has done it yet again. Bug Princess is another great shooter to add to the ol' iOS library. It's significantly cheaper than its brethren, too, so it's also bound to appeal to frugal entomophobics everywhere.

This is still a classic and still a fantastic game that needs to be played by any and all RPG lovers. The controls can be very, very irritating at times but the core experience, characters and storyline have weathered the storm of porting and still provide as much enjoyment as they ever had. I'm still kind of cheesed-off by the butchering of Frog's script, though.

Tongue Tied takes the core elements of physics platforming and mixes it up perfectly with stylistic trick performances. This emphasis on style ensures that Tongue Tied is more than just a regular platforming title and makes it a game ideal for perfectionists as well as regular physics gaming fans.

Aside from the Old School implementation of game saves, The Bard's Tale is a great trip down memory lane that actually feels more suited to iOS.

Trenches 2 is a great way to enjoy some real-time strategy in a very user-friendly way. While controls are still an occasional issue due to screen size, the gameplay is still engrossing enough for anyone who's a fan of games like Plants vs. Zombies to check this one out.

The Sims Freeplay offers plenty of hours of fun. Some in one big dose, while other sessions are in shorter drop in sessions as is common with the freemium model. In each case, it makes The Sims Freeplay a worthwhile download at an excellent, non-existent, price.

Football Manager Handheld 2012 isn't quite a revolution in soccer management but the addition of Challenge mode does go some way to encouraging that idea. It'd be nice to see some more hands on controls mid match in a future edition.

Microsoft's motivations aside, Kinectimals still proves itself to be a cute way to indulge the inner pet owner in everyone. As long as players go in with realistic expectations of a kid-targeted experience, there is plenty to enjoy and even more to love.

Though the game is extremely fun, it is certainly not worth its current $4.99 price. When you top that off with the additional lure of microtransactions within the game itself, it makes me wonder why it even costs anything to begin with.

LostWinds is a very worthy purchase. It was relatively expensive for its length on the Wii but on the App Store, it fits in nicely. There may be limited replayability once completed, except for those desperate to collect all the Melodia Idols around the game, however the general ambience is warm and enjoyable. It's backed up by some neat wind based mechanics. LostWinds is a fine way to spend some time.

Newcomers might be a tad lost with some of the story elements, but that won't stop them from enjoying themselves. Plus they can always download every other game in the series for a grand total of "hardly anything."

The puzzles are fun and the game is very well designed. If players can play without losing their lunch, they are likely to have a great time.

The controls aren't perfect, but some assists are included to make them a bit easier to handle. Obviously, the Mega Man series being what it is - extremely difficult platforming games that demand player perfection - this isn't the ideal Mega Man experience, but it is a fun way to experience these games on an iOS device.

The only real downside to Monkey Quest: Thunderbow is that when it's finished there's very little incentive to go back and play through it again.

Lunar Racer's fast-paced take on the action racer has a lot going for it, and is definitely worth keeping an eye on in the future. There's plenty of room for more tracks, modes, and vehicles. Noodlecake Studios does not disappoint with this one.

More maps or more zombies would be nice, but really I'm just holding on to hope for an eventual way to bypass the super-boring early waves. Still, it's bound to keep action lovers occupied for a while.

Legendary Heroes is still fun in small doses. It starts to fumble a bit as it progresses because the smaller margin for error magnifies a couple of minor (but significant) issues, though.

Yes, a few cheap deaths aside, Don't Run With a Plasma Sword is another solid endless runner with a little bit of action-platformer thrown in. So throw the instruction manual out the window and give this one a try if you're a fan of the genre. Did I mention the theremin? It really is rather neat.

There is a lot that I would change about Star Marine: Infinite Ammo, particularly to make it more in line with the games that inspired it, but what's here is rather intriguing and fun. Flawed, but there is fun to be had.

Mos Speedrun is a game that fans of retro platformers should definitely check out. The speedrun level format fits for short-burst on-the-go gaming, and the level designs are perfectly made to be played in several ways.

Order Up! To Go is a solid time-management game for those looking to become the next "Top Chef." Despite the freemium version's ad-stricken gameplay, there's a lot of addictive potential to be unlocked.

It's all a very potent mix, but Puzzlejuice is tough. It's great fun and those with an expansive vocabulary will particularly reap the benefits of such a crossover title. In terms of accessibility however, I didn't find it quite as addictive as SpellTower, though it does come close.

Baseball Superstars 2012 is a solid game, which is proven by the 30 million downloads to-date of the entire franchise. It's a very nicely executed freemium title that offers a ton of gameplay without having to purchase in-app upgrades. Baseball fans will love it.

This might be the best game in the Minotaur Project yet – its blending of various game types feels original, yet still so very retro. Check this one out.

I'd highly recommend trying out more than just the first two chapters of GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective. They're good, but just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this game has to offer. Essential for those who like something different.

It's simple, sure, but that's the idea. It's meant to be played over and over again. Players are supposed to try different strategies each time until they find one that works for them. Most of all, it's the kind of game that can drain an entire afternoon. Then the afternoon after that. And the one after that.

This one probably comes more recommended for those who want a challenge provided by a meta-game as opposed to just the game itself. Otherwise, this is a fun 16-bit romp that fits well on the touchscreen.

The Lost City doesn't overstay its welcome, doesn't bore with any complicated story, and doesn't cost too much coin to acquire. It may not be the best game to hit iOS this year but it will easily be one of the most recommendable. Let's hope Fire Maple endeavors further into this genre, they have a knack for it.

I'd love to see a console port and a sequel would probably make me vomit tentacles of joy. There's certainly plenty of untapped material in Lovecraft's shared universe to work with.

A must-have app for any tower defense or sci-fi fan.

A peaceful, zen-like calm often overtook me as I weaved in and out of the curtains of flaming death that the level-ending bosses would send my way. CAVE has put together one hell of a gateway drug here.

As a big Solitaire fan, I found myself struggling to tear myself away from perfecting each of the 24 free holes and I'll certainly be investing in future courses that are unlocked through $0.99 in-app purchases. It's one of those rare games that makes time go speeding past. It might not take long to complete the free courses but it's hard to begrudge putting the money down for new courses, especially for the Solitaire fan.

Pinball Arcade is an impressive title, and one that is bound to please pinball fans. It's a shame a couple of issues get in the way.

The difficulty level is a little inconsistent with some puzzles proving much harder than others despite being earlier in the game. Other than that, however, The Hacker is a great idea that stands out from the crowd. Mini games alone might have made for a mediocre title but with the backing of an original interface and storyline, The Hacker is well worth a look at a bargain price.

I didn't really mind the lack of challenge. The general experience is enjoyable and made all the better by the cute one liners that Spongebob exclaims. For kids, they will love this Spongebob infused game. For adults, they'll enjoy the ride to the end. It's so gleefully happy, it's hard not to smile.

If anyone reading this likes games with a focus on micromanagement, and either loves or doesn't mind the inclusion of zombies, I'd urge them to buy Rebuild right away.

There is nothing not to like about Little Acorns. Even the soundtrack has a funky groove. For newcomers to platforming this is a great entry point, and veterans of the genre will find the challenge, precision and gameplay on par with the best.

It's not Resident Evil or Silent Hill. However, it's still survival horror all the same.

Players looking for a quick bite of old-school racing action on their iOS device will be right at home with Retro Racing.

The music, art, and depth of gameplay are all fantastic, but I just never got all that comfortable with it.

Despite the control issues, this is still a fantastic compilation for fans of classic arcade games. The effort that went into making this more than just a bunch of repackaged arcade titles makes it worth checking out for that alone.

Waking Mars will be loved by fans of Metroidvania-style adventure games. Some of the backtracking can get annoying, but this is another fine title from Tiger Style Games.

A handful of tiny adjustments have made their way in, but it's ultimately still the same game we all remember fondly.

Despite the token system limiting gameplay, Scramble with Friends is in a three-way tie between Words with Friends and Crosswords as my favorite iOS word game.

I love grappling hooks, and this game is chock-full of hooking action.

Gridrunner, much like the rest of Jeff Minter's games on iOS, is a must-buy. He's actually one of the few developers that I would buy a game from as soon as I found out it was available, and I'll keep up with this.

Circadia is a fun puzzle game that forgoes flashy graphics for clean visuals and a simple objective.

Even though Infiltrator's controls could use a little tweaking, they're still extremely intuitive. The combat is very satisfying and exhilarating when it flows properly. Plus old chapters can be reloaded to earn even more cash if things start to get too tough. I have to admit I'm very, very impressed.

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the current version of the game does not seem to play well with the iPad.

There's enough variety between the two modes to keep players interested, while never deviating from the core purpose behind the game. An ideal casual delight.

Coco Loco doesn't reinvent the physics puzzler, but it adds a honeyed style of its own to arguably the most popular genre of game on iOS.

The only real issue I have with TwinGo! is that the entire first world is just far too easy.

A little chugging here and there doesn't keep Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North from being an excellent freemium strategy game. It looks good, it's accessible but still complex and intricate, and there's almost always something to do. Even if that wall upgrade still has a few hours left.

It feels like what Flight Control Rocket adds takes away a lot of its core simplicity, though. Now it feels like I'm playing as much for collecting the game's new currency as I am for the pursuit of high scores.

Even if the game is a bit on the short side, there's no denying how enjoyable Harry the Fairy is to play, listen to and look at.

Rune Raiders is a really addictive title. While the backgrounds suffer a bit from repetition, the challenging gameplay more than makes up for this as it's a title that's hard to put down. There's even a randomized survival mode to unlock, which adds longevity.

A great new release from the Angry Birds stable. It adds plenty of great new features to entice players in, both old and new alike. Fans in particular will be delighted, even if they will wonder where all their free time has vanished to.

Anyone with a love of dogfighting should definitely check out Sky Gamblers: Air Superiority. With so many options for both single and multiplayer game types, it's bound to keep them entertained for a very long time.

The awesome controls and the polished visuals round this game out very nicely and make it one that players who enjoy challenging action won't want to miss.

The design has charm, but because there is so much starting over the game can feel a little repetitive. That's offset, however, by the moments of real humor and the solid old school gameplay.

While some aspects did annoy me with the combat and platforming, overall this is an extremely enjoyable action-RPG experience. The classical elements are there but it's not overwhelmingly retro, and it is definitely worth checking out.

Light the Flower is an extremely likeable game. It has such a simple premise yet, like all good puzzle games, it's hard to master.

Of course, this is a free movie tie-in game, but it is a darn good one.

Packed with poisonous mushrooms and stinging bees, Diggin' Dogs is an intriguingly awesome puzzle that introduces three little unsuspecting heros as they search for the golden boot.

I absolutely adore roller coasters and endless games with simple controls are my favorite diversion; Madcoaster delivers both. But, what separates an instant classic from just another fun play and discard title is all in the details.

The concept is a very good one, and the ability to play levels created by other people is the icing on the cake.

Pointless exploration and super-repetitive environments aside, Brandnew Boy is one heck of an action game.

If you're looking for a unique way to get to know someone, Fingle might be right up your alley. Kudos for a developer trying something new and different, even if only the most dexterous can successfully play it.

This is a game for baseball freaks first and foremost, and those freaks who loved iOOTP 2011 who want 2012 players and tweaked gameplay will want to snatch this one up right away.

At times, it might feel like Virtual City 2: Paradise Resort is one of the more challenging titles in the genre. Compared to some of G5′s other casual entries, it is, but its keen ability to keep things interesting is bound to keep fans playing for many hours to come.

It's well worth the free download to check out what the game does differently from other shooters, and to appreciate its whimsical style, though it will need some new maps soon.

Even though I'm not too fond of the trial-and-error gameplay of the bulk of the stages, there's just too much to love about Amoebattle for me to care. It's a unique spin on a classic genre, and one that's more than worth any interested iOS gamer's time.

Pretty much the only thing holding Super Lemonade Factory back is the content - some more inventive level design and creative uses of the characters' abilities would be welcome, as this game has such promise.

Originality is all but impossible in the modern age, so let's just blow over where On the Wind draws its inspirations from and how heavily. What matters is that it's beautiful to look at, fun to play, and challenging enough to keep me coming back for more than a few goes. Still, one hopes the developer's next game isn't called Voyage.

Spin Up is a great game for fans of the genre. As with most high-score based games repetition eventually sets in, but trying to earn enough experience points for new characters should keep the player busy for a good while.

Skylanders Cloud Patrol is actually a shining example of how a big license can jump on to the platform. Without the branding, this would still be a fun game to play, and for fans of the franchise, it integrates fairly well. The characters could have been better used, but other than that, this is a solid little shoot 'em up.

Don't expect to make any masterpieces in Sketch Nation Studio, but the value here is in enabling the creativity of users. It's about taking a silly idea to fruition easily, and reveling in the creation of others along with it. Who knows, maybe the creator of the next great game will find their way into making the next great game thanks to Sketch Nation Studio, thanks to its accessible creation tools.

It's still entertaining despite the rough controls and cutscene glitches, plus it doesn't cost a thing. Not that being free is an excuse, but it certainly makes it easier to sate that curiosity.

Crow is universal. But owners of the new iPad should definitely choose their iPads over their iPhones to take advantage of the beautiful and strange graphics in the game.

Over 150 well-designed levels means the player well definitely get value for money, and the werewolf ability adds a nice twist.

Cannon Cat's well worth a download. Its levels may not involve many different obstacles for our flying feline hero, but its touchscreen-friendly gameplay does a lot well.

It's another great example of pick-up-and-play/on-the-go iOS gaming.

Ballistic SE will make fans of the genre very happy. It looks and sounds great, controls well and will keep the player coming back to best their high scores.

While incredibly similar to a favorite of mine, Tentacle Wars HD simply wasn't quite as fun. I enjoyed the first set of levels, but, after a while, I just got bored.

It's a quality recreation, not a cheap knock-off.

The gameplay is really fun and innovative, the levels are challenging, the graphics are a pleasure to look at, and the online tournaments are a killer feature. It's well worth the price and any puzzle addict should be sure to download it.

It's just really freaking addicting and clever.

While Time of Heroes isn't my favorite turn-based strategy on iOS, it was fun and had fairly decent 3D graphics.

Impatience aside and AbraWORDabrA is a great twist on the word gaming genre.

Repetition with Mystery of the Japanese Werewolf is pretty much the only issue. The witty meta-referential lines start to get old after they're repeated. The new abilities wind up just being the same as the old ones, just with the ability to destroy new blocks. Even the boss enemy recurs with similar ways to defeat him.

It's increasingly possible to get a big console-style game on mobile, but the inherent drawback of touchscreen controls and the lack of tactility are really the only aspects that hold N.O.V.A. 3 back. Those who are prepared to look past them are the ones that will have a great time with this.

For $2.99 with the promise of more free levels to come, Brainssss is a great value. Any fan of RTS or zombies should grab this one.

Pandemic 2.5 is one of those games that really has to be played in order to understand what all the fuss is about. It's not perfect, sure, but it's the best viral Armageddon simulator I've ever played.

I can't stress enough just how intriguing the puzzles in Winter of the Melodias can be. It's a thoroughly enthralling and totally gorgeous adventure. It's not perfect, but it's absolutely worth it for fans of the original and the genre in general.

Dark Legends is at its heart still a fun game, and rather impressive considering that it's still free to play. It works out of the box with seamless cross-platform multiplayer. The only problem is that because it shares the core technology with its predecessors, the only differences are the setup and inclusion of vampires.

The spot on level designs and clever "frozen" environments make this game a sheer joy to play.

I wanted to love this game from the bottom of my heart, I was ready to love it like I was a kid again, but the insistence on cheap challenges leaves me just short of unequivocally loving this.

Assuming someone isn't looking for a single-player only game, there's plenty of entertainment to be had with Scotland Yard. It's easy to learn and lots of fun. Just know that it truly shines when played with or against other people.

There are only 17 total "jobs" in the game for players to compete. This is simply too little. The levels don't take long to complete and, beside from boss battles, they aren't particularly challenging.

Over the top in all the right ways, and it's fantastic because of it. The animation and great controls make this a fun use of $0.99.

Avernum: Escape from the Pit HD will be quite an epic experience for anyone who enjoys this older style of RPG. The storyline is interesting, combat system is complex and enjoyable, and the graphics and music fit this type of game well.

Bejeweled HD might be a little pricey for a game we've almost all bought at least once in the past, but it's a well rounded package. Each of the modes is enjoyable to play and ideal for a variety of different match three experiences. That "one more go" feeling is ever strong here.

The graphics are a mix of upgrades and seemingly older assets. That there are pixellation issues at all is rather inexcusable for a sequel. The new backgrounds and user interface elements are crisp and clean-looking, while the little brain and distraction icons seem to be the exact same assets from the previous game. This feels a little like being cheated.

Essentially, it's a soccer themed puzzle game. Figuring out the best route to take and lining up shots just right is the focus here. While it's not possible to deviate from the original plan, there are still some important physics to take into account. Unlocking Pro mode reinforces this as it takes line drawing speed into account which can change everything.

Alive4ever mini is on the verge of being a brand new game rather than a sequel. It's perfect for fans of the series who need something to hold them over until the release of the third installment, but it's also great for anyone who is new to the series.

Kotomon is definitely unique. Anyone who sees the screenshots and enjoys the art style should pick it up. Almost all will enjoy the gameplay because of how it mashes a few different gameplay styles into one game. For $2.99 as a universal app, this one's worth picking up.

Extreme Skater has a gradual learning curve and keeps it simple, while including lots of extras for more serious players to enjoy. It's not the most intense extreme sports game out there, but for a light summer diversion it's a very solid, well-priced choice.

Looked at on its own (which I'm not sure it deserves) it's an enjoyable enough romp with plenty of replay value. And it's free, and it doesn't really push purchases on me, so that's all to be appreciated. Still, it would be nice to see these values applied to new ideas on iOS a bit more, right? Ah who are we kidding.

While I wasn't a big fan of the interface and menus, it was bearable until I noticed a problem. There's no way to individually remove pieces of the bridge.

It might be heavy on the exposition and light on the camera control, but this is one solid free-to-play that usually always has something for players to do. Being the boss of a secret organization created to deal with extra-terrestrial activities sounds like a fantastic job, and thanks to Men in Black 3 I'm even more inclined to believe it.

In the end, Rock(s) Rider isn't a failure; it just comes up a little short. With a little patience players can learn to work around the controls (for the most part), but a little tweaking would make a much-needed difference.

There is something habit forming about Bee Leader. I'm not sure if it's the aesthetic or the gameplay that's doing it, but something keeps me playing until my fingers are sore. It's not quite a must-have, but definitely a great choice for a casual gamer's collection.

Tiny Plane is simple in premise, but less so in execution, making it an ideal choice for endless fans looking for a ramped up challenge, and for those who prefer that their games build replay value based not on tricks, but rather on a compulsion to beat the machine.

Fans of the other games in the Radiangames catalog, even those who have only checked out Super Crossfire, will enjoy Inferno+, especially with its upgrade system. It's not the best dual-stick shooter out there, but it's still plenty of fun.

While Plague Inc. isn't ground-breaking iOS game, it's definitely one of the most refined. With features like self-mutating viruses, government collapses that actually effect the spread through a given country, unlockable virus classes, and an honest to goodness save feature (yay!), this is the apocalypse plague game to get.

In the end, Expand It! is a fun (and cute) little distraction of an iOS game. It can get frustrating at times, but it does a pretty good job of merging rainbows, dinosaurs, and physics more often than not.

While some of the elements that make The Naked Gun: ICUP unique and interesting also get in the way at times, it's still a worthwhile adventure. And while the jokes (like the game itself) can be hit-or-miss, when they hit they're an absolute riot.

Pastry Panic is, quite simply, another pick-up-and-play iOS game destined for Classic status. There've been a lot of those lately, haven't there? Not that I'm complaining.

Uplink was a fantastic breath of fresh air 11 years ago and it still feels just as exceptional now. It's the kind of experience that reminds you why gaming can be so rewarding.

The one downside to Affliction: Zombie Rising's motion control is that playing the game on the go is a little troublesome due to the constant movement. However, it's a small price to pay for a survival horror game that uses its platform to scare in a gimmicky yet fun way.

Disco Kitten is unique to say the least. The eclectic mix of gameplay, mechanics, visuals and music makes for a game that doesn't easily fit into many genres. This one-of-a-kind game is lots of fun and very challenging as well.

Mutant Storm doesn't light the world on fire, but even as a 2005 re-release, it does some things differently enough on a structural level that it should engross fans of the dual-stick shooter.