Online battles and loads of loot save Chronicles of Inotia 2 from errand-like missions and lackadaisical spirit of adventure.

Vibrant graphics and bold ideas breathe fresh air into James Cameron Avatar, despite the stifling quirks of its combat system and controls.

Jenga replicates the look and feel of the old puzzling favourite handsomely, although snubbing gyroscopic control is a missed opportunity.

A blend of arcade pace and tactical nuance makes Linkoidz an innovative match-three puzzler, which is notable in and of itself.

Though dressed in full Lord of the Rings regalia, Middle-earth defense is an entry-level tower defence game that hits the basics, but doesn't reach any new heights.

Fairly uniform in nature but no less engaging for it, N.Y.Zombies is a nice living-dead shooting gallery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Not as playable as Doodle Jump, controls provide Oddy Smog's Adventure with its biggest challenge.

A very good physics-based puzzler that's held back by a woolly scoring system.

Filled with as many fun moments as mediocre ones, Sonic The Hedgehog 4, Episode 1 is a good start to the revival of the series.

Strong writing and some fun scenarios save Back to the Future Ep1 HD from its control and performance issues.

Stoneship is an intriguing mix of memory gaming, high seas exploration and strategic planning, but its regularly frustrating nature and lack of replay value take the wind out of its sails.

Does little to peel away the flaws of the original, presenting new levels and mini-games with only incremental changes to its controls and options.

A shallow and fun arcade action game with plenty of attitude to fill in the gaps.

A quicker, more hectic on-rails shooter than the original, Top Gun 2 just can't shake the annoying boss battles and hard to see enemy fire from its tailpipe.

The finger-friendly gameplay of Viking Tales: Mystery of Black Rock makes for a compelling action game, even if there's little reason to return once you've seen its waters.

Offering five twists on its track-switching gameplay, Train Conductor 2: USA provides a quick and varied time management fix.

A nicely constructed, though often shallow tactical game that deserves attention for its quality portrayal of Transformers G1.

A clever strategy game that needs additional modes and factions to complement its accessibility with depth.

Twin Blades isn't revolutionary but its graphics and upgrading make it a decent side-scrolling action game.

Not without some slowdown issues on older models, Warheads nevertheless offers an explosive, enjoyable take on missile defence.

True to its DS roots, Wire Way is a big game, which while offering hours of alien-flicking fun, also suffers somewhat from its scale.

Doom Resurrection whets the appetite with hard-hitting action and pretty graphics, though is starved of any lasting value.

Makes useful and inventive use of multi-touch, twisting tangram into exciting and challenging new shapes - recommended.

While arguably an acquired taste, the awe-inspiring animated action boasted by Dragon's Lair is sure to charm you.

Not without its quirks, many of which are part and parcel of a ten-year old game, but the abundance of style and busy streets make Driver a continued success.

This unique take on the racing genre owes a significant debt to Sega's Crazy Taxi and is a thoroughly enjoyable romp limited by the single map and noted repetition.

Unassuming apart from its scale, Pinball HD nevertheless shows that pinball is enjoyable on iPad.

Part Mario, part Space Invaders, part every 2D game you can think of, Pix'n Love Rush's complex set-up will likely charm just as many players as it bamboozles.

While it doesn't win any awards for originality, Pizza Boy is a well-executed, if too short, tribute to classic 2D platform gaming.

Although it's blessed with many of the positive attributes of its predecessor, Carnivores: Ice Age is also doesn't do enough to differentiate itself aside from the change of scenery.

This exuberant mixture of role-playing and real-time strategy is immaculately presented and intensely gripping, it just doesn't last very long.

Although it doesn't feel completely at home on iPhone, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is an impressive conversion of an excellent console game.

Competent touch controls and new options to dull the painful difficulty make this port of arcade shooter R Type generally pleasing.

Radio Flare REDUX comes close to generating a connection between music and gameplay, though its entertaining action pulsates more with style than sound.

A feast for the eyes, RAGE doesn't make the most of its fun arcade action as it's missing some standard features.

Limited character customisation dulls Ravensword: The Fallen King, a trade between accessibility and depth preventing this enjoyable adventure from being truly epic.

Robokill is an engrossing hybrid RPG-shooter that calls to mind classics of both genres, but it never reaches the same heights of either.

Loads of fun for about an hour, after which the batteries and enjoyment from this robot run a little dry.

Rock Band Reloaded lays out a nice set of features and satisfying gameplay, despite fumbling Facebook integration.

A pretty and playable turn-based tactics game that needs to go rogue and break from genre conventions with new ideas and fresher gameplay.

It's sure to be impenetrable to causal players, but Wave is the perfect tribute to old skool shooters: it boasts addictive gameplay, sterling presentation and is as tough as old boots.

Despite not offering anything revolutionary and lacking multiplayer, Speed Forge Extreme manages to do something even more impressive: feel entirely at home on iPhone.

Striking the balance between realism and drama means Fight Night Champion is enjoyable, even if it lacks great controls and online multiplayer.

Not immediately a perfect fit, 6th Planet's fusion of Lunar Lander style play with its collection of comic strips proves to be a winning formula in the long run.

Despite an odd mission structure, Hunters: Episode One succeeds with solid, in-depth turn-based tactical gameplay.

Despite an odd mission structure, Hunters: Episode One succeeds with solid, in-depth turn-based tactical gameplay.

Ridge Racer 3D plays it safe by offering the same irresistible power-sliding gameplay we've come to know and love over the past few years, but the impressive 3D effect can't compensate entirely for the crude visuals and lack of online play.

Too simple a set up to stretch out across an entire game, Egg vs. Chicken is nonetheless an entertaining match-three battler, even if it comes to the boil a little too quickly.

Pilotwings Resort is classic Nintendo, providing enjoyable soaring action throughout. With only an evening's worth of content available however, the entertainment doesn't last very long.

What Angry Birds Rio lacks in new ideas and freshness, it makes up in quality gameplay and good value.

What Angry Birds Rio lacks in new ideas and freshness, it makes up in quality gameplay and good value.

Mazes of Fate is a classic example of a lovingly crafted yet off-beat GBA title – it might smell a bit iffy but the gameplay can be truly intoxicating.

The cat selection is disappointingly limited, and it will be very familiar to players of the earlier entries, but this is shinier, more feature packed, and - of course - three-dimensional than any of the previous Nintendogs games.

The cat selection is disappointingly limited, and it will be very familiar to players of the earlier entries, but this is shinier, more feature packed, and - of course - three-dimensional than any of the previous Nintendogs games.

The cat selection is disappointingly limited, and it will be very familiar to players of the earlier entries, but this is shinier, more feature packed, and - of course - three-dimensional than any of the previous Nintendogs games.

Asphalt 3D signals great things to come for the racing genre on the 3DS, although frame-rate issues and silly collisions bring the action down somewhat.

War Pinball looks and sounds fantastic, but there's still room for improvement when it comes to table design.

War Pinball looks and sounds fantastic, but there's still room for improvement when it comes to table design.

MiniSquadron successfully lands on the Minis runway carrying its trademark intense and engaging flight combat frolics but misses an opportunity to deliver a little more content-related freight.

Shadow Wars is a turn-based strategy that's easy on newcomers but with enough depth for veterans of the genre to enjoy as well.

The 3D adds much more than you'd think to an already pleasingly deep version of the beautiful game, but it's a shame there's not enough content to back it up.

Although it feels more like an expanded tutorial for the original Neuroshima Hex than a proper game in its own right, the 100 levels on offer here will provide many days of fiendishly challenging head-scratching enjoyment.

Death Rally provides plenty of cool weapons and rides, yet the absence of multiplayer and tighter track designs prevent it from being truly killer.

A fun action-adventure with good production values, Elemental Rage lacks the polish that defines a truly great game.

A well-presented shot of retro-blasting chaos, with just enough twists to keep you entertained.

Back to the Future Ep2 HD would be more charming if it weren't for pesky technical problems and performance issues.

Fast and frenetic role-playing that fixes some of its predecessor's largest flaws, despite the continued reliance on rote fetch quests and cheesy writing.

Coconut Dodge possesses entertaining gameplay great for filling spare moments, even if it's not wildly original or innovative in terms of mechanics.

A shooter without shooting, Hyperlight defies convention to become one of the more original offerings we've seen recently. It's just a shame that occasional control problems blight the experience.

Gameloft's mobile imitation of World of Warcraft is an impressive technical and artistic feat, but there's still a bit more work to do before it reaches its full potential.

Though limited by its mystifying lack of multiplayer and the shelf life of its pop references, You Don't Know Jack is a fun quiz game.

It's lost some edge and coherence in transit, but Snuggle Truck's lighter tone is arguably a better fit for its blend of knockabout physics-based fun.

The longevity of Bunny the Zombie Slayer may be short-lived, but the gameplay and graphics are fantastic, and the action is instantly appealing.

The most fully featured and deepest entry in the Patapon series so far, but definitely not the most fun or accessible.

As far as film tie-ins go, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is easily one of the better ones, but it's doesn't compare so well to the other Lego tie-ins.

MetalStorm: Online boasts tight controls, amazing visuals and robust multiplayer, but the lack of available gameplay modes clips its wings somewhat.

While it can be challenging for newcomers, daWindci is a breezy, beautiful puzzler.

It takes some getting used to, but stick with this and you'll find a platformer of real quality.

A functional, colourful space shooter slightly soured by the decision to implement in-app purchases.

Part 3 is an enjoyable continuation of the Back To the Future story, but is still plagued by the technical issues of past attempts.

Great fun for a while, but frustration will likely set in before the home stretch. Here's hoping a sequel hits the heights that To-Fu can't quite reach.

Touchgrind BMX is fast, addictive and enjoyable to play. Sadly, a crushing lack of tricks and some serious control and camera frustrations hold it back from being an essential ride.

An entertaining, if familiar, shooter, Velocispider may not be the most original title on the App Store, but it offers up a good dose of dependable old skool gaming.

Demolition Dash brings Rampage-like fun to the iPhone, guaranteeing players tons of destructive satisfaction wrapped in a visually engaging art style.

Pumped full of character and charm, Feed Me Oil is a little too tight in practice, but nonetheless delivers an intriguing physics puzzler that bodes well for a sequel or two.

Simple and attractive, Mighty Fin offers up a short but well-made casual fillet.

A fun physics-based puzzler that, with more levels and some fine-tuning, could yet be an iPhone essential.

Not quite as simple as it should be, Bird Strike is nonetheless a fun-filled arcade game packed with style.

Handsome and unrepentant, Rip Off combines borrowed gameplay and artistic concepts to create something that justifies its theft.

A little harder than the previous entry, Episode 4 HD continues the Back to the Future story, warts and all.

Despite one or two control inadequacies, Blackout represents a creditable attempt at offering up something new to the match-three puzzle genre.

Utterly addictive in nature, 1000 Heroz's series of daily races is undoubtedly hard to put down, though working out the right path from the wrong one is even more difficult than in a bible parable.

Flick Golf Extreme! isn't a major departure from the original's arcade strokeplay, but the new locations and game mode are still a welcome addition to the formula.

A throwaway bit of fluff that nonetheless entertains for every minute you play it.

A solid match-three puzzler saved by a recent update, Zoo Keeper DX Touch Edition would benefit greatly from a dash of innovation to help it stand out from the crowd.

A well presented freemium take on Theme Park-style games, Tiny Tower wins plaudits for its early activity and quirky nature, but lacks long-term compulsion.

Bereft of new content and lumbered with a seriously flawed save game system, it would be easy to dismiss Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D as a waste of plastic, but the action-packed, score-based gameplay is undeniably engaging.

In many ways a lightweight exploration game, nevertheless Tiny Lights' demonstrates a certain charm that's a joy to play.

Street Fighter IV is outmatched by King of Fighters-i in terms of depth and presentation, but the timid challenge and absence of online multiplayer prevent it from scoring a total KO. It's still arguably the best fighter on the iPhone, though.

A clever and tactical game that just lacks the extra features to truly ascend to the top of the deck.

Taito's Qix is reborn in this visually arresting puzzle title, but fans will have to learn to live with its rough edges in order to gain maximum enjoyment.

A solid platform game that is well worth picking up despite falling just short in its slingshot leap towards greatness.

Xtreme Wheels is an undeniably fun ride, though the 3D visuals sometimes tax the iPad too much.

Xevious is a true arcade classic, offering a delicate slice of shooting action that will seriously test your gaming skills. The asking price, however, is far too high to fully recommend.

Reckless Getaway runs out of petrol before the finish, but otherwise this exciting racer is well worth a test drive.

Pocket RPG isn't a sophisticated role-playing game, but if you want to sink time into a good-looking dungeon crawler, then strap on your armour.

Let's Golf! 3D is inferior to its smartphone caddies due to framerate issues, but is still well worth chipping in for.

A strong ending to a good series, if you've pushed past the technical issues this far then there's no reason why you shouldn't complete the set.

A huge, immersive experience that suffers because it doesn't bend to the whims and needs of the hardware it's being played on.

An unabashed Peggle rip-off, albeit a very good one.

A solid take on the endless running genre that doesn't add anything, but is still fun all the same.

Let's Golf! 3 plays and looks fantastic, but its use of in-app purchases and its energy system means it borders on unplayable for those without bottomless pockets.

Emissary of War shows how to make a great iOS dungeon-crawler - it's just a shame there's not more of it.

Boasting plenty of old skool swagger, The Last Rocket is a challenging but rewarding puzzler slightly spoiled by one or two imperfections.

Pickpawket is a neat little puzzler with some big ideas, and while it won't set the world alight it's still well worth picking up.

DEO doesn't stand out in the App Store because of its gameplay, but the dark atmosphere will draw you in.

Taking its cue from as many popular iPhone casual games as it can, Contre Jour is polished and perfectly fine to play. It's just not very original or exciting.

A visually impressive point-and-click adventure, 1112 episode 3 continues the saga without offering too many answers. Despite all of its qualities, its high level of difficulty may limit the appeal.

Rogue Sky is arcade fun with a smooth, simple control scheme.

Rogue Sky is arcade fun with a smooth, simple control scheme.

Far from an Angry Birds clone, Pigs in Trees is a line-drawing action game with plenty of variety.

Inazuma Eleven is an intriguing blend of RPG and soccer that works on so many levels, though the occasional scripted match leaves us crying in the stands.

MiniGame Paradise is a slick and varied mini-game collection with optional in-app purchases that's slightly guilty of sacrificing gameplay for profit.

The best Frogger game in ages (or should that be decades?), this attractive and enjoyable arcade romp packs in gorgeous visuals, impeccable presentation and plenty of hard-as-nails gameplay. Just be prepared for the odd moment of intense frustration.

Less strategic than it wants to be, but this is a fun and hugely likeable time-waster for iPad owners.

A lack of content clips its wings, but Flapcraft is a real hoot while it lasts. Definitely a flight worth taking.

A novel gravity-centric take on the traditional karting formula, jAggy Race is betrayed by its meagre level selection.

Well produced and highly addictive, Tiny Heroes will find favour with fans of the genre – providing they don't expect anything startlingly original.

Fittingly shallow and suitably silly, this auto-runner is one of the better examples of the genre, if still limited in its appeal.

Wildlings is perfect for those who want a more active tower defence game without having to worry about too many variables, but others will find its lack of options frustrating.

A little easier than earlier entries, Hector: Ep3 offers up carnage and badges aplenty for fans of the series.

A decent twist on the connect-four genre, with a pricing scheme that's almost guaranteed to put off all but the most committed devotees.

Slam Dunk King's clever combo-based scoring system won't be to everyone's tastes, but once it gets hold, it's hard to put down.

Monster Island relies on appealing physics-based gameplay and a rather off-putting in-app purchase system to lure gamers in. Regardless of the questionable nature of the latter, the game is worth a punt if you're fond of hurling objects at other objects.

Galaxy Express adds charm to a classic puzzle scenario.

The Sims Medieval is a good Sims game, but it doesn't bring much new to the series.

A straightforward tower defence game blessed by beautiful visuals.

This twin-stick space shooter offers addictive and compelling blasting action that is almost certain to enthral fans of the genre, although the inevitable repetition of the gameplay does dull its impact a little.

Minor grievances with the finer points of combat aside, Mediatonic's latest is a handsome, challenging, laugh-out-loud funny arena-based brawler.

It's one of the most creative and ambitious ideas to hit the world of games, but being able to magic up a fire-breathing giraffe counts for little when the included puzzles are often so cryptic and dull.

A well-built and novel take on the tower defence genre, Anthill: Tactical Trail Defence doesn't quite fulfil its promise, but it's still worthy of your attention.

High Flyer Death Defyer provides nice fast-paced arcade action, though it does get repetitive after a while.

While it adds a great new game mode, Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots doesn't quite have enough extra content to make it essential.

While not completely free of the flaws it highlights in other role-playing games, Fara's tongue-in-cheek humour cannot fail to evoke a smile from even the most stony-faced RPG player.

Modern Combat 3 is the best attempt at recreating Call of Duty on mobiles so far, but it still has a long way to go when it comes to the finer points of the FPS genre.

A promising concept that falls short of the finish line, sabotaged by tilt-screen tablet controls and lack of multiplayer functionality.

FlipShip isn't the most original shooter, but genre fans will enjoy the ride.

Bring Me Down uses the Unreal Engine to deliver a high standard of presentation and convincing physics, but the seemingly random nature of success undermines the enjoyment somewhat.

Shamelessly old skool in almost every regard, Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls acts as if the past twenty years of RPG development never happened, yet it still manages to provide an engrossing experience for anyone brave and determined enough to fight through its obtuse exterior.

Don't let the cuteness fool you: Monster Burner is a tough arcade puzzler.

Persona 2 is at its best when it deviates from the cookie cutter design of JRPGs, yet it never quite strays far or often enough from these conventions, leaving a by-the-numbers adventure with just enough innovation to keep players hooked until the closing credits.

An entertaining arcade game inspired by classics Pong and Breakout, no amount of charm can compensate for a lack of depth and long-term appeal.

Gem Keeper's wonderful presentation and rock-solid fundamentals are undermined by a difficulty level that veers all over the place, but this is still a polished and enjoyable tower defence experience.

A well made blast of quick dodging fun, Chocohero lacks the balancing needed to make it a classic, but it's still worth picking up.

Junk Jack owes a significant debt to Minecraft but has a personality of its own. A worthy companion to the real thing.

Snoopy's Street Fair is a solid iOS freemium title that's hampered by its emphasis on grinding.

Shame about the loss of multiplayer, but for solo gamers Rocket Riot is a real blast - in bite-sized portions, at least.

Only the hardcore need apply. Shinobi is tough as old boots, and if you have the patience to master its ways, you'll find a very satisfying platformer.

Creative souls will have a blast with Freakyforms's tools, while those looking for a game may find it a bit too simplistic and repetitive.

It's not as extravagant, thrilling, or exciting as the main series it's based on, however frame rate and control issues aside, this is a good option for those who want a similar experience on the go.

The cheeky humour and robust brick-based action is still present in this latest LEGO game, but the magic of the earlier releases is beginning to fade, making for a game that's strictly for fans of the IP it's based on.

A retro styled, arcade blast from the non-specific past, Box Cat is fun, frantic and well presented, but its progression system and repetition might not be to everyone's taste.

Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call is more of the same great puzzling gameplay, but it's definitely starting to lose its appeal.

A great control scheme and cute concept, but teeth-gnashingly difficult. One for the masochists.

An engaging, polished, and deep strategy game with just a few niggles to dull the shine.

A fearsome test of your spatial awareness. For puzzling experts (and those with saintly patience) only.

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown adds its own spin to the Infinity Blade-styled action game and packs a meaty punch with its presentation, but it never quite takes flight.

A slick port of a proven formula. Michael Jackson fans, of which there are many, will find much to enjoy.

Unapologetically shallow, undeniably fun. A lightweight confection that's particularly tasty with two.

LostWinds is a wonderful treat, brimming with clever ideas and imaginative sights. It's just a massive shame that the controls took a big hit in the transition from Wii to iOS.

The Dungeon Hunter series has always been a bit of a blunt object, and this third instalment is no different. In spite of its controversial move to a freemium model, Dungeon Hunter 3 is still an entertaining, violent romp.

If you can get past the old-fashioned first chunk of the game, Toy Shot has plenty of interesting new ideas to keep you entertained.

Zenonia 4 doesn't add anything to the template its predecessors have laid down, but that doesn't stop if from being an entertaining and engaging action-RPG.

Mighty Switch Force is clever, charming, and fun, but feels more like a prototype than a full game.

In spite of some really great ideas, Lunar Racer doesn't quite manage to hold the attention for long enough, although it's still worth a look.

A nice trip down memory lane, Kaptain Brawe: Brawe New World doesn't bring any of its own ideas to the party, but it's an enjoyable diversion all the same.

An impressive if slightly lacking debut that delivers high-octane thrills by the bucketful.

Hero Academy is light on strategy, but provides smooth pick-up-and-play fun.

Zen Studios knows video game pinball and this release is no exception, though a few rough edges go a long way to dull the shine of the steel.

The eccentric Jeff Minter presents a clever retro shooter than blends together the best elements of various Atari classics. But his eccentricity can prove too much, often droning out the best bits with his baaaarmy sense of humour.

A fun and diverting puzzler, Puzzlejuice offers a new style of play, but doesn't quite have the chops to back up its brain-punching claims.

Soul Calibur is a fantastic fighting game, which is harder to recommend than it should be thanks to a high price tag and the omission of any multiplayer modes.

Paper Monsters is a beautiful, imaginative, and charming, and technically proficient platformers that's only let down by less than stellar gameplay.

RayForce delivers coin-op shooting action straight out of 1993, but technical niggles and a ridiculously high asking price mean that it's unlikely to find a wide audience on the iPhone.

An engaging and enthralling turn-based strategy title, Time of Heroes hits more than it misses, and with a few updates could be a classic.

Short but sweet, Scramble With Friends is a game designed exclusively for the socially-enabled wordplay fan. That said, Zynga With Friends has delivered an addictive puzzler for those willing to engage with friends and randoms alike.

One Epic Game is the Michael Bay of gaming apps. Gaudy explosions and self-referential jokes disguise a simple but robust design.

Order Up!! To Go is a charming, tactile, and fun time-management game that's undermined by a silly freemium structure.

A generic presentation doesn't do Dungeon Crawlers any favours. Nor does the irritating game camera. But it's a robust tactical RPG with some smart gags.

Gorgeous to look at, and a heap of fun to play, Monster Wars is a clever but flawed mash-up of tower defence, RTS, and slash-'em-up.

A lovely art style complements solid if derivative gameplay - worth a look if you're after the new Jetpack Joyride.

A solidly constructed, surprisingly addictive take on the endless-running genre. With dogs.

Robot Gladi8tor cleverly expands on the Infinity Blade blueprint with FPS freedom and stunning presentation, but it's not quite as polished as Chair Entertainment's offerings.

Individual, engaging, and brief, Lume is a fitting introduction to what will hopefully become a much bigger experience.

SpongeBob's Super Bouncy Fun Time is a well-presented and competent Peggle clone.

Another welcome addition to the eShop's already stellar line-up, The Rolling Western's unique spin on tower defence is as noteworthy as its flaws.

F1 2011 is a great handheld addition to the franchise, although it could really do with an injection of personality.

Far from revolutionary, Fancy Pants is an interesting, slightly muddled game that still manages to have moments of high-speed brilliance.

You'll dislike the approach Ubisoft took to the presentation of Michael Jackson in the title, as well as the paltry number of songs on offer, but look past these issues and this is a great rhythm-action title that makes smart use of the Vita's touchscreen.

Heist is a great slice of first-person bank-robbing action for smartphones, but its very brief length is a sore point.

This isn't SOCOM Vita. The storytelling is abysmal and the online is underdeveloped, but Unit 13 still manages to be a solid military shooter with an arcade edge.

While its resource-management gameplay won't be for everyone, there's a pleasant rhythm to Rebuild that makes it difficult to put down.

When it excels, Coco Loco is a showcase for its developer, but it slips back too quickly into comfortable routines and safe choices.

A strong tower defence game that does very little new, but doesn't put a foot wrong, either.

Less game, more interactive narrative: this curious and very distinct release weaves a lengthy tale of samurais and love to good effect.

Little Acorns falls short of greatness, but it has many of the hallmarks of a hit iOS platformer and it's well worth a download.

An enjoyable little platform game, Super Lemonade Factory has a few nice ideas, but it can't quite see them through to fruition.

While it adds some interesting new ideas to the schematic laid down by the original, Flight Control Rocket can't quite focus its attention in the same way, landing it on the fun, but a little muddled runway.