This week, we’re looking at two adaptations of card games: Reiner Knizia’s Money! and Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer.
Reiner Knizia’s Money! (Universal): Prolific game designer Reiner Knizia is known for two things: simple, elegant games of all types, and pushing his creations onto iOS developers with incredible vigor. While many of them are great versions, the one we’ve enjoyed more than even the physical version is this, a set-collecting card game with a monetary theme. READ MORE
This week, we take a look at rhythm title Jukebeat and the iOS port of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Jukebeat (Universal): Jukebeat is just one of Konami’s recent music games to hit the market in the last few years. Originally called Jubeat in Japan, their 16-panel touch game finally makes its way over to the US in the form of an iPad/iPod Touch title. The premise of the game is simple enough, and it’s best described as musical whack-a-mole. Tap the panels in time with the music and earn a score. Earning over 700,000 points will earn you a passing grade. Anything lower results in failure. Split into three difficulty categories and ratings ranging from 1-10, you’ll definitely find songs you like and will be able to ease yourself into the game. READ MORE
This week, we’re looking at a game that heavily borrows from Advance Wars and a more turn-based RPG approach to tower defense.
DOFUS Battles (iPhone, iPad): Online games DOFUS and Wakfu have their fans, and largely don’t have much of a following from the mainstream. Projects like this game and the Wakfu XBLA title are attempts to change that, giving players a taste of the experience without the daunting multiplayer arena that is the main experience. As a standalone product, this one’s interesting: it’s tower defense, but instead of towers, you have specific units with classes like archers and healers. We like the completely turn-based aspect: between waves, things stop and you can spend whatever you’d like, and it doesn’t rely on placement while enemies are rushing in. (That isn’t so bad, really, but there are enough games out there to cater to those who prefer it.) READ MORE
This week, we look at the iOS port of Ronimo’s downloadable hit and another trippy title from Square Enix.
Swords & Soldiers (iPhone, iPad): We loved Swords & Soldiers in its initial WiiWare iteration, and we loved it later too when it showed up on Steam and PSN. So when we say that the iOS version is the best way to experience the game, we don’t do so lightly. READ MORE
The iOS platform is full of free games, but there’s usually a catch. Are there in-app purchases? Or is is just a “lite” version? We generally frown upon this stuff. Sometimes, though, you find games that are legitimately there for you to just download and enjoy. (And not for just a day, either.) We’re looking at two of those this week: Allied Star Police and Imaginary Range.
Allied Star Police (Universal): PopCap’s 4th and Battery label has released a few completely-free iOS games now, and they’re usually great fun, if a little evanescent in scope. This one’s no different, except the design was done by a Make-a-Wish child, Owain Weinert. Don’t get us wrong: kid’s got skills. READ MORE
