Even word geek writers like us would typically think it excessive to essentially list two versions of Scrabble (see the aforementioned Words with Friends HD), but we can't help but spotlight some of the cool features in this official iPad release. Single-player action (against the computer) is a plus, as is the local four-player Party Play mode, but our favorite feature is the accompanying Tile Rack app for iPhone/iPod Touch, which lets you virtually flick tiles onto the iPad game board. Brilliant idea!
Command & Conquer Red Alert for iPad ($12.99)
If the iPad version of Command & Conquer Red Alert is any indication, the real-time strategy genre has a lot of potential on Apple's tablet. Last year's iPhone version gets a big visual boost here, with detailed 3D models replacing the slightly cartoonish-looking units from the previous version. It gives the game a needed injection of style and flair, and the stellar touch controls make it a very playable and worthwhile iteration. Plus, this version adds six skirmish maps and an expansion pack!
Angry Birds isn't the sort of game that requires a large, high definition display, but this stellar physics-based game is well worth playing if you missed it on iPhone (no need to double-dip if you have that version, though). It's a simple premise -- launch birds from a catapult in an effort to down structures housing evil green pigs -- but it's one that holds up well on the large screen. The HD upgrade gives the hand-drawn birds and environments a crisp, clean appearance, to boot.
After a couple successful iterations on iPhone, Illusion Labs' Labyrinth series gets the HD bump on iPad, and the larger form factor of the device offers the biggest boost, as it feels more like holding an actual, wooden labyrinth puzzle. Guiding a ball through the maze by tilting the iPad feels incredibly natural, and the enhanced visuals make it look even more like the real thing. Custom level support means you have thousands of extra levels to choose from, and unlike most launch games, there's a free Lite edition available.
Diner Dash: Grilling Green ($4.99)
It's tough to find a device (especially a mobile one) nowadays that doesn't have some version of casual smash hit Diner Dash, but we're glad to see that PlayFirst opted to start off with an exclusive new iPad iteration, Grilling Green. The game hasn't really changed: you play as waitress Flo, tasked with taking orders, serving meals, and seating patrons before their patience runs thin. However, now you can help cook the meals (in a nod to the Cooking Mama games), and the game can be played in either screen orientation.
jedoralive
April 17, 2010 at 6:38pm
What? No Settlers of Catan? Not the lame, ugly, confusing, user-UNfriendly version on iphone, but more like the Xbox arcade edition. Very clean UI. The downside to that one is only one player at a time so they don't see your cards.
Hmmm, maybe like - the ipad version could be like the board, and like each person has an iphone for their cards, and then like you could totally ....be right back where you started....Hmmm. At least there's less boxes, but a new shelf is cheaper than an ipad and six iphones.
Ipad seems like the perfect solution to creating board games, without stacks of boxes in your house? Is it big enough for that? Glare? Seems like there's a good evolution to board games waiting to happen with this thing. Still waiting for that evolution though. So far my brain wants to say yes but my heart says no on the ipad.
And yes - I'm on a Mac Pro, but I unfortunately have to live on the boot camp side these days.
MitchyD
April 05, 2010 at 9:11pm
I really, really don't have an interest in the iPad as long as I have my iPhone, but you sound so enthusiastic about it that it's making me want one. As a gaming device, it sounds great. Sadly, it's far too pricey for my blood, especially since I'd only ever use it for games (my iPhone covers the rest of the stuff the Pad handles).
