Apple’s iPad 2 is finally in the hands of enthusiastic customers -- and gamers are most certainly among them. In addition to a faster dual-core A5 processor and a new graphics engine that claims a nine-fold improvement, the iPad 2 is also now rocking a gyroscope, which iOS developers are already starting to take advantage of.
Here’s a look at the few, the proud, the first barrage of gyroscope-enabled games that have arrived with the iPad 2 -- as well as a few iPhone 4 classics to tide you over while developers work to update their HD equivalents.
iOS developer Gameloft ties for first to the party with Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD, updated March 11 for the iPad 2 to take advantage of the faster dual-core processor as well as refreshed graphics. While gyroscope support was added to Asphalt 6, unfortunately it only appears in the Garage sequence, where you can turn your iPad 2 and “check out your cars as if it was your real garage!” Racing mode continues to use the accelerometer only, which will likely disappoint more than a few users.
Despite Asphalt 6 having a 641MB download size, visually the game isn’t quite as slick as competitors like Real Racing 2 HD -- however, you’ll get a wider variety of racing choices with Adrenaline HD. Given that both games are priced the same, you might want to flip a coin before buying.
Sadly, the Garage is the only place in Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD that takes advantage of the gyroscope.
Maybe racing games and first-person zombie mutant shooters aren’t your cup of tea -- how about an old-fashioned game of Jenga? The official Jenga HD app didn’t require an update to take advantage of the iPad 2’s new gyroscope -- it turns out that developer NaturalMotion had already baked it into their last update.
If you’re not familiar with Jenga, the goal is to take turns removing blocks from a 3D tower, balancing the pieces you’ve removed on top to create a taller (but less stable) structure as the game progresses. It’s insanely addictive, especially when played with others -- and scores can be shared via Game Center. The HD iPad version is currently just 99 cents in honor of the iPad 2’s release.
Old-school gaming meets technology with Jenga HD and its gyroscopic play.
Yes, there’s an iPad-only HD version of Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus available at the same price, but Gameloft has yet to update it with gyroscopic control. In the meantime, the iPhone/iPod touch version works just fine on the iPad 2, where it also takes advantage of the tablet’s new gyroscope abilities -- although it’s a trade-off, since playing the game in 2x mode makes the graphics look worse.
Otherwise, the military shooter’s 440MB download works as expected, although the gyro controls -- which include “improved headshot sensations” -- seem a touch sensitive on the iPad 2’s larger display. If you’re already rockin’ Black Pegasus on your iPhone or iPod touch, it’s worth the time to sync it to your iPad 2 to get a taste of what the HD version will eventually gain.
Despite the iPhone Retina Display graphics, the 2x iPad graphics are just OK.
Another popular Gameloft title whose HD version will need an upgrade to enable gyroscopic controls, N.O.V.A. 2 has a same-priced iPhone/iPod touch version that lets you experience first-person sci-fi shooting on the iPad 2 today. Where Modern Combat 2 looked fairly blocky on the iPad 2 when enlarged with 2x mode, in this case, N.O.V.A. 2 appears to benefit from the small-screen version’s fully optimized Retina Display graphics, making it both usable and pretty decent-looking, all things considered.
The 716MB app is frequently considered one of the iOS platform’s superior titles, with some of the best gyroscopic controls on the App Store and online multiplayer through Gameloft Live.
N.O.V.A. 2's double-sized graphics (this is the iPhone version played on the iPad) are a little sharper than Modern Combat 2's.
Although it hasn’t been updated since December, iD Software’s universal Rage HD already has gyroscope support built-in for the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch and that means yes, Virginia, it also works on the iPad 2. You’ll have to enable gyroscope from the options, then you can hold your tablet in front of you like a virtual window and kill bloodthirsty mutants with full gyroscopic control.
While you can play Rage HD on a second display using Apple’s Component Cable or VGA Adapter, it doesn’t appear to work yet with the new HDMI-packing AV Adapter (the HDTV screen is just black), which will presumably be fixed in a future software update. Otherwise, Rage HD allows Game Center leaderboards and achievements, and plenty of blood-drenched fun within its 745MB download.
Gyroscopic aiming at mutant brains is quite fun!
Racing out of the gate to correspond to the iPad 2’s March 11 release in the U.S., Firemint has introduced Real Racing 2 HD, a 387MB racing game specifically optimized for both iPad models. Firemint’s entry is particularly notable for its full gyroscope support on the iPad 2, offering intuitive, precision controls for this 3D racer, which includes 30 licensed cars from real-world manufacturers, 15 stunning locations and regular updates with events, improvements and new features.
Real Racing 2 HD offers a host of user options, including two methods with gyroscope steering (one with auto accelerate/manual brake and another with manual accelerate/brake) and several options without gyroscope steering; the app is also Game Center enabled and allows multiplayer gaming over local Wi-Fi as well as online with users of either version of Real Racing 2 (iPhone/iPod touch or iPad).
Awesome gameplay, great graphics and gyroscopic steering make Real Racing 2 HD a blast.
Every game can’t be about killing or car racing, which is why Zen Bound 2 Universal perfectly fits the bill for those of you seeking a more subdued, quiet gaming experience. Billed as “a meditative puzzle game” where the goal is to wrap rope around wooden sculptures, this tactile game feature gyroscope sensor support and beautiful graphics capable of the best possible experience on any iOS device.
Best of all, Zen Bound 2 features more than 100 new levels over the original version as well as Game Center support -- not to mention original, addicting, unique gameplay that few other App Store offerings can match.
Zen Bound 2 uses gyroscopic controls to help tie your rope.
