We’re always fascinated by the amazing diversity of iOS as a gaming platform. Something about the platform pushes developers to create new and completely original experiences, and this week’s selections highlight that theme pretty well, thanks to Infinity Blade II, World of Goo, and Run Roo Run -- a new release about a kangaroo on the loose. And while Hatchi's Tamagotchi-inspired approach isn't exactly original, it certainly is unexpected in 2012!

Infinity Blade rakes in $30 Million

It may not be a huge number like we’re used to seeing from publisher Epic Games on the console side of things (its Gears of War series total dwarfs this sum), but it’s an encouraging sign nonetheless that original iOS franchise Infinity Blade has yielded $30 million in revenue to date. Epic’s much-beloved series is apparently making bank, and this is a good sign for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it means Epic is almost certain to throw more money at the developing iOS scene -- and it also signals that publisher-owned studio Chair Entertainment may likely dig into Infinity Blade III soon.

Cave Switches to Social Games

For fans of hardcore gaming on iOS, this news will come as a bit of a blow. Cave, the developer behind Deathsmiles and other classic retro-stylized shooters, recently said that it will cease making hardcore games and instead focus on creating social titles. The studio had been something of a last respite for fans of hardcore 2D shooters, but it seems there just aren’t enough fans to keep the company afloat with that business model.

World of Goo Hits One Million App Store Downloads

We’ll take any opportunity we can get to report on the success of World of Goo. The classic indie game has now amassed an enormous number of downloads, hitting a full one million earlier this week between the iOS and Mac App Stores (sales of other versions aren't included in this tally). If you haven’t played World of Goo yet, you’re missing out on quite a treat. It’s something of a physics-centric puzzle game in which you build structures out of tiny, stretched-out gooballs; and believe it or not, somehow it’s even stranger than that description implies.

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Games to Watch

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  Run Roo Run

  We adored the iOS version of Scribblenauts when it released last year, but more for its “interactive toy” side than as an objective-based game. So we’re glad to see that the developer just released an all-new title that focuses much more on the gameplay than a novel concept.

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  Run Roo Run ($0.99) for iPhone is a side-scrolling, platform-hopping game in which the self-propelled kangaroo in question must dodge hazards across more than 400 levels, with a premise similar to that of iOS fan favorite Kami Retro.

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  Beyond the thick slate of included stages, free promised updates will bring an additional 10 new stages each and every week. We haven’t had a chance to play it yet, but given the pedigree of the developer, we’re pretty confident this will be a high-quality title.

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  iCade Jr.

  The iCade itself isn't a video game, but it's such an awesome iOS accessory that we can't help but list it here, especially since creator ION announced at CES 2012 this week that it's producing new models of the device.

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  One of the new models is the iCade Jr. for iPhone, which snugly fits your device between a physical directional pad and buttons. Compatible games will essentially let you use the combo like a dedicated portable handheld gaming system.

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  You can check out the full run-down here, but the gist of it is that iCade is taking on new shapes. One new iPad model comes without the boxy back cabinet, plus there's a mobile version that essentially looks like a handheld controller. (iCade Photo credit: Ars Technica)

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  Hatchi

  Tamagotchis make about as much sense as the Pet Rock. Sure, they’re a little more interactive, but you also have to feed them and take care of them. It’s all the hassle of a pet with none of the cuteness or adorable yawning.

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  But for some reason we find ourselves drawn to the concept. Maybe it’s some deep-rooted '90s nostalgia, but we're definitely intrigued by Hatchi ($0.99) on iPhone. We’re gluttons for the heart-wrenching emotional beating we’ll inflict upon ourselves when we find our Hatchi has died of neglect.

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