EA has just detailed 7 new iPhone and iPad games, and we tried them all. Some look like sure winners and others already feel dated. Follow along for our thoughts on each.
Madden NFL 11 for iPhone and iPad
Release: August 10, 2010
Another year means it's time for another Madden. But since this is only the second version for Apple's mobile devices, EA is prepping significant updates. The iPhone and iPad apps are mostly the same as each other, however they're different purchases instead of being bundled.
Updated graphics advance the original Madden, adding more detailed shadows, grasses, players, and spectators. Weather changes and games that can be played in the day or night twist the visuals further. The game takes full advantage of the iPhone 4 or iPad resolutions.
Much of the gridiron gameplay matches the original, but several updates improve the style. We like how you can draw routes on-screen for running plays ahead of the snap, not just passing. You can even save those custom plays, calling them as audibles.
On defense, an optional, similar drawing mechanic pauses the action and lets you queue commands. You can trace a line for a defender to blitz, tell one to jump for an interception, or otherwise micromanage the play.
We're concerned that Madden 11 will rely too deeply on the offensive time-bending scheme that slows down the action like last time. But we're looking forward to the game if it can strike the right balance between real-time and the slow-motion nuance.
R-Type for iPhone
Release: August, 2010
If you don't remember the original R-Type for older consoles, there are countless other iPhone side-scrolling shooters to consider. But after playing through the beginning of the game, we couldn't resist the nostalgia.
The game is nearly identical to the original with its tense firefights and classic levels and graphics. You'll power-up the ship with weapon upgrades, charge up a laser to blast baddies, and otherwise fly the same missions as before. The iPhone version also adds a few modes of difficulty for new players.
Several control schemes pilot the ship. We liked moving the craft by touch, dragging anywhere on-screen to shift its position. That way, our fingers don't block too much of the action.
Overall, R-Type should be a simple, effective port of a classic. We'll see if it stands out against the many App Store competitors.
Risk for iPhone
Release: Summer, 2010
You know that board game of world domination that takes forever? Now you can take it with you.
This Risk edition is based on the updated, 2008 rules, although little has changed from the original. You'll position armies around the world map and roll dice to battle neighbors. Roll higher numbers, and you'll advance into their territory.
Up to 6 players can compete on a single iPhone, or four can battle over Bluetooth, but we didn't see many reasons to get excited for the game. You can't compete online--live or through an asynchronous system--and the App Store is loaded with Risk clones already. Will the official Risk and its slick graphics be worth it?
The Sims 3 Ambitions for iPhone
Release: Summer, 2010
This new The Sims title expands prior iPhone fodder. You'll get to play more careers, including chef, teacher, fire fighter, artist, and musician. You'll also be able to pick new character traits. Otherwise, two bigger changes distinguish the game: construction and conception.
The game lets you simply adjust room sizes and positions of doors and windows, giving a rudimentary sense of building that the prior lacked. You can even see what happens to Sims trapped without doors, or otherwise prank your digital denizens.
Your Sims can also produce offspring. You'll have to care for the babies as they grow into toddlers, selecting them and picking an option to feed, entertain, or otherwise raise the kids.
When we poked through the game, we liked the new career and construction options the best. Like the prior title, certain players will embrace the dollhouse world of The Sims 3 Ambitions, while others just won't understand the appeal.
SimCity Deluxe for iPhone
Release: Summer, 2010
While we liked the original iPhone SimCity, this reissue adds new features. Game producers likened it to SimCity 4; this time, you can play with city scenarios, such as recovering from a heat wave.
Unlike the previous version, Deluxe lets you hone terrain before you begin building, such as routing rivers. Seasons and game objectives also give more variety.
We most of all liked the updated interface because we had better control in construction. SimCity fanatics and casual gamers who missed the first game might be interested in the update. But in our quick sampling, we didn't see much to upgrade if you're satisfied with the original. We'll see if the full release reveals more depth.
Reckless Racing for iPhone and iPad
Release: Summer, 2010
You've seen this genre of overhead racing before, but this game feels right. We enjoyed driving cars and trucks around the simple title's tracks.
Several control schemes--either touch- or tilt-based--let us steer precisely. Like many overhead racers, we got excited, drifting around big turns to get ahead of competitors.
Bluetooth head-to-head races and online matches will let you challenge friends on the 10 courses. The roadways look great, with subtle 3D effects showing adjacent grain silos, farms, and other landmarks from differing perspectives. But try to ignore the tired hillbilly-themed character art, and watch for Reckless Racing because of its fun, overhead action.
EA will publish one version of Reckless Racing for the iPhone and one for the iPad.
Yahtzee for iPad
Release: Summer, 2010
The dice-rolling game returns in an iPad-native form. Like the prior iPhone version, Yahtzee Adventures, this Yahtzee includes an adventure mode where you challenge eccentric, global characters. The addition of multi-colored dice and other advanced rulesets also expand the game's longevity.
Facebook Connect updates also let you issue challenges to those friends or other Yahtzee iPad players. Otherwise--aside from updated graphics--Yahtzee is nearly the same as the iPhone edition. We wish EA had added robust online modes; you can only play full games against friends through pass-and-play on the same iPad.
