iOS Game Time - August 17, 2010

Posted 08/17/2010 at 2:47pm | by Nic Vargus

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Welcome to this week’s GameTime, where we’ll take a look at spiritual successors, sequels and downright ripoffs. But the surprise here is that even the games with the most blatantly jacked play mechanics still shine on the iOS Devices.

Super KO Boxing 2 for iPad

$2.99
Glu Games Inc
iPad

Super KO Boxing 2 is a lot like the classic Nintendo Game, Super Punch Out. And we've go no qualms with that. As Torchlight is to Diablo 2, so is the SKOB2 and SPO relationship; SKOB2 takes the mechanics and builds its own game around them. But how does a quick-paced boxing game work on a touch screen? Like a charm, apparently.

They called this guy “Baby Face.” We get it. But it’s kinda gross.

Controls are accomplished via large icons on the sides of the screen. They’re far enough apart to decrease accidental punches in the midst of a quick match; everything feels incredibly responsive.

If a match is just too tough, you can buy steroids for an in-app purchase of 0.99, which in turn blows you up to hulk-size and allows you to whip even the hardest baddies. But for those interested in a more holistic approach, there’s also a step-by-step guide to beating down each opponent within the app. The game is difficult and fast-paced enough to be something worth coming back to until you’ve won your final belt.

Check it out if: you’re wanting to Super Punch Out! on your iPad.

Highborn HD

$2.99 or $.99
Jet Set Games
iPad (or iPhone)

Highborn HD is a turn-based strategy game with tons of personality that was rather well suited for the iPhone, and has recently made the jump to the iPad. You move your troops by clicking around a grid, and attack with the simple push of a button.


With a smile like Archie’s, it's hard to lose.

The game is chock full of silly dialogue and polygonal graphics. This game is so much fun that it’s a wonder it only costs three bucks.

Check it out if: You’re a fan of turn-based strategy games.

Ghosts 'N Goblins Gold Knights 2 -or- Ghosts 'N Goblins Gold Knights 1

$4.99 or $.99
Capcom
iPhone only

Both of these games are awesome--if not a tad pixelated--ports of the entertaining Ghosts ‘N Goblins. It even takes you back to the good ol’ days of Capcom platformers.  If you haven’t played the first GnG Gold Knights on iPhone or iPad, you should definitely pick up Gold Knights 1 at the discounted price.


Regardless of which game you choose, you’ll probably spend most the game running around like this.

The game is still very challenging to play, and even keeps its predecessor's semi-janky controls in play. You’ll be looking at your thumbs a lot, as the controls are inconveniently located. But even with its few pitfalls, Ghosts ‘N Goblins retains that magical feel it had decades ago.

Buyer beware, the sequel only works for iPhone and requires iOS 4.0 and crashed on our iPhone 3G worse than a Maserati on Sunset Blvd.

Check it out if: you nostalgically reminisce about the original Ghosts ‘N Goblins.

Dark Nebula: Episode 2

$.99
1337 Game Design
iPhone

So you’re a bubble, see, and you've just crashed your plane.

We never checked out the first episode of Dark Nebula, so we have no idea what’s going on with the storyline, but after our time with Episode 2 we can assure you that we’ll be picking up the first half of this ridiculously fun tilt-adventure.

Editors High score: We were able to wrap up this bronze star in a single try on the game’s first level. Think you can do better?

It’s hard to explain why playing a bubble that picks up little batteries is awesome, but it is. Tilt controls work excellently, thanks in no small part to the game’s ability to calibrate at any desired position for ease of use.

Check it out if: you want to have some Super Monkey Ball style fun.

Glow Puzzle

Free
Nexx Studio
iPhone

The game requires you to connect the dots without crossing lines you’ve already formed, though more advanced puzzles will require more foresight. It looks clean and crisp on the iPhone, and the rewarding snap noises elicit a Pavlovian response almost instantly. You’ll feel like a genius early on, completing puzzles without much thought, but they don’t stay simple.


Pretty soon the puzzles will get really, really difficult.

The puzzles each offer solutions, so if you get stuck you don’t have to quit playing. The game’s simplicity is its selling point, and it’s a perfect time-waster for the train ride home.

Check it out if: You like neon lights and puzzles.

Want to see another game featured on iOS GameTime? Sound off in the comments. Until next week, Mac|Lifers.


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