Each week brings a mass of new game releases for both iPhone and iPad, but it's hard to know which titles are worth a look and which are simply filler. As such, we're launching a new weekly post to bring you the essential details on what we think are the five most interesting and exciting iOS games in a given week, complete with images and App Store links to find out more. And stay tuned, as many of the games featured in this space are sure to get full reviews on the site once we have a chance to test them out.
In Lightopus ($2.99, Universal), you're the last of your species that is still in the wild; most of your kind were killed and the rest have been captured. Swim full speed ahead into the abyss as you aim to rescue your brethren and exact revenge on the monsters that attempted to wipe you off the planet. Lightopus features vibrant, electric graphics, intuitive controls, and lively character movement that will keep you gliding through the abyss for hours.
If you could go for some hot chocolate and marshmallows, maybe stay away from Coco Loco ($0.99, Universal). It's sure to make the cravings worse, as you'll play as two gooey mallows that have set out to save their friends from the clutches of the cocoa covered villains. Armed with baseball bats -- hey, why not? -- and unique skills, you'll tackle gorgeously designed stages as you aim to prove you're not as soft as you appear.
What happens when an evil scientist's robot minions suddenly have free will? They acquire a longing for freedom, and in Sminis ($0.99, Universal), it's your job to safely guide the mechanical men and women through the maze that is a mad scientist's laboratory. The game brings a stunning stylistic look that utilizes all of the abilities of the Unreal Engine. With 30 unique levels and three difficulty levels filled with increasingly challenging puzzles, there's plenty to play.
There are few things that are more devastating to an ecosystem than the introduction of unwelcome species. When beasts threaten to invade the Dryad Forest, the plants fight back to preserve their home. Take control of Leafy and his floral friends as you guard your land in Plants War (Free, Universal). This real-time action game puts you in control of a hero, whom you'll upgrade while unlocking special skills that will help in your fight.
After an intense storm, three children find themselves trapped on an island inhabited by goblins who have captured their baby brother. Fight across the treacherous terrain of the land and recover the kidnapped infant in Kids vs Goblins ($2.99, Universal). You'll control all three children at once, assigning them individual powers and spells that you'll use and upgrade. There are over 60 spells to unlock, with countless combinations that will serve you well through all 30 levels.
