Action and social games unsurprisingly dominate the list of top iPhone games this week, with a number adding their iOS 4 support and gyroscope capabilities. For example, the N.O.V.A. and ZenBound 2 releases come complete with improved retina display and a full range of movements for unique challenges. EA Games also has a number of titles lined up for release this summer, including Madden NFL 11.
1. Zen Bound 2 Universal ($2.99)
Zen Bound 2 has been updated for iOS 4 support and given the universal treatment, and is now available on the iPhone and iPod Touch, in addition to the iPad. Pretty exciting, seeing as the original Zen Bound game already made good use of the iPhone accelerometer. Move your phone around in space to wrap rope around various objects, from tree branches to anvils. Already well-designed, Zen Bound 2 has stunning graphics that look great in the updated version, retina display improvements and all. The inclusion of Achievements makes it more fun to challenge top scores, adding to the 100-plus levels of nerve-calming puzzles. Another perk — a price drop to $2.99 will encourage holdouts to finally try out this game.
2. N.O.V.A ($4.99)
Another game to get iOS 4 support is N.O.V.A., making the first-person shooter game that much cooler with the gyroscope. If you don’t mind moving your entire body along with the game, you can really get involved in the updated N.O.V.A. game. Improvements also include optimized retinal display–key for experiencing the video-gaming wonders N.O.V.A. ($4.99) has to offer on a mobile device. If you tried Gun Range’s early iPhone 4 gyroscope madness, you’re already prepped for Gameloft’s latest title upgrade. With the new gyroscope capabilities, aiming and shooting are easier, especially once you get the hang of your full range of movements.
3. Despicable Me: Minion Mania ($4.99)
Based off the Universal Pictures 3D animated film Despicable Me, the iPhone game of the same name is a cute puzzle game for kids young and old–kind of like the movie itself. Following the challenges of the movie plot, the $4.99- iPhone game takes your army of Minions through a secret lab for training. Despicable Me offers 20 levels of challenges, each of which prep your army for their next big, evil heist. For every level, you get a series of gadgets and tools to help you orient your army and get them successfully through training. For instance, blocking one route will force Minions through another. Mixing touches and tilts of the iPhone, gameplay is similar to a round of Lemmings, and involves a mixed strategy for getting just one Minion successfully to the exit door.
4. Office Heroes (Free)
On the social gaming side, Office Heroes (free) has landed a top spot this week. Having launched its free version earlier this month, Ngmoco’s latest challenge has brought another scenario to the iPhone for time-wasting and status updating via a game. Office Heroes makes an ironic case for workers that play the game, as the premise is to customize your virtual office to keep your little worker as happy as possible. In-app purchases keep the free game’s economy going, offering you a fresh supply of options for building out the perfect cubicle environment. You’ll probably end up spending most of your time earning game currency and decorating your office.
Coming soon…MADDEN NFL 11 and Sims 3: Ambitions
If the summer heat has you locked inside an air-conditioned prison called the home or office (or home office), get ready to cure boredom with EA’s upcoming summer game lineup. Not surprisingly, EA has a decent range of games coming that range from sports adventure to everything in between. Madden NFL 11 is due out this summer, adding Total Defensive Control for more realistic gameplay. An option to draw out players’ movements helps you better plan plays for your team, then sit back and see how well they do.
Another game that looks particularly interesting is Sims 3: Ambitions, a goal-oriented version of the classic game, refitted for mobile use. Already available for the PC version, Ambitions for the iPhone looks to be on EA’s mobile expansion pack.
