Here’s Part 2 of our iPad Game upgrade guide. Again, to be clear, most of the games we are discussing are great iPhone games. The question is whether the sold-separately iPad versions are worth paying for if you already own the iPhone version. If you’ve never played any of these games and own an iPad, the HD version is the one to get.
Here’s our general rule of thumb:
- Don’t own it yet? – You need the iPad version if there is one.
- Hated it on iPhone? – With few exceptions, an iPad version isn’t going to magically turn your opinion on a game. Most games are very familiar to the originals with only a few visual tweaks and controls.
- Loved it on iPhone? – If you absolutely loved a game on iPhone, it’s worth upgrading. Practically all games gain some benefit from an increased sense of immersion that hardcore fans of a given game are going to appreciate. But, if you’ve already finished a game on iPhone, the incentive is less to upgrade depending on what’s the developer might have included in the iPad version.
Here’s our Part 2 list of recommendations on upgrading.
Recommended Upgrades
Labyrinth 2 HD ($7.99)
iPad Features: iPad specific levels
With a bigger screen, Labyrinth 2 HD allows for even more elaborate levels filled with tons more obstacles than would ever fit on the iPhone screen. Just like the non-HD version, there is a seemingly endless supply of level packs to download and the top down tilting control method works very well with the iPad. Labyrinth 2 HD is also a great game to load up when showing other people your iPad, as it is not only visually impressive, but playing the game itself requires almost no explanation.
Scrabble for iPad ($9.99)
iPad Features: Play up to 25 multiplayer games and new “Party Play" game mode.
The increased display resolution allows players to view and interact with the entire board at once, but the coolest feature of this new version of Scrabble is party play. In this game mode, the iPad acts as the host for the game and displays the game board. Players then use the free Scrabble Tile Rack [App Store] running on an iPhone or iPod touch (or even their own iPad, I suppose) to see their rack of letters. Playing Scrabble this way with over $1000 of electronics for a four person game might be overkill when you can pick up a copy of the board game for under $20… But that isn’t anywhere near as cool.
Need for Speed Shift for iPad ($14.99)
iPad Features: 8 New Cars, Physics-based acceleration, improved manual controls
Racing games are surprisingly good on the iPad. Being such visual games, the improved graphics add to the immersion. Despite concerns about the heft of the iPad, you can easily position yourself in a way where it hasn’t been an issue. Depending on your taste in racing games, you should pick up this one or Real Racing.
Real Racing HD ($9.99)
iPad Features: Apply images to your car, ghost racing and new controls
As mentioned, something about these high quality racing games just pop on the iPad. Real Racing is more of a sim-racer than Shift. Depending on your taste in racing games, you should pick up this one or Need for Speed.
Civilization Revolution for iPad ($12.99)
iPad Features: World/Scenario Creator
Because of how Civilization Revolution was developed, all ports of the game from the PC, to the iPhone, to the XBOX 360 are very similar with only graphical and user interface differences. It’s nicer to play on the iPad because of the extra screen space, and unlike the iPhone version, when you pan around the map the terrain doesn’t constantly disappear and redraw. The maximum zoom in the iPad version is more expansive so if you plan on spending any time in the game, you should get the iPad version. Screenshots of Max zoom: iPad, Pixel Doubled
Words With Friends HD ($4.99->$1.99)
iPad Features: Redesigned user interface.
Gameplay is identical to the free version of Words With Friends [App Store] which looks pretty good scaled up. If you’re a heavy player, however, the UI changes are nice. We were actually torn on this one, but the price drop to $1.99 pushed us over the edge to recommending it.
Maybe
Plants vs. Zombies HD ($9.99)
iPad Features: Survival mode, New Mini Game, New Achievements.
Survival mode implemented, also, graphics look absolutely amazing at 1024×768. Other than that, gameplay and controls were fine on iPhone but both the native and pixel-doubled versions seem slightly easier on iPad since everything is bigger. If you need/want a survival mode, however, only the iPad version has it (so far).
Not Recommended
Dungeon Hunter HD ($6.99)
iPad Features: On screen mini-map
Graphics look great and plays surprisingly well on the iPad’s screen. Also includes a transparent mini-map which isn’t there on the iPad version. I do like the button arrangement better on the iPad version than the iPhone version, so if I were to play through it all, I’d go with iPad. But if you’re already played it, there’s no new content.
Modern Combat ($6.99)
iPad Features: On screen mini-map.
Actually feel the higher resolution screen comes in handy in this as you are often trying to pick off distant targets with your scope. The first person controls on the iPad are passable, but not as tight as on the iPhone. Again, no new content here so unless you are looking to play the game over again or are a big time online player, it’s a pass.
Command & Conquer Red Alert ($12.99)
iPad Features: Includes 6 Skirmish Maps that were DLC on iPhone version
One of the biggest disappointments given the excitement regarding the potential for desktop-like RTS games on the iPad is how little effort went in to the iPad version of Command & Conquer Red Alert. The game is identical to the iPhone version (+DLC), rendered at 1024×768, and significantly marked up in price. Screenshots: iPad, Pixel Doubled
