I’m basically the iOS Nostradamus, as last I predicted last week we’d be seeing a ton more great games get released now that we’re in Q4, and sure enough, this is one of our biggest best games roundups in a while. Keep in mind, these are games reviewed this week- Not necessarily games that were released this week-
Banner Saga, $9.99 [Review] – It’s not easy to lay out an epic tale of sorrow and loss without feeling slow or plodding, but Banner Saga does it. Even after multiple play throughs, you will still find yourself facing new challenges that make you second guess each decision. Each step along the path feels like you could be on the brink of tragedy. The pragmatic and somber mood of the game hangs heavy like a sodden wet canvas threatening to snuff out any hope you might have of overcoming the odds. Composer Austin Wintory’s soundtrack and the stark Norse inspired backdrop are key in generating and perpetuating this mood.
Inferno 2, $2.99 [Review] – Radiangames – perhaps the most prolific creator of dual-stick shooters on the App Store – has made their biggest one yet with their latest release Inferno 2. Seriously, Inferno 2 is massive: 80 levels full of mazes, tens of thousands of enemies to take down, four different weapons to use, four different missiles (inspired by the special weapons of JoyJoy), a level-up system, and loads of upgrades to use. This game is vast, and it’s a great pickup for fans of Radiangames’ previous work, or anyone looking for an action game to sink a few hours into.
Pumped BMX 2, $1.99 [Review] – Pumped BMX 2 expands on the original game in every way without losing the core of what made the first game fun. It doesn’t shake things up all that much, and if the series continues, I’d like to see a few unique challenges added to the mix, but for a first sequel, I think this game rides the lines well between keeping things safe and pushing forward. If you enjoyed the first game, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. If you’re new to the series, you can jump in right here, because this game offers everything the first one did, but does it all better and heaps a few scoops on top.
Skylanders Trap Teamâ„¢, Free [Review] – Earlier this month we offered a hands-on preview of Actvision’s Skylanders Trap Team. Ported over by the folks at Vicarious Visions, Trap Team is being billed as the first of the series to not only have a simultaneous launch across console platforms and iOS but to also offer the complete console experience on Apple’s platform. It’s also an absolutely amazing port that feels right at home on iOS and offers an experience with its figurines that is unmatched by anything else currently available on the App Store.
Spirits of Spring, $1.99 [Review] – The game follows the story of Chiwatin and his friends Rabbit and Bear. Chiwatin has the unique power to control the spirits of spring, who help stave away winter through guardian Spirit Trees. As they’re out walking one day together, a band of vicious crows begins attacking Chiwatin and his friends, killing the Spirit Trees and bringing on a permanent winter. Chiwatin, with the help of his friends, has to bring back spring and put a stop to the menace of the crows. The story is told by an unseen narrator, who comments occasionally while you play. The story is very much in the style of traditional native folk stories, and it’s handled very respectfully.
Terra Battle, Free [Review] – Terra Battle is a free-to-play social RPG, and like most social RPGs from Japan, its basic structure is heavily informed by Puzzle & Dragons. You’ll form a party from characters and monsters you collect to take on each chapter of the story. Within each chapter are a number of stages, and each stage has a set number of battles. You need to clear all of the battles in a stage without losing all of your party members to finish it. Finish all of the stages in a chapter and you’ll be rewarded with some energy and access to the next chapter. You’ll occasionally earn new characters from battles, but your main source of new blood comes from the tavern, where you can put up some easily-earned coins or hard-earned energy to get a random character or monster. Typically, coins earn you generic characters, while energy earns you powerful named characters. You can bring up to six members into battle with you at one time.
Additionally, we reviewed a few other games this week. As always, you can dig into all of our reviews by clicking here. Alternatively, you can hit up specific scores by using these links:
