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Best iPhone and iPad Games of the Week: 11/14/14 – ‘Candy Crush Soda Saga’, ‘Icewind Dale’, ‘Monument Valley’ and More

TouchArcade Rating:

OK so I know I always start these out with “Oh man you guys we reviewed so many good games this week," but it’s REALLY TRUE this time. But, wait, does that make the other times… not true? Who the hell even knows, but you should download these games like yesterday.

Candy Crush Soda Saga, Free [Review] – It’s hard to really label what Candy Crush Soda Saga even is. It’s not really a sequel, as they’ve got no problem slapping a “2" on the end of game titles like Bubble Witch 2 Saga. It’s not really a spin off, as it really isn’t that much different from the original. The best way to look at it just seems to be Soda Saga is simply more Candy Crush. If you’re a loud and proud card carrying member of the “I Hate Candy Crush" Club, Soda Saga probably isn’t going to change that. For everyone else, Candy Crush Soda Saga is a must-have puzzle game.

Icewind Dale, $9.99 [Review] – I admit that it’s impossible for me to view this game without appreciating the signicance of it’s legacy. If I try to view this game without regard to the history behind it, I THINK I can still say its an amazing game. Couple that with the fantastic edit job with a bunch of new features and this is a fantastic app for anyone looking for a fantasy RPG adventure that works best in long unbroken stints.

Monument Valley, $3.99 [Forgotten Shores Expansion Review] – The stages are crafted just as carefully as those found in the original. I found the second-last stage of the new set to be particularly intriguing in how it unravels, and I really appreciated how well the gameplay came off in the final stage. It goes without saying that they’re visually beautiful in their construction, but there’s also a certain elegance to how they’re mechanically put together. There are several new twists to the gameplay this time around, though the game still essentially hinges around manipulating perspective. Generally speaking, each stage has more sections than we saw in the original set, and it’s always a pleasure to see just how things are connected. I also really enjoyed the way one of the stages played with audio, layering on bits as you progressed.

Cosmic Crown, Free [Review] – Cosmic Crown is just an undeniably cool game. It’s a roguelike, particularly in the vein of Hoplite where there are occasional upgrades after levels to improve oneself with. But the uncommon twist about the game is that it’s entirely one-dimensional, literally. The only movement is forward and backward, with traps, enemies, and slowly-opening doors serving as the things standing between the green protagonist and those sweet cosmic crowns.

Mr. Particle-Man, $1.99 [Review] – It’s an unabashedly old-school experience that manages to make use of a few modern tricks, one of which I’ve never seen implemented in quite the same way before in an iOS game. Fair warning: Mr. Particle Man is one of those tough as nails games where you’ll die, die, and die some more, and it’s very possible, likely even, that you’ll hit the limits of your own skill before the game is finished. If you’re the sort that gets frustrated by games like that, move along with your sanity intact. For the rest of us weirdos who meet such adversity with laughter and an insane need to keep playing, what this game does is going to be a nice, comfortable fit.

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:

  • Mr. Particle-Man

    From the creator of the critically acclaimed iOS game Ms. Particle-Man comes the eagerly anticipated and enigmatically t…
    TA Rating:
    $1.99
    Buy Now
  • Monument Valley

    ** Apple Game of the Year 2014 ** ** Winner of Apple Design Award 2014 ** In Monument Valley you will manipulate imposs…
    TA Rating:
    $3.99
    Buy Now
  • Candy Crush Soda Saga

    Download Candy Crush Soda Saga now! From the makers of the legendary Candy Crush Saga comes Candy Crush Soda Saga! Uniq…
    TA Rating:
    Free
    Buy Now
  • Icewind Dale

    Evil stirs beneath the Spine of the World. In the northernmost reaches of the Forgotten Realms lies the region of icy t…
    TA Rating:
    $9.99
    Buy Now
  • Cosmic Crown

    You find yourself in a narrow corridor, dozens of traps between you and the object of your every desire -- the Cosmic Cr…
    TA Rating:
    Free
    Buy Now