The APPera

I personally like to call 2009 the year of the ports for the AppStore. There are so many games being ported to iPhone it’s incredible. So here’s a look at some of our favorites this year. Remember we can’t possibly post about ALL of them.

#1 - Earthworm Jim - Review - iTunes Link - Lite Version

Honestly probably the best port I’ve played so far on my iPod, and personal favorite. As a platformer fan I was delighted to hear Gameloft was bringing Earthworm Jim to iPhone with updated graphics.

It wins my vote for  best port because that’s just what it is, a great port. The controls fit right in with the iPhone, keeping it challenging yet controlable. And it’s the real deal, not scaled down or anything. It’s one of the best platformers I’ve played on iPhone.

#2 - James Cameron’s Avatar - Review - iTunes Link

Finally, a movie tie-in that’s good. Well it’s more than good, it’s fakkin AWESOME. It’s not exactly your typical movie tie-in, it serves as a prequel to the movie, on the first mission (and you being the first avatar) into the alien planet. For starters, is the authenticity to the movie. It seems Gameloft was granted access to the movies models, so whatever you see in the movie will be in the game identically.

The other part are the graphics (which look amazing WITHOUT 3GS enhancements), everything is very bright and colorful. After finishing the first few levels the game turns into more of a open-world type of game, with you completing tasks for the villagers. This is where it gets even better, with you riding horse-like creatures and stuff. Amazing game / platformer.

#3 - Driver - Review - iTunes Link

In case you haven’t noticed Gameloft has been on fire with the ports. Up next is one of the first (and still personal favorite) games from PC, Driver. Gameloft ported the original Driver from PC (with the same engine and everythang!) but with much needed updated graphics. The result? Amazing port that ends up looking better than the PS1 / PC version.

It also performs just as well. The controls take a bit to get used to but you’ll get the hang of them before the missions get too hard. You can’t really call it a “racing” game, it’s more like GTA without killing / on-foot part. Gameloft did an amazing job on this.

#4 - Civilization Revolution - Review - iTunes Link - Lite Version

The famous franchise comes to iPhone. Civilizatons is a turn-based strategy where you pretty much try to conquer the world (either by power, riches, land, etc.) over time. A iPhone version of Civ Rev was released earlier in the year and after some bug fix, is dam good.

Built from scratch for iPhone, it’s pretty solid. The controls really take advantage of the touch screen / multi-touch in the iDevices.And it’s a full civilizations game in your pocket for less than $10, that itself is incredible. Another great port.

#5 - Myst -Review - iTunes Link - Lite Version

The classic now on iPhone. Myst is a really old game when you come to think about it. It first came out 1993, back then some people had not switched to CD’s yet. Myst however came out in CD and became famous. In Myst you play as The Stranger who uses a special book to travel to the Myst island. Using other books on the island you can go though “ages” (TIME TRAVEL!) to find clues that will fill you in on the story of the characters and what happened.

The game couldn’t be any more perfect for iPhone. The game consists of static images, where you tap the arrows to move. You can use the touch-screen to look around. The graphics are also better in the iPhone version  than in the original version. It’s just perfect for iPhone, and sooo hard (yes Myst puzzles are very hard usually). But still fun.

#6 - Peggle - Review - iTunes Link

Another port of a classic to iPhone. Surely you’ve played Peggle (or some game similar) to it before. It’s similar to pachinko. The player has a limited amount of balls they have to use to shoot all the orange pegs with to advance. As you progress though the levels the green pegs give you special ‘powers’ (like space blast, fire ball, etc.).

It’s a full port of the Mac version, and although some might think of it as a bit short, it’s awesome. And apart from being the same thing from the Mac version it also incorporates features to take advantage of the iPhone’s touch screen. Like for example double-tapping to zoom in. It’s really good, check it out if you haven’t yet.

#7 - Space Invaders Infinity Gene - Review - iTunes Link

It’s Space Invaders (officially) on iPhone!!!  And believe me it does not disappoint. This “remix” of Space Invaders for iPhone is not just the classic on a emulator *cough* it’s a classic re-born. Though the classic gameplay has been kept the same, it’s you versus the incoming army.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene raises the bar on remaking a classic.  TOTALLY worth the mula, you will not be disappointed. One of the best games on the AppStore.

#8 - Dexter The Game - Review - iTunes Link

OK so this isn’t exactly a movie tie-in (Dexter is a TV show) but since the game is so great (and James asked me :P) I’m adding it in. Dexter The Game is based on the TV show. Dexter is a serial killer, but he does have a set of “rules”. He does not kill someone just for the heck of it, he makes sure they are responsible for a crime (killing someone innocent, raping them, etc.) and then kills them.

Just like the show, the game has you playing as Dexter as you investigate cases and gather evidence on your victims before you kill them. A large part of the game depends on stealth. The game graphics / design are impressive, and even if like me you’re not a Dexter fan (or watched Dexter before) you’ll still probably like it.

#9 - SimCity - Review - iTunes Link

Though a bit old it’s still one of my favorite. SimCity for iPhone is very similar to SimCity 3000, and the iPhone version is built from the ground up specifically for iPhone. SimCity is about building your own city, though a bit different than how you might expect it. You zone areas for residential, commercial, industrial (and zone different densities, like for example low density residential would be suburbs, and high density would be big houses and apartment buildings).

I really enjoy SimCity for iPhone, it’s one of the only iPhone games that have been on my device so long without being deleted. And with the updates fixing the bugs that were causing problems, it’s highly recommended.

#1o - Return To Mysterious Island - Review - iTunes Link

Jules Verne’s Return To Mysterious Island (a.k.a RTMI) is another well-done port I highly enjoy. It’s originally on PC, where it’s fully 3D. So how did they bring it to iPhone if it’s so detailed in 3D? With static images (and other animated images). The result: looking amazing and very much like the PC version in your pocket!

The game is pretty challenging (you might need to cave and use a walkthrough). The unique thing about the game is it’s inventory system. Being in a deserted island you have to use your head and combine items to make one item (like making a fire or a knife). It’s a really great game, much cheaper than PC version too. And if you like it the sequel is also out for iPhone (iTunes Link).

#11 - Enigmo 2 - Review - iTunes Link

OK maybe I’m biased but I was jumping happy when I saw this was released. Enigmo 1 is still one of my favorite games, and since I got my Mac I fell in love with Enigmo 2 and just knew it’d be awesome on iPhone. It adds many elements then just the classic water drops falling in Enigmo. And it’s fully 3D.

The controls are perfect, even for iPhone small size, and by now you’ve probably already used them before on iPhone. For example pinch in / out to zoom in / out, drag around the screen with two fingers to move the camera, etc. It’s surprisingly good, and I have yet to finish it. ‘Nuff said.

#12 - X-Plane - iTunes Link - Lite Version

Another oldie that has never left my iPod: X-Plane. X-Plane was the first flight simulator in the AppStore and is still my favorite. And it’s constantly being updated. In case you don’t known, X-Plane is a flight simulator from the computer. What sets it apart from others like M$ Flight Sim is the accuracy. X-Plane on the computer is actually so accurate it’s certified by the FAA and flight students use it to “study”.

The iPhone version is somewhere in the 90% field when it comes to accuracy, and it feels pretty realistic. With the tilt + touch controls, different views, locations, and realism, X-Plane is another great port I recommend.

#13 Honorable Mention - Beneath A Steel Sky Remastered - iTunes Link

Though when I look at some of the other (awesome) ports I can’t compare this with the others. But I think this deserved  mention. Beneath A Steel Sky was originally released for DOS and Amiga in 1994. It takes place in some place in Australia in the future where pollution has taken a heavy tow on Earth.

I don’t wanna ruin the story for you, but you play Robert who survived a plane crash and ends up where the story is, where he is taken back to the city. There he bows to find out who ______ is and why he wants him. The game has updated graphics, but the story line is the same. It’s a point-and-click game that retro gamers will enjoy, and some puzzle game lovers might as well.

So there you have it. Those are just SOME of the best ports / movie tie-ins of the year, there are many more but these are the best and I strongly suggest you check them all.

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