Jedeye Sniv
Banned
It's here! You voted for two weeks on your favourite iOS games and the results have been tabulated and sorted and filtered and counted and... here's your list.
20. Dodonpachi 118 points
iOS GAF loves it some Cave shooters, and the DoDonPachi series starts off our countdown at number 20. If you like staring at a screen until it feels like your eyes are going to fall out, you will love this game!
GAF says:
"Never would have imagined that a bullet hell japanese shooter would translate so well to the small screen of an iPhone. Really mindblowing how it really works... and it's fun on top of it."
"Bullet hell on the iPhone? Yes, pls."
19. Canabalt UNIVERSAL 125 points
The "original" endless runner. Brutally hard, awesome music, blurs like a motherfucker on iPad 2. Still great.
GAF says:
"Creators of Ziggurat had great things to say about this one for good reasons. Namely, it kicks ass."
"simple and great for short plays, easy controls, perfect for the device"
18. Ziggurat 127 points
Unfortunately this high score shooter thingy game is unavailable to purchase right now. Which sucks, because I don't even have it. A surprisingly popular pick, lots of number 1 votes for this game. Stay tuned for news as to when it's available again.
GAF says:
"It's the most amazing response to any argument about touchscreen videogame controls and game design. Looks great and is addictive as hell."
"quick high scoring game with awesome chiptune track, you kill a bunch of aliens on a mountain. challenging and playable in short spurts. Also has an interesting 'story arc' for a high score game. 99 cents"
17. Galaxy on Fire 2 (HD version linked) 142 points
Free roaming space sim available in every flavour you can imagine. iPhone, iPad and fancy HD version for those of you with high power devices. A high placing, I suspect in leiu of anything better yet.
GAF says:
"one of the best iOS games I have ever played. Seeing this type of game neglected on consoles it was wonderful to see it available on the iPhone."
"visual showcase for modern ios devices. Is quite meaty as well and with 2 meaty dlc expansions."
16. Infinity Blade 2 UNIVERSAL 155 points
Epic and Chair's world conquering Punch Out-a-like enters the chart with the sequel. DO you like swiping left to right (or right to left??). Do you like an endless grind? DO you like the prettiest visuals on iOS? Then my friend, you are in for a treat.
GAF says:
"Good game to show off what your phone can do. It's repetitious but enjoyable if you're the new game+ junkie that likes to level up and get money and buy new stuff, etc."
"based on time played this would be number 1. I love it and play it more than most console or PC games as well. Tons of free updates as well. This is iOS gaming done right."
15. Ghost Trick UNIVERSAL 161 points
A port of the innovative DS adventure game. I am DYING to play this. DYING. Get it? Oh...
GAF says:
"Incredible game that more people need to play."
"stellar port of one of the best ds games at a super reasonable price."
14. Fruit Ninja iPhone/iPad separately 164 points
Cut some fruit in Halfbrick's addictive slicing sim. A genuine iOS juggernaut. Stop by the iOS thread and say hi to the guys if you're a fan. They're good people.
GAF says:
"An obvious classic. I love slicin' me some fruits. It's like a better, more streamlined version of Metal Gear Rising. Probably."
"Everyone's played this. Very addicting." (Jedeye's note: I haven't, and it's "addictive" ... oh man the editorialising power is going to my head)
13. Ascension UNIVERSAL 170 points
It's a card game, but you don't need cards. Still gotta buy em, but at least you won't be losing them down the back of the sofa. Those in the know say this game is the shit.
GAF says:
"Pacey and risk rewarding play transcend its interface issues to make this outsider art MtG the most addictive asynchronous game on iOS."
"Best board/card game on iOS."
12. Groove Coaster UNIVERSAL 187 points
Taito still holding the crown for best rhythm game on the store. The music is Japanese as all hell, but the gameplay is sheer joy in tap tap tap form. A classic.
GAF says:
"One would think iOS would be full of great rhythm games. Wrong. But here's one."
"I LOVE this game. This game brings a smile to my face and makes me want to play more and more. Everyone with an iOs device should buy it."
11. Rayman Jungle Run UNIVERSAL 212 points
A high entry for new kid on the block Rayman. Barely a month old, this auto running platformer has captured GAF's heart with it's beautiful art and testicle wrenchingly difficult gameplay. Plus that witch thing at the end is disarmingly sexy.
GAF says:
"the first platformer that really clicked for me on iOS. Replaying the levels to get perfect is really addictive and it gets challenging without frustrating controls."
"A translation of Rayman Origins to iOS. Focuses on timing based levels and quick reflexes. This is how you bring a franchise over to a touchscreen. The actual Origins game would never work here but this just plays great!"
10. Tiny Wings iPhone/Ipad separately 228 points
2011's surprise indie hit still riding high in our affections. Come on! It's got a bird in it, of course it's great!! Recently updated with an HD version and multiplayer. Give Andreas some more of your money. He needs it.
GAF says:
"One word: Charm. More Words: This game has an abundance of charm. It's also addictive as fuck. I love the music, the art and the "yaaahhhoooooo""
"iOS games may be ridiculed for making games out of a simple mechanic, but this game shows that even the simplest mechanics can be made in to a compelling and artful game."
9. Cut the Rope iPhone/iPad separately 248 points
Three stars, quirky character, gameplay gimmick. Digital crack. You know the score. And if you don't, you should just so you have something to rail against when you're hardcore.
GAF says:
"Not a fan of most 3 Star games. This is a big exception."
"Does the "levelled, 3 starable, physics puzzler" better than Angry Birds due it's superior solvability (I tend to feel AB can be a bit too random in how you place your shots.)"
8. Kingdom Rush iPhone/iPad separately 255 points
Simply the best tower defence game there is, despite voting evidence to the contrary. Charming, addictive, hard.
GAF says:
"who'da thunk it, TD games can actually be a shit ton of fun. Best out there."
"Awesome TD game. Love the art style, the humor, the game play. Everything about it rocks."
7. Dungeon Raid iPhone only 275 points
Roguelike meets Match3 meets the end of you social life, for a week at least. Sorely needs updating to universal. And bumpmapping, it needs bumpmapping.
GAF says:
"my go to game on my phone. Anytime I'm sitting somewhere waiting out comes Dungeon Raid."
"Easily the most addictive puzzle game I've ever played, even more than Tetris. I've put so many hours into it."
6. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery UNIVERSAL 284 points
A magical, otherworldly experience featuring the best music you will hear in an iOS game. It oozes atmosphere and charm and is unlike anything you've played before. A modern classic.
GAF says:
"I love point and click adventures and I'll admit as far as adventure games go this one is not the best choice to go with if you're looking for a traditional game in the genre. Despite that, I do enjoy the trial and error style of gameplay. But where the game really shines, in my opinion, is in the way it tells its story, its aesthetics, and the music. I look at it as an art game or an experience along the lines of something like Journey or Dear Esther. It's always getting recognition for its soundtrack and beautiful pixel art, which well deserved, but I think it deserves more attention for the abstract way it presents itself and tells its story. It's certainly not for everyone but I love everything about it."
"Just walking? No, but still a feeble adventure game that creaks under expectations created by glorious A/V. Flawed, but still essential." (CONTROVERSY!)
5. Carcassonne UNIVERSAL 312 points
A game with a community so rabid and faithful that we had to kick them out of the main iOS thread into their own boardgame ghetto because they would not just SHUT UP ABOUT IT. Quite good, I hear.
GAF says:
"The game board is a medieval landscape built by the players as the game progresses. It is named after the medieval fortified town of Carcassonne in southern France, famed for its city walls."
"The best board game and the best implementation of a board game on iOS"
4. Plants V Zombies iPhone/iPad separately 328 points
A game so ubiquitous, I think you can actually play it on anything with a plug and a screen these days. It may be old and played out, but you people can't get enough of it.
GAF says:
"It's freaking PvZ"
"Gotten addicted to it on 3 separate occasions."
"Completed it on PC. Completed it on X360. Close to completing it again on iPhone. Will complete again on iPad. Its just THAT good."
3. Jetpack Joyride UNIVERSAL 335 points
GAF's favourite runner. Mixing the gogogogo style of Canabalt with the missions of Call of Duty, it's an unstoppable juggernaut of AWESOME. But it'll always be Machinegun Jetpack to me.
GAF says:
"My most played iOS game. Hell, I've played it more than lots of retail games. Great fun."
"Best Runner on the platform."
"finely polished endless runner type game, but with so so so much more content than most."
2. Super hexagon UNIVERSAL 338 points
It may be brand spanking new, but SUper Hexagon is officially up there with the all time greats of iOS. It will make you cry and want to hunt down Jenn Frank and tear out her vocal chords, but it's an experience purer than any other.
GAF says:
"Flawless music, fantastic reflex game."
"If Mr White made games instead of Meth, he'd have made Super Hexagon"
"tough but addictive, awesome music, 60 Fps. Feels rewarding if you beat it, which is very possible no matter how impossible you think it is"
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1. Game Dev Story iPhone only 343 points
A surprise number one smash for this aged dev sim. It may be light on strategy, gameplay, music and fun, but it's heavy on the digital crack and has spawned the fearsome Kult of Kairosoft who slaver over each and every release, hoping against hope to recapture the up-all-night glory of GDS. I have played this game so much, I could probably be a game dev myself by now. Just... after... this... last... turn...
GAF says:
"Quite literally video game crack. From the first second I opened the game I didnt put it down for something like 6 hours later. Love the idea of being my own game developer. One of my all time favorites."
"Again, so addictive. Though I hate when my Mushroom MMO series fails to break 10m sales
"
"Best Game Dev Story Game of all time!!!!!!!!"
"Cost me two full days that I somehow ended up playing it continuously. I am since scared of Kairosoft games."
"not that great of a game, but if you are on gaf you will find this super addictive for a good dozen hrs or so."
"All these games play pretty much the same, but man they can be addictive."
...so there you go. Agree? Disagree? Bitch here!
20. Dodonpachi 118 points
iOS GAF loves it some Cave shooters, and the DoDonPachi series starts off our countdown at number 20. If you like staring at a screen until it feels like your eyes are going to fall out, you will love this game!
GAF says:
"Never would have imagined that a bullet hell japanese shooter would translate so well to the small screen of an iPhone. Really mindblowing how it really works... and it's fun on top of it."
"Bullet hell on the iPhone? Yes, pls."
19. Canabalt UNIVERSAL 125 points
The "original" endless runner. Brutally hard, awesome music, blurs like a motherfucker on iPad 2. Still great.
GAF says:
"Creators of Ziggurat had great things to say about this one for good reasons. Namely, it kicks ass."
"simple and great for short plays, easy controls, perfect for the device"
18. Ziggurat 127 points
Unfortunately this high score shooter thingy game is unavailable to purchase right now. Which sucks, because I don't even have it. A surprisingly popular pick, lots of number 1 votes for this game. Stay tuned for news as to when it's available again.
GAF says:
"It's the most amazing response to any argument about touchscreen videogame controls and game design. Looks great and is addictive as hell."
"quick high scoring game with awesome chiptune track, you kill a bunch of aliens on a mountain. challenging and playable in short spurts. Also has an interesting 'story arc' for a high score game. 99 cents"
17. Galaxy on Fire 2 (HD version linked) 142 points
Free roaming space sim available in every flavour you can imagine. iPhone, iPad and fancy HD version for those of you with high power devices. A high placing, I suspect in leiu of anything better yet.
GAF says:
"one of the best iOS games I have ever played. Seeing this type of game neglected on consoles it was wonderful to see it available on the iPhone."
"visual showcase for modern ios devices. Is quite meaty as well and with 2 meaty dlc expansions."
16. Infinity Blade 2 UNIVERSAL 155 points
Epic and Chair's world conquering Punch Out-a-like enters the chart with the sequel. DO you like swiping left to right (or right to left??). Do you like an endless grind? DO you like the prettiest visuals on iOS? Then my friend, you are in for a treat.
GAF says:
"Good game to show off what your phone can do. It's repetitious but enjoyable if you're the new game+ junkie that likes to level up and get money and buy new stuff, etc."
"based on time played this would be number 1. I love it and play it more than most console or PC games as well. Tons of free updates as well. This is iOS gaming done right."
15. Ghost Trick UNIVERSAL 161 points
A port of the innovative DS adventure game. I am DYING to play this. DYING. Get it? Oh...
GAF says:
"Incredible game that more people need to play."
"stellar port of one of the best ds games at a super reasonable price."
14. Fruit Ninja iPhone/iPad separately 164 points
Cut some fruit in Halfbrick's addictive slicing sim. A genuine iOS juggernaut. Stop by the iOS thread and say hi to the guys if you're a fan. They're good people.
GAF says:
"An obvious classic. I love slicin' me some fruits. It's like a better, more streamlined version of Metal Gear Rising. Probably."
"Everyone's played this. Very addicting." (Jedeye's note: I haven't, and it's "addictive" ... oh man the editorialising power is going to my head)
13. Ascension UNIVERSAL 170 points
It's a card game, but you don't need cards. Still gotta buy em, but at least you won't be losing them down the back of the sofa. Those in the know say this game is the shit.
GAF says:
"Pacey and risk rewarding play transcend its interface issues to make this outsider art MtG the most addictive asynchronous game on iOS."
"Best board/card game on iOS."
12. Groove Coaster UNIVERSAL 187 points
Taito still holding the crown for best rhythm game on the store. The music is Japanese as all hell, but the gameplay is sheer joy in tap tap tap form. A classic.
GAF says:
"One would think iOS would be full of great rhythm games. Wrong. But here's one."
"I LOVE this game. This game brings a smile to my face and makes me want to play more and more. Everyone with an iOs device should buy it."
11. Rayman Jungle Run UNIVERSAL 212 points
A high entry for new kid on the block Rayman. Barely a month old, this auto running platformer has captured GAF's heart with it's beautiful art and testicle wrenchingly difficult gameplay. Plus that witch thing at the end is disarmingly sexy.
GAF says:
"the first platformer that really clicked for me on iOS. Replaying the levels to get perfect is really addictive and it gets challenging without frustrating controls."
"A translation of Rayman Origins to iOS. Focuses on timing based levels and quick reflexes. This is how you bring a franchise over to a touchscreen. The actual Origins game would never work here but this just plays great!"
10. Tiny Wings iPhone/Ipad separately 228 points
2011's surprise indie hit still riding high in our affections. Come on! It's got a bird in it, of course it's great!! Recently updated with an HD version and multiplayer. Give Andreas some more of your money. He needs it.
GAF says:
"One word: Charm. More Words: This game has an abundance of charm. It's also addictive as fuck. I love the music, the art and the "yaaahhhoooooo""
"iOS games may be ridiculed for making games out of a simple mechanic, but this game shows that even the simplest mechanics can be made in to a compelling and artful game."
9. Cut the Rope iPhone/iPad separately 248 points
Three stars, quirky character, gameplay gimmick. Digital crack. You know the score. And if you don't, you should just so you have something to rail against when you're hardcore.
GAF says:
"Not a fan of most 3 Star games. This is a big exception."
"Does the "levelled, 3 starable, physics puzzler" better than Angry Birds due it's superior solvability (I tend to feel AB can be a bit too random in how you place your shots.)"
8. Kingdom Rush iPhone/iPad separately 255 points
Simply the best tower defence game there is, despite voting evidence to the contrary. Charming, addictive, hard.
GAF says:
"who'da thunk it, TD games can actually be a shit ton of fun. Best out there."
"Awesome TD game. Love the art style, the humor, the game play. Everything about it rocks."
7. Dungeon Raid iPhone only 275 points
Roguelike meets Match3 meets the end of you social life, for a week at least. Sorely needs updating to universal. And bumpmapping, it needs bumpmapping.
GAF says:
"my go to game on my phone. Anytime I'm sitting somewhere waiting out comes Dungeon Raid."
"Easily the most addictive puzzle game I've ever played, even more than Tetris. I've put so many hours into it."
6. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery UNIVERSAL 284 points
A magical, otherworldly experience featuring the best music you will hear in an iOS game. It oozes atmosphere and charm and is unlike anything you've played before. A modern classic.
GAF says:
"I love point and click adventures and I'll admit as far as adventure games go this one is not the best choice to go with if you're looking for a traditional game in the genre. Despite that, I do enjoy the trial and error style of gameplay. But where the game really shines, in my opinion, is in the way it tells its story, its aesthetics, and the music. I look at it as an art game or an experience along the lines of something like Journey or Dear Esther. It's always getting recognition for its soundtrack and beautiful pixel art, which well deserved, but I think it deserves more attention for the abstract way it presents itself and tells its story. It's certainly not for everyone but I love everything about it."
"Just walking? No, but still a feeble adventure game that creaks under expectations created by glorious A/V. Flawed, but still essential." (CONTROVERSY!)
5. Carcassonne UNIVERSAL 312 points
A game with a community so rabid and faithful that we had to kick them out of the main iOS thread into their own boardgame ghetto because they would not just SHUT UP ABOUT IT. Quite good, I hear.
GAF says:
"The game board is a medieval landscape built by the players as the game progresses. It is named after the medieval fortified town of Carcassonne in southern France, famed for its city walls."
"The best board game and the best implementation of a board game on iOS"
4. Plants V Zombies iPhone/iPad separately 328 points
A game so ubiquitous, I think you can actually play it on anything with a plug and a screen these days. It may be old and played out, but you people can't get enough of it.
GAF says:
"It's freaking PvZ"
"Gotten addicted to it on 3 separate occasions."
"Completed it on PC. Completed it on X360. Close to completing it again on iPhone. Will complete again on iPad. Its just THAT good."
3. Jetpack Joyride UNIVERSAL 335 points
GAF's favourite runner. Mixing the gogogogo style of Canabalt with the missions of Call of Duty, it's an unstoppable juggernaut of AWESOME. But it'll always be Machinegun Jetpack to me.
GAF says:
"My most played iOS game. Hell, I've played it more than lots of retail games. Great fun."
"Best Runner on the platform."
"finely polished endless runner type game, but with so so so much more content than most."
2. Super hexagon UNIVERSAL 338 points
It may be brand spanking new, but SUper Hexagon is officially up there with the all time greats of iOS. It will make you cry and want to hunt down Jenn Frank and tear out her vocal chords, but it's an experience purer than any other.
GAF says:
"Flawless music, fantastic reflex game."
"If Mr White made games instead of Meth, he'd have made Super Hexagon"
"tough but addictive, awesome music, 60 Fps. Feels rewarding if you beat it, which is very possible no matter how impossible you think it is"
..
..
..
..
..
1. Game Dev Story iPhone only 343 points
A surprise number one smash for this aged dev sim. It may be light on strategy, gameplay, music and fun, but it's heavy on the digital crack and has spawned the fearsome Kult of Kairosoft who slaver over each and every release, hoping against hope to recapture the up-all-night glory of GDS. I have played this game so much, I could probably be a game dev myself by now. Just... after... this... last... turn...
GAF says:
"Quite literally video game crack. From the first second I opened the game I didnt put it down for something like 6 hours later. Love the idea of being my own game developer. One of my all time favorites."
"Again, so addictive. Though I hate when my Mushroom MMO series fails to break 10m sales
""Best Game Dev Story Game of all time!!!!!!!!"
"Cost me two full days that I somehow ended up playing it continuously. I am since scared of Kairosoft games."
"not that great of a game, but if you are on gaf you will find this super addictive for a good dozen hrs or so."
"All these games play pretty much the same, but man they can be addictive."
...so there you go. Agree? Disagree? Bitch here!
