20. Star Wars Pinball
We knew Star Wars Pinball was in great hands the moment we saw that pinball masters Zen Studios was behind the project. The developer won us over with imaginative tables - complete with classic music and sound effects - inspired by The Empire Strikes Back, The Clone Wars and Boba Fett. Three new post-release tables boosted the game's appeal even further, making it one of the best mobile pinball games you can get.
19. Scurvy Scallywags
It takes a lot for a match-three game to stand out on the App Store, but Ron Gilbert and co have packed so much charm and content into this gorgeous looking game that we think you'll be won over instantly. Sail the seven seas in search of the ultimate sea shanty, and don't forget to grab plenty of booty along the way too.
18. Quell Memento
If we had one criticism of Quell Memento when we reviewed the game, it's that there's so much variety to the puzzling twists that each one doesn't get enough time to really shine. Still, it's a nice problem to have if we're honest, and even if the story's a little hokey, we guarantee you'll lose at least a couple of days to this magnificent puzzle game.
17. AVP Evolution
Hollywood might have thus far failed to make a quality Alien vs. Predator movie, but the franchise thankfully fares much better in the video game world. This gruesome iOS and Android outing let's you play as either creature, and make use of each one's special attacks too. Throw in plenty of marines to slaughter, customizable parts to choose from, and exceptional graphics and special effects, and you've got a game that Fox Digital can be proud of bringing to grim life. Game over? It's just begun!
16. Might & Magic Clash Of Heroes
Describing Might & Magic Clash of Heroes as a match-three game doesn't even really come close to doing this magnificent strategy puzzle game justice. Exemplifying the principle of easy to learn, hard to master, Clash Of Heroes will lead you gently by the hand towards one of the deepest and most satisfying puzzle experiences available for mobiles and tablets.
15. Talisman Prologue
Talisman Prologue won't be to everyone's tastes, but if you're a fan of old-school fantasy gaming, it'll be a case of love at first sight with this digital take on Games Workshop's tabletop classic. Even newcomers are well catered for here with a gentle introduction to each class, so if you've shied away from this sort of game before, Prologue is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the genre.
14. GT Racing 2
There's a fair quantity of solid racing simulators on the App Store, but Gameloft's GT Racing 2 really stood out this year. Featuring a number of realistic car models, user-friendly controls and a variety of courses to challenge your every racing skill, no other game comes as close to replicating a console-like racing experience on the go. Real Racing 3 and 2K Drive may have kept you busy throughout the year, but be sure to make time for this great racer as well.
13. NimbleQuest
Plenty of old games get a modern lick of paint, but we never thought Snake would make the list. Yes, the ancient cell phone title makes a triumphant comeback in NimbleBit's addictive effort, and while it plays very similarly to the original, the developer injects unique role-playing elements to make the game really stand out. Instead of creating the biggest snake possible, you must instead collect heroes with special abilities, while defeating waves of enemies. What's old is indeed new again.
12. Dead Trigger 2
Yes, it's largely a case of more of the same for this sequel to Madfinger's blockbuster first-person shooter, but when the action's this good, we're more than happy to simply get stuck into a fresh batch of highly splatterable zombies. This free-to-play shooter is one of the best in the genre, and it deserves a home on every iOS or Android device.
11. Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic
Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the few games to have ever really done the Star Wars license justice, and we were bowled over when this stellar RPG appeared on the App Store without any fanfare whatsoever. You'll need to own an iPad if you want to play the game, but if that's you, don't hesitate to lay down the cash in exchange for immersing yourself in one of the all-time RPG greats.
We knew Star Wars Pinball was in great hands the moment we saw that pinball masters Zen Studios was behind the project. The developer won us over with imaginative tables - complete with classic music and sound effects - inspired by The Empire Strikes Back, The Clone Wars and Boba Fett. Three new post-release tables boosted the game's appeal even further, making it one of the best mobile pinball games you can get.
19. Scurvy Scallywags
It takes a lot for a match-three game to stand out on the App Store, but Ron Gilbert and co have packed so much charm and content into this gorgeous looking game that we think you'll be won over instantly. Sail the seven seas in search of the ultimate sea shanty, and don't forget to grab plenty of booty along the way too.
18. Quell Memento
If we had one criticism of Quell Memento when we reviewed the game, it's that there's so much variety to the puzzling twists that each one doesn't get enough time to really shine. Still, it's a nice problem to have if we're honest, and even if the story's a little hokey, we guarantee you'll lose at least a couple of days to this magnificent puzzle game.
17. AVP Evolution
Hollywood might have thus far failed to make a quality Alien vs. Predator movie, but the franchise thankfully fares much better in the video game world. This gruesome iOS and Android outing let's you play as either creature, and make use of each one's special attacks too. Throw in plenty of marines to slaughter, customizable parts to choose from, and exceptional graphics and special effects, and you've got a game that Fox Digital can be proud of bringing to grim life. Game over? It's just begun!
16. Might & Magic Clash Of Heroes
Describing Might & Magic Clash of Heroes as a match-three game doesn't even really come close to doing this magnificent strategy puzzle game justice. Exemplifying the principle of easy to learn, hard to master, Clash Of Heroes will lead you gently by the hand towards one of the deepest and most satisfying puzzle experiences available for mobiles and tablets.
15. Talisman Prologue
Talisman Prologue won't be to everyone's tastes, but if you're a fan of old-school fantasy gaming, it'll be a case of love at first sight with this digital take on Games Workshop's tabletop classic. Even newcomers are well catered for here with a gentle introduction to each class, so if you've shied away from this sort of game before, Prologue is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the genre.
14. GT Racing 2
There's a fair quantity of solid racing simulators on the App Store, but Gameloft's GT Racing 2 really stood out this year. Featuring a number of realistic car models, user-friendly controls and a variety of courses to challenge your every racing skill, no other game comes as close to replicating a console-like racing experience on the go. Real Racing 3 and 2K Drive may have kept you busy throughout the year, but be sure to make time for this great racer as well.
13. NimbleQuest
Plenty of old games get a modern lick of paint, but we never thought Snake would make the list. Yes, the ancient cell phone title makes a triumphant comeback in NimbleBit's addictive effort, and while it plays very similarly to the original, the developer injects unique role-playing elements to make the game really stand out. Instead of creating the biggest snake possible, you must instead collect heroes with special abilities, while defeating waves of enemies. What's old is indeed new again.
12. Dead Trigger 2
Yes, it's largely a case of more of the same for this sequel to Madfinger's blockbuster first-person shooter, but when the action's this good, we're more than happy to simply get stuck into a fresh batch of highly splatterable zombies. This free-to-play shooter is one of the best in the genre, and it deserves a home on every iOS or Android device.
11. Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic
Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the few games to have ever really done the Star Wars license justice, and we were bowled over when this stellar RPG appeared on the App Store without any fanfare whatsoever. You'll need to own an iPad if you want to play the game, but if that's you, don't hesitate to lay down the cash in exchange for immersing yourself in one of the all-time RPG greats.
