Jedeye Sniv
Banned
The results are in! Dozens, nay, scores of iOS gamers voted to bring you NeoGAF's Best iOS Games of All Time. New to iOS? Start at the top and work your way down. Grizzled veteran? Well there are probably some gems you've missed along the way.
It's authoritative, it's bullet-proof... nah, it's just a good place to start. So without further ado, here are your top 30 iOS games in ascending order:
30. Civilization Revolution (iPhone/iPad) - 102 Points
You played it on 360, you played it on DS. Now give Firaxis your money once again for gaming's premier turn based Civ sim.
GAF says:
"best strategy game on the platform"
" I'm a fan of Civilization. Revolution is over-simplified in my opinion, but it makes however for one of the best portable games out there, because the game becomes much shorter. You might wanna wait for a price drop on this one too."
29. King of Dragon Pass - 103 Points
A surprise entry for the retro PC RPG. No fancy graphics, no bells and whistles, just adventures for men with beards and body odor. Verily!
GAF says:
"one of the meatiest iOS games in existence. Even by PC game standards, it's an incredibly unique strategy game."
28. Doodle Jump - 107 Points
Self proclaimed King of Casual Games, this charming indie platformer has lost none of its appeal over the years.
GAF says:
"the king of iOS games"
"No introduction needed. Tilt your iPhone to get as high as you can."
27. Espgaluda 2 - 114 Points
Bullet hell SHMUP fun from kings of the genre, Cave. Dodge the bullets, shoot the flashing bits. Always near the top of the SHMUP lists, although faces stiff competition from other Cave stablemates.
GAF says:
"I've played this for 30+ hours, something I never thought I'd say about an iPhone game"
26. Words with Friends - 124 Points
It's like Scrabble but unbranded! Those in the know would say this is the better game.
25. Edge - 125 Points
No, not mirror's edge. No, not the highly regard British gaming mag. No, not that Tim Langdell game. Edge is a strange puzzle platform-y type of game and is apparently very good.
GAF says:
"The only "platformer" that I felt was made to be played on the iPhone rather than shoehorned onto it. Amazing soundtrack, great "look" that feels like an ultra modern Spectrum game."
24. Real Racing 2 (iPhone / iPad) - 126 Points
The Sim Racing game that everyone was waiting for! If you like Gran Tourismo, Forza and having your testicles stamped on then you too may enjoy Real Racing 2! Looks like God's own reflection on iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.
GAF says:
"I'm completely in awe of how amazing this game plays and looks. Its like having a PS3 in your pocket. The presentation is also way better than many full fledged console games. I picked up Real Racing 2 for $3 the other day, the quality is ridiculous."
23. Death Rally (Universal) - 129 Points
Proving once and for all that Arcade beats Sim, Remedy's fast and furious carnage racer beats out it's hardcore cousin. Now with multiplayer and IAP!
GAF says:
"Gorgeous 3D top-down racer with attitude and awesome old-skool vibes. Lots of fun, lots of stuff to unlock and since recently also has multiplayer."
22. Space Miner - 132 Points
I've never played this game myself, and so have no idea what it's about. From the description it says it's some kind of shooter/RPG hybrid set in Space and with a Mining bent. If that sounds your cup of tea then head this way my friends...
GAF says:
"has all the elements of games i love, most played iOS game to date"
21. Scribblenauts Remix (Universal) - 148 Points
A high entry for 5th Cell's iOS port of the GAF favourite. Type in NeoGAF for a chuckle. Type in Evilore and nothing happens. Don't take it personal buddy! With the promise of more content in updates (don't let me down Jackson!) this is a must-download!
GAF says:
"The game I'm currently playing and haven't finished yet. Takes a good concept that I always wanted to try on DS but never got the chance too and brings it over to IOS. The amount of items you can create is impressive"
20. Dodonpachi Resurrection - 152 Points
The second Cave entry on the list, more frantic pew pew pew action. Bullet heaven more like, amirite?? (ed note: I wrote this before seeing the Toucharcade quote on the pic below. Now I feel dirty)
GAF says:
"Best bullet-hell shmup on the app store, too bad it's not something you can play in short bursts and too bad it's a bit low-res but other than that, this is flat-out epic. I'm always surprised with how much fun I'm having when I get back into it."
19. Flight Control (iPhone / iPad) - 157 Points
The first iOS game that I was aware of. Guide planes to their runways, get confused, die, repeat. Lose hair optional. Classic!
GAF says:
"the original and best line drawer! I still show it to people to blow their minds."
"multitasking mayhem"
18. Flick Kick Football - 157 Points
Footie fun from GAF favourites Pik Pok. Flick that ball. More addictive than crack and breathing combined. GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL!!!
GAF says:
"One of the best "Flick" games. Dig the art style."
17. Carcassonne (Universal) - 194 Points
GAF's favourite board game. I have no idea what it is like other than it looks complicated and everyone seems to love it. You can't go wrong with that!
GAF says:
"Maybe the most expensive iOS game I've purchased but considering how many games I've played with it, it's worth the money and more. It's polished, async gameplay works flawlessly (besides some minor annoyances with chatting and finishing games), and community is still going strong and welcoming newcomers."
16. Dungeon Raid - 194 Points
Match 3 meets RPG meets the end of any productivity you had planned for the evening. It might look boring but trust me, when you get a screen full of skulls, bricks will be shat.
GAF says:
"One of the deepest and most addictive portable games I have played, especially with the class unlock system. Very understated, great flavour text variety at the start, satisfying game-play and nails the "just one more go / must beat high score" thing."
15. Canabalt (Universal) - 222 Points
Run. Jump. Run some more. Die. Start again. The original and best endless runner.
GAF says:
"Best endless running game ever."
14. Jetpack Joyride (Universal) - 232 Points
A newie but a goodie. Fellow GAFfers Halfbrick bring you the latest in endless running technology. A machine gun jetpack strapped to your back. Aww yeah!
GAF says:
"So much fun, the small goals really made this one for me. I never even really cared about getting a high score."
13. World of Goo (iPhone / Universal) - 239 Points
Build horribly unstable structures to solve fiendish puzzles in this inventive PC port. Frustrating but fun. Sometimes.
GAF says:
"the definite version of a game I've quadrupledipped in"
"so polished, so clever"
12. Battleheart (Universal) - 242 Points
Party-based arcade style RPG with touch screen mechanics? It may sound like a mess but this is one of the most addictive games you will ever get your hands on. Charming style, fn gameplay.
GAF says:
"A great lite RPG with a real MMO team based combat feel, fantastic visuals and music."
11. Drop 7 (Universal) - 247 Points
The premier puzzle game on iOS, the Tetris to iPhone's Gameboy. Sudoku meets Connect 4. Confused? Play it, you won't be any longer.
GAF says:
"still have yet to play a puzzle game deeper than this"
"This game has has held my attention far longer than any other iOS game (and dare I say more than most games on the more traditional platforms). Incredibly simple, horrifyingly addictive and has that 'one more go' factor in spades. Everyone should own it."
10. Groove Coaster (Universal) - 258 Points
Inventive arcade rhythm game, beautiful graphics, killer soundtrack. Tap tap tap! From the creators of Space Invaders Infinity Gene.
GAF says:
"Only rhythm game I could stick with since Rez, stunning in every way."
09. Angry Birds (iPhone / iPad) - 276 Points
Set in a horrifying apocalytic future, you play as Red Bird, fighting to free his family from the corrupt hipster forces using the powers of popular appeal and marketing tie ins! Inexplicably popular! Physics puzzler! Birds birds birds!
GAF says:
"because millions can't be wrong (no, it really rocks)"
"The game that really started it all. Extremely addicting, and like Cut the Rope, gives you that "just one more level" thought in your head. Tons of content. Still hasn't been topped by its two sequels."
08. Fruit Ninja (iPhone / iPad) - 297 Points
Another Halfbrick game that's taken the world by storm. Slice dem fruits good brudda. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down. HiiiiiiYAH!
GAF says:
"Best arcade style game on iOS in my opinion. Leaderboards make it."
"brainless fun"
07. Peggle (iPhone / iPad) - 310 Points
No, not a dubious sexual act involving prosthesis (peg parties are debatable). Popcap's ridiculously addictive feedback machine Peggle has found it's rightful home on iOS.
GAF says:
"Thank you iPad version. One of the best games ever."
06. Cut the Rope (iPhone / iPad) - 354 Points
Guide and dangling candy to the mouth of a cute monster thing. Sounds simple, devious in execution. Insanely popular.
GAF says:
"I feel like this game personifies everything a IOS game should be fun, addictive, tons of content and cheap. The game that really got me in to IOS gaming."
05. Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery (iPhone / Universal) - 392 Points
A victory for art over commerce! Superbrothers' and Capybara's sublime point and click adventure beats out the app store juggernauts to claim 5th place. Tweet that, bitches!
GAF says:
"A beautiful and artistically unique homage to adventure games, an audiovisual delight. Play it if you want something relaxing and intriguing but don't play it if you want to 'powerlevel' your way through something, just chill and play around with it without being too goal-oriented. The game is often unclear in how you have to progress but somehow I've never gotten stuck in it, this is probably because I just chill, explore and play around with it and then things seem to flow more smoothly than when you play it to finish it."
04. Infinity Blade (Universal) - 400 Points
Punch Out with RPG elements in shiny Unreal Engine armor. The definitive iOS graphics horse. At least, till the sequel arrives.
GAF says:
"It may look like an RPG but if you're going in for a lengthy story and epic character progression, you'll probably end up disappointed. Instead, it's a highly polished and fully realized fighting game, something of a Tekken with swords with some RPG-like character progression/loot and story progression added to it. If visceral, engaging and absolutely gorgeous sword-fighting action with controls similar to Fruit Ninja sounds like your thing, this is likely to become your absolute favorite iOS game. Easy to learn, but after what is now perhaps 40-50 hours of gameplay, I'm still nowhere near perfectly mastering the art of dodging/blocking/parrying like a pro. So unlike some of the disappointed would have you believe, the game has a LOT of depth, while at the same time it's still perfect to play in short bursts. The fact that you will keep unlocking new items for a long LONG time also adds to its longevity."
03. Tiny Wings - 427 Points
A one-man-job score attack 'runner' that took the world by storm, making Andreas Illger millions in the process. Give him more money, buy his game!
GAF says:
"I hated and loved it too much"
"Sunk more hours into this iOS game than I've spent on some physical media games."
02. Game Dev Story - 514 Points
Like all nerds, you've probably dreamed of making your own video games. Well now's the chance but with none of that pesky creativity or skill holding you back! Manage a team of game devs to win that all important GoTY award. But be warned, when you start you will need to say goodbye to your life!
GAF says:
"Holy crap this game is a time melter. So addicting that it should come with a government warning."
"I finished it in one sitting, 12 hours straight, I don't think I've ever done that for any other handheld game. Its a charming fun game, there's not so much replayability here but what is there the first time is super fun. I do like my business sims though."
So.... what's number one then? Have you guessed already?? Drumroll please...
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1. Plants vs Zombies (iPhone / iPad) - 625 Points
Popcap taking the world by storm with this tower/garden defense game. Put down plants, shoot zombies. Rinse, repeat.
GAF says:
"The gateway drug for tower defense. If you've never played a tower defense game, this is a great one to start on. Highly polished, great presentation, hilarious sense of humor, and a solid amount of play time. The touchscreen controls are awesome. One of the best versions of this game to play. In many ways this game is perfect. The only downside is it is too easy, hence my suggestion for games 2 and 3, which are much more challenging once you have the TD bug."
"feels like it was designed for touch screen"
"Best tower defense game on iOS"
"A Perfect fit for the iPad."
So there we go. What do you think GAF? Is PvZ really the best game on iOS. Who got robbed? Let the bitching begin! Full list of results in the next post.
It's authoritative, it's bullet-proof... nah, it's just a good place to start. So without further ado, here are your top 30 iOS games in ascending order:
30. Civilization Revolution (iPhone/iPad) - 102 Points
You played it on 360, you played it on DS. Now give Firaxis your money once again for gaming's premier turn based Civ sim.
GAF says:
"best strategy game on the platform"
" I'm a fan of Civilization. Revolution is over-simplified in my opinion, but it makes however for one of the best portable games out there, because the game becomes much shorter. You might wanna wait for a price drop on this one too."
29. King of Dragon Pass - 103 Points
A surprise entry for the retro PC RPG. No fancy graphics, no bells and whistles, just adventures for men with beards and body odor. Verily!
GAF says:
"one of the meatiest iOS games in existence. Even by PC game standards, it's an incredibly unique strategy game."
28. Doodle Jump - 107 Points
Self proclaimed King of Casual Games, this charming indie platformer has lost none of its appeal over the years.
GAF says:
"the king of iOS games"
"No introduction needed. Tilt your iPhone to get as high as you can."
27. Espgaluda 2 - 114 Points
Bullet hell SHMUP fun from kings of the genre, Cave. Dodge the bullets, shoot the flashing bits. Always near the top of the SHMUP lists, although faces stiff competition from other Cave stablemates.
GAF says:
"I've played this for 30+ hours, something I never thought I'd say about an iPhone game"
26. Words with Friends - 124 Points
It's like Scrabble but unbranded! Those in the know would say this is the better game.
25. Edge - 125 Points
No, not mirror's edge. No, not the highly regard British gaming mag. No, not that Tim Langdell game. Edge is a strange puzzle platform-y type of game and is apparently very good.
GAF says:
"The only "platformer" that I felt was made to be played on the iPhone rather than shoehorned onto it. Amazing soundtrack, great "look" that feels like an ultra modern Spectrum game."
24. Real Racing 2 (iPhone / iPad) - 126 Points
The Sim Racing game that everyone was waiting for! If you like Gran Tourismo, Forza and having your testicles stamped on then you too may enjoy Real Racing 2! Looks like God's own reflection on iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.
GAF says:
"I'm completely in awe of how amazing this game plays and looks. Its like having a PS3 in your pocket. The presentation is also way better than many full fledged console games. I picked up Real Racing 2 for $3 the other day, the quality is ridiculous."
23. Death Rally (Universal) - 129 Points
Proving once and for all that Arcade beats Sim, Remedy's fast and furious carnage racer beats out it's hardcore cousin. Now with multiplayer and IAP!
GAF says:
"Gorgeous 3D top-down racer with attitude and awesome old-skool vibes. Lots of fun, lots of stuff to unlock and since recently also has multiplayer."
22. Space Miner - 132 Points
I've never played this game myself, and so have no idea what it's about. From the description it says it's some kind of shooter/RPG hybrid set in Space and with a Mining bent. If that sounds your cup of tea then head this way my friends...
GAF says:
"has all the elements of games i love, most played iOS game to date"
21. Scribblenauts Remix (Universal) - 148 Points
A high entry for 5th Cell's iOS port of the GAF favourite. Type in NeoGAF for a chuckle. Type in Evilore and nothing happens. Don't take it personal buddy! With the promise of more content in updates (don't let me down Jackson!) this is a must-download!
GAF says:
"The game I'm currently playing and haven't finished yet. Takes a good concept that I always wanted to try on DS but never got the chance too and brings it over to IOS. The amount of items you can create is impressive"
20. Dodonpachi Resurrection - 152 Points
The second Cave entry on the list, more frantic pew pew pew action. Bullet heaven more like, amirite?? (ed note: I wrote this before seeing the Toucharcade quote on the pic below. Now I feel dirty)
GAF says:
"Best bullet-hell shmup on the app store, too bad it's not something you can play in short bursts and too bad it's a bit low-res but other than that, this is flat-out epic. I'm always surprised with how much fun I'm having when I get back into it."
19. Flight Control (iPhone / iPad) - 157 Points
The first iOS game that I was aware of. Guide planes to their runways, get confused, die, repeat. Lose hair optional. Classic!
GAF says:
"the original and best line drawer! I still show it to people to blow their minds."
"multitasking mayhem"
18. Flick Kick Football - 157 Points
Footie fun from GAF favourites Pik Pok. Flick that ball. More addictive than crack and breathing combined. GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL!!!
GAF says:
"One of the best "Flick" games. Dig the art style."
17. Carcassonne (Universal) - 194 Points
GAF's favourite board game. I have no idea what it is like other than it looks complicated and everyone seems to love it. You can't go wrong with that!
GAF says:
"Maybe the most expensive iOS game I've purchased but considering how many games I've played with it, it's worth the money and more. It's polished, async gameplay works flawlessly (besides some minor annoyances with chatting and finishing games), and community is still going strong and welcoming newcomers."
16. Dungeon Raid - 194 Points
Match 3 meets RPG meets the end of any productivity you had planned for the evening. It might look boring but trust me, when you get a screen full of skulls, bricks will be shat.
GAF says:
"One of the deepest and most addictive portable games I have played, especially with the class unlock system. Very understated, great flavour text variety at the start, satisfying game-play and nails the "just one more go / must beat high score" thing."
15. Canabalt (Universal) - 222 Points
Run. Jump. Run some more. Die. Start again. The original and best endless runner.
GAF says:
"Best endless running game ever."
14. Jetpack Joyride (Universal) - 232 Points
A newie but a goodie. Fellow GAFfers Halfbrick bring you the latest in endless running technology. A machine gun jetpack strapped to your back. Aww yeah!
GAF says:
"So much fun, the small goals really made this one for me. I never even really cared about getting a high score."
13. World of Goo (iPhone / Universal) - 239 Points
Build horribly unstable structures to solve fiendish puzzles in this inventive PC port. Frustrating but fun. Sometimes.
GAF says:
"the definite version of a game I've quadrupledipped in"
"so polished, so clever"
12. Battleheart (Universal) - 242 Points
Party-based arcade style RPG with touch screen mechanics? It may sound like a mess but this is one of the most addictive games you will ever get your hands on. Charming style, fn gameplay.
GAF says:
"A great lite RPG with a real MMO team based combat feel, fantastic visuals and music."
11. Drop 7 (Universal) - 247 Points
The premier puzzle game on iOS, the Tetris to iPhone's Gameboy. Sudoku meets Connect 4. Confused? Play it, you won't be any longer.
GAF says:
"still have yet to play a puzzle game deeper than this"
"This game has has held my attention far longer than any other iOS game (and dare I say more than most games on the more traditional platforms). Incredibly simple, horrifyingly addictive and has that 'one more go' factor in spades. Everyone should own it."
10. Groove Coaster (Universal) - 258 Points
Inventive arcade rhythm game, beautiful graphics, killer soundtrack. Tap tap tap! From the creators of Space Invaders Infinity Gene.
GAF says:
"Only rhythm game I could stick with since Rez, stunning in every way."
09. Angry Birds (iPhone / iPad) - 276 Points
Set in a horrifying apocalytic future, you play as Red Bird, fighting to free his family from the corrupt hipster forces using the powers of popular appeal and marketing tie ins! Inexplicably popular! Physics puzzler! Birds birds birds!
GAF says:
"because millions can't be wrong (no, it really rocks)"
"The game that really started it all. Extremely addicting, and like Cut the Rope, gives you that "just one more level" thought in your head. Tons of content. Still hasn't been topped by its two sequels."
08. Fruit Ninja (iPhone / iPad) - 297 Points
Another Halfbrick game that's taken the world by storm. Slice dem fruits good brudda. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down. HiiiiiiYAH!
GAF says:
"Best arcade style game on iOS in my opinion. Leaderboards make it."
"brainless fun"
07. Peggle (iPhone / iPad) - 310 Points
No, not a dubious sexual act involving prosthesis (peg parties are debatable). Popcap's ridiculously addictive feedback machine Peggle has found it's rightful home on iOS.
GAF says:
"Thank you iPad version. One of the best games ever."
06. Cut the Rope (iPhone / iPad) - 354 Points
Guide and dangling candy to the mouth of a cute monster thing. Sounds simple, devious in execution. Insanely popular.
GAF says:
"I feel like this game personifies everything a IOS game should be fun, addictive, tons of content and cheap. The game that really got me in to IOS gaming."
05. Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery (iPhone / Universal) - 392 Points
A victory for art over commerce! Superbrothers' and Capybara's sublime point and click adventure beats out the app store juggernauts to claim 5th place. Tweet that, bitches!
GAF says:
"A beautiful and artistically unique homage to adventure games, an audiovisual delight. Play it if you want something relaxing and intriguing but don't play it if you want to 'powerlevel' your way through something, just chill and play around with it without being too goal-oriented. The game is often unclear in how you have to progress but somehow I've never gotten stuck in it, this is probably because I just chill, explore and play around with it and then things seem to flow more smoothly than when you play it to finish it."
04. Infinity Blade (Universal) - 400 Points
Punch Out with RPG elements in shiny Unreal Engine armor. The definitive iOS graphics horse. At least, till the sequel arrives.
GAF says:
"It may look like an RPG but if you're going in for a lengthy story and epic character progression, you'll probably end up disappointed. Instead, it's a highly polished and fully realized fighting game, something of a Tekken with swords with some RPG-like character progression/loot and story progression added to it. If visceral, engaging and absolutely gorgeous sword-fighting action with controls similar to Fruit Ninja sounds like your thing, this is likely to become your absolute favorite iOS game. Easy to learn, but after what is now perhaps 40-50 hours of gameplay, I'm still nowhere near perfectly mastering the art of dodging/blocking/parrying like a pro. So unlike some of the disappointed would have you believe, the game has a LOT of depth, while at the same time it's still perfect to play in short bursts. The fact that you will keep unlocking new items for a long LONG time also adds to its longevity."
03. Tiny Wings - 427 Points
A one-man-job score attack 'runner' that took the world by storm, making Andreas Illger millions in the process. Give him more money, buy his game!
GAF says:
"I hated and loved it too much"
"Sunk more hours into this iOS game than I've spent on some physical media games."
02. Game Dev Story - 514 Points
Like all nerds, you've probably dreamed of making your own video games. Well now's the chance but with none of that pesky creativity or skill holding you back! Manage a team of game devs to win that all important GoTY award. But be warned, when you start you will need to say goodbye to your life!
GAF says:
"Holy crap this game is a time melter. So addicting that it should come with a government warning."
"I finished it in one sitting, 12 hours straight, I don't think I've ever done that for any other handheld game. Its a charming fun game, there's not so much replayability here but what is there the first time is super fun. I do like my business sims though."
So.... what's number one then? Have you guessed already?? Drumroll please...
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.
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1. Plants vs Zombies (iPhone / iPad) - 625 Points
Popcap taking the world by storm with this tower/garden defense game. Put down plants, shoot zombies. Rinse, repeat.
GAF says:
"The gateway drug for tower defense. If you've never played a tower defense game, this is a great one to start on. Highly polished, great presentation, hilarious sense of humor, and a solid amount of play time. The touchscreen controls are awesome. One of the best versions of this game to play. In many ways this game is perfect. The only downside is it is too easy, hence my suggestion for games 2 and 3, which are much more challenging once you have the TD bug."
"feels like it was designed for touch screen"
"Best tower defense game on iOS"
"A Perfect fit for the iPad."
So there we go. What do you think GAF? Is PvZ really the best game on iOS. Who got robbed? Let the bitching begin! Full list of results in the next post.
King of Dragon Pass looks interesting, will try.
