I grew up playing the original Nintendo, so the idea of a game system without buttons was not only foreign to me – it was downright offensive. Fortunately, before I got my iPhone I got the Wii and began to understand that there was more to gaming that mashing buttons.
I believe that’s what they call growing up.
On a more serious note, the accelerometer is at the center of most iPhone games for good reason; it gives them a unique feel and virtual buttons only take away space on an already limited screen. This has led to many games not only integrating tilt controls, but basing the entire game around them. You may think this would lead to a boring, repetitive game, but many developers have made it work. It’s all right if you don’t believe me; the following games make a pretty good argument for themselves.
Dark Nebula iPhone game
Dark Nebula’s title and graphics give it the air of a much more serious game. Don’t let them fool you, though, as this is no first-person shooter.
The game features 10 levels that challenge the user to guide a metal ball along narrow paths while avoiding enemies such as spikes and guns. The 99-cent iPhone game includes two difficulty levels and a medal system, so even though you’re doing to same thing on every level, the game does have a good deal of replay value.
F is for Falling iPhone game
This 2010 release will undoubtedly draw comparisons to last year’s mega-hit Doodle Jump, and for good reason. Its graphics are both crude and charming and, game play-wise, it’s basically Doodle Jump in reverse.
The iPhone game starts with a stunt man in a free fall avoiding obstacles such as hot-air balloons and planes. There is no finish line; the goal is simply to fall for as long as possible.
F is for Falling has all the elements of an iTunes App Store hit, from addictive game play to simple controls to a cheap price (99 cents). Jump on the bandwagon while there’s still room.
FallDown! iPhone game
Very similar to F is for Falling, FallDown! has you guide a ball through a series of holes in hopes of not getting crushed. Like that iPhone game, it also doesn’t exactly have an ending; the only goal is to fall for as long as possible.
The bad news is that the iPhone game’s graphics are just as basic as its game play. While the game can be very fun in spurts, this isn’t going to hold your attention for hours at a time.
But FallDown! is also a free iPhone game, and not a bad one by any means. Keep your expectations realistic and enjoy the iPhone game for its simplistic beauty.
Labyrinth 2 iPhone app
It’s impossible to do a list like this and not mention Labyrinth, one of the tilt game genre’s defining games.
The sequel, aptly titled Labyrinth 2, includes all kinds of goodies not seen in the first one. The most notable of which are a number of new game elements, such as magnets and lasers, that make it a much more difficult game.
It also lets you create your own levels and has a multi-player mode (up to four people over a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection), and is an all around better game than its predecessor. Try the free lite version if you want, but be warned that you’ll likely get hooked and eventually shell out $4.99 for the full game.
Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid iPhone game
OK, I cheated a little on this one. Rolando does have some other controls, though the game still revolves around tilting Rolandos around levels.
Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid is has a more involved storyline that most iPhone games on this list, and in fact, it would probably be safe to say it’s the deepest game on this list. It has elements of action, puzzle and physics games to go along with solid graphics.
Even the way you pay for the game is unique. You can pay $4.99 for the full version, or download Rolando 2: Chapter One and pay as you play.
Super Monkey Ball 2 iPhone game
It’s actually kind of surprising this iPhone game didn’t start out as an iPhone game, as the Sega product is perfect for the iPhone.
In case you missed the game’s premier on the iPhone and the Wii game, Super Monkey Ball 2 ($4.99) has you play as a monkey in a ball, rolling around environments collecting as many bananas as possible. This version has four characters, 100-plus courses and includes mini-games.
Waterslide Extreme iPhone game
Like FallDown! Waterslide Extreme is a free game, and as long as you keep that in mind it’s a pretty enjoyable game.
Waterslide Extreme has you race down nine slides, collecting as many points as possible while keeping an eye on your time and making sure you don’t fall off. It has two characters as well as two view modes, and though it’s too limited to make it as a paid iPhone game, it’s perfect as a free one.
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