Touch Arcade

Despite the issues though, Trambo is a nice break from the immediacy and the need for instant gratification of many games in the current era -- just be ready for the urge to throw your device across the room a few times.

Rocket Robo is worth picking up for its presentation alone. The design is stellar, to the point where I could easily see figures of Robo selling at a local store. But it's more than just a pretty picture, as it's complimented by tight controls and engaging gameplay.

Having said that, if you're looking for a challenging, methodical puzzle game, Grandpa and the Zombies might be your next purchase. It starts off fairly slow but escalates quickly into a tactical nightmare, which is either a good or a bad thing depending on your view of puzzlers.

All in all, this is a really cool action game with depth well beyond what you would expect just by looking at it. The combat is engaging, the bosses are implemented well, and the variety of abilities gives the game tremendous replay value. ...If you like a good hack 'n' slash or are just looking for a good Highlander simulator, crank up the Queen and give this one a download tonight. You'll have yourself a real good time, I promise.

If you bought the first R-Type and couldn't make much progress even on unlimited mode, you should probably steer clear of the sequel. If, however, you relish a serious challenge, R-Type II is going to suit you just fine. It's not quite the experience the first game was, but it comes awfully close, and that's enough to put it in the top tier of shoot-em-ups on the App Store.

Monster Loves You could have been a virtual pet, concerned with the day-in and day-out care of monstrous life. Instead it’s concerned with higher matters—virtue, morality and the choices that define us. You can play it dark, or you can play it light. Neither is held up over the other, and both are lighthearted and occasionally even touching.

Toast Time controls, looks, and plays perfectly on the platform. It's a great example of how to introduce a concept that's normally seen in console releases onto mobile devices, and maintain a sense of charm that transcends its retro veneer. If you're looking for a fun time waster and you're a fan of Super Crate Box, Toast Time is for you.

You can chalk this up to nostalgia, but I firmly believe the classic FF experience is well preserved and is still far better than most other iOS RPG offerings. Whether you love or hate the changes, RPG fans of the era have probably already picked this up. For the rest of you, I implore you that it’s well worth the entry fee.

I love that gaming has ripened to the point where developers can take a concept from a game that influenced their passion for the hobby, polish that concept, and flesh it out into its own thing. Toad Rider puts a fun, challenging, and fair spin on one of gaming's most notorious levels that any fan of endless runners should enjoy.

Platforms Unlimited is perfect for platforming fans who have to talk themselves out of hurling their iPhone across the room every time they fall prey to the same pit or cheaply-placed enemy. An endless supply of constantly evolving environments, coupled with finely tuned jumping, will keep you coming back for a long time.