Gaming on the iPad
I took the plunge and picked up an iPad. I’m sure that CJ did too, as he is also one of the Apple faithful. It’s a pretty amazing device, very fun to use (I’m using it to post this very blog), and the gaming experience is surprisingly good. Sure, it’s bulky to hold up if you’re playing a racing game, but for games like We Rule or Civilization, it is without peer. The screen is just gorgeous, and I am already convinced that this will get a lot more use than my laptop.
The games I would recommend for those that pick the device up:
1. Mirror’s Edge: Arguably better than the console game, and the best demonstration of how a traditional console brand can be brought to the device. Like Cannabalt but better… Much better.
2. We Rule: I’m not a Farmville fan… Played that once then never came back. But I can’t get enough of We Rule. Since ngmoco (the publisher) saves your game on their server, this is a rare experience where you can play the same game on iPhone or iPad, and the save state automatically updates based on your last session. The game is gorgeous on iPad, too.
3. Charadium: It’s Pictionary, and it’s awesome. Draw an image based on a word, and see if friends online (or strangers) can guess what it is within the time limit.
“Classic” iPhone games look nice in 2x mode on the iPad, too.
Ethan, what happened to the Sega Genesis collection on iPhone? And is Sega doing an iPad version? Gizmodo said to expect this in mid-February. How wrong were they? It’s still coming, right?
I agree–mostly. We Rule and Civilization Revolution are fantastic on the thing. And Plants vs. Zombies is worth dropping another $10 on, because the iPad version is unquestionably the BEST version of the game. I’d also highly recommend Real Racing HD, Flight Control HD, and Parachute Panic HD. Mirror’s Edge is one I’m having a ton of fun with, but “arguably better than the console game” is just about 31 flavors of insane.
Maybe that’s why it’s “arguable.”
I’ve only bought two games so far. Plants Vs Zombies and Flight Control HD. I love both games, even at their slight inflated prices. Definitely looking forward to what developers will do with the platform in the future.
Yes, the Genesis Collection is still coming, though I’m not sure exactly when that drops.
For all those playing on plus+, my gamer tag is EthanSMB. Add me so we can play We Rule!
Other great games to try: Godfinger, Plants vs. Zombies, and Scrabble. Party play on Scrabble (with 4 iPhones) is pretty awesome.
I’ve been trying to get one for the last week, but it’s been sold out everywhere. I don’t want to buy it online, because I’m trying to get it in Portland so I don’t have to pay sales tax.
CURSES!