We all love games, from huge blockbuster MMOs to simple puzzles. Not everyone has the time or inclination to play the latest hits on a dedicated PC or console, and sometimes even the most hardened gamer just wants to kill some time waiting for a bus. So, here are a handful of well made, fun, and (mostly) free games for your iOS device.
Jetpack Joyride - this side scrolling dodge-everything-and-collect-stuff game is about as simple as it gets. Your little man bursts in from the left in a non-stop rush to get as far as possible. All you do is tap or hold the screen to go up, and release to drop down. A multitude of constantly changing achievements keeps you coming back for more. Free!
Bike Baron - I am reliably informed that this is not an accurate reflection of motorcycle riding in the real world, which I find somewhat disappointing. I love making my mustachioed chap grab get backs and smash pumpkins! Easy to pick up and play when you have a few spare minutes. £0.69
Mini Beasts - A simple, dual stick driving / shooting game that takes place in a variety of microscopic landscapes, from sandwiches to teddy bears. Bright and colourful, the only real let down is the sound, which seems to have been taken from a Sinclair Spectrum. Currently on offer free!
Tiny Heroes - All I really need to say here is "Plants vs. Zombies" and most people will know exactly how this game plays. For those unfamiliar with the massively successful garden and ghoul franchise, Tiny Heroes is a tower defence game. You have a treasure room to protect in a castle, and you get a selection of traps to fend off invading "heroes". The further you get, the more traps you unlock. This is fantastic fun, with highly addictive gameplay elements. It is also, for me at least, quite frustrating at times. Levels don't necessarily grow increasingly difficult, but instead can vary wildly. Despite this, I highly recommend getting it, and especially now because it too is on sale for nothing on the iOS store.
Blockwick - This puzzle game sets you the outwardly simple task of trying to get two or more large blue squares to touch one another, by sliding them and other blocks around a fixed maze. It is, in essence, just like those plastic puzzle games where you have a load of squares with one missing so you can slide them around. Simple, satisfying, and with a very relaxing score. And free!
Temple Run - Have you ever been chased out of an ancient temple by a horde of screeching, vicious, bloodthirsty simians? Nope, nor have I. But if you want to get the experience without actually putting yourself in harm's way, check out Temple Run. A 3D and yet linear high speed platform game, this is similar to Jetpack Joyride. Control your Indy-esque temple robber as he legs it from rather scary beasts, leaping over chasms and ducking under flaming bridges. Run as far as you can before something gets you, and have a blast doing it. Free!