Run for your life in 'Canabalt'
For college students, Fall Semester seems to always include a lot of standing around in line. Whether you’re queued up at the cafe, waiting for that perpetually late professor to show up, or sitting in a hallway waiting to find out why you can’t register for classes, it’s always a good idea to keep your iPhone handy for these unavoidbale downtimes. You know the drill: wait, check Facebook, wait, send a text. And now that there are finally some worth playing on the iPhone, why not fire up a video game? App developers have really kicked up the quality of offerings, and we’ve made it past the phase where variations on “Bejeweled” where the only things available in the App Store. Here are some of the best ones that came out this semester - who knew waiting in line could be so much fun?
Big Buck Hunter Pro
It’s hunting … on your iPhone. You’ve most likely played the larger version at your local bar, but now you can take out some massive bucks on the go with “Big Buck Hunter Pro whereever you are. As an added bonus, this means you can finally get an entire trek in without someone bumping into your back while you’re trying to aim.
Price: $.99 More Info
Canabalt
When you boil down a lot of video games to their most basic mechanics there are two things that are the main components in most of the greatest games ever made: running and jumping, and that’s all “Canabalt” is. Run and jump from rooftop to rooftop as you presumably try to escape the giant monsters in the background. It’s so basic that its simply amazing - if only your stats class was the same way.
Price: $2.99 More Info
Groovin’ Blocks
Tired of “Tetris” already? You’ve been playing it since the 1980s – so it’s time to move on, and that’s where “Grooving Blocks” comes in. You already know how to play – just match up the different color blocks as they fall, but if you can do it in time with the beats to the music you’re bound to score some serious points. It’ll make you forget all about “Tetris,” and that test you should be studying for.
Price: $1.99 More Info
Backbreaker Football
Finally, a football game that actually works on the iPhone. “Backbreaker” is unique in that it takes the best part of football – running that long return to the endzone – and makes an entire game out of it. Use the iPhone’s accelerometer to change direct your player as he showboats across the one-yard line, or juke your oppents as they try and tackle you. It might not have as much action as the Rose Bowl, but it’s still a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Price: $.99 More Info
Doom Classic
You know it, you (may or may not) love it, but it’s one of the most important games to ever be released, and now you can play it on your iPhone. With 36 missions for you to tackle as a generic space marine, you’re bound to be over come with hordes of imps, as well as a little bit of nostalgia, as you take ‘em out the BFG 9000. Oh, and did I mention it’s an almost perfect version of “Doom,” complete with multiplayer, on your phone? I thought so.
Price: $6.99 More Info
2XL ATV Offroad
As a follow-up to “2XL Motocross,” the team at 2XL have added two wheels to their bikes, and made one of the most visually impressive games that you can find on the iPhone. But, even if graphics aren’t your thing, and you just prefer to hit the off-road track with your ATV, this game is a solid substitute, at least while you’re waiting in line at the bursar … again.
Price: $7.99 More Info
Super K.O. Boxing 2
Tired of heading to the gym to hit the speed bag? Well, if you’ve ever spent more than five minutes playing “Punch-Out,” “Super K.O. Boxing 2” is for you. It packs in an entire cast of zany characters, tight controls, and a whole lot of challenge as you work your way to the title belt. It’s not an easy road, but you’ll have a good time getting your face bashed in as you work your way there.
Price: $4.99 More Info
Family Guy Uncensored
Sometimes, when games that are based on TV shows that you love get made, bad things happen. Fortunately, that is not the case with “Family Guy Uncensored.” While it might not be an exact replica of the Griffin family’s exploits, there is a wide range of different game types that range from swinging in the jungle with a half-naked Quagmire to Chris flying a plane to take down that evil monkey in his closet. However, the Stewy levels that are based on “Mega Man” are pretty much worth the cost of the game alone.
Price: $2.99 More Info
Word Spin
Need something to get your brain juices flowing? Well, instead of “reading” or “doing homework” maybe you should take “Word Spin” for a … spin. Put your brain to the test as you try to form as many words using the onscreen wheels as possible. It’s a much better use of your brain cells’ activity than actually going to class or anything like that.
Price: $1.99 More Info
Rock Band
Carrying around your iPhone is a whole lot easier than lugging around those plastic guitars and drum kit to your friends dorm for the third time this week. With a stack of licensed tracks, and multiplayer, you don’t really have a reason to not give the mini version of “Rock Band” a go. But, ya never know, hitting those on screen notes might be easier with a guitar, at least after you’ve had a couple drinks.
Price: $6.99 More Info
