Kicking off this week’s must-have games roundup is a massive update to Tiny Wings — one of my favorite iOS games — which adds a brand new game mode with 15 levels, Retina visuals, and more. You’ll also find Amazing Alex, the latest game from Angry Birds creator Rovio; a wonderful multiplayer RPG; a retro Neo-Geo shooter, and more.
Tiny Wings — iPhone ($0.99) / iPad ($2.99)
Tiny Wings received a massive update this week, in addition to a new HD release for the iPad. Version 2.0 delivers a brand new game mode called “Flight School,” which allows you to pick one of four birds and then race your way through 15 new levels. It also introduced high-resolution visuals for Retina display devices, and iCloud game syncing between your iOS devices.
Tiny Wings is one of my favorite ever iOS games, and it only gets better with this latest update.
Amazing Alex — iPhone ($0.99) / iPad ($2.99)
Amazing Alex is Rovio’s first break away from the hugely successful Angry Birds series. Much like Casey’s Contraptions, which was the name of the game before Rovio purchased the rights to it and began adding its own touches, Amazing Alex sees you take on the role of “a curious boy who loves to build things.”
Work your way through 100 levels creating elaborate Rude Goldberg-like devices from 35 interactive object that are powered by chain reactions. And once you’re done with those, you can build your own levels, and play others built by your friends.
Pocket Heroes — iPhone ($0.99)
Pocket Heroes claims to be “the first cooperative multiplayer-only RPG built exclusively for iPhone!” Choose from one of four unique classes, and adventure through ten hand-crafted environments from dungeon halls to forests and you make your way through the game’s campaign mode alongside your friends.
The leveling system allows you to customize and improve your character skills and abilities as you level up. Team up with up to three friends and fight against human bandits, skeletons, rat-faced “vermen,” goblins, spiders, and more. You’ll earn loot for defeating enemies, which you’ll be able to spend on weapons, armor, trinkets, and special-use items.
If you’re a fan of RPG titles, or anything that involves teaming up with friends, you should certainly be checking out Pocket Heroes.
Metal Slug 3 — Universal ($6.99)
If you had a Neo-Geo back in the day, you may already be familiar with Metal Slug 3. But this is the first time you’ve been able to put it in your pocket. The legendary 2D shooter comes to iOS with the classic arcade mode, in addition to a mission mode that allows you to select which stages you’d like to play and improve for those you struggle to beat.
You’ll discover all of the slugs you played with back in 2000, including Slug Mariners, Drill Slugs, Elephant Slugs, and the original Metal Slugs. One thing you didn’t get in 2000, however, is Game Center integration with a whole host of achievements.
Tap Tap Revenge Tour — iPhone (Free)
Tap Tap Revenge, one of the original and best music games for iOS, is back with Tap Tap Revenge Tour, which gives you the chance to manage your band as well as star in it. You can play a new track every day for free, and take advantage of the free music store that boasts over 300 tracks. When you’re done with all of those, you can purchase more from artists like Katy Perry, Skrillex, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Nickelback, and more.
Jam mode lets you practice your favorite songs until you master them, and helps you prepare for the big world tour. And when you’re ready for touring, you can play opening, supporting, and headliner acts in a new city every day, with “epic rewards” at the end of each week. You can then share your your awards and accomplishments with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
What’s Your Favorite?
So that concludes our list of this week’s must-have iOS games. If you’ve picked up something that you think we should have included, be sure to let us know about it in the comments.
