It's a shame that the game's second half diminishes the appeal.

It's rare to see something this good for free, and with that being said, dismissing this game would be ill advised.

Throw in a year of downloadable puzzles, one per day starting October 28, and Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask will definitely satisfy your demand for quality puzzle gameplay.

We dig the character designs, cartoon world and smashing things. At the same time, the controls need tweaking, and the lack of options in this department make the game a bit more irritating than it should be. Bottom line, it's the best He-Man game we've played, but there's still work to be done.

One of the sharpest games on the App Store.

In many ways, True Skate represents the very best of what can be achieved with mobile gaming. It makes a virtue out of touchscreen controls, rather than a burden, and it's hard to see how any traditional controller could provide a more tactile and intuitive feel for the skate experience.

It's a juddering, technically incompetent, nauseating, migraine-inducing example of non-fun, with level design that sucks whatever joy might otherwise have been had from the game. It costs nothing to download and will drive you up the wall in exchange for your time.

Monster Quest isn't a revolution in the genre, leaning as heavily as it does on elements of other successful games. What GREE has managed to achieve however is to blend those elements together in such a way that the end result is a deeper experience.

We think quite highly of The Price is Right Slots, and feel it's a wonderful companion for players in need of a gambling fix, one that won't result in them losing their paychecks.

Diehard, mobile-owning Cavanagh fans won't think twice about downloading Don't Look Back, and they're quite right to do so. While we can't help but shudder at the thought of playing the teased VVVVV on mobiles, we'd far rather Cavanagh had a chance to acclimatize to touchscreen controls before embarking on what will likely be his most high-profile mobile endeavor.

Crosswords Plus is one of the handheld's more enjoyable and satisfying puzzle games, one that overflows with value. It lacks visual punch, but pound for pound, it goes quite well with a tropical drink.

If you love monsters and building things without much fuss, it satisfies on some level. We just expected more treats than tricks.

There's a great deal to do in Marvel War of Heroes, and while it doesn't quite cause a revolution in the genre, Mobage can only be accused of giving gamers exactly what they want with a few new twists.

If you really want another runner in your life (and, critically, you've already purchased and exhausted Polara), there's no reason you won't get a dollar's worth of fun out of Save Them All. Just don't expect a revolution in the genre that goes behind the time-limit gimmick, and do expect the occasional moment of frustration.

It's a fair addition to the Sonic universe, the kids will love it, and you may find that you yourself play it for far longer than you might expect.

Humorous, original and challenging (perhaps a little too challenging at times), Girls Like Robots should go to the top of the download list for any puzzle gamer who thinks they've seen everything the genre has to offer.

While it may be short and sweet, it's a fine collaborative effort from Atari and Zynga, and makes for some perfect lunch-time cannon fodder.

It's not often we get to play a game like Kumo Lumo. It's highly original, rewarding and playful. Even the occasional rough edge (such as the repetitive character voicing) can't take the shine off what is an extraordinarily fresh direction for mobile gaming. A very fine start to the week indeed.

Pilot isn't the most sophisticated game you'll ever play on your mobile phone, and it's easy to see why the game has divided players so strongly with its avaricious unlock system. Yet in the same way that Farming Simulator 2012 scratched an itch we never knew existed, there's something to said for the absorbing, hypnotic charms of even the basic free gameplay that's on offer.

You couldn't ask for a more faithful recreation of a slice of gaming history, and there's enough here to satisfy nostalgia-freaks, as well as those who missed out on the game the first time around.

Is it a by the numbers effort? Yes, but much like fast food, it still manages to satisfy, and the fact that it's still cheaper than anything on the dollar menu is a plus.

There a moments of jubilation to accompany the frustration, and there's just about enough here to make the game worthy of investigation. Just don't take it too seriously as a simulation of the game.

Topia World Builder is as fine a toy as any videogame out there, and is just as deep as your imagination is prepared to travel. If you need at least some direction in your gaming, you may be frustrated before you uncover its wonders, but for those who are prepared to dig a little deeper the game has plentiful treasure to be unearthed.

While not the most advanced RPG in the world, it manages to entertain through its AR mechanic, the desire to uncover new Denpa Men and the constant leveling. Definitely one of the quirkiest, most unique titles on 3DS, by far.

Paper Toss Friends would certainly benefit from a little more variety in the environments and scoring objectives, but there's still much to be mastered in this very enjoyable time-waster. Social gaming fiends who crave something different from the typical word-puzzling fare should definitely check this one out.

Taken at face-value, it would be easy to dismiss the game, but what separates Amazing Runner from the rest of the endless-running pack is that on a minute-to-minute basis it's actually fun and refreshing to play. It still leans far too heavily on some established genre tropes, particularly in the upgrade store, but anyone look for a highly polished take on this most saturated area of the App Store would do very well to make this their next destination.

It's a bit of a throwaway game when all's said and done, and while there's plenty of content included, the novelty of delight when you first spot the celebrity wears off quickly.

NBA 2K13 may be a sloppy mess at times, but it's still one of the more enjoyable basketball games for smartphones and tablets, one that'll presumably get better well into the season as 2K Sports tinkers behind the scenes, as it should.

Delightfully weird, you'll never look at a Petri dish the same way again, or lick one, for that matter. Yummy.

If you're one of those boring old-fashioned gamers who values crazy things like fun, compulsion, and competitiveness, you really owe it to yourself to grab this stellar action-puzzler.

Turret Commander may not quite possess the gripping grimness of, say, Zombie Gunship but it is a enjoyably throwaway arcade experience that should satisfy any shooter fan looking for a slightly different mobile blaster.

Ultimately, what I took away from Pokemon White Version 2 was this: that the series, much like the monsters that call it home, desperately needs to evolve.

Jumpster is more than a money-making vehicle. It's actually a well thought-out platform adventure with imaginatively-designed environments and tricky stages full of cool set pieces, from spikes and breakable objects to monsters, trampolines and switches.

This one may only appeal to the more hardcore players.

NFL Pro 2013 is one of the worst sports games we've played in years.

Concerns about difficulty spikes aside, this is an action strategy title that packs in a depth of tactical gameplay that you wouldn't expect from the first ten or so levels. Please do persist with it though, as hardened strategy fans will find a meaty action game beneath the shallow surface.

Considering the great advances in iPhone and iPad graphics, Slender-Man should've made a smooth transition to iOS. Instead, it's perhaps the most disappointing title in mobile game history, an abomination that fails to justify its $0.99 asking price.

It's just a shame that, for all this graphical and aural stimulation, the fighting mechanics are so basic.

For a $6.99 priced app, FIFA 13 delivers a stunning amount of soccer content that'll keep you busy for hours. It doesn't quite fit on the same level as its console brethren, but for a "footy" mobile experience, it definitely shows that EA Sports has still got it.

More vehicles, weapons and arenas would be nice, and we'll likely receive them from Glu in future updates, but in its current form, the game will definitely keep you fragging for hours, or just a few minutes a day.

If your definition of a good game demands that it offer huge depth and longevity beyond mere high-score replayability, then you may feel disappointed with Wonderputt. If, on the other hand, you value precision design, without an ounce of fat left on the final product, then this is one game that's worth far more than the asking price of a dollar.

Expansion missions are ubiquitous to the genre and so it's no surprise to see them make an appearance here: grow so many berries, buy another farm, clear out some swampland for further territorial growth etc etc. As I say, these sorts of tasks aren't exactly unique to Monster Story, but it certainly enforces the sense of deja vu.

Thankfully, there's more to it than eye candy, and this substance outshines the negatives. Worth five bucks? Absolutely.

To play as the other demons, and enjoy their music and rhythm patterns in the corridor sections, you'll have to shell out an astonishing $2.99 per demon, or simply put up with repetitive corridor runs to get to the better stuff. If you think CSR Racing was greedy, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Outside of the movie tie-in, it's essentially Hotel Dash with a different skin. Of course, if you're excited for the film and/or thoroughly enjoy time-management games, Hotel Transylvania Dash makes for a smart download, whether you go with the free trial or $2.99 Deluxe version.

You'll enjoy every minute of Rayman Jungle Run, thanks to its tricky gameplay and high production values. It does a fine job complimenting the other games in the series, and should find a welcome home among the mobile and tablet crowd.

The Room is the cave of mysteries from everyone's childhood; a perfect encapsulation of the fear and pleasure of discovery. If the words "secret compartment" make your fingers tingle, beat your way to the App Store and put them to use.

This is pretty primitive gaming at heart, and it'll be the lure of unlocking familiar characters that keeps you coming back for more, rather than the thrill of the actual fight. It's a fun diversion for the kids though, and packs in more fun than the franchise has typically managed in previous game releases.

If you're looking for a beautifully presented air-hockey game with bags of longevity, then the competition's going to have to go a long way to topple Shufflepuck Cantina from its throne.

If all you want is an easily digestible single-player experience to enjoy on the go, one with surprisingly impressive graphics, consider VS. Racing 2 $0.99 well spent.

Sniper-shooting aside, Guardian Cross doesn't do a huge amount that's different to the many other card games on the App Store. But crucially, it's polished the experience to a hitherto unseen level of refinement in its art, interface and engagement.

As for the actual gameplay, much of what you'll do involves resource gathering to build things that eventually go towards helping other people.

Apocalypse Max doesn't break new ground in the 2D platform/shooting genre, but its high-level of polish puts it right up there with the best iOS has to offer. You can't call yourself a zombie fan without downloading this entertaining game.

Unfortunately, the game's biggest issue, while not a deal breaker, is quite bothersome. Several times, we watched helplessly as an alien was about to roll off an edge, only to slowly roll in the opposite direction, where it remained until we were forced to restart the puzzle from the beginning. It also appears that the game doesn't take advantage of the new iPad or iPhone 4/4S' Retina display.

We fell in love with Soldier vs. Aliens, and think it's one of the best free iOS titles on the App Store. Grab that Railgun, strap on some armor and get ready to fight. Aliens, prepare to eat lead.

It's a good game, but with some tweaking, Empty Flask could transform it into a great one. That said, it'll be interesting to see how it evolves over time, but for now, it provides a few sword-slashing thrills.

The visuals look first generation iPhone, circa 2008. We understand there's only so much a developer can do with a mostly white background, but character faces, outfits and the countryside are mostly devoid of detail.

Wipeout isn't perfect, but it still delivers enjoyable platforming that'll only get better with the inclusion of future updates. For now, it's still worth $1.99.

We think Avengers Initiative is one of the best fighting adventure games on the App Store, as well as the best Incredible Hulk title we've played in years. Marvel fans will love every second, and with the promise of at least three other characters, we have a feeling we'll play this one for quite some time.

If all you want to do is rush in and bash some monsters' skulls, the game satisfies on some level, but considering the problems, it's tough to recommend.

Super Hexagon punishes more than it rewards, but the adrenaline rush you get from playing far exceeds any mental anguish. Well, at least until you check out the best times on the Game Center leaderboards. Sobering, to say the least.

It's tough to dislike Blood Roofs, simply because its creators a.) set off to release something more ambitious than the competition, and b.) it's still an enjoyable video game. With this mind, don't be afraid to give it a taste.

Dishonored: Rat Assassin may be a twisted Fruit Ninja clone, but it's a great one, complete with a gruesome edge that sets it apart from other games of this type.

As a toy to play with, Splice is a wonderful thing. As a game however, it just lacks that essential moment where you feel that you've made progress entirely through ingenuity rather than random experimentation.

It's far clumsier and less polished than the big-name endless-runners, yet it packs in considerably more variety through the dynamic environments.

This is without question one of the most entertaining and smartly designed adventures we've seen for the iPad, a game brimming with visual splendor and old school dungeon crawling.

It's nice that it's something different in such a clone-happy genre, but the aiming and firing methods often felt unsatisfying.

There's more purpose to the battling, there's no longer the ridiculous spike that accompanied the original game's single player modes, and doing battle against real-world opponents is frighteningly addictive.

The upgrade system will keep you coming back, there's some good humor that's more hit than miss, and you'll get a lot of gaming for that dollar. Multiplayer's coming in a future update too, so you might want to start mastering this matching mayhem now.

At it's worst, it's a terribly frustrating physics puzzler by anyone's standards, and I'm not sure what the presumed target audience of younger gamers is likely to make of it.

Mikey Shorts manages to stand tall amongst the best the platform genre has to offer, and you should make a point to download it in the very near future.

A well-made, light-hearted runner that packs hours of fun within a tiny 39.5MB package. Oink, Oink.

So while we expect the Presidential race to get especially nasty in the months ahead, some lighthearted fun is just what both sides need.

If you've tired of physics puzzlers and fancy a platforming experience with just a little more bite, then One Tap Hero deserves to go straight to the top of your download list. It's precision platforming at its best, with enough charm and ingenuity to win over even the most jaded mobile gamer.

Beyond the crisp and bright graphics and hit-and-miss humor, One Epic Knight may be just another endless-runner with an upgrade store bolted on, but if you have an endless appetite for the genre then the opportunity to smash up enemies and blast through scenery should be more than enough to motivate you into just one more run.

We'd loved to have seen an alternative to tilt controls on offer in the game, as the precision required to pull off a strategy with any kind of satisfaction is held back by the current controls.

A solid and largely entertaining side-scroller with retro charm to spare. Random Heroes didn't wow us as expected, but it's another fine game in Ravenous' growing portfolio, as well as a cool retro homage to the good old days.

Fans of The Last Rocket will no doubt welcome the chance to continue their travels, but it's a tough sell for those who have come to expect a little more from their runners. Still, it would be churlish not to acknowledge that this is at least something different in a stale genre.

Jack Lumber packs enough content and line drawing mayhem to warrant a look, especially from players that enjoy over the top characters. After weeks of hearing about this game, however, we expected something more exciting. Instead, it made us yawn.

Fish Hooks isn't the most challenging physics puzzler we've ever played, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, given how often these games come to lean on mere frustration in lieu of satisfying gameplay.

The Simpsons: Tapped Out does nothing new when it comes to freemium gaming, but the opportunity to create one's personal Springfield, along with trademark Simpsons humor, makes it hard to resist. It's less "doh", and more "woo hoo."

An immensely enjoyable action RPG.

A high bar's been set in both arcade and simulation soccer games on the App Store over the last 12 months, and while Fluid Soccer has its moments, they never shine as brightly as the competition's.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is yet another superb platformer from Nintendo, filled with all the elements fans crave.

Puzzle Craft is a wonderful example of how to attract the casual, the hardcore, the cynical, and even the most bitter cash-for-progress gamers of the world together. I am addicted to an empire-building game, and if you've read even a fraction of my previous polemic against the genre, you will know by now that this is the highest accolade I could ever bestow on the game.

Learning curve aside, it's one of the most competent competitive racers available on the App Store, and the multiplayer and ghost-racing components will give you considerably more value for money than the majority of the competition will.

Bad Hotel is, in short, the stuff of wonderful nightmares: an eerie soundtrack, a menacing palette and an all-pervading sense of inescapable doom. Yet it's also one of the most original and atmospheric tower-defense games we've played all year.

It's a fresh and enjoyable take on the physical gameplay we've all become familiar with at drunken parties in the past, and you shouldn't let any freemium quibbles put you off at least giving the game your best shot.

We had fun while it lasted in Monster Story. Those with a fondness for empire-building games, and who long for a revival of the Viva Pinata franchise will get much from the game, just as long as they also have a great deal of patience to go along with that passion.

Gasketball is an entertaining sports title that'll leave you scratching your head, figuring out the best ways to make a seemingly impossible shot.

Artwork and light-heartedness aside, the core tower-building of Happy Squirrels doesn't bring a whole lot of new content to the genre, but the mini-games take the interactivity of these thumb-twiddling titles to a slightly higher level.

There are definitely niggles with the controls in the game, but I was won over by the blend of genres, the lovely retro artwork and the kind of chip-tunes that nag away in your brain, long after you've stopped playing.

A thoroughly entertaining runner with enough personality to make it one of the best games on the App Store. Activision probably should have released it for free, as this is the standard where these games are concerned, but our dollar was very well spent.

The unfortunate fact is that Edna & Harvey's best achievements (a deep script, engaging characters and unrivaled interactivity) end up buried beneath a frustrating adventure game, one that's fashioned from over-worked puzzling and meandering dialogue that fails to make a clean separation between depth of story and rewarding gaming.

You won't play a more experimental, risky, fun and flamboyant endless-runner this year, and for that reason alone we're happy to recommend this as the best example of genre evolution we've seen in a very long time indeed. Bravo.

The fact that Trigger Fist lacks originality makes it somewhat generic. Then again, it provides multiplayer that works each and every time, devoid of lag and other performance hiccups.

While Clash of Clans brings something new to accompany its competent but unexceptional empire gameplay, for most of us it'll be a case of too little, too late.

This is not a beautiful game, and it's not even a particularly welcoming one either. Despite the simplistic gameplay, there's little in the way of hand-holding on offer: how exactly to sell crops, what the icons on the mini-map represent, how to transfer goods from combine to trailer and so on.