‘Lonely Ship’ is a charming little game with seemingly hidden depths.

Downloadable currencies and content aside, the base game of Kingdom Rush Frontiers is an enjoyable one, and it comes highly recommended to existing fans of the genre.

It would’ve been nice if there were more tables – say 20, with five of them being free, or even if Sony had licensed more than just rock and included several more genres from a catalog of music that surely must reach into the bajillionty-trillions in terms of album sales

A good time burner, but lacking in lasting appeal.

Tetris Blitz feels like a quick cash grab more than it does a full game.

Otherwise it’s classic arcade stuff – fast, addictive and easy to get into.

But if you’re after some proper Iron Man thrills and spills, you’d be better off watching the film. It’s a much better representation of the character, and that’s official.

If you are in the mood for some hyper-violent arcade action, you may enjoy The Lost Reels. I found that the game lacked any real comedic edge, something that the Wii version appears to have. Considering that the primary selling points of the Overkill games are their intentionally overbearing violence and comedy, I would consider The Lost Reels a weak successor to the original game.

At $1.99, The Other Brothers will be worth a gander if they implement a fix to the control scheme. Until then, I would direct you to hunt for your platforming princess in another castle.

Ms. Splosion Man explodes straight into my heart with her cute quirky style, but at the same time she is a gold-digger not afraid to go for my wallet after she has captured my heart. Please Ms. I am a married man, and I can’t afford any expensive mistresses.

Still,’ Danmuku’ hits all the important notes when it comes to gameplay. It may be a bit chaotic – but let’s face it – it’s supposed to be. It’s also smooth, enjoyable and great to look at. Probably one of the best iPhone bullet hellers I’ve played.

Liberation Maiden received praise on the 3DS, but in losing the element of physical control it seems that a crucial component of this brisk-paced shooter has been lost.

No one particular element of Legion struck me as better than its peers available on the PC. However; it happens to be the only game of its specific kind on the iPad. The iPad specific controls work well enough- though not as well as a game like Battle of the Bulge. This is a good start for historical grand strategy on the iPad, but there is significant room for growth.

Unmechanical isn’t a bad game, but it lacks that bit of extra polish and fun that I had expected.

There’s an overall feeling here of the license not living up to its potential.

Fury of the Gods is a fair-looking tower defense title with minimal strategic depth.

Jones on Fire is a fun runner that is easy to get into, and play for days.

This is a pretty classic hardcore experience down to the perma-death, annoying mechanical movement (you MUST go AROUND this small pool of water that any human could simply step over), and unhelpful menus (get four layers deep into a menu and you have to press ‘back’ four times to resume your game).

If you are just playing Mini Ninjas for a quick diversion and don’t get caught up in the implications that a paid system has on the scoring you are in for a treat. Those who want to sink tons of time and money into the title certainly can. I’d say that Square Enix has done a much better job at publishing a much better free to play title than they have in the past.

You see ‘Gun Bros 2’ isn’t exactly engrossing; it’s actually repetitive at best. There’s an initial piquing of interest as you hoist those oversized bits of kit around, putting colourful things out of their misery, but it’s not enough to keep you coming back long term.

Tramampoline is otherwise a good bite-sized arcade title to poke away at during the downtime of your day.

Nightmerica’s core components could be used in a better game, one with physical controls. The majority of the effort was clearly put into the weapon variety and effects- both of which should be implemented in a better, more meaty game. On their own, though, they aren’t enough to carry this arena shooter.

‘The God’s: Rebellion’ is the game equivalent of fast food – pretty (tasty), not exactly good for you (not much depth), but you can’t help having more. It might not be the most sophisticated title, but there’s a thousand other App Store games for that. If you’re in the mood for the simple act of putting pointed steel to soft demon flesh, you could do far worse.

Up In Flames is a fun physics puzzle playing with fire that adds some new tricks to the formula. I just wished it could be a bit friendlier to kids, as putting animals on fire isn’t the nicest thing to do. Especially since they whimper in pain. I hope to see a kid option in future updates. Other than that this is a game well worth your time.

Little Inferno shines softly with originality and cuteness but never moves beyond this. As a more luxurious variation of Doodle God ($ 0,99), the game falls short and is not worth the hefty price tag. With all the tapping at coins and waiting, I can’t help but wonder: could Little Inferno have turned out better as a freemium game?

Penumbear is a quality puzzle platformer with a lot of content, and unsettling presentation. It never feels casual, and finding all the hidden stuff means you have to be prepared to have Penumbear impaled on spikes quite a lot. Not a game for the kiddies, but rather a game for those into darker games such as Limbo, Nihilumbra or Oscura.

The world of Cyto is colorful, crisp and set against the backdrop of an atmospheric soundtrack. While the art and music are unique and pleasant, they feel reminiscent of games like Contre Jour or many other indie platformers.

With a few tweaks this could be a gem, but as of now it is a product showing a lot of potential.

Overall, Happy Sheep is a solid puzzle game, but it has some issues. The sound in the game is less than stellar, and the difficulty ramps up extremely quickly. Those looking for a casual, relaxing puzzle game should stay away. Players looking for a game that will challenge (and possibly frustrate them) will love Happy Sheep.

Sporos doesn’t do much new that I haven’t seen before, but it packs and presents the puzzles in a polished fashion. A great puzzler for relaxing in bed, or picking up for just a few minutes while waiting on the bus. Try the lite version first to get a feel for it.

Frog Orbs isn’t a bad game, but it’s incredibly unbalanced. If it’s been your lifelong dream to feel like the most badass frog in history, then Frog Orbs is probably right up your alley. If you’ve been itching for the perfect Missile Command experience on your iPhone, you will probably want to keep looking.

NanoWar is a fun arcade strategy game that lacks a bit of own personality, and too often I just feel like I am playing a reskinned version of Galcon. The excellent controls are always up to the job no matter how intense the game gets, and I really wish to see some new aspect to the formula to distinguish it from the original.

Year Walk isn’t for everyone, as it is far from a casual experience and it takes a lot of effort from the player to get into it. For those who manage to immerse themselves completely this is one of the greatest games ever on iOS. For those who don’t it is a waste of time, and money.

So it may not be a technological marvel, and the lack of truly disruptive power-ups is a little disappointing in a title like this, but gameplay is instantly addictive because it’s so damn simple. And because you don’t have to think too much with the Slaughter mode, it’s satisfying fun when you’re in need of a quick session.

Beastie Bay is a decent Pokemon-like layered on top of familiar Kairosoft mechanics. While I pointed out many criticisms of the game, there is something gratifying about the simple progression and cheery nature of Beastie Bay. It falls short of the bar set by other serious monster catching titles, but the interaction between simulation and hunting is just enough to pull you through the game’s arc.

The crude humor shouldn’t keep you away from what really is a decent puzzle action experience. However; if manic, farting monkeys bleeding out in bear traps sounds like a riot to you, don’t give this a second thought.

Rock Runners does some things in a fresh way such as the excellent inspired level selection menu, and adding some exploration to an automatic runner. The hero running through the mines is a bit too generic, and I get that this might be to be able to customize him. Still I prefer a proper character with a name, and a reason for me to care.

Endless runners are fun and the vibrant Banana Kong is no exception. Still, without repetitive reminders of missions, the game never elevates itself to a more addictive experience. Banana Kong shows how important it is to always dangle a reward in front of the player. Without it, all that running is monkey business. No offense, Kong.

Kingdom Conquest 2 certainly has enough to offer for those who enjoy city building freemium titles. The action RPG or strategy elements likely won’t be enough to sell those who also don’t enjoy titles such as Farmville or We Rule. Of course, the game is free, so it doesn’t hurt to give it a shot.

If you’ve ever played Words, Hanging or Scramble with Friends, you’ll be well versed with how ‘Reveal!’ works. You log in, challenge a friend (if you have any) or select a random opponent, then take it in turns to complete your round. And just like those famous games, you may also wait for two weeks for them to play their turn, but that’s another story.

After Burner Climax is a short intense arcade shooter that suffers from a lot of technical limitations and pacing issues. Loading times, no save system to resume current game and jagged graphics at less intense moments are letting the game down. I would have liked to get to know After Burner a bit better, and at least had some time to get to know each other before reaching the Climax.

‘Stampede 3D’ is a decent attempt, but the foundation of the game is sadly a little humdrum and lacks a certain dynamism that would make it as exciting as it should be. Its mechanics need polish and the ill-suited music doesn’t do it any favours either. Definitely preferable to being crushed to death at Ikea though, so there’s always that.

Roar Rampage is a fun game of destruction that sadly lacks lasting appeal. There is very little variation besides customizing the look of the dino. It does however offer a cool new perspective of the action I loved as a kid in Rampage.

In fact, as the game is completely free, you’re actually getting fantastic value for money…or value for nothing if you want to take things literally.

Kairo will definitely appeal to some, as it brings something new. Like Myst/Riven without the story, but if you manage to let yourself be immersed the experience can be just as rewarding. Sadly the wonky controls, strange puzzles and at times ugly level design do their best to take you out of the experience.

Wide Sky is a very difficult game for the wrong reasons. The structure is sound and the presentation is above and beyond, but the gameplay is lacking. The potential is there for this to be a major hit, but an update is needed to sort out the control issues. If that happens, I can’t wait to come back and enjoy this game. Until then, I’m not inclined to revisit it any time soon.

Finding all the jobs, getting surprises when clones are in love and expanding the settlement are all fun, and addictive. Too bad that the pacing slows to a trickle somewhere around level 9.

If you are a fan of iOS experiences that are largely a riff on a single mechanic, give Pangolin a chance on iPhone.

The brilliant presentation paired with an easy to get into, and highly engaging game mechanic makes Sortee a fun experience for a couple of hours. Once it starts to feel repetitive the shine fades, and it might feel a bit pedestrian. Like sorting your own waste before going to the recycling plant.

There's always the feeling at the back of your mind that the game is a little over-complicated. Ironically, it's because it's so well presented and fun that you can't help thinking how much more fun a simple balls-to-the-wall blast fest would've been. The agency building template, like my trousers from ten years ago, just doesn't seem to be the most natural fit.

Tito's Shell is an ok physics puzzler not aiming to be better than that.

The game does not stand out above the hundreds of other experiences on the App Store. The game does not excel in any particular way, nor does it fail significantly enough in the control department for me to call it bad. This just doesn't seem like the developer's best or most creative effort.

If you are a soccer fan, and also enjoy match three games you have certainly found a game to sink your teeth into. Be prepared to invest some more money to get all the cool shoes, shorts and whatnots that enhance the performance of your team.

I would really like to see the game updated with touch controls, and at least the option to manage the speed. A shame really, as the game both has cool customization and online multiplayer.

Temple Run 2 is a good endless runner game, better in some ways than the original, and in other ways worse.

So it's standard 3D shooter fare which doesn't reinvent anything. Sometimes that's all you need. Just remember that the graphics are supposed to look the way they do. You dope.

If you have played all of the Zenonias and can't wait for more then you've already installed the fifth one and enjoyed it. Casual fans may want to think twice before becoming too invested in this new release.

Dungelot should be applauded for its lack of a secondary in-game currency, and the inability for the player to purchase coins for real-world money.

Rocket Warrior isn't a bad game, it's just not a particularly inspiring one. With some updates to the visual design, more worlds with more creative presentation, and a bit more polish in the front end, this game could be great. Certainly, the core concept is worth a look.

Monster Balls is a nice casual game with perhaps a funnier name than actual game. Still I think it might be updated to become better in the future with Game Center support, and some more game modes.

The slightly unclear controls, gory details that can't be turned off and lack of any real variation bring the impressions down. Bouncy! is still a really fun game playable on small, medium and large iOS devices. It is the kind of game that attracted me to playing games on a smartphone from the start: easy to get into and always available, but still so hard to master.

Time Surfer is a good game within its genre, one that at least on the surface tries to resolve an issue with runner type games, and even make it a feature.

Noble Nutlings does little to stand out in a genre filled with stellar titles, but that doesn't make it a bad game.

Robotanika isn't a bad title, but disappointing visuals and gameplay that loses it's luster a little too quickly means that before long, this set of peaches might get the can.

The game controls great and looks fantastic. The story might not be worth writing home about, but it at least paints a well known historical figure with a new twist. Was Noah a cold-hearted monster? Probably not, but at least Chillingo is willing to think outside the box.

The worst thing about Running Dead is that it just feels rote.

Begging for a five-star review in exchange for in-game currency like it does is a little desperate.

The level of interaction required is minimal when compared to the vast array of options the game provides, and there is little excitement outside of watching your matches play out seconds at a time.

Cognitile would be a better game had its core mechanic been purely memorization, but the difficulty of using the clock stands in the way.

Ravensword Shadowlands is a game that tries to do too much for its own good. While clear effort was placed into visual effects, and creating a wide variety of environments, the elements to fill out these areas are just not present.

There's only so many times you can hit your head against a wall before not wanting to hit your head against a wall anymore. Knight, night then.

A great puzzle game. It doesn't necessarily rewrite the book on puzzle games, but all in all, it's a solid package that is well worth a look if you are into the genre; especially Tetris-like puzzlers.

Crumble Zone doesn't have aspirations to be anything more than a race to the top of the leaderboards, but at that it does pretty well. A few nagging control issues and a lack of variety don't stop this game from being a good way to spend a few minutes between chores.

Controls aside, it's actually an enjoyable romp as you figure out the best way round each maze, trying to avoid the increasingly difficult and sadistic obstacles with only a bouncy ball (which can at least be upgraded) to aid you. It's about timing, and not a small bit of luck too.

Remember folks, this isn't cruelty, it's entertainment.

City Conquest is an interesting hybrid, one that feels like it could have used a little less tower defense in the mix.

If you can't get your hands on the 3DS release of Mutant Mudds, the iOS version is serviceable, but the original remains the definitive platform for Mudds.

Mercenary Ops is still a decent arcade shooter for the iPad. The action is fast, the visuals are pretty, and it is a nice way to sit back on the couch and blast away zombies for a few minutes. I don't endorse the way it clearly rips off Resident Evil, but until Capcom brings its own titles to iOS this is what iPad gamers have available.

To it's credit, Jet Set Radio is so cool, funky and still very fresh that you could easily mistake it for a brand new iOS IP. It's just unfortunate that the controls can't elevate a good game to a great one; although to be fair, that's not the sole fault of the game itself.

Even with these smart decisions on the part of the publisher (or possibly decisions made at the behest of the developer), and the quality of the ports, I can't say that the Raiden games hold up against shooters tailored more towards iOS. Even with the faster touch controls enabled, I found that my hand was getting in the way far too often, and that I didn't have the same level of immersion that I would have with a physical joystick.

Its scale and story must have been significantly more meaningful at the time of its release. I can't help but compare it to everything I have played since that time. Those of you who have fond memories of the game may want to bring out the better controlling PS2 version, or wait for the crippling bug to be fixed in the iOS version.

While Arcane Legends may feel like a small step back for the franchise in spite of it's positive and innovative elements, it's still fun and provides one of the best mobile MMORPG experiences you can find on Android or iOS.

Chop Chop Ninja World is a decent game with technical problems, a lack of necessary precision in control, and some fresh ideas, and for all of that I can say the game is okay. However the freemium nature of the game can't be ignored.

With Game Center high scores this is one of those little casual games you can play more than you imagined. There is a lack of variation though, and compared to similar concepts like The Blocks Cometh it needs to be fleshed out. For a free game it is definitely worth the download no matter if the creator had been sixteen, or an established studio.

I found myself frustrated with some of the action elements at times, and even a little tired with some repetitious levels, but that doesn't stand in the way of Flea Symphony being a decent puzzle romp. There are plenty of levels included, and the game's IAP system only unlocks levels that the player hasn't progressed to yet.

It also has a colourful, clean look. Animation is good and the frogs themselves are undeniably cute and crazy-looking. The art during the cut scenes is also well-penned and the sound is cool too with jaunty, nicely-produced music.

The double-tap for confirmation system is something I believe no game should have, and what seems to be a deliberately obscure menu system (and the fact you have to register to access the game's main features), is a bit iffy, but once you start playing the game proper, you certainly find it hard to stop. Remember, it's 100% or nothing.

Sleepwalker's Journey is a nice puzzle adventure for those looking for a game where you have to constantly solve obstacle puzzles on your feet. Moonboy moves about much like a lemming, but is perhaps even more fragile.

Frequent use of it can actually make you feel more mentally aware- which is an actual real world benefit of what is being billed as a "game." After playing this on a long train ride, I am more inclined to tackle larger calculations in my head at work as opposed to my instinctual reach for the calculator. Brain Age did the same for me, and American Mensa Academy feels like a more robust version of that treasured Nintendo title.

Phantom Leader is a game for those who don't mind nestling down with an instruction booklet. It is for people who derive fun from learning a complex system, and exercising their mastery of it. While luck will always be a factor, Phantom Leader is a game that I want to become skilled at.

Sometimes you just want to keep things simple and find the fastest way hit things with a hammer. Here it is.

As a JRPG style experience with some callbacks to Dungeons and Dragons, Knights of Pen and Paper excels. Just don't expect the full pen and paper experience.

Totem Tribe is a nice casual strategy game allowing you to follow a tribe across islands. Simplified with hidden object aspects, and puzzles it is a pushover if you are looking for any kind of strategic challenge. As a time-waster it works marvels though, and it is quite fun to slay mushrooms.

It's a fun-enough blaster that will keep you entertained for a few hours before the next installment of the 'i' series comes along. A forest shooter where the aim is to hunt your dinner perhaps? Great ideer anyone?

Swipe The Deck is a casual game that on paper looks great, but translated into the finished product it didn't work out.

I don't mean to sound cynical, but just about every kind of game is tacking on RPG elements to add some perceived depth. Like a fool, I always dive straight into them.

Pocket Clothier has its moments, but most of the time it manages to run itself without much interaction. There is simply too little to do, and too little to look forward to.

If you're popular enough to have actual friends outside your computer screen (what a ridiculous proposition), do you buy the cardboard and plastic board game, or sign into iTunes and download the virtual version instead? Choices, choices. Either way, I'm pretty sure one Mr Reiner Kinzia wouldn't mind if you went ahead and did both.