For a long time, I never thought the iPhone would really become viable as a gaming console. I also thought that a touch screen would not (and could not) effectively replace the beloved gamepad as a preferred method of input for portable games, whether they be strategy, RPG, action, or otherwise.
The massively exploding popularity of the App Store and the amount of games being sold boggles the mind. I was skeptical for a while, continuing to lovingly caress my Nintendo DS (and recently, my PSP) until I discovered that some truly fantastic games were waiting for me to enjoy, right on my iPrecious.
Why is the iPhone viable as a mobile gaming platform?
There are lots of reasons, really. Back in 2008, Apple claimed the iPhone would post a great threat to their competitors in the gaming sphere, but it wasn't taken all that seriously at the time. Now, though, it's clear that many forces are at work to push the iPhone as a premium game device.
- "Snack-Sized" Gaming - With many apps available for $.99 for $1.99, a greatly entertaining game that can give you hours of fun can be had for less than the price of a cheap fast food sandwich. I'd rather skip lunch for a day and play Tyrian with my headphones on. In addition, what a great solution for gamers in a recession - the widespread availability of games for just a few bucks, compared to a typical minimum of $20 or so for DS or PSP titles.
- Free Stuff - Forget cheap, how about free? There's tons of great stuff available gratis, including "lite" versions of many games to get you hooked, and let you try, before you buy.
- Admirable Graphics & Sound - While it's not exactly a powerhouse, titles like Wings Galaxy, Star Hogs, cs.one, and many others crank out some pretty respectable 3D graphics.
- Creative Play Control Mechanisms - Developers have gotten around the limitations of the touch screen with some pretty innovative ways to play. Light Wars and iDracula are great examples, employing a S.M.A.S.H. T.V.-esque "rotate and shoot" method with your thumbs, while others utilize the shake and rotate functions in unique ways, such as NeoSameGame, iShift, and Aurora Feint.
- Huge Selection - The App Store is a prime example of simple economics at work. Huge exposure to millions of gamers, you create an awesome app, sell it for $.99, and tons of people buy it; making both you and Apple some coin. Not a bad deal. Because of this, there's TONS of great stuff available, from both indie programmers and big gaming firms such as EA, Konami, and others.
- iPhone's Feature Set - Let's not forget that the iPhone has Internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, GPS, a camera, and an accelerometer - all things that can (and are) incorporated into many games, giving them an extra dimension.
Will it Continue?
I'm not sure... I don't think anyone is. Will people grow tired of gaming in mini bites rather than full size, full price adventures? Or is the "cheap and quick" model what our highly attention deficit, recession-addled society needs for a while? One way or another, I'm having a blast playing some of these great games - and the fact that I picked up 10 of them for less than the price of the last DS game I bought, I'd say it was worth it.
Some of My Favorites
Space Invaders Infinity Gene
A totally sweet, retrolicious 'shmup that "evolves" when you reach new high scores. Kind of pricey at $4.99, but worth it.
Tyrian
If I have to explain this, you should either be ashamed of yourself, you can't buy cigarettes or beer legally yet, or you've never logged into a BBS. Own all legendary episodes for $1.99.
circuit_strike.one
If you like Geometry Wars, you'll love this. Solid graphics paired with a thumping techno soundtrack that reacts to your actions in the game combine for a great touchscreen gaming experience. I picked this up for $.99... it's still on sale now, but may go back up to its regular price soon.
Light Wars
Shameless rip of Geometry Wars. Small price, big fun. $.99
iDracula
Consider this the love child of Diablo and SMASH TV. Gothic themed shooter with multiple weapons and play modes. A longstanding favorite on the App Store. $2.99
Zynga Live Poker
Easy to play, free, and a great time-waster. Much cheaper than a real casino, and you get to play against real players online. Also connects with Facebook. $0
Galcon
Galcon is an innovative and extremely addictive strategy game in which you divert fleets of small, wedge shaped aircraft to different plants to conquer and overpower your enemy. Takes careful timing and planning. $1.99.
Comments
Any platform with development
Any platform with development support from third parties can be successful in any area. I'll disagree that the iPhone is the "ideal" hardware platform for gaming, but ideal from the standpoint that it is usually the only electronic device you have on your person at any given time. I have no doubt there will be a variety of creative and wonderful games created that suit the iPhone well, but does that make the iPhone a "gaming platform" ... I don't think so. It's a cellphone that can play games. Just like how I don't call my cell phone a time-keeping platform because it has a clock.