Gaming on the iPad has come leaps and bounds in the last year, the iPad 2 has had a huge impact on the quality of games made for the platform. The imminent (seriously, announcement in a couple of hours) next iPad will definitely feature a faster processor, and almost certainly an upgrade in RAM. Combine these improvements with the touted retina display and you have a delicious recipe for another leap forwards in iPad gaming.

I’m excited about what the next year will hold for the iPad in terms of gaming, and fascinated to see how well the Playstation Vita fares – a device that’s moving ever closer to being an iPad with classic gaming buttons!

To celebrate gaming on the iPad, I’ve compiled a short roundup of games that I’m betting you won’t be able to resist!

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If you like this roundup, check out our massive roundup of 50 Amazing iPad Games!

Final Fantasy III

The first title in the Final Fantasy series to become a million-seller, Final Fantasy III is, purely and simply, a classic. It’s a blast from the past, but that’s no bad thing. If you’re a lover of RPGs, or a curious gamer with some time to kill, there’s a lot to love here!

Those are some serious horns...

We reviewed it back it January and gave it a solid 7/10, it has a few issues but is gloriously tempting nonetheless.

Price: $16.99
Developer: SQUARE ENIX

Dead Space

I’ll say this right now, Dead Space is not for the faint of heart. It’s an excellent 3rd person shooter that ties in with the console Dead Space series, and falls into the category of Sci-Fi Horror-Thriller. Graphically it’s a wonder to behold, and features a new story just for the iPad.

Grappling with a Necromorph.

We took a look at it a while back and gave it a strong 8/10, loving the depth of detail and thought that’s gone into making this game work on the iPad.

Dead Space has got to be one of the most immersive iPad games ever.

Price: $9.99
Developer: Electronic Arts

Machinarium

Machinarium is a simply joyous puzzle game reminiscent of the classic LucasArts adventure games. It’s so beautiful that merely looking at a screenshot can cause people to instantly download it!

Don't look!

I love the soundtrack and pure creativity behind the game, it draws you in without a single line of dialogue. I’ve got a feeling that the iPad could cause a massive resurgence in point and click adventure games, and that’s only a good thing in my book!

If they ever release Grim Fandango for the iPad, expect not to hear from me for at least a week…

Price: $4.99/Only available for iPad 2
Developer: Amanita Design

Contre Jour

Contre Jour is the current incumbent of Apple’s Game of the Year award, and is rightfully deserving of the title. We took a look at it in October and gave it a sterling 9/10, praising the balanced nature of the game and the artistic design.

The art style and sound design is so immersive, and the touch controls so seamless that, on my first play through the game, I lost track of time and found myself at the end before realizing I’d played through 60 levels.

Cut the Rope meets The Artist, anyone?

Made for the iPhone and iPad, Contre Jour is a harmonious masterpiece of touch and interaction – the perfect puzzle game!

Price: $2.99
Developer: Chillingo

Infinity Blade II

You might be a little frustrated at the predictable nature of this one, but it’s hard to argue with the sheer graphical prowess of the Infinity Blade franchise. It’s the definitive hack-and-slash game, the only one that matters, and has to be seen to be believed.

The bigger the better...

It’s tempting because you know it’s one of the only games that’ll push the graphical capabilities of your iPad to the limit – you just want to see it, you definitely won’t get caught up…

Price: $6.99
Developer: Chair Entertainment

Mage Gauntlet

If you’re into retro gaming, but want something perfectly tailored to the iPad, then Mage Gauntlet could be your dream come true! We gave it a storming 8/10 back in January and loved the longevity of the game, it deserves repeat playing.

You've got to love the pixels!

Mage Gauntlet is a fantastic game that takes advantage of the iPad’s screen and touch controls to their fullest capabilities.

It’s a classic-style action-RPG inspired by by ’90s action RPGs for the Super Nintendo, such as Legend of Zelda. What more can I say?

Price: $2.99
Developer: Rocketcat Games

Grand Theft Auto 3

GTA had to get a mention, if only because it’s one of the games that I, personally, couldn’t resist. The classic has come to the iPad and, joy of all joys, works beautifully! The controls are seamless and allow you to become fully immersed in the storyline and opportunities for rampant carnage that Liberty City provides. We reviewed it right here, and Adam had this to say;

A decade since its first release, Grand Theft Auto III still has the power to shock, amuse and entertain.

I think this one was for speeding, definitely just speeding...

Try and resist the sprawling open-world gameplay that GTA 3 offers, just try!

Price: $4.99
Developer: Rockstar

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing

This is tempting, right? An excellent kart racing game that features all of your favourite SEGA characters! Sure, you’d rather play Mariokart, but that’s not happening any time soon – deal with it!

How could you not choose Sonic? He's obviously the fastest.

The controls are perfect, making for a delightful experience for kids and adults alike. Expect to do lots of leaning as you turn the corners, just like in the good old days!

Price: $1.99
Developer: SEGA

Battleheart

We took a look at Battleheart in October and gave it 9/10, partly because it’s oozing at the seams with charm. Battleheart is a lightweight cartoon-style swords and sorcery game designed for casual gamers.

The cartoon style of Battleheart is immediately appealling.

If you like the idea of playing Final Fantasy III, but can’t actually hack the time it takes to get into it – try the effortlessly more simple Battleheart!

Price: $2.99
Developer: Mika Mobile

Minecraft

Ok, so the concept of Minecraft might not immediately grab you on first inspection, but that almost works in its favour – don’t you want to try it just to see what the fuss is all about?

Of the world was actually like this, "it's just three blocks away" would take on a whole new meaning...

We reviewed it last week, have a read and download the free version – I know you’re tempted!

Price: $6.99/Free
Developer: Mojang

Your Thoughts

Well, there you have it! As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts – simply post a comment below! I’d be very interested to know how many of these I persuaded you to download and try…

If you like this roundup, check out our massive roundup of 50 Amazing iPad Games!