Gear up, gamers! This weekend you’ll be splicing and dicing life forms (in a purely scientific way, of course), aid some charming robots in saving their friends the Boxies, delve into a game of life or death colored by Japanese animation, battle gladiator-style in a legendary arena, and enter the mysterious world of Bastion.
Hit the jump to see what’s in store.
Blast-A-Way
Like robots? Like explosions? Here’s an app you’ll enjoy. Three robots are trying to collect their friends the Boxies, which were scattered by the Sticky Bomb monument when it exploded. This means they’ll have to work their way through each level of wood, metal, fabric, stone and plastic to retrieve the Boxies.
Your tools are teleporters, rebuilders, colorizers and other miscellaneous items, as well as, yes: bombs! The real puzzle lies in determining which tools to use and when in order to quickly and efficiently make your way through a level, with Boxies safely in tow.
This game does a good job of combining both puzzle and action components, and its unique style of colorful 3-D graphics make it stand out in the App Store.
Price: $4.99
Developer: Illusion Labs
Download: iTunes
The World Ends With You: Solo Remix for iPad
Find yourself in a mysterious world created by Japanese animation and centered on a boy named Neku, who wakes up in a busy intersection and isn’t sure how he got there. He receives a text message from someone unknown: “Clear this mission … or face erasure.”
And with that begins a cat and mouse game filled with riddles, obstacles, combat and dashes through a diverse cityscape in this fantasy-melds-with-reality version of Tokyo. You’ll have to collect items, learn new maneuvers, and above all, stay one step ahead in what’s referred to as the Reaper’s Games.
Smooth combat control, attention-grabbing art and a wide variety of “bonus” and other extra material make this a game that will hold your interest for a long time.
Price: $19.99
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Download: iTunes
Splice: Tree of Life
Think small. Think really small. This game’s environment is a microbial world and the materials you’re working with are strands of cells. Your goal is to rearrange these cells into a specific structure in order to progress to the next strand of cells and thus, the next level.
Each move is called a splice (ah ha!) and you’ll have to start thinking ahead to predict how many splices you’ll need to make, and where, and in which order because — guess what — there’s a learning curve to how the cells react to one another. That’s right, it’s like the chess game of creating life.
In addition to splicing, tricks of the trade include resequencing and mutating cells, and you’ll have to get good at knowing which type of move is going to get you closer to your goal structure. Make no mistake, this is a thinking man’s game.
Price: $3.99
Developer: Cipher Prime Studios
Download: iTunes
Blood & Glory: Legend
Odds are, this game lured you in with the screenshots featuring gladiator types doing hand-to-hand combat, no discussion of further details needed. But I’ll humor you, shall I?
You’re journeying through a vast empire, fighting opponents in a dramatic arena amid the cheers of a merciless crowd. You have to acquire better weapons and stronger armor to progress, taking on increasingly fierce competitors and their bosses.
The animators were going for a comic book kind of look, and the combat graphics reflect that in a very cool, “300” sort of way. And there’s a loose plot to the game, of course, but that’s not the important part. What is important? Blood and glory!
Bastion
The award-winning Bastion has hit every other platform, and now it finally (finally!) arrives for the iPad. (Note: You’ll need an iPad 2 or newer.) This RPG game sets a high bar, with an intriguing plot, absolutely stunning handpainted imagery, and captivating music and narration.
In the requisite epic storyline, an event called the Calamity has shattered the universe and it’s up to you to lead Bastion’s hero through 40-plus different environments to set the world right again.
Along the way, upgrade weapons, battle ferocious beasts, and uncover the truth behind the Calamity. Then, after the last scene unfolds, unlock “New Game Plus” mode and let your journey begin again.
Price: $4.99
Developer: Warner Bros.
Download: iTunes
What are You Playing?
Which games are you hooked on right now? Let your fellow gamers and iPad enthusiasts know in the comments section below!
