Today’s a great day for iOS games, just like last week when Infinity Blade and a bunch of other big names came out in the App Store. And it’s no surprise that right ahead of Christmas iOS users get to download the best gems of the year – who doesn’t want to spend the holiday season relaxing and playing games on a possibly new, shiny iPad?
Most of all, tomorrow will be the last Thursday before the iTunes Connect holiday shut down, when developers (from Dec. 23 to Dec. 28) won’t be able to submit apps and updates or change the price of their existing apps in the Store. Basically, everyone is rushing to get games approved and available before the 23rd.
Already available in the New Zealand store (time zone differences, you know) and coming out in about 14 hours in the U.S. App Store, the following games will be ready to be installed on your devices tomorrow morning. The links you’ll find in this post point to the New Zealand, but you’ll be able to find these games in the U.S. store later today.
Real Racing 2 - $9.99 - link
The second chapter of the award winning game by Firemint, featuring 30 officially licensed cars, 16-player online multiplayer mode, new carrer mode, 15 different locations. Real Racing 2 also sports Game Center integration and real-time vehicle damages. More screenshots here.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - link
Developed by Square Enix and featuring Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, The Guardian of Light will let you control Lara from an isometric viewpoint in detailed environments. The game is a mix of exploration, discovery, platforming, and puzzle solving.
N.O.V.A. 2 - link
N.O.V.A. 2 by Gameloft looks simply better and bigger than its predecessor. New multiplayer mode with 10 players in 10 maps, Retina Display-ready graphics, more weapons and powers, improved enemy AI and possibility to drive vehicles during missions. Sadly, the game isn’t universal for iPhone and iPad.
Shadow Guardian - link
Described by many as Gameloft’s take on the Uncharted saga, Shadow Guardian tells the story of adventurer Jason Call in his quest to save the ancient Prima Materia. Judging from the screenshots, it looks like Shadow Guardian will feature lots of different areas to explore and great graphics.
Geared 2 - link
Even more puzzle action in the sequel to one of the most successful games that ever landed in the App Store. Geared 2 features new levels and level editor with user-submitted maps, new ghost / sun / moon gear, new wall items, new graphics and new UI. Yeah, sounds like it’s all new.
World of Goo - link
The popular indie game that saw its huge success on Macs, PCs and the Nintendo Wii is coming to the iPad. Those who already tried the game say it takes full advantage of the iPad’s multi-touch controls, and puts previous iterations for mouse and joystick controls to shame. We can’t wait to try this one.
