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This article was first published 13 years ago

10 iPhone games to look forward to in 2011

Last updated on: March 3, 2011 17:48 IST

Image: iPhone
Photographs: Apple.com

Get Ahead reader Mohit Sureka lists down 10 iPhone games that are likely to become a rage in 2011 in response to our invite (below).

Mohit has done his bachelors in Information Technology and Masters in Business Administration from S P Jain Institute of Management & Research and runs his own company Spiel Studios.

Mohit will regularly write on games/ apps not only as a player but also as a developer.

Since the past three years, iPhone has emerged as the new gaming device, and correctly so. All major game development companies including Indies and the likes of EA (Electronics Arts) are relying highly on the successes of their iOS titles.

The App store too is primarily dominated by games as eight out of the top 10 paid apps are usually from the games category.

I have compiled a list of 10 iPhone games that we should look forward to in 2011. Some of them are new and some are all-time hits. And they will continue to grow.

In future, I will also talk about my 'iPhone game of the week' pick and give you a review from the developer's perspective.

Stay tuned and give me your feedback and views in the message board below.

Disclaimer: The author's company is the owner of one of the iPhone games -- Parachute Xtreme! -- mentioned in this list.

with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

1. Word Lens

Image: Word Lens
Photographs: Apple iTunes

This is not a game, but a fun, interactive app.

Translate printed words from one language to another using the built-in camera of your iPhone / iPod. An innovative app which surprisingly works pretty well.

The technology used for this product is called 'Augmented Reality' which reads the image using the built-in camera and translates it into another real time.

Currently the app is available for free and offers only English to Spanish and vice versa translation. But going forward in 2011, this has the potential to evolve into a very useful app.

Try it for fun and novelty sake! Just point the camera to any text, and see it change.

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

2. Tiny Wings

Image: Tiny Wings

A new kid on the block, and sure has the wings to fly. After a couple of plays, can get very addictive.

It has a small learning curve where you need to get your timing right and should know when to tap the screen. But fun graphics, smooth gameplay and overall a quick game can be played to kill time.

It is climbing the charts fast worldwide, and has the potential to become the first hit title of 2011.

Cost: $0.99

Highly recommended

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

3. Trucks and Skulls

Image: Trucks and Skulls

Tired of killing pigs with birds? Time to kill some skulls using trucks! This game possibly comes the closest to Angry Birds in terms of gameplay.

The game is about launching Nitro-burning Monster trucks into giant skulls!

The game has won many accolades and has been featured by Apple several times. The developer sends regular updates and doesn't disappoint.

There is a lite version available for free which you can download.

Cost: $0.99 (Lite version available)

Highly recommended

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

4. Slice it!

Image: Slice it

An educative game which is gaining a lot of popularity with parents and kids alike.

This is one app the parents wouldn't mind their children playing. Fun to play, good graphics and quite challenging.

The goal is to use your finger to slice different figures into the mentioned ratios or surface area. The game also has a nice 'hint' feature which is quite handy when you get stuck.

Cost: $0.99 (Lite version available)

Recommended for educative purposes

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

5. Cut the Rope

Image: Cut the Rope

One of my favorite games because of the nice physics which has been implemented in a very simple manner. It is an addictive puzzler which gets over very quickly as you don't tend to keep the phone down.

The goal of the game is to cut the correct ropes strategically so that the candy gets to the monster correctly. Sometimes, you need to think out of the box to clear a level which can become quite challenging.

Cost: $0.99 (Lite version available)

Highly recommended

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

6. Real Racing 2

Image: Real Racing 2

This is intense 3D graphics on display, and showcasing true iOS power. The best you can get in graphics on your iPhone/iPod.

The first version of Real Racing set the benchmark and this sequel takes it a notch higher. If you love racing games, then you need to have this on your iPhone/iPod/iPad.

The game also features 30 officially licensed cars like Mustang GT500, Nissan R35, McLaren MP4-12C, among many others.

The game is priced on a higher side at $6.99, but if you want to try something similar, you can download Real Racing GTI, available for free.

Highly recommended for racing fans

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

7. Flight Control

Image: Flight Control

This is one of the initial successful titles to hit the App store earlier on.

It is still one of the most addictive games and all time favourite for many users. This was the first game which introduced line-drawing gameplay on the iPhone.

A simple game where you have to manage air-traffic and land all the planes safely on their respective runways without crashing them mid-air.

It gets quite challenging as you progress through time and the frequency of planes increase.

Cost: $0.99 (Lite version available)

One of the must-have games

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

8. Gamedev story

Image: Gamedev story

One of my recent picks, and was amazed how addictive it got.

If you have ever dreamt of developing a game or owning your own game development company, then you should give this a try. It's not the best in terms of graphics, gameplay, sound or polish, but surprisingly it doesn't have any competition. There are no such similar games available on the App store!

The goal is to manage your own game company and go through the process of creating a best selling game. The game starts off well, but becomes repetitive once you start winning.

However, the concept is very unique and has the potential to become big. Keep your eyes open for similar concepts in 2011.

Cost: $3.99 (Lite version available)

Recommended if you like the theme

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

9. Parachute Xtreme!

Image: Parachute Xtreme!

Disclaimer: The author's company Spiel Studios is the producer of this game.

Ever thought of base-jumping? Now you can, in Parachute Xtreme!

A fresh title to look forward to in 2011. An innovative game with a simple one-touch gameplay.

Touch to jump, touch again to open your parachute. Make sure you land before your opponents.

Also a shop feature where you can upgrade your parachute and buy nitro, gun, armour, etc.

Cost: $0.99

Highly recommended

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.

10. Angry Birds

Image: Angry Birds

The list cannot end without mentioning Angry Birds. It is perhaps the most successful game property on handheld. It is one of the biggest success stories in gaming in recent times.

The game has been downloaded several million times on the iOS platform alone.

It also clocked two million in two days of its launch on the Android platform. Apart from this, it is now also available for PC, and will soon come on consoles.

This game needs no introduction. If you have not played it, get it NOW.

Cost: $0.99 (Lite version available)

One of the must-have games

Check out: The all new Gadgets and Gaming page

Reader invite

Are you a gadget/gaming wizard? Would you like to write on gadgets, gaming, the Internet, software technologies, OSs and the works for us? Send us a sample of your writing to gadgetsandgaming@rediffmail.com with the subject as 'I'm a tech wizard' and we will get in touch with you.