Today’s New iPhone and iPad Games Worth Knowing About

Hello, Thursday! After a few dry weeks, it looks as though iOS gamers will have plenty to dig into. Reviews and guides are inbound for a number of today’s releases here on Gamezebo, but if you can’t wait for those, here’s what we suggest giving a download right now:

Traps n’ Gemstones

Donut Games used to put out a lot of iOS games, and they were all pretty great. That “keep churnin’em out” schedule has slowed recently, and if Traps n’ Gemstones is why, I’m perfectly ok with that. Why? Repeat after me: Metroidvania

• Download ($2.99)

Modern Combat 5: Blackout

BOOM! CRASH! SHOOT! BAKA-BAKA-BAKA

• Download ($6.99)

The Phantom PI: Mission Apparition

I had a chance to play this one at an indie games showcase a few months back. It feels a lot like what I’d wanted Wayward Manor to be. Also, it’s definitely kid-friendly. The demo we were shown got full hands-on approval by my 9-year old.

• Download ($1.99)

Poptile

“How long can you prevent tiles from filling the screen?” I don’t know, but this looks pretty stylish, so I’m going to find out.

• Download (free)

Dream Revenant

This one flew in under our radar, but looks gorgeous. I’ll let the iTunes description fill you in where I can’t: “a uniquely narrative gaming experience, featuring a massive open world environment, dramatic voice characterizations, and unparalleled graphic depth, optimized for the advanced capabilities of the latest Apple devices.”

• Download ($1.99)

Fish & Shark

A one button game about jumping? JUST LOOK AT THOSE GRAPHICS. It’s $0, so worth giving a shot to see if it plays as pretty as it looks.

• Download (free)

Astro Duel

A new iPad local multiplayer game about blowing everyone else up? Yes please.

• Download ($2.99)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

While licensed games have had their ups and downs, the Turtles have consistently be put in great games. Will this latest movie tie-in continue that winning streak? We’re not sure, but hey — at least it looks like a beat-em’up.

• Download ($3.99)

 Dizzy Fruit

This is so stupid that it’s brilliant. Expect this to hit #1 on the App Store and leave everybody’s heads scratching about why. You just… say if the fruit is the same as the last fruit. BONUS WEIRDNESS: it’s from Gameloft.

• Download (free)

The Great Prank War

Regular Show tower defense? Okie dokie!

• Download ($2.99)

Bear Simulator: No Mercy

This could be terrible. I don’t care. It’s free and I want to be a bear, dammit.

• Download (free)

Jim Squires

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Jim Squires is the Editor-in-Chief of Gamezebo. Everything you see passes his eyes first, so we like to think of him as "the gatekeeper of cool stuff." He likes good games, great writing, and just can't say no to a hamburger. Also, he is not a bear.