Enjoy a good puzzle
Every day people use their iPhone for calls, texts, surfing and other productive purposes – and sometimes there is that lull in the day that we look around trying to figure out how to fill the time. The perfect solution is to have a few puzzle game apps on the iPhone that will entertain and challenge us. Sometimes we can grow frustrated when we are kept waiting, such as in a doctor’s office, but what if we could fill that time with something fun rather than sit there annoyed? Any of the following ten top puzzle game apps will do the trick – in fact you just might get annoyed that your doctor didn’t keep you waiting even longer!
Bejeweled Blitz by PopCap
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bejeweled-blitz/id469960709?mt=8
Developer: www.popcap.com
PopCap has been bringing the world great games for years and Bejeweled has been their top game on many different game sites and venues. It comes as no surprise that their iPhone version is equally as popular. The game is free to download and there are in-app purchases that can be made to enhance game play if a player desires to do so. The game is a match-3 puzzle game that is super easy to learn with an interactive tutorial to get you started. With lots of sounds and great graphics this game can easily get you addicted in no time. Don’t let the fact that it is a match-3 which is typically boring fool you – this app will challenge you and demand a level of focus you’d never expect from a match-3. This game is a great way to kill time and get your mind off life’s challenges for a bit. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and is also optimized for iPhone 5.
The Room Pocket by Fireproof Games
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-room-pocket/id573156739?mt=8
Developer: http://fireproofgames.com/
The Room Pocket is a puzzle game that thinks it is a mystery novel – all wrapped in a beautiful 3D world that will amaze you! The heavy graphics requirements of the app does mean that you must have a newer iPhone in order to play the game (4S or newer). The app is a free download so you can see what it is about allowing you to play the entire first level for free. The full game upgrade is very reasonably priced however and is rather surprising considering the quality of the game. Some changes are going on with this game that are important to know – first of all this newest version is an Epilogue Chapter to the initial The Room game. Later in 2013 a new stand-alone sequel will be released. This game won the Best Gameplay award at the Unity Awards 2013. The game is rated 9+ for infrequent/mild horror/fear themes so it may not be suitable for all players. Some of the graphics may seem unsettlingly realistic for younger children for example.
Cross Fingers by Mobigame
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cross-fingers/id337490369?mt=8
Developer: http://www.mobigame.net/
Cross Fingers is 720 levels in which players combine pieces into a tangram puzzle – sounds simple, but the puzzles quickly get more and more challenging as players work through the levels. For players that are not sure whether they would like this type of puzzle there is a free demo version that includes 30 easy levels but does not include the Arcade Mode that the full version does. Players will need good reflexes and dexterity to make it through the tougher puzzles. Unlike some puzzle games where once you’ve done all the levels there is nothing left to do, this app comes with an Arcade Mode which continues to challenge players as they work to beat the top score. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and is also optimized for iPhone 5.
Tetris by Electronic Arts
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tetris-blitz/id632827808?mt=8
Developer: http://www.ea.com/iphone
The game of Tetris is probably one of the longest running video games currently still in play and still as popular as it was when it first began. What few people know is that Tetris was first developed in 1983 by a Russian scientist by the name of Alexey Pajitnov. I doubt he could have imagined just how popular it would become and how Electronic Arts would take it to a whole new level with Tetris Blitz. The unique powerful explosive effects can push a player’s score when used strategically. The color explosions are dazzling. The game is free to download but there are game packs and other in-app items that players may wish to purchase. This game is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It requires iOS 5.0 or later and it is optimized for iPhone 5
Rail Maze and Rail Maze Pro by Spooky House Studios UG (haftungsbeschraenkt)
Apple:
Free Version https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rail-maze/id445853367?mt=8
Pro Version https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rail-maze-pro/id475319070?mt=8
Developer: http://www.spookyhousestudios.com/railmaze.html
In a class of its own Rail Maze is uniquely different than any other puzzle game available. The free version has over 100 challenging puzzles that include tunnels, bombs, pirate trains, super long trains and 4 game modes (1 puzzle, 2 action and 1 puzzle action.) The Pro version has over 130 puzzles and in addition to all the features of the free version it also has the ability to route multiple trains simultaneously, collect wagons as you go and one more puzzle game mode. Both versions have items available as in-app purchases. This is the perfect game for the train enthusiast or for anyone that enjoys something a bit different. The game is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch an iPad with iOS 3.1 or later.
Compression by Little White Bear Studios, LLC
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/compression/id336619819?mt=8
Developer: http://www.littlewhitebearstudios.com/compression.html
The premise of this game is simple – eliminate the blocks before the walls close in. Succeeding is anything BUT simple. This game is sure to please even players very experienced at block dropping games. Recently the developer changed over to Game Center for online leader boards and achievements which caused all previous players to lose their histories but that is not a concern for those starting up new. It would be nice to see a free version or at least have a lower cost for this app but since many of the players are giving it a solid 4 or 5 star rating it would appear to be worth it. There are some players pushing for an iPhone 5 update so hopefully that is in the works soon.
Chip Chain by AppAbove Games LLC
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chip-chain/id549294243?mt=8
Developer: http://chip-chain.com/
A unique twist on the usual match-3 type of puzzle game, Chip Chain uses poker chips that are placed strategically to chain together to obtain bonuses. Besides having to plan as they go, players also have to think quickly to make a dealers random chip toss work to their advantage. Ad advantage of this puzzle game is that it is free to download and to play with 2 of the 4 modes being free each day as well. Modes can also be unlocked by buying gems or earning them through game play. They recently added an undo button in answer to players’ requests and each day they place certain extras on sale at 20% off. This app requires iOS 4.3 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. This app is also optimized for iPhone 5.
World of Goo by 2D Boy (Regular and HD versions)
Apple:
Regular Version https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-of-goo/id415997203?mt=8
HD Version https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-of-goo-hd/id401301276?mt=8
Developer: http://2dboy.com/games.php
Puzzle games just don’t get cuter than this one with level after level of strange yet beautiful puzzles. Welcome to the World of Goo in which millions of Goo Balls live and struggle to survive against all sorts of dangerous situations. Because this game is so large it does require players to be on a Wi-Fi connection in order to download it. Unlike some large games, however, this one can be played on many of the older iPhone models including 3GS and 4. It is also optimized for iPhone 5. The game is enjoying a strong 4.5 star rating by users, although it doesn’t have a huge number of reviews just yet. It has won a number of awards making it a great game to add to your puzzle games collection. Neither version is free but they are reasonably priced.
Bridge Constructor by Headup Games GmbH & Co KG
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bridge-constructor/id503190232?mt=8
Developer: http://www.bridgeconstructor.com/bc/index_en.html
Building bridges may seem tedious and uninteresting but this game is neither of those things. Over the course of 40 different levels players are challenged to strategize to overcome all sorts of dilemmas to build a bridge while staying within budget and using the correct materials. To top it off the bridge also has to work! It has to withstand a stress test to make sure that even the heaviest of trucks will not send it tumbling into a deep valley or rushing river. While not a free app it is reasonably priced and the in-app purchase options are also inexpensive. The app requires iOS 4.3 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. This app is optimized for iPhone 5. It enjoys a solid 4.5 star rating by players.
Zen Bound 2 Universal by Secret Exit Ltd.
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zen-bound-2-universal/id363308208?mt=8
Developer: http://zenbound.com/
This is a delightful sequel to Zen Bound that has a simple premise – players simply wrap rope around wooden sculptures while listening to meditative music by ‘Ghost Monkey’ that is a full 45 minutes in length. All levels of the original Zen Bound are included as well making this a great deal for the money. There are beautiful graphics that are both soothing and amazing. New levels include the Tree of Tribute which players agree is a wonderful addition. The app requires iOS 4.3 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The app is optimized for iPhone 5 as well.
The nice thing about this compiled list is that each and every one was chosen in part because they were entirely different from each other while being some of the most highly user rated puzzle games available. Most if not all are incredibly addicting so be prepared to find yourself totally engrossed from time to time and keep that battery charger handy!
