Archive for category Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games

Eliminate: GunRange Free Makes Use of iPhone 4′s Gyroscope

Jul 28

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games, iPhone 4 Games, iPhone Gyroscope | No Comments

Eliminate: GunRange Free (link) is a fun, free way to get acquainted with the iPhone 4′s new gyroscope hardware (free if you don’t mind be spammed with ads, but there’s also a $0.99 ad-free version). GunRange has you taking out cardboard shooting-range targets by moving the iPhone left or right—no tilting, just moving the entire iPhone. We like gyroscope controls better because you can keep the screen flat and not lose any screen visibility like you do with tilt controls.

The game also has some nice high-res graphics that take advantage of the iPhone 4′s Retina Display screen.

Overall, it’s not exactly a revolutionary game, asyou’re just taking out cardboard targets. And there are only three different areas that you play over and over. But you earn credits in game that you can use upgrade your guns. I had fun playing it, although the gyroscope needed constant recalibration and the ads are crazy annoying between every level.

Eliminate: Gunrage Free is a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Recommended: Tilt to Live and SkullPogo, Free for a Limited Time

Jun 19

Posted by John Hawkes in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

There are not one but two great free games in the App Store today for a limited time. First there is the critically loved Tilt to Live (link), which averages 4.5 stars for all editions in the App Store. Then there is the lesser known but still sweet Skullpogo (link).

Videos of the games:

The 50 Best Free Games for iPhone and iPod Touch

May 5

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games, iPhone and iPod Touch Games | 3 Comments

One of the great things about the iPhone is the sheer number of excellent free games available. But it can be a daunting task to sort through the App Store to find the good ones. That’s why we’ve assembled the following list of our handpicked top 50 free iPhone games. Did we miss one? Mention it in the comments. We’ll check it out and maybe add it to the list.

Top 50 Free iPhone Games


Screenshot Description
1. Topple (link) is a fun stacking game with quirky cartoonish graphics. Balance various shapes on top of one another until you reach the goal height. Great use of multitouch controls. Tense but ultimately fun gameplay.
2. Lux Touch (link) is an excellent Risk clone. Conquer the world by strategically placing your armies, attacking territories, and playing defense. Excellent graphics and solid game design make this a great free download.
3. WordFu Plus (link) is a Boggle-like word game where you form words from letters on dice. Kung fu sound effects and special powers add unique twists to the gameplay. Well designed and fun with premium features like online scoreboards. A must-download for word game lovers.
4. Finger Physics Free (link) is a unique puzzle game with beautiful graphics. The free version features 63 levels scattered across 7 games. Difficult to describe, but fun, with ever-changing puzzle types.
5. Pocket Legends (link) is an excellent online MMORPG. Group up with friends or strangers to defeat monsters using might and magic. The first 13 levels are free (several hours of gameplay). Extra areas are in-app purchases. Requires Internet connection.
6. Tap Tap Revenge 3 (link) is Rock Band for the iPhone (before there was a Rock Band for the iPhone). Tap out to some of the best songs of today. Comes with over 100 free songs with many more packs available for purchase.
7. Spider: Hornet Smash (link) is a mini-game spinoff of the smash-hit iPhone game Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor. Jump and weave webs in order to feed your arachnid friend.
8. Words With Friends Free (link) is a popular Scrabble clone that can be played online against friends or a randomly matched opponent. Play up to 20 games at a time! John Mayer once called the game the “new Twitter.”
9. Real Racing GTI (link) has some amazing graphics for a free game. It’s definitely the best free racing game available. Realistic graphics and physics are excellent.
10. Traffic Rush (link) is a game of traffic management. Stop and start cars as they pass through a four-way intersection. How long can you last without a crash as the traffic gets thicker and faster? Great casual game.
11. Sailboat Championship (link) will help you learn some of the basics of sailing. Master rudder, wheel, and sail to get your sailboat across the finish line in the best time possible. Beautiful, serene graphics and polished controls make this one a winner.
12. Live Poker 6k (link) is the best online poker game available for the iPhone. Play against other live players. Win enough cash to play against the big boys. Great interface and some fun features like gifts for other players at the poker table.
13. Galcon Lite (link) is like Risk set in space. Conquer planets and enemies by sending forth swarms of ships. Fun and fast paced, the game is perfectly designed for touch controls. This Lite version plays like a full game.
14. We Rule (link) is a popular iPhone game that puts a twist on the Farmville/Sim City genre. Direct your citizens to help build and run a Kingdom. Sow and harvest crops, give your citizens jobs, collect taxes, and build castles. Fun and addictive.
15. Collapse Chaos Free (link) is a superb free match-3 game. Complete levels and collect stars and gold. Buy power-ups or try to multiple your gold at the casino.
16. Tiki Totems (link) is like Jenga in reverse. The object is to make the structures fall down, but in specific ways. Colorful and unique. A great free download.
17. Bouncedown (link) is a fun survival game where the object is to keep your character falling from platform to platform. Don’t get crushed by the top of the screen, and don’t fall through the bottom either. Keep bouncing to stay alive! Fast-paced and fun.
18. Word Scramble by Zynga (link) is an online Boggle clone. Play against other online players and try to create words from a grid of scrambled letters. An addictive word game. Also try the sequel: Word Scramble 2 by Zynga (link)
19. Unblock Me Free (link) is an addictive puzzle game where the object is to free the red brick from the gameboard by shifting the other bricks around. More challenging than it sounds. The free version has over 400 puzzles to solve. Nice!
20. Card Shark Collection (link) is a collection of solitaire games including the classic Klondike. Smooth animations and an excellent interface make this one of the best solitaire games for the iPhone. And it’s free? Yep!
21. Sudoku (Free) (link) is simply the best free Sudoku game you can get on the iPhone. This classic puzzle game makes for a great mobile experience. Play anywhere. Exercise your brain.
22. iBowl (link) is one of the most popular free games in the App Store. An excellent bowling game with lots of features including curving balls, accelerometer controls, online bowling tournaments, etc.
23. Orbital Free (link) is a puzzle game where the object is to launch a puck and make sure it doesn’t rebound back past a line. Sounds simple right? Your task is quickly complicated by spheres created by your pucks. The spheres must be hit multiple times by your pucks to be destroyed. How long can you survive?
24. JellyCar (link) is a puzzle game where the object is to drive a squishy car through a series of problematic levels. Surprisingly challenging and fun. The soft physics are quirky and fun.
25. iSplume (link) is a bubble-popping game with nice twists. Connect the splumes together at any angle. Tilt the iPhone to create new angles to make connections.
26. Lock ‘n Roll (link) is an intriguig dice game. Roll 4 dice at a time, for 4 times. Strategically place the dice on a grid until it’s filled up. Receive points for certain combinations of numbers and colors.
27. Paper Toss (link) is the iPhone version of the classic office game of throwing crumpled pieces of paper into a trashcan. Paper Toss is oddly compelling, with real office sounds and nice graphics.
28. Removem Free (link) is a puzzle game where the object is to remove all the dots on screen my matching same colored dots. Make sure to think a few steps ahead or you’ll be stuck with a few unmatched dots.
29. Skies of Glory (link) is a 3D WWII airplane fighting game with impressive graphics. Challenging game with difficult-to-master controls, but once you do, the real fun begins. Fun to play for free, but extra planes cost money.
30. Waterslide Extreme (link) is a unique racing game. Race the clock as you handle twists, turns, and other surprising obstacles in some truly bizarre waterslides.
31. Touch Hockey FS5: Free (link) is the classic air hockey game rendered beautifully onto the iPhone. Silky smooth animations. The ability to play against an opponent over bluetooth make this a pretty nice deal for a free game.
32. Simon Says: Echo (Free) (link) is a version of the classic electronic memory game. Repeat the ever-more-complex pattern of sounds/colors and push your short-term memory to its limits.
33. Flood It! (link) is as simple an iPhone game as they come in terms of graphics, but this puzzle game is fun to solve. The object is to change all the colors in the grid to one single color. Harder than it sounds!
34. FireDrop (link) is a simple yet captivating match-3 game. The object is to match 3 or more paper lanterns of the same color and watch then light up. The graphics won’t win any awards, but the pleasant music and fast game pace are surprisingly addictive.
35. FallDown! (link) is an addictive, up-tempo game where the object is to keep your ball falling through various gaps to prevent it from being squished by the top of the screen (which is always moving upward). Great mobile game that can be played in quick spurts.
36. PewPew (link) is a clone of the modern classic Geometry Wars. Navigate your ship, avoiding enemies while blowing them up at the same time. Surprisingly detailed for a free game.
37. Coin Dozer (link) recreates the coin drop games you see in supermarkets and arcades. An addictive, hypnotizing game with subtle strategy and surprisingly realistic graphics. Part achievement game, part survival game. Use your coins wisely in a quest to win prizes. Gain special powers and rewards along the way.
38. TapDefense (link) is a classic tower defense game for the iPhone. Build defensive structures to defeat a marching horde hell bent on crossing your territory. 42 levels of play.
39. PapiJump (link) is the inspiration for the bestselling Doodle Jump. The object is to jump higher and higher, platform to platform. Sounds simple? Don’t let the description fool you, this fun and addictive game is challenging. The graphics don’t look like much, but the gameplay is great.
40. Scoops (link) is a game for the sweet tooth in all of us. Catch scoops on ice cream on your cone and stack them sky high. Just make sure to avoid the vegetables! Nice game for adults and kids.
41. Dactyl (link) is a fun, fast-paced dexterity game. Defuse bombs by tapping on them. Simple concept, but quickly becomes challenging.
42. Trace (link) is a casual puzzle game where the object is to draw ramps, platforms, etc, with your finger in order to get your character through a level. A fun touch-based game.
44. Bankshot (link) is a puzzle game that tests your geometry skills. How many bankshots can you make in a row?
45. Cube Runner (link) is a simple flying game where you fly through a 3D landscape avoiding various obstacles. A great introduction to the iPhone’s accelerometer controls.
46. World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend Free (link) features Texas Hold’em poker. Play against up to 9 other players at a time online. Fast-paced and, of course, free!
47. Smart Sokoban Free (link) is a puzzle game where the object is to push boxes around until they rest on their predetermined landing spot. The simple graphics bely the challenge underneath. A combination of thinking a few steps ahead and trial and error will be needed to solve the tough puzzles within.
48. Line Up 2 (link) is a color matching game where the object is to match 3 or more blocks of the same color to remove them. You only get 100 taps per level, so make them count. Collect special weapons to help you clear the board.
49. Original Gangstaz (link) is in the same vein of online classics like Mafia Wars. Join a gang, fight in wars, gain respect, and dish out disrespect! Are you an OG? Well then, play on, playa.
50. Valet Hero (link) is a fun puzzle game. Trace the path of cars with your finger to park them. Avoid obstacles. Earn big tips. Simple controls but complex strategy.


Honorable Mentions

Screenshot Description
Tap Store by Streetview (link) is a fun business management game. Design a store, fill it with choice goods, take care of customers. Fun life simulator.
Mystic Jungle (link) is a Farmville-like game that takes place in the jungle. Plant and gather fruit, sell for cash, buy animals and decorates. Fun and addictive.
TowerMadness Zero (link) is a 3D tower defense game. Use an arsenal of upgradeable weapons to defend your turf against invading aliens. A polished game with over 2 million downloads.
Fling! Free (link) is a puzzle game where the object is to bump all the fuzzies off the screen until there is only one left. Simple controls but challenging gameplay. A colorful puzzler.
Scramboni (link) is a word game where the object is to unscramble words for a set of letters before anyone else does. It’s a fun online game (requires Internet connection) where you compete against others.
Dropship (link) is a spaceship survival game where the object is to pilot your ship through some tricky caves, blast enemies, and evacuate stranded friendlies on the ground.
Space Deadbeef (link) is a side-scrolling space shooter with sweet graphics. Survive wave after wave of ships as you maneuver and blast away with various weapons. Beautiful game.

Battle Bears: Zombies Free for a Limited Time

Apr 25

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

Battle Bears: Zombies (link) is free for a limited time. Play as Oliver the teddy bear fighting off hordes of teddy bear zombies who want to hug him to death. We reviewed the game back in January and gave it our recommendation. It averages 3.5 stars in the App Store.

Battle Bears: Zombies is a (free download) for a limited time.

Recommended: Heavy Gunners 3D Is Free for Today Only

Apr 22

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

*Update: Deal expired. Back to $2.99*

Heavy Gunners 3D (link) is a sci-fi shooting game that puts you in the ball turret of a spaceship blowing up alien invaders. It’s a fast-paced game that features a combo of tilt and multitouch controls. Each gun has independent aiming, which is pretty cool.

The game is well reviewed, averaging 3.5 stars in the App Store for all versions. And it’s currently free for a limited time in the App Store. Gameplay video:

Heavy Gunners 3D is a free download for a limited time.

Sword of Fargoal Free Today Only

Apr 18

Posted by Tim Barribeau in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

Sword of Fargoal (link) has been lowered in price for today only, from its usual price of $4.99 down to free for the day. It’s a Roguelike game, which means it’s a dungeon crawl through randomly generated levels fighting dozens of different enemies, so no two playthroughs will ever be alike as attempt to fight your way through the 20 levels of each game.

On the App Store, the it has an average rating of four stars over more than 360 reviews, and was selected as one one of the ‘Best iPhone Games’ in TouchArcades 2009 Buyer’s Guide.

Official app description:

Read the rest of this entry »

Atlantis Sky Patrol Free Today Only

Apr 9

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games, News | No Comments

*Deal expired*

Atlantis Sky Patrol (link) is an excellent marble shooter available for free for today only (was $2.99). The game features over 100 levels, excellent graphics, and solid game design. It averages 4 stars in the App Store for all versions (only 3 stars for the current version, but from only 27 reviews). Grab it, as it’s a good deal!

I gave the game a quick spin, and it reminded me of another iPhone classic, StoneLoops of Jurassica, that was removed from the App Store because of copyright claims. Atlantis is a great bargain at free.

Atlantis Sky Patrol is a free download, today only, in the iTunes App Store.

Alchemize Free for a Limited Time

Mar 30

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

Alchemize (link) starts off as a basic match 3 game but contains a few unique twists that makes the game very challenging as it progresses. Its pleasant graphics and soundtrack make it an overall enjoyable game. Alchemize is a great free download, but for a limited time (was $2.99).

Game features:

  • 5 game modes (Classic, Action, Avalanche, Blitz, Gone in 20)
  • 27 elements to combine on a 9×9 board (Blitz mode has 7×7 board)
  • Ghost tiles
  • 9 special elements (Power-Ups: Bomb, Joker, Wand, 3 types of dynamite, Bowling Ball, Good Chameleon, Bad Chameleon) to help in your journey
  • Unlimited saves
  • Online high scores for each game mode
  • 4 music tracks
  • Listen to your own music
  • Anti-cheating technology

Alchemize is a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Spikey’s Bounce Around Free for a Limited Time

Mar 18

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games, iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

We love simple puzzle games like this here at Art of the iPhone. Spikey’s Bounce Around (link) controls are simple enough: drag your finger in the direction you want to launch Spikey. Remove the objects underneath the butterfly-filled glass jars filled so that they fall and break open. Simple enough, right? Of course, things become more complicated when new obstacles are introduced.

We found Spikey’s Bounce Around to be an excellent little puzzle game, especially at the price of free. Only for a limited time though, so get it while it’s hot.

Spikey’s Bounce Around is a free download for a limited time in the App Store.

Recommended: Sudoku! Free for a Limited Time

Mar 14

Posted by Alan in Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games | No Comments

Don’t let the bland graphics fool you, Sudoku! (link) is a legit, full-featured sudoku game that is free for a limited time (was $0.99). The game features excellent game design, with smooth controls and over 20,000 sudoku puzzles to solve ranging across 5 difficulty levels. It currently averages 4.5 stars in the App Store.

The game’s features include notes, undo, redo, save, resume, and hints. There are also sound effects and pleasant background music. A good deal if you’re looking for a sudoku game for your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Sudoku! is a free download for a limited time from the App Store.