Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D

Splinter Cell 3D
$39.99
8.5--Expertly Crafted

As a port of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Splinter Cell 3D doesn't fare too well. There have been complaints regarding the A.I., brevity, and variety of the game. True, it's not as good as its console counterpart, but, as a game in itself, it is very well made.
Everything from the graphics to the weapons variety is masterfully done, and all the voice acting has been kept intact. The game is very long, and each mission features not only primary objectives, but secondary objectives and opportunity objectives as well. The game's controls seem awkward at first (electing to use the face buttons to control the camera angle while using the touch screen solely for commands and selections), but they seem to make more and more sense as the game progresses.
Fisher has a staggeringly wide arsenal in Splinter Cell, ranging from ringfoil shots to a grenade launcher (able to fire multiple different types of grenades) to even a shotgun. The game gives the impression of having a lot of work put into it, even as a launch title.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, as a port, Splinter Cell 3D could be better. But as its own game, it shines through a heavy mask of other 3DS launch titles. Stealth fans, enjoy, and everyone else should try it as well.

Image from:
http://www.nintendo3dsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Tom-Clancys-Splinter-Cell-3D1.jpg

R-Type

R-Type
$1.99
7.5--Great
Those of you born in the 80's may remember R-type as a ridiculously hard (and fun) space shooter with unparalleled graphics and speed. finally, this little gem can be experienced on the iPhone, complete with leaderboards, multiple control schemes, and a new auto-fire option that makes the difficulty a little more bearable.
However, the port has it's downsides. The control schemes are o.k. at best; the first, touch control, obscures your ship, making you vulnerable to attacks from behind. The second, tilt, isn't really quick or accurate enough to navigate you through the bullet streams, and the third, classic, is kind of in-between. Touch control is definitely the way to play, along with auto-fire enabled.
The game's difficulty is staggering. Chances are, anyone short of a gaming master will die thousands of times before making it past the first four levels. An unlimited lives mode tries to soften that edge, but it still doesn't help much.
The graphics still look great today, and were phenomenal back in the 80's the boss-battles are epic, and the rest of the levels are pretty smooth too.
Leaderboards will give players cause to come back again and again, and the difficulty ensures that this is one game you won't blow through. In short, R-Type is the perfect game for veteran players or gaming prodigies, and probably those two minorities only.

image from
http://www.talkiphone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/r-type-logo.png

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (iPod)

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (iPod Edition)
$9.99
8.0-Very Good

On the iPod, Splinter Cell: Conviction is a solid stealth-action game. Players take control of Same Fisher, a former U.S. agent, as he sneaks, shoots, and climbs his way through eight large levels. Gameloft, the creators of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory on the Nintendo DS, created this game for the iPod with a license from Ubisoft. The game seems more wholesome than most of Gameloft's other games,and the voice acting isn't terrible, due in no small part to the fact that the voices, as well as the beautiful cutscenes, were imported from the x-box version of the game. However, the ending was a huge dud. This game has very minimal repay value.
The light and shadow gameplay was unique and fun, although it was pretty weird when I stood in the face of an enemy while just barely in the shadows and he didn't notice me.
The mark and execute feature of the game is new, and welcome, although it didn't pop up in many instances when it should've.
this game is too easy on any difficulty except the hardest; play it on hard for maximum fun.
I enjoyed the story, and it kept me wanting to play more; a good sign with any game.
Overall, Splinter Cell, although pricey, is a solid game. Wait for a sale, though. Although it is a good game, it's not really worth ten bucks.

Hook Champ

Hook Champ
$2.99
9.5-Legendary

Hook Champ is undoubtedly an app classic. It's a retro game where the player controls one of four adventurers, two of which are only available by in-app purchase.Players swing through many different temples by launching a grappling hook into the temple surfaces, while being chased by a big black ghost, called the "cursed chaser". Players can try to beat developer scores, or try for the global high scores.Along the way, players can collect coins for hats, upgrades, and helpful items in the shop. Also, for an extra $.99, players can purchase one of two other characters. One, Zelle, is just an alternate version of an unlockable character, Gunny, and the other, Hookbot, makes the game practically devoid of challenge. The game has plenty of humor, and a nice, retro score for nostalgic players. Openfeint integration, along with a huge ammount of achievements, adds to the already uncommonly large replay value.
Hook Champ is an essential, comparable to app legends such as Doodle Jump. If you don't already own it, purchase it immediately.

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