Great games on a dollar a day

What are the best new iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch games available for a total budget of $30 -- or about a dollar per day? Below are the best-reviewed titles released over the past month. All games are available for all Apple portable devices unless otherwise indicated.

Best-Reviewed New iPhone/iPod Games, $30 Total Budget - September 2011

	Game	Genre	Rating	Metascore	Price
	Where's My Water?	Action/Puzzle	4+	94	$0.99
	EDGE Extended	Puzzle/Platform	4+	93	$2.99
	Jetpack Joyride	Action	9+	91	$0.99
	Monsters Ate My Condo	Action/Puzzle	9+	90	$0.99
	Crimson: Steam Pirates	Strategy	12+	88	Free
	DrawRace 2	Racing	4+	88	$0.99
	Early Bird	Action/Puzzle	9+	87	Free
	Quarrel Deluxe	Word/Strategy	9+	84	$4.99
	Tiny Heroes	Strategy	9+	83	$1.99
	Another World - 20th Anniversary	Platformer	12+	81	$4.99
	4Towers Onslaught: Combo TD	Strategy	4+	80	$1.99
	Radballs	Rhythm/Action	4+	80	$0.99
	Happy Hills	Action/Puzzle	4+	80	Free
	NFL Rivals	Sports	4+	78	$0.99
	HECTOR: Ep3 - Beyond Reasonable Doom	Adventure	17+	78	$4.99
			TOTAL COST:		$27.88

iPad owners have slightly different options this month:

Best-Reviewed New iPad Games, $30 Total Budget - September 2011

	Game	Genre	Rating	Metascore	Price
	Where's My Water?	Action/Puzzle	4+	94	$0.99
	EDGE Extended	Puzzle/Platform	4+	93	$2.99
	Contre Jour HD	Puzzle	4+	93	$2.99
	Jetpack Joyride	Action	9+	91	$0.99
	Monsters Ate My Condo	Action/Puzzle	9+	90	$0.99
	Crimson: Steam Pirates	Strategy	12+	88	Free
	DrawRace 2 *	Racing	4+	88	$2.99
	Early Bird *	Action/Puzzle	9+	87	Free
	Machinarium iPad2 only	Adventure	12+	85	$4.99
	Quarrel Deluxe	Word/Strategy	9+	84	$4.99
	Tiny Heroes	Strategy	9+	83	$1.99
	Another World - 20th Anniversary	Platformer	12+	81	$4.99
			TOTAL COST:		$28.90

* Price is for HD (iPad-only) version, but reviews and Metascore are for the standard version.
The Metascore for iPhone and iPad games is an unweighted average of individual scores given by professional game publications on a scale of 0 (bad) to 100 (good). A Metascore of 75 or higher denotes generally positive reviews, while 90 or higher indicates universal acclaim. Scores are not calculated for games with fewer than four reviews.

Below, we take a closer look at each of the past month's best new games. (Note that all game summaries are from the publishers' official descriptions.) Don't forget that you can now get updated critic and user reviews for these and all iOS games in Metacritic's iPhone/iPad section.

Where's My Water?  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

The creators of JellyCar return with a physics-based puzzler about subterranean alligators who turn out to be a lot more adorable than urban legends would have you believe.

From the Publisher: An urban myth inspires this fun-filled game as you help guide water to Swampy the Alligator's bathtub. Swampy lives under the city and yearns for a more human-like existence. He is especially fond of cleanliness. The other alligators do not take kindly to Swampy's eccentricities and have conspired to sabotage his water supply. Where's My Water? is a challenging physics-based puzzler complete with Retina display graphics, Multi-Touch controls, and an amazing soundtrack. To be successful, you need to be clever and keep an eye out for algae, toxic ooze, triggers, and traps. • 80 CHALLENGING PUZZLES INCLUDING FREE UPDATES! The fun is just beginning. Swampy's pipes are broken and it is up to you to get the water flowing again through four themed chapters, each with 20 challenging levels. Keep playing! New chapters are included in free updates. • MEET SWAMPY! The story of Swampy unfolds as you play. He's cute, he's funny, he just wants to take a bath with his beloved rubber ducky. Richly detailed graphics and animation bring Swampy and his subterranean world to life. • AMAZING LIFE-LIKE WATER PHYSICS Go with the flow! From the designer of JellyCar's squishy world comes flawlessly fluid physics. Swipe, slosh, and splash to guide water through increasingly challenging scenarios. • SPECIAL BONUSES AND SURPRISES Collect Swampy's shower items to unlock bonus levels. Look for rubber duckies and tap around for even more surprises! Every drop counts in Where's My Water? — A refreshing new puzzler filled with good clean gaming fun!

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSpy
Where's My Water pits you against watery physics while testing your ability to draw solutions to various puzzles; it's a fun and unique mix prone to keep you hooked to the end.
100	Gamezebo
One of those rare gems that manages to get everything right. It's clever and goofy and charming. On top of that, the game is surprisingly addictive. Anyone who enjoys physics puzzle titles would be out of their mind to miss picking this up.
100	Modojo
Throw in bonus levels, secret items and the promise of free levels in the future, and Where's My Water? is an irresistible title no iPhone/iPad owner should be without.
100	Slide to Play
Where's My Water is a highly polished and appealing physics puzzler that nearly everyone can enjoy.
90	148Apps
It's possibly one of the best iOS puzzle games in recent memory, and it's available at a price that's downright foolish to pass up.
90	AppSafari
Enjoyable and simply entertaining.
90	IGN
I can't wait for more Where's My Water? stages, which is the ultimate sign of a well-made puzzle game. iOS gamers that pick it up will have a ton of fun figuring out how to get Swampy clean level after level.
80	Pocket Gamer UK
Giving the impression of an interactive cartoon, Where's My Water's physics-heavy puzzling should appeal to everyone, despite its childish exterior and some control irritations.

EDGE Extended  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

Fans of the original Edge (and newcomers, too) can enjoy 44 brand-new levels in which you must once again maneuver your cube through a series of mazes.

From the Publisher: Mobigame's multi-awarded and critically loved game is back! EDGE Extended introduces a brand new 3D graphics engine, 44 original levels, 23 unique tunes and new gameplay mechanics. See the gameplay video at : www.mobigame.net Develop your telekinetic strength by pushing a Cube within a geometric universe. Platforms, enigmas and reflexes combine to make EDGE Extended a rich and very comprehensive game. • An original game ideally suited for mobile devices • 44 levels to challenge • 23 unique tunes! • New 3D graphic engine optimized for Retina display • Multi Sampling Anti Aliasing on the iPad 2 (4xMSAA) • A simple, addictive game for every type of player.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSpy
EDGE Extended takes the original and stretches it out even further with more self-aware levels, new mechanics and the same challenging fun that made it such a great game the first time around.
100	Slide to Play
The most fun you'll have with a square.
100	TouchArcade
Oh, there's even a whopping 23 music tracks, including some from the original, which brings back happy memories and the new tracks sound as great as the original ones.
90	AppSmile
Offering the same solid mechanics as the original with a handful of cool new elements, EDGE Extended avoids the sequel slump and gives gamers an even more compelling experience than the first iteration.
90	Pocket Gamer UK
A brilliant second outing in the Edge series, brimming with good ideas, and polished to a remarkable sheen.
88	Multiplayer.it
EDGE Extended is a great new episode in Mobigame's puzzle platform series, improving the original with tons of new levels, better graphics and a couple of little surprises in terms of gameplay and puzzle design.
70	Gamekult
Quotation forthcoming.

Contre Jour HD  iPad
Reviews here are for the iPad version only; the non-HD version was reviewed last month

Another physics puzzler, Contre Jour attempts to set itself apart from the Cut the Rope crowd with gorgeous art design (think World of Goo).

From the Publisher: Blurring the lines between games and interactive art, Contre Jour welcomes you to a hauntingly beautiful world shaped by the interplay of light and darkness. Use your finger to morph the landscape, propelling the mysterious creature Petit to safety. Pull, swipe, and tap gadgets such as tendrils, air geysers, and pulleys to complete clever puzzles. Set to a poignant orchestrated soundtrack from composer David Ari Leon, Contre Jour both delights and bedevils from start to finish. Contre Jour Highlights • Three chapters featuring sixty unique levels, as well as one hundred and eighty collectable lights, will have you playing for hours and hours. • Use extremely intuitive controls to change the environment around you. • Ten different interactive elements to master; portals, slingshots, tentacles, blowers and more. • Stunning visual style places Contre Jour in a league of it's own – simply one of the most beautiful games of the year. • Rich, organic and original soundtrack by David Ari Leon perfectly matches Petit's journey. Get some headphones and lose yourself in the world of Contre Jour. • Unlock a variety of achievements as you play, can you find them all?

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSmile
Mixing elements from a variety of popular casual fare, Contre Jour manages to create a highly-engaging experience that delights at every turn.
100	Modojo
Contre Jour HD is a crowning achievement, an app that earned every one of its five stars. Smart, attractive and fun, it's one of the best reasons to own an iPhone or iPad.
100	Slide to Play
Contre Jour gets its hooks in you right from the start-- and what beautiful hooks they are.
90	Gameblog.fr
If you're looking for the next gem for smartphones and iPad, it may very well be Contre Jour. This puzzle-game with a poetry twist draws inspirations from Limbo for its visuals, World of Goo for its drops, Portal for its... portals, Cut the Rope for its mechanics combining dexterity and brains. A very nice blend of many different elements that fit together very well.
80	Gamereactor Denmark
A clever puzzle game with solid mechanics that cements Chillingo's position as one of the iOS heavyweights.
70	Gamer.no
Contre Jour ends up being -- despite some small flaws -- a good physics based iOS game. A well thought out game mechanic revolving around manipulating the terrain lies as a solid foundation, and every level completed feels like a small triumph.

Jetpack Joyride  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

The creators of Fruit Ninja offer endless, randomized gameplay in this arcade-style action title.

From the Publisher: You're going for a ride - from the creators of FRUIT NINJA! Suit up with a selection of the coolest jetpacks ever made and take to the skies as Barry Steakfries, the lovable hero on a one-way trip to adventure! From the creators of the worldwide phenomenon Fruit Ninja comes the action-packed Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick's most anticipated iPhone game ever! Join Barry as he breaks in to a secret laboratory to commandeer the experimental jetpacks from the clutches of science evildoers. After lift-off, simply touch the screen to ascend and release to descend, raining bullets, bubbles, rainbows and lasers downwards as you fly towards higher and higher scores! You'll start off with the legendary Machine Gun Jetpack to scatter the evil scientists, but throughout each game you'll collect coins and complete missions to earn cash and buy new gear in The Stash! Pick your favorite jetpack, snazzy outfit and stock up on items then get back out there for more action! Keen reflexes are your best weapon to avoid the obstacles in your path. These include lasers, electricity fields and even guided missiles, but thankfully this is a top secret lab - there will be even more goodies to pick up and help Barry along the way. Stay out of harm and you'll reach massive scores, unlock Achievements and beat your friends on the online leaderboards! Get a boost of speed and power using the Lil' Stomper, Profit Bird and Crazy Freaking Teleporter, just a selection of the vehicles pickups available - all playable with one touch controls. You can even splash out and upgrade the vehicles with coin magnets or shiny gold plating for that bonus style factor! Stay alive, get funky and lose yourself in Jetpack Joyride. There's so much to see and do, all the time in the world and more than enough jetpacks! As always, Barry Steakfries will provide!

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	148Apps
This is one of my favorite iOS games in recent memory, and one of the best endless games on the App Store. I cannot stress how highly I recommend this game, and I will keep playing it long after this review is finished.
100	AppSafari
Jetpack Joyride goes beyond addicting, it needs another word to describe it (Addictacular? Addictastic?).
100	AppSmile
Featuring the usual Halfbrick spit-and-polish and a wealth of gameplay elements that keep things fresh, exciting, and painfully addicting, Jetpack Joyride is a terrific example of iDevice gaming done right.
100	AppSpy
While touch-to-fly style endless games are nothing new, Jetpack Joyride trumps them all by packing together gorgeous designs with fun gameplay and replay value that's bursting at the seams.
100	Modojo
One heck of a fun time, the type of experience that begs multiple plays. Before long, you'll invest multiple hours and die numerous times.
100	The Onion (A.V. Club)
An exhaustingly fun game.
100	TouchArcade
Jetpack Joyride doesn't need any kind of "if you like randomized endless games" or any other disclaimers. It is a game you simply must own.
92	Multiplayer.it
Nothing is more addicting than Jetpack Joyride: an easy concept to understand but a long lasting gameplay to master. And with its price, it would be a crime to not buy it.
90	AppGamer
For a game which is seemingly so simple in design, Jetpack Joyride is a rare treat. It's lovingly put together and charming to boot. The collectable Stash, Missions and the nature of the game itself all come together to make this an easy recommendation for game of the week, if not the month.
90	Destructoid
Between responsive controls, colorful sprites that are easy on the eyes, and a clever rewards system that will keep players coming back for more, Jetpack Joyride is comfortably the best in its class.
90	Edge Magazine
It's unusual to find a game of this sort deal with losing, which is obviously the majority experience, with such care — the packaging of Barry's mad dash turns it into an endlessly rewarding marathon, rather than a series of disconnected sprints.
90	IGN
Halfbrick's most addictive game yet, surpassing the seminal Fruit Ninja. The semi-random (but still skill-based) jetpack gameplay is tuned to perfection. Joyride's bevy of extras give the jetpacking shenanigans an extra boost of purpose, keeping me coming back round after round.
90	Pocket Gamer UK
Jetpack Joyride is simplistic fun, but Halfbrick's suite of bonuses, unlockables, leaderboards, and achievements makes it near irresistible.
90	TouchGen
Aside from the initial letdown for those expecting a deeper game, Jetpack Joyride is a delightfully challenging arcade romp that no iOS gamer should be without.
80	Eurogamer
Jetpack Joyride is further evidence of Halfbrick's unseemly knack for producing games designed to test both the battery life of handheld gaming platforms and the sanity of players. Needless to say, both run out eventually.
80	Gamezebo
Halfbrick is one of only a handful of developers that seem to impress with every release on the App Store, and Jetpack Joyride is no exception. Is it yet another endless survival game on the App Store? Sure. But it's one that's brimming with personality, challenge, and a machine gun that you wear on your back to fly. If that doesn't say second amendment, I don't know what does.
75	Slide to Play
Halfbrick's latest is no slouch, but it won't knock many socks off.
70	Gamekult
Quotation forthcoming.

Monsters Ate My Condo  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

Adult Swim's best game to date offers entertaining action-puzzle gameplay centering on a quartet of hungry but adorable monsters.

From the Publisher: Adult Swim Games and PikPok present all-new monster puzzle action!! Terrible catastrophe! Four ferocious monsters of destruction are on a rampage and only residential high-rises will satisfy their boundless hunger. In this larger-than-life puzzle game, you will use intuitive swipe controls to match the colored floors. Feed the creatures and prevent the destruction of all humankind! • Feed four ravenous beasts: Boat Head, Reginald Starfire, Mr. Shigoto and Lord Ferocious • Features both Endless and Time Attack modes • Open Feint and GameCenter support for leaderboards and achievements • Universal app works on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad! • Fully-animated monsters to delight players, destroy civilization.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSpy
Adult Swim and Pik Pok take a decent puzzle action game and dress it up with a crazy premise, bombastic visuals, and a catchy and entertaining soundtrack. A must play.
100	Modojo
It's a bizarre but immensely satisfying experience, thanks in part to the addictive premise, excessively colorful graphics, NES style music and online leaderboards.
100	Slide to Play
A satisfying slice of lunacy.
90	148Apps
A quick paced game with tons going on at once, but it is beautifully balanced and everything works so well in tandem. The games bright, flashy visuals border on insanity and add to the intensity and fun. This is a superb game and it strikes a perfect balance between simple gameplay and interesting and varied mechanics.
80	Gamezebo
Some people may decry the lack of variety involved (the game only offer two modes — endless and time attack), but games like this don't need to be anything more than what they are to be a success. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some monsters to feed.
80	Pocket Gamer UK
The best Adult Swim title to date, and a squeak away from classic status.
80	TouchGen
The combination of excellent presentation, lovable monsters, Jenga gameplay and cool music. It works just as well on the small screen, as on the large.

Crimson: Steam Pirates  iPhone iPod Touch iPad
Free to play first chapter; additional chapters (mission packs) available for $1.99

This turn-based strategy title set in the 19th century is co-developed by Halo creators Bungie.

From the Publisher: In Crimson: Steam Pirates, plumes of black smoke fill the blue Caribbean sky as Thomas Blood's pirate fleet steams ahead—over, above, and below the waves. On the surface, ships bristle with swivel cannons and lightning guns. Above, zeppelins drip with incendiary bombs. And below, silent and deadly, submarines stalk their targets, torpedoes at the ready. Command your fleet and your Steampunk crew using an elegant action interface. Crimson: Steam Pirates' turn-based gameplay provides an addicting mixture of strategy and action as you anticipate your enemies' moves and counter them, luring them into a deadly hail of weapons fire while uncovering the mystery brewing in the Caribbean. Crimson: Steam Pirates features: • 8 voyages that begin the tale of Thomas Blood's adventures in the Caribbean • 2 "Pass-and-Play" multiplayer scenarios • Over a dozen types of ships, subs, and airships • Over 20 unique crew members whose special abilities enhance gameplay.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Modojo
A wonderful video game that'll hopefully blossom into a more fully featured effort in the months ahead.
100	Slide to Play
Crimson: Steam Pirates is like a good book and a game of chess rolled into one Must Have download.
90	MEGamers
The graphics are neat, the background music engaging, and the sound effects brilliant. The Bungie leaderboards and stats also provide an in-depth analysis of your performance.
90	TouchGen
Gameplay is slick and simple, the music and sound effects are right on the mark too.
80	Gamezebo
An absolute must play-it's just that there's more we'd love to see them do with it.
70	Pocket Gamer UK
Less strategic than it wants to be, but this is a fun and hugely likeable time-waster for iPad owners.

DrawRace 2  iPhone iPod Touch iPad
Separate HD version for iPads available for $2.99 (reviews here are for non-HD version)

This sequel to 2009's DrawRace once again plays like Flight Control for cars (you must draw your racer's path with your finger) but swaps the original's cartoony look for a more serious approach with improved 3D graphics.

From the Publisher: Developed by RedLynx, the creators of Trials HD, DrawRace 2: Racing Evolved, the groundbreaking sequel to the critically acclaimed DrawRace improves on its predecessor in every way. Use the unique, touch-based racing system to blaze through all-new, highly detailed 3D tracks. Play online against any device! iPhone/ipod touch and iPad! DrawRace 2: Racing Evolved Highlights • Huge single player campaign with over 180 challenges, gymkhana skill games and tons of content to unlock. • Realistic car physics, learn how each one handles and find the perfect racing line. • Gorgeous, highly detailed 3D tracks featuring ramps, slopes and tilts to test your driving skills. • Drive everything from Arctic Rally cars, to V12 Supercars in your quest to become the champion. • Race against your friends either through pass-and-play, or online through the all-new Friend Challenge mode. • Use the new Turbo Button wisely to gain the edge over your opponents.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSmile
While the original impressed us with its fun visuals, stellar controls, and flat-out addicting gameplay, the reboot takes each of these components to a whole new level.
100	AppSpy
Line-drawing may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to controlling realistic vehicles, but DrawRace 2 places you behind the wheel of multiple vehicles and tracks that feel amazing despite the disconnected control system.
100	Slide to Play
A challenging racer that improves on its predecessor in every way.
100	TouchGen
DrawRace 2 is my favourite game for iOS, and if I had to name a game that defines touch screen gaming this is it.
90	AppGamer
This sequel has taken a simple game and turned it into something that matches the best the App Store has to offer. It may be a racing game that doesn't have any actual driving, but it beats a lot of other traditional racers hands down.
90	Edge Magazine
DrawRace 2 isn't just everything a sequel should be — it's more. DrawRace was a solid foundation, but what RedLynx has created here goes far beyond what is usual — or even exceptional — in the industry. It's an essential purchase, a game shot through with brilliance, and one that will live with its players for a very long time indeed.
90	Metro GameCentral
One of the best and most original driving experiences on the iPhone, especially given the price and the instantly addictive multiplayer.
90	Multiplayer.it
While the first episode delivered a great gameplay without worrying about graphics and user interface, DrawRace 2: Racing Evolved comes as a real AAA title, very polished and stylish, with plenty of races and modes (multiplayer included).
80	Gamezebo
If DrawRace was a prototype, DrawRace 2 is the finished product. Fans of the original will be tickled pink by what the sequel as to offer, and if you haven't played the first, chances are you'll be just as excited to dive in.
80	Modojo
There's a chance you'll dislike DrawRace 2, since sketching routes takes a backseat to hitting the gas and steering the car. It also doesn't help that your finger obscures the racing line, forcing you to rely on instinct; you eventually get a feel for it. Racing strategists, on the other hand, will happily dive into DrawRace 2 and play this sucker for months.
80	VideoGamer
This is a comprehensive iOS title, and with so much quality content on offer it's very hard to imagine what RedLynx could possible add for DrawRace 3.
70	148Apps
Between the detailed visuals, great amount of content, and the peerless asynchronous multiplayer features, there's a lot to like about DrawRace 2. However, the gameplay mechanic leaves a lot to be desired.
68	Pocket Gamer France
A game of two halves, both highly accomplished in terms of production and crammed full of content, but also tricky to experience on iPhone and offering very little in terms of gameplay variety. Fans of the first game will love this, but others may feel considerably different.

Early Bird  iPhone iPod Touch iPad
Separate HD version for iPads also available (reviews here are for non-HD version)

Guide your non-angry (but hungry) bird to a feast of worms in this cute physics puzzler.

From the Publisher: Help the Early Bird catch the worm! But be careful, challenges await as you flutter through 96 amazing levels. Discover beautiful landscapes, earn achievements & top the leaderboard as you swipe your way to success in this incredible action puzzle game. Highlights * 96 beautiful, fun-filled levels across 4 challenging zones * Gorgeous HD graphics * Simple & intuitive gesture controls * Game Center leaderboards and achievements.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Slide to Play
Early Bird is as bright and cheerful as a Disney cartoon. It's also charming, easy to learn, and challenging to master. Go ahead and try to catch the worm: It's not like you have to eat it.
90	Gamezebo
An utterly adorable iOS app. The game is approachable, offers plenty of bang for your buck, and the enjoyment you'll get out of playing through its many levels is priceless. I do wish earned stars were currency I could do more with, but for the asking price, Early Bird is about as good as mobile gaming gets.
80	IGN
Early Bird's unique swiping controls initially rubbed me the wrong way. It's hard to believe in a game's control setup when simply moving one inch to the right is more difficult than making a big leap across a level. But once I nailed my swiping technique, making my way through Early Bird's obstacle-laden stages felt great.
80	Modojo
Not only is it addictive, but the game packs a ton of value into a very affordable price ($0.99 on iPhone, $1.99 on iPad). Give it a look.

Machinarium  iPad
This title is only playable on the iPad2

This point-and-click adventure with stunning visuals is an inventive, award-winning (and hard!) indie game from the Czech Republic.

From the Publisher: Machinarium is award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of popular web-games Samorost and Samorost2. Machinarium is our first full-length adventure game in which players take on the role of a robot who has been exiled to the scrap heap. Players must use logic, collect important items, and solve environmental puzzles to get the robot back into the city of Machinarium so he can rescue his robot-girlfriend, save the head of the city, and defeat the bad guys from the Black Cap Brotherhood.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Slide to Play
An absolutely brilliant take on the classic point and click adventure plot, with enchanting visuals and sounds, and a plethora of unique challenges that are sure to bend your mind.
90	Multiplayer.it
Two and a half years later, Machinarium still is one of the best adventure and a must play for every iPad 2 owner.
90	Pocket Gamer UK
Machinarium is irresistible - a splendid little point-and-click adventure bolstered by a truly artful sense of character, storytelling, and world design.
85	IGN
Machinarium is a must-play for point-and-click fans. It hearkens back to the early days of the genre with a brutal level of difficulty that will keep you puzzled for hours.
80	148Apps
Machinarium is a stunning game. Working just as naturally on the iPad as it did on the PC, it's the kind of flawless experience that all point and click fans should check out immediately. They won't be disappointed by any means.
80	AppSafari
Machinarium is hard. I mean it, it won't hold your hand through the game, and you won't complete it in an hour. But odds are, you won't mind the difficulty. Just the emotion and cuteness of the robot, even without dialogue, will make you smile.
80	Modojo
Attractive hand drawn graphics feature twisted scrap heaps, cool looking contraptions and droids of all shapes and sizes. The soothing mood music, meanwhile, helps put you at ease.
70	Gamekult
Quotation forthcoming.

Quarrel Deluxe  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

An unusual but winning hybrid of Scrabble-esque word game and Risk-like, map-based strategy board game, Quarrel Deluxe lacks only a multiplayer mode.

From the Publisher: QUARREL is the most novel word game ever made. But don't just take our word for it – grab it now and enter a universe where WORDS (11 points) literally speak louder than ACTIONS (8 points). Use a cool combination of word power and strategic cunning to crush your opponents and reign supreme. Come settle your differences with wordplay rather than swordplay; make verbal not chemical weapons; load up with letters not bullets and use chatter to batter your enemies into submission and rule the world. Compete to use your troops to make the highest-scoring word from the letters given then capture territories and conquer islands in this wholly original virtual board game. * 4 fun ways to play: Quick Match, Make Match, Domination and the global Daily Challenge. * Unlimited replay through the distinctive skills and play styles of 9 opponents combined with the unique strategic challenges of 12 different islands and thousands of anagrams. * Tweet magic moments such as amusing word coincidences and share your glories through Facebook. * Dictionary definitions for all 114,000+ words.† * Handy personal and public records with over a dozen compelling Game Center Leaderboards (including exclusive clubs). * Plus! Over three-dozen excellent Game Center Achievement badges to collect.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Guardian
Quarrel is just a lovely, skilfully-crafted joy. Denki's genius is in making you feel that hours in the game's company have been educational rather than a time-killing indulgence. That is the loftiest aim of all word games. Few really achieve it.
90	Eurogamer
Quarrel is a victory for good ideas and also for clever implementation. I suspect that the game's still waiting for multiplayer in order to really show us what it can do but, until that arrives, this is a smart addition to iOS in its own right.
90	Pocket Gamer UK
A superb word-strategy game with enough polish and charm to overlook its lack of multiplayer.
80	148Apps
Even without a multiplayer mode, Quarrel is a phenomenal game. Frustrations aside, it is so enjoyable and very hard to put down. Strategy and word game fans will both find things to love about this game and players that enjoy both genres will be in heaven.
80	Edge Magazine
Quarrel DX is the funniest and most stylish word game around, with layers of strategy that go down so deep it sometimes feels you're just scratching the surface. Even without multiplayer this is an essential purchase. With multiplayer, it could take over the world — or, at the very least, be the thinking person's Angry Birds.
80	Gamezebo
While the lack of Game Center multiplayer support is devastating, the core game and modes will last your average word nerd for hours on end. The Domination mode will always give you something to shoot for, while the Daily Challenge will give your brain a taxing workout.
80	TouchArcade
Don't get me wrong, the lack of multi-player does not take the shine off the overall package here. It is a smartly produced and full experience as it currently exists, and the value proposition is assuredly there.
75	Slide to Play
A creative and fun spin on word games with one glaring oversight: no multiplayer.

Tiny Heroes  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

Set up a series of traps to keep your treasure safe in this tower defense game.

From the Publisher: Build Traps, Summon Creatures, Cast Spells … Whatever it takes to defend your treasure! Every level is a unique, meticulously hand-crafted challenge with razor-sharp balance by the masters of the genre. Features ✔ Conquer over 50 unique levels! ✔ Defend the Dungeon with over 30 Defenses! ✔ Build towers, set traps, summon minions and conjure spells! ✔ Unlock Challenge Levels to test your skills! ✔ Impress with Achievements and leader board scores! ✔ Game Center and OpenFeint integration! ✔ Beautiful Retina screen support! ✔ New Campaigns, Challenge Levels and Defenses as downloadable content coming soon!

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Slide to Play
Though it has a few quirks, Tiny Heroes provides one of the best experiences in dungeon crawling this side of a Game Master's screen.
90	GamePro
Tiny Heroes is an excellent game, but with a few caveats: there's no iPad version (and this would be perfect for an iPad), placing traps/weapons precisely can be difficult, and sometimes the levels are just too hard.
80	148Apps
Fans of defense games and the geoDefense series will enjoy this.
80	AppSmile
Mixing elements of Plants vs. Zombies with variable path mechanics and clever AI, Tiny Heroes brings frustratingly fun gameplay to a medieval setting.
80	AppSpy
With the glut of tower defense games on the App Store, it can be hard to stand out, but a decent premise backed up by solid gameplay can do wonders for making your mark.
80	Gamezebo
If you're a fan of tower defense games but have grown tired of the same ol' TD experience, Tiny Heroes delivers that something special you've been holding out for.
80	Wired
Tiny Heroes draws its charm from all the chaos. There's always something to do; you'll constantly be throwing down new traps and replacing old ones at a frenetic pace. It's challenging and fun.
70	Pocket Gamer UK
Well produced and highly addictive, Tiny Heroes will find favour with fans of the genre — providing they don't expect anything startlingly original.

Another World - 20th Anniversary  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

The 1991 Amiga/PC cinematic platformer (known as Out of This World in the States) gets an iOS port for its 20th anniversary, with your choice of original or new HD graphics.

From the Publisher: Also known as Out Of This World™ and released across more than a dozen platforms since its 1991 debut, Another World™ has attained cult status among critics and sophisticated gamers alike for its cinematic effects in the graphics, sound and cut scenes. AN IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE WITH UNIQUE STORYTELLING: Another World™ bridges the gap between Cinema and Action Adventure games with a completely new style of fluid, cinematic, storytelling. Hurtled through space and time by a nuclear experiment gone wrong, you'll need to dodge, outwit, and overcome the host of alien monsters and deadly earthquakes that plague the alien landscape you now call home. Only a perfect blend of logic and skill will get you past the deadly obstacles that lie in wait. 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR IPHONE & IPAD: •Switch between Original/HD graphics by using 2 fingers at any time •New intuitive touch controls or classic D-pad •3 difficulty modes, Normal (easier than original game), Difficult (Equal to original game) and Very Hard (more difficult than original game) •100% remastered Sounds and FX •Game Center with 13 achievements •5 languages support (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish)

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	AppSpy
For those who owned Another World in the 90s, the 20th Anniversary version for iOS is a boon as it adds new challenges while remaining just as intriguing as it did back then.
100	Slide to Play
After 20 years, Another World still shines as a singular and creative action-adventure game.
93	Multiplayer.it
Another World is a cult game that after 20 years is perfectly playable and capable to enjoy the player. There are several flaws in the iOS porting, starting from a touch interface not so precise and fast but you simply have to buy this game.
90	IGN
An extraordinary example of a 20-year-old classic being brought into a new era with the utmost care and respect.
89	Pocket Gamer France
Aside from an old-skool difficulty level that is exacerbated by touchscreen controls that are understandably less responsive than a keyboard or joystick, the iOS version of Another World is flawless. You'll find in it all of the quality of the original: exceptional atmosphere, surprisingly contemporary gameplay, and a successful platform/adventure mix.
80	148Apps
One of Another World's largest shortcomings, which is really a product of its original design, is that it's more of an exercise in repetition than actual skill.
80	AppSmile
Featuring cleaned up graphics and mysterious gameplay, Another World retains appeal for gamers even after all these years.
80	Destructoid
A great example of how to offer a classic game to a new audience with improved graphics and sound for a low price. Another World - 20th Anniversary is every bit as hard as it once was, but this iOS version is far from a lazy port. It offers an improved core experience with the option to play the 1991 version, features excellent touch controls, and gives a new breed of gamers the chance to explore why this classic was such a big deal.
80	Gamezebo
A wonderful reminder of how unique a video game can truly be. Whether you're a fan of the original release or a gamer who's never heard of the work of Eric Chahi before, Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition is one you'll want to be adding to your collection.
80	Modojo
The fact that we enjoyed Another World 20 years after it first debuted is a testament to its greatness. Other games have copied its cinematic storytelling and puzzles, but this is where it all began. Young or old, you'll appreciate much of what this engaging adventure has to offer.
80	TouchGen
Real attention has been paid to making sure justice has been down to this handheld version. Everything you loved about the 1991 release is here to savour, and the game has translated surprisingly well to the iPhone. Just beware the crazy difficulty.
60	Gameblog.fr
Another World is an old game. Playing it again today brings back a lot of memories, some of which were true twenty years ago, but today, not anymore. Fortunately, the touch screen controls have been well implemented, the addition of checkpoints and the graphical overhaul (keeping the original gorgeous visual style) bring out the fun of re-discovering this adventure, even though it's one that is more based upon memory than skill. But when you are not an oldie yourself, you may rant against its difficulty, a really short lifespan (when not accounting for retries) and a gameplay that are... out of this world.
60	Gamekult
Quotation forthcoming.
50	Pocket Gamer UK
A lovingly remastered version of an iconic game, but sadly one that will only frustrate and annoy when not viewed through rose-tinted spectacles.

4Towers Onslaught: Combo TD  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

A tower defense game featuring retro-styled neon graphics.

From the Publisher: Start with just 4 simple towers and combine them in different ways to access many many more abilities and effects! Find the right tower combinations to fend off the alien swarms as they get bigger, faster and stealthier. Key Features: COMBO CARNAGE: Start with just 3 basic towers and combine them in 18 different ways to unleash worlds of pain! TACTICAL TENSION: Stack or stagger? Mix or match? Upgrade your towers to maximize your massacres or recycle them for their full value back! Speed up the waves or pause and redeploy at will! FEAR THE SWARM: Defend against 15 different creep types and bosses (and their combinations of course!) as they flood your screen – up to 200 at a time, giving you over 20 hours of gameplay across 3 difficulties! LOOT AND PLUNDER: Collect alien BIOMATTER and pick up trinkets and equipment to boost your tower stats! FIND YOUR PLAY-STYLE: More customization when you form your insignia! Choose your upgrade path to access Long Ranged Cannons, High Speed Snipers and much more! Theres more than one way to skin a creep!

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
80	148Apps
4Towers Onslaught is certainly one of the more enjoyable tower defense titles out there and it merits a looks from players looking for a new game in the genre to enjoy.
80	AppSmile
The graphics have a subdued neon look that pops against the dark background. Animations are very smooth and the creep shapes are differentiated enough to tell them apart at a quick glance.
80	AppSpy
4 Towers Onslaught is a well made tower defense game with a lot of visual flair and content, although it doesn't really bring that much new to the table.
80	TouchArcade
A solid tower defense game which rewards intelligent play, has a lot of depth and improves on the aesthetics of its earlier version.

Radballs  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

This combination of matching and rhythm game features a 1980s-style design aesthetic.

From the Publisher: Addictive, beat-fueled puzzle action for your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch! Radballs® is an arcade puzzler that moves to the music. Set to a pulsing party mix, you flick, swap and put Radballs into groups that are destroyed in time with the beat. Clear waves of Radballs by destroying them to accumulate Radness energy. You control the flow - scratch and drag the beat to enhance your play and rack up extra Radness! Non-stop, unblinking puzzle action comes to iOS! Fans of arcade-style puzzlers like Tetris Attack, Lumines, Bejeweled Blitz, Super Puzzle Fighter rejoice! This isn't your typical tap-to-swap-gems puzzler... FEATURES ✩ A bumping electronic soundtrack produced by Neil Voss (of Nintendo's Tetrisphere and New Tetris fame) including original tracks, unique remixes of hit rockers OK Go, and guest appearances by Com Truise (Ghostly International), Misfit Chris (Bleep Street) and Daze. ✩ Use your own iPod music in Radballs! Scratch, filter and transform your playlists. ✩ 3 Unique play modes (Arcade, Survival and Time Trial). ✩ Eight built-in visual themes featuring unique art and generative backgrounds inspired by over-the-top 80s/90s fashion and design. ✩ Eye-popping high resolution graphics for iPad and Retina displays. ✩ Game Center and Facebook Connect integration for sharing your stats and achievements. ✩ A universal app across iOS devices!

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
100	Modojo
A combination of great things. In the casual sense, it's a 1980s puzzle party. For hardcore gamers, it's a cross between Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo and Lumines. Providing this news didn't cause a massive brain explosion, we strongly suggest downloading this app right away.
80	AppSmile
Replay value is very good.
70	148Apps
A fun game, but it is best approached as more of a full sensory experience rather than a mindless time sink. The gameplay may not be revolutionary but the complete experience won't leave players disappointed.
70	Gamezebo
RadBalls is a fun little bite-sized experience that is worth playing through, even if only for the bright and colorful aesthetic and the amazing upbeat soundtrack. It isn't overly complicated, it's easy to pick up and learn, utilizes the multi-touch capabilities of the iOS devices, and would be a great game for all ages to play around with.

Happy Hills  iPhone iPod Touch iPad
Free to play; additional content available for purchase

Another cute physics puzzler, Happy Hills asks players to set explosives to remove blocks from the landscape.

From the Publisher: The Happy Hills lead a joyous existence in the fantastic land of Euphoria. Life is an endless party until nasty blocks start raining down their heads and spreading a foul mood throughout the land. You have only a limited number of bombs to remove the blocks from the Happy Hills' heads. Free the Happy Hills and become their hero! HIGHLIGHTS: √ Happy Hills is a physics-based puzzle game – outstanding physics effects guarantee loads of brain-teasing fun and reward experimentation. √ Lots of different block types: wood, stone, metal – each block has its own physical properties. It's up to you to discover their weaknesses! √ Intuitive touch controls: place bombs with just one finger – easy to play but challenging to master! √ Fantastic physics sandbox: Okay, it's quite obvious that wood will burn – but how do you deal with balloon blocks? You'll keep discovering new interactions all the time! √ BOSS BLOCKS! √ Download the universal app and play the complete grassland region with 48 exciting levels for FREE! √ Available as In-App Purchase: The desert region level pack with an additional 48 hot new levels, even more block types and loads of new game elements.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
90	AppGamer
If you love physics puzzlers, especially cute looking ones with a lot of attitude, Happy Hills is a must. The free App gives you plenty of levels to get your blockbusting teeth into before resorting to the very reasonable in-app purchase for the rest.
80	Gamezebo
A great little title. It's fun to play, its levels are easy to beat (most of the time), and it features some seriously adorable style. On top of that there are a lot of levels to play through, which means players aren't likely to get bored with it.
78	Pocket Gamer France
Happy Hills is a good puzzle title that doesn't revolutionise its genre but will offer some pleasant hours of play to fans, provided they're not looking for too strong a challenge.
70	148Apps
A great game and it shines in so many ways. Players will have a great time with this title and they have plenty of levels to play for free while they evaluate whether or not they'd like to purchase additional levels.

NFL Rivals  iPhone iPod Touch iPad

The Backbreaker arcade-style football franchise returns with a new name and licensed NFL teams.

From the Publisher: NFL Rivals is an intense, arcade football experience that allows you to show support for your NFL team in the only way that counts, by pushing them to the TOP. If you've ever dreamed of scoring a touchdown against your team's biggest rival, here's your chance. -- Featuring: AUTHENTIC NFL TEAMS The NaturalMotion technology and high quality gameplay finally comes together with the NFL, bringing you our most complete iOS football experience to date. Featuring all 32 NFL teams and jaw-dropping visuals, NFL Rivals is a fan's dream. Unite with fellow fans to help your favourite team win all its rivalries and rise to the top of NFL Rivals. INTRODUCING NFL POINTS - YOUR CHANCE TO REPRESENT YOUR TEAM NFL Rivals lets you play for your team in a way that no other game does. By scoring NFL Points in the game, fans from all over the world can unite to move their team up the NFL rankings. Every amazing touchdown and every tackle; every jump, every drive, every juke and every spin counts towards your team's ranking in the Rivals leaderboards. Make sure to get your swagger on and execute your play with style to earn bonus points. AWESOME ARCADE FOOTBALL ACTION NFL Rivals is an amazingly accessible gaming experience, putting AAA console action in the hands of NFL fans everywhere. The easy to pick up controls allow even rookie gamers to enjoy playing. And the deep scoring system and advanced levels let the most experienced gamers fight for Pro Bowl and MVP status. Choose your team, customize your player, and then juke, spin, jump and tackle your way through 100 incredible offensive and defensive waves to build up your rank. Can you take your player from a Prospect to the Hall of Fame? GAMEDAY – PLAY YOUR TEAM'S SCHEDULE ALL SEASON LONG NFL Rivals' awesome new Gameday feature allows players to play live NFL Rivals games alongside their favorite team's schedule. Real life rivalries become your challenge. Giants and Eagles – prepare to meet on Gameday in Week 3. Steelers and Ravens fans – get bonus points for taking each other on in Week 9 when your teams meet in primetime.

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
90	AppSafari
NFL Rivals is a great arcade football game that will always put a smile on any football fan's face. If you've enjoyed the Backbreaker series, or you can't get enough NFL action, this is definitely a title to add to your iPhone's collection.
80	AppSpy
If you're not burned out on the Backbreaker franchise, and the addition of the NFL license intrigues you, there's really no reason not to give this a go for some old fashioned violent football fun.
80	Gamezebo
Teaming up NaturalMotion with the NFL was a stroke of genius. This is a developer with a proven track record for football fun, so it's really a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
80	Pocket Gamer UK
Both visually strong and effortlessly old skool, NFL Rivals is an addictive arcade take on American football.
75	Slide to Play
So if you enjoyed the Backbreaker Football games and simply want more of the same action, you're free to ignore the team-based meta game. But for die-hard NFL fans it provides an extra layer of interactivity that gives you some extra incentive to keep playing. After all, we can't let those Patriots stay on top of the rankings forever.
70	148Apps
Is NFL Rivals worth picking up? If the Backbreaker games weren't enjoyable because of the generic football teams, then perhaps so. However, this is pretty much a palette swap of the second Backbreaker game with NFL teams. For some people, that may be enough. Otherwise, just hold off.
70	TouchGen
I really enjoyed playing NFL Rivals, and the setting makes it much more enjoyable than the predecessors. It is the same gameplay, but injected with real teams and a global competition.

HECTOR: Ep3 - Beyond Reasonable Doom  iPhone iPod Touch iPad
Separate HD version for iPads available for $6.99.

The crudely humorous point-and-click adventure series returns with a concluding third episode.

From the Publisher: A lewd, crude and gritty law-enforcement comedy series! Also check out Episode 1 & 2, available on the iTunes® App Store! DETECTIVE INSPECTOR HECTOR The hard-nosed, soft-bellied lawman of Clappers Wreake, a town that took the "Great" out of Britain. He's violent, drunken, and has a taste for all things criminal, corrupt, or smothered in curry. EPISODE 3 – BEYOND REASONABLE DOOM Can Hector escape his squalid demise and stagger back to Clappers Wreake to save it from extinction?

What the Critics Said

Score	Publication
80	AppSafari
In terms of value, Episode 3 is good but not great. It costs $4.99, but experienced gamers will knock it out in five hours or so. Fortunately, production values are quite high.
80	AppSpy
If you've been playing through, and enjoying the exploits of Hector and Lambert, there's no reason not to pick up the final episode. New players probably want to start from episode 1.
80	Gamezebo
It's smart, it's funny and it proves that effective comedy is well within the range of video games. Hector Episode 3: Beyond Reasonable Doom is a fine finish to one of the most entertaining adventure games I've ever played.
80	TouchGen
There are loads of funny connections, and a whole lot of loose ends are tied up.
70	Pocket Gamer UK
A little easier than earlier entries, Hector: Ep3 offers up carnage and badges aplenty for fans of the series.

What not to buy

The past month's lowest-scoring games include Race Illegal: High Speed 3D 50 and Cowboy Guns 58.

What are you playing?

Have you tried any of the games above? If so, what did you think of them? Are there any other new iPhone or iPad games that deserve a download? Let us know in the comments section below.