by Randy Dankievitch and Andrew Nino on behalf f of AppTudes gaming team.

For AppTudes first Best Game awards we have done something a little different. We have here up top our favorite five overall iOS games, and further down we have a top pick and four great choices in five popular sub genres. The give all the winners a virtual prize, we are using a color-coded medal system. The top five overall will get Gold, Silver And Bronze medals, and the top pick in every category will win a blue ribbon the rest get a red one, for making the cut. The decision-making was agonizing, 2011 was a stellar gaming year for mobile players. and not everyone will agree. But we welcome debate for let us know your picks and your thought on ours in the comments.

For the Best Kid-App Awards click here.

AppTudes Top 5 Games of 2011

Jetpack Joyride

Buy Jetpack Joyride Here (read review)

By Halfbrick Studios

Universal – FREE

The third chapter in the Barry Steakfries legacy is the pinnacle of the series… and quite possibly the most addictive game on the planet. Packed to the brim with achievements, missions, and obtainable swag, Jetpack Joyride stands head and shoulder above the cluttered genre of endless runners. There was a lot of stiff competition in what was a benchmark year for iOS gaming, but Halfbrick Studio’s uber-polished, infinitely re-playable title stole our collective hearts.

Infinity Blade II

Buy Infinity Blade II Here (read review)

By Chair Entertainment Group, LLC

Universal – $6.99

Harnessing the power of the A5 chip in the iPhone 4S and iPad2, Infinity Blade II is hands-down the most technically impressive title in the App Store. Best of all, it’s as deep as it is beautiful, with a ton of upgradable equipment, branching story paths, and unique fighting styles. Better than its predecessor in every possible way, Infinity Blade II is an thrilling adventure for any iOS gamer.

Tiny Wings

Buy Tiny Wings Here

By Andreas Illiger

iPhone/iPod Touch – $0.99

An endless game based around the simple concept of diving and flying, Tiny Wings came out of nowhere and declined productivity rates across the world in 2011. Easy to learn and hard to master, Tiny Wings is full of charm and lovely watercolor landscapes, a captivating adventure each time from sunrise to sunset. There aren’t many games which can challenge someone while simultaneously relaxing them, and Andreas Illiger has accomplished the task impressively. Tiny Wings is a game anyone enjoy, whether15, 35, or 65.

Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP

Buy Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP Here

By Capybara Games, Inc.

Universal $4.99

Ever wanted proof a game can be art? Get a copy of Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, a visual and audio masterpiece. A simple adventure game based on taps and small gestures, Superbrothers is half game, half experience, full of fantastic music and sound, topped off with a gorgeous, minimalist 8-bit retro style. An immersive, emotional masterpiece that anyone with an iOS device and a pair of headphones should play… there is simply no comparison for the creativity under the hood of this handheld masterpiece.

Sonic CD

Buy Sonic CD Here (read review)

By SEGA

Universal- $2.99

A loving port of a oft-forgotten masterpiece, Sonic CD is the tear-inducing re-release hardcore Sonic fans have waited years for, and the perfect game for a new generation of platforming lovers. Sonic CD mixes speed and savvy with a time-traveling system and ingenious level design with some of the best boss battles ever – not to mention the addition of Tails, Sonic’s beloved sidekick. Even though the game is technically over a decade old, Sonic CD‘s gameplay hasn’t aged a bit – a remarkable feat in itself.

Top 5 Casual Games

Bumpy Road

Buy Bumpy Road Here

By Simogo

Universal – $2.99

Fact: there is nothing in the App Store like Bumpy Road. A strikingly unique take on the popular one-button platformer, Bumpy Road is equal part game and love story. There’s nothing like taking this elderly couple on Sunday drives, learning the story of how they fell in love and trying not to run out of gas. The gameplay of Bumpy Road is hopelessly addictive, and thanks to the heart-warming story and personality, there’s really no reason why everyone with an iDevice not to have this wonderful little gem of a game.

Collision Effect

Buy Collision Effect Here

By Chillingo Ltd

Universal – $0.99

Fast paced cosmic chaos is to be found in Chillingo’s Collision Effect. Players are given control of cosmic orbs called Zybbles. In the plane of space all that is required of players is that they match them together by color. Of course that sounds very simple, however given the multitude of colors going around the screen it’s no easy task. In order to succeed in this puzzler, players need to maintain proper timing and positioning in order to quickly clear out the entire plane of space without causing any catastrophic (yet beautiful) collisions.

Tiny Tower

Download Tiny Tower Here

By Nimblebit LLC

Universal – FREE

In a town with a lot of homeless, jobless bitizens, players begin building a tower with different types of stores and apartments to attract tenants and customers. Sounds easy enough, and it is – but be warned, Tiny Tower‘s charm and accessibility draws you in, and it won’t be long until you’re spending every last waking minute stocking stores, building additions, and catering to VIP customers. A great example of a free game done right, Tiny Tower is a great business sim for all ages.

Disc Drivin’

Buy Disc Drivin’ Here (read review)

Buy Disc Drivin’ HD Here

By Pixelocity Software LLC – $1.99-$2.99

Disc Drivin’ from Pixelocity Software is all about discs. In fact it’s a racing game about discs. The game features turn based social racing that ranges from exciting to unbelievable. Using simple touch based controls, players lead a disc across a track. These tracks have numerous pitfalls and traps to make the game exciting, challenging and fun for everyone. Due to the game being turn based, players can participate in twenty different games at a time for nearly endless turn based racing.

Top 5 Music/Puzzle Games

Groove Coaster

Buy Groove Coaster Here (read review)

By TAITO Corporation

Universal – $0.99

Gamers need to get Groove Coaster right now. Groove Coaster comes from the brilliant mind of Reisuke Ishida creator of Space Invaders Infinity Gene. His latest game is a simple rhythm based game that offers an amazing soundtrack along with gameplay that can keep the most rhythmically impaired gamer satisfied for hours! With a plethora of levels and customization options to go along with the option of extra purchasable levels, Groove Coaster offers a unique experience rarely found in the app store.

Contre Jour

Buy Contre Jour Here (read review)

Buy Contre Jour HD (universal with iPad native) Here

By Chillingo Ltd. – $.99 – $2.99

Chillingo is very familiar with stylish physics based puzzle games, and Contre Jour is definitely no exception. In this game players are tasked with morphing the (slightly morbid) landscape to contort to the will of Petit the main character. Players will have to use a full arsenal of pulleys and tendrils to help Petit. The incredible art style and Chillingo’s reputation for high quality puzzle games are reasons enough to make Contre Jour one of our top puzzle game picks!

Gesundheit!

Buy Gesundheit Here (read review)

Buy Gesundheit HD Here

By Konami Digital Entertainment – $1.99 – $2.99

From Konami comes a silly and stylish puzzler, Gesundheit. In Gesundheit players take control of a pig with a bit of a sneezing problem. The snot flies as players solve puzzles, avoid monsters and sneeze sending snot across maps. The game features very simplistic touch controls and a quirky and well-designed art style coupled with incredibly smooth animation. Playing Gesundheit teaches one thing above all, anything can happen and there will be snot.

W.E.L.D.E.R.

Buy W.E.L.D.E.R. Here (read review)

By Ayopa Games LLC

Universal – $1.99

Who knew creating words could be such an intense task? In W.E.L.D.E.R players are tasked with literally welding words together using the games “word machine”. Using words from the already extensive iOS device dictionary, players are to have a nearly endless word game experience with words they may have never even heard of! To keep things interesting, the game also includes a multitude of abilities to use such as blank spaces (the word game players ace). Additionally with a built in dictionary with social integration, W.E.L.D.E.R is an awesome word game for any player of any skill level!

Scribblenauts Remix

Buy Scribblenauts Remix Here (read review)

By Warner Bros. Entertainment

Universal – $0.99

Scribblenauts Remix from Warner Bros. Entertainment is practically an app store miracle. Originally released for the Nintendo DS, Scribblenauts is the kind of sandbox puzzle/strategy title gamers dream about. Players are given the ability to type in the name of nearly any object (and adjective) and have the object appear with multiple adjectives. Players can let their imaginations run wild with their own creations such as a, “Giant polite metal fire-breathing rideable businessman”. The iPhone version of the game comes with 40 levels from the original game and 10 levels exclusive for Scribblenauts Remix. At the discounted price of only $0.99 it is one of the best valued games of this year.

Click here for more Game of the Year Awards…  

Pages: 1 2