2009 was a watershed year for 3D gaming on the Iphone. After hinting at its capabilities in 2008, the Iphone exploded with brilliant and immersive 3D games in every category to establish itself as a legitimate gaming platform for on the go entertainment. The Iphone demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle everything the best developers in the world could throw at it in terms of gorgeous 3D graphics, animation, open game worlds, multiplayer connectivity, tilt and touch controls and fast paced action. Although I expect some huge releases in the final weeks of the year, these are my choices for the games that have set the bar for 3D gaming on the Iphone as we head into 2010.
Note: With the recent releases of the past week, the list has been updated at the bottom.
Real Racing (Firemint)
The title says it all for the best racing simulation on the Iphone.
Modern Combat Sandstorm (Gameloft)
Great in every respect except the delayed multiplayer which has just been released.
Madden NFL 10 (EA Sports)
22 players on a 3 in. screen and you feel in complete control due to a fantastic action slow-mo and the ability to draw hot routes at the line. Remarkable depth and playability.
Need For Speed Undercover (EA)
In the crowded field of arcade racing this one takes the crown with a great look, spectacular collisions, nice customization, lots of racing variety, smooth controls and nice FMV to draw you in.
Gangstar - West Coast Hustle (Gameloft)
Takes the Iphone into open world 3D gaming with style.
Call of Duty - Zombies (Activision)
Although only one level, it’s an amazing port of a console experience that the app censors couldn’t deny. Terrific control options and multiplayer. This much intensity and atmosphere on a cell phone was unimaginable a year ago.
Dungeon Hunter (Gameloft)
Long, deep and full of magic. Stunning effects with tons of attacks and a treasure chest of weapons and armor.
Doom Classic (Id)
Withstands the test of time to demonstrate it’s greatness in level design, sound and action to a whole new generation. Looks better than ever on the Iphone and controls like a dream.
Eliminate Pro (ngmoco)
Ground-breaking multiplayer fragfest with a unique marketing concept of DLC that has everyone’s attention.
Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
Condenses one of gaming’s best survival/horror titles into the palm of your hand with great location based damage and horror matched only by COD -Zombies.
Let's Golf! (Gameloft)
Beautiful courses and ease of play makes golf an enjoyable walk in the park.
Terminator Salvation (Gameloft)
A terrific Terminator game packed with memorable fire fights that display Gameloft's craftmanship.
ATV Offroad (2XL)
Your Iphone opens a window to the great outdoors in this gorgeous hyper-realistic dirt racer.
Doom Resurrection (Id)
Carmack shows everyone how to do it on rails.
Star Defense (ngmoco)
A true 3D tower defense game that makes great use of the touch screen to rotate, zoom and place towers. Easy to play, fun to watch and requires thoughtful play.
Galaxy on Fire (Fishlabs)
The galaxy is your playground in this open-ended space opera with tons of missions, gorgeous graphics, dog-fighting reminiscent of X-wing and spectacular explosions.
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. - Gameloft
Arcade jetfighting at its finest.
Driver - Gameloft
Dispite picky controls, this much fun should be illegal in one game.
Skies of Glory - SGN
Flight fans, do not download this free game unless you want to be hooked into the DLC ($4.99 for the first mission pack) by the gorgeous graphics and the best dogfighting on the Iphone.
James Cameron's Avatar - Gameloft
Innovative and beautiful
N.O.V.A. - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance - Gameloft
WOW! What a way to end the year. This console quality FPS lives up to the hype and will contend for game of the year.
21 but who's counting? What a year!