Join the iOS Elite

Elite was a ground-breaking game. A true masterpiece and a technical 8-bit marvel that went on to inspire a variety of space-sims and open world games, including such classics as the brilliant Wing Commander: Privateer and Grand Theft Auto. Happily, the recently released Unknown is an excellent iOS freeware offering that will help you remember what roaming the galaxy felt like or, for the younger lot, introduce you to the many wonders of Elite.

The game is a pretty faithful retro remake of the original, that isn't afraid to add a ton of new gameplay elements, spaceships, multiplayer options, leaderboards and shiny new graphics. It also features some pretty decent controls. Get it on the App Store. Now!

Classic Bard's Tale fun on iOS

The modernized Bard's Tale has been available for both the iPad and iPhone for quite some time now, but it's only with its latest update that I can't help but suggest you grab it. You see, I may not have tried this new, ambitious remake of the classic RPG myself, but I did adore the 8-bit versions of Bard's Tale and they have been both included in the app. Yes, both Bard's Tale I and II can now be played on the go in all their retro glory. 

Total War Battles: Shogun

I haven't played it just yet, but can't help and feel excited for Total War's port to mobile devices. Yes, the stunning, deep and classic RTS has already appeared on iOS and will let you battle for dominance in medieval Japan with the help of Total War Battles: Shogun. The game has been designed for both the iPhone and the iPad, sports a unique touch-based interface, brilliant graphics, deep gameplay and local multiplayer.

Apparently, the game will soon be coming to Android too. 

ZX Synth for iOS

Now, that's a retro-tastique freebie! ZX Synth is a tiny synthesizer using true ZX Spectrum samples that will actually let you create your very own 8-bit music. Enjoy!

J.U.L.I.A. Untold HD

J.U.L.I.A. (review) was a unique and mostly successful experiment in interactive storytelling and puzzle solving and -happily- has apparently done well enough to get its very own iOS spin-off: J.U.L.I.A. Untold HD. Untold sports a brand new storyline that expands upon the original but doesn't demand knowledge of the thing, and comes with 50 brand new puzzles. The game has been developed for both the iPhone and iPad and costs quite a bit less than one euro.

Imperium Galactica 2 (iPad)

Imperium Galactica 2, the seminal 4X real time strategy offering, has finally arrived on the iPad and you can grab it over at the App Store for a mere $3.99. Can't find much to add really, so, if you are into incredibly addictive space strategy games, simply buy it.

Joe Danger going mobile

Hello Games have just been interviewed by Gamasutra and announced that their brilliant (and quite successful too) Joe Danger game will be getting its much deserved mobile port. The game will apparently be very different when compared to its console editions and will appear on both iOS and Android devices. And, just so you know, Joe Danger is an arcade-like, stunt bike riding offering with bright visuals and excellent game mechanics.

Jeff Minter's Five A Day

Find out more here.

An Assassin in Orlandes (Android)

Tin Man Games has finally started porting its excellent Gamebook Adventures to Android. Yes, it's true and you can already grab volume #1 An Assassin in Orlandes over at Google Play. It's a lovely choose-your-own-adventure RPG thing it is and it looks and plays beautifully.

Super Meat Boy coming to iOS

The ever lovely Indie Game Magazine has brought to our collective attentions the happy fact that indie darling Super Meat Boy is actually coming to iOS. The venerable and quite excellent platformer will apparently undergo more than a few drastic changes in order to properly adapt its most demanding gameplay to touch controls. Easier said than done, I know, but here's the official announcement to alleviate your fears.