Ten Essential... iPhone Games

Rolando 2

Simultaneously causing players to elbow fellow commuters while metaphorically elbowing iPhone gaming dissenters, the original Rolando was bursting with charm and surprise.

Superficially labelled a LocoRoco rip-off, owing to its tilt ‘n’ roll mechanics, art style and characterization, Rolando’s greater depth and more intricate puzzling - not to mention Mr Scruff’s awesome breakbeats - helped establish its characters as the iPhone’s first official game mascots.

Improving upon the original in every way, with 2.5D visuals, tweaked controls, vehicles and special fruit power-ups, Rolando 2 is the definitive version.

Need for Speed: Shift

Narrowly snatching pole position from Firemint Real Racing, the latest in Electronic Arts long-running street racing franchise is the fastest, best looking driving game on the iDevices.

It’s also the most feature-rich too. With a wide range of racing types, from standard races to drift contests, and experience points rewarding either aggressive or precise driving, Shift offers the platform’s most comprehensive driving experience. The iPad version provides improved visuals and a greater, more immersive sense of speed and will offer local multiplayer too.