Chi Speak

In November, I was interviewed by a college class and they raised some interesting questions.

I’m a thinker, an over-thinker, and several items I did not fully answer still burden my mind. However, one student (Adam) asked several questions that were on-point. He also wanted to know which iOS game I believed would be an upcoming success. I think I impulsively answered that it was difficult to tell because it really depends on the population the app is targeting.

This is true, but this question is important because it’s the one that loops when I write a review. However, my trigger response is worth a revision to provide a thorough answer. There are certain core principles I subjectively believe contribute to the Greatest iOS Games of All Time:

- These games present gradually revealed unlocked items, unique obstacles or enemies, and increased difficulty levels. Whether the game uses  them all or none does not matter. Simply, the game must include at least one and it has to make the player feel like they earned a payoff or sense of achievement – not too easy, not too difficult.

- Updates and improvements. New levels. Bug fixes. Sequels. Accessible improvements based on gamer recommendations are even better.

- Unique gameplay with intuitive, seamless controls – iOS apps offer countless possibilities for creative controls and interesting vantage points. The touchscreen capability should be tested to the limit here without requiring the old D-pad or handheld controller arrows of past.

- Upbeat writing/dialogue, goofy characters/personalized avatars, bright colors, and solid entertainment value. Hey, I downloaded a game to have fun! Dreary themes with little plot development are a no-no. Intense or dark games have their proper moments, but basically I’m looking for lighthearted humor, a few rapid fire move exchanges during a morning commute, and something to make me smile as my lunch break ends. Since my friends keep getting hitched, I also have several ongoing games with new parents looking to unwind after their young children fall asleep (after wailing half the night away). Note: Sleep-deprived opponents make the best competitors.

- Short loading times. This notation seems an obvious point to make, but some app design companies try to pack a lot in and forget to focus on usability. Pop-up advertisements also limit the experience; I definitely uninstall apps with frequent commercialization and a mediocre draw when the game only elicits an occasional play and most of my taps are wasted on pressing little x’s (no, I’m not giving you $0.99 to go away). The hard drive space is better used for another app with a semi-visible heart.

- Connection to others or complete self-contained isolation. Technology helps people interact, but also implicitly builds a divider in communication as well. Successful games build a social network empire within itself or enables players to add their contacts and friends in from already established platforms, like Twitter and Facebook. However, some isolated games (Angry Birds) create enough of a following that they actually encourage people to talk about it with each other. If I can’t engage with living, breathing, gadget freaks like me through your game, please engross me in the mission to destroy those little pigs so thoroughly that I share my triumph and simultaneous hatred for the addiction with others. Huh. Think about that one for a few.

- Reasonably priced or entirely free with limited advertisement. Many excellent iOS apps are free or very cheap (the psychological sweet-spot for retail usually falls under $5.00). Upgrades within the game may cost money, but such offers should be optional and not mandatory to continue playing comfortably (Zynga, I hate you).

- Compatibility across gadgets or systems. Of course, certain applications will remain available to iOS users only. However, cross-compatibility into the Android market enhances a game in many ways by creating access to a larger audience (increasing revenue and brand buzz) and enables that audience to interact with others previously unattainable. Also, games developed strictly for iPad or iPhone/iPod Touch 4G use disinterest me as a gamer. As an iPod user, I appreciate when designers take our smaller screen into consideration; it means less frustration for me and more download statistics and positive feedback for them. Plus, I am not likely to invest in a tablet for an application download, but I am likely to remember and look up the company name and current game titles in the online store when I decide to make that inevitable buy.

Do you agree or disagree with me? What features do you look for in an iOS game app? I may very well be forgetting one or ten. Which iOS game(s) is your favorite?