Caster for the iPhone and iPod Touch

We've never done a top ten list for iPhone games, because frankly, we've been underwhelmed by most games. But Caster might just make it onto the list if we do one. Caster combines great graphics, with on-the-fly view changes, and a storyline and gameplay that is better than most. Of course, it's also $4.99 which puts it on the high-end of iPhone games these days. 

After a quick tutorial level, in which you learn the simple, but unique control scheme for the game, you are off to battle (or avoid) the flanx, a sort of super beetle. While not getting chomped by these giant something-apods, you also collect power orbs, etc. As I mention in the video review below, I really can appreciate this game, even though it's not the kind of game I usually enjoy. If you're on the fence, try the free version (update: free version not currently available in the U.S.) first.

Take a look:

Hidden Gem: Indicator Maniacs for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Maybe it's just because I still have visions of Star Trek dancing in my head, but this is one way cool looking app. Indicator Maniacs presents interesting iPhone/iPod info in a fun, futuristic layout. Info includes day/date/time (commonly called a clock) as well as memory and hard drive usage, accelerometer feedback, and microphone levels. (Oh, and the warp button...)

It makes the iPhone look like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie. Whether $1.99 is too much to pay to look so fashionable is debatable. But come on, you paid a lot more for the look of the iphone. :)

Click here to buy Indicator Maniacs.

Take a look:

Glyder for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Attention game designers, there's still an opportunity to make the best flying simulator for the iPhone! While several different games aim to re-create the airplane pilot experience, (with varying degrees of success...more reviews shortly) Glyder takes a different approach. Glyder involves, you guessed it, gliding to obtain crystals, opening up new worlds and allowing Erin, the hero of the story, to find her way home. 

The game play is simple: you tilt the iPhone/iPod to glide up or down. The real-life effects of gravity are added, as you need to find thermals to increase your altitude if you're too low, without enough speed. The gameplay is relaxing, and un-rushed. 

However, I found it difficult at times to accurately judge how close obstacles were, and would occasionally crash when I thought I had easily passed rocks, buildings, etc. After playing a bit longer, you start to get a better feel for your position, and you can continue to focus on Erin's not-particularly-hurried attempt to get home.

Take a look:

Bowman for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Currently, gaming on the iPhone is mainly about the little things, or more precisely, the little games: short, simple games, that can be played and "finished" within minutes. Take today's app, Bowman. Bowman re-creates a popular flash game in which you are adjusting the angle and force of your archery arrow, in hope of shooting an opponent, before he does the same to you. 

The graphics are intentionally sparse, and the game offers some fun options like additional barriers/walls to make it more challenging. Personally, I found it challenging enough in the standard beginning mode. And if you get frustrated, you can go into bird hunt mode, and shoot birds out of the sky. It's like two super-tiny games in one!

Take a look:

LaundryPro for iPhone and iPod Touch

There's a complex language of hieroglyphs that's living in your house right now. As a matter of fact, your skin might be in contact with this mystical code as we speak. I am referring of course, to the strange and bizarre laundry care symbols. Thanks to LaundryPro, you now have your own Rosetta Stone to understanding this language (rumor has it, the DaVinci Code was inspired by laundry symbols. And by 'rumor has it,' I mean I just made that up.)

LaundryPro organizes the symbols into three logical groups: washing, drying, and ironing. Both the North American and European symbols are shown and explained. It's a fun, handy guide, but it might be better as a free ad-supported app, rather than a 99 cent app. Still, can you put a price on solving one of the world's great mysteries?

Here's a look: