My Current Top 5 Free Games for the iPod® touch / iPhone®

I have previously written about iPod® touch / iPhone® applications that help with productivity. Now, it is only fitting that I write about applications that can keep one from being in any way productive…I’m talking games.

There are hundreds if not thousands of game applications that can be downloaded through iTunes to play on your iPod® Touch or iPhone. Many are offered for free and there are also free “lite” versions of games which offer limited or restricted play of paid “pro” apps so you can see if you like the game before you make a purchase. This “lite” version sample model seems to work like a charm. At least it has on me. Of all the games I have purchased, I downloaded and played the “lite” free versions first. What a great way to reel you in!

In compiling this mini review or list of my current favorite games for the iPod Touch, I must be clear about a few things concerning my selection process of which games make the cut. I am not one to play the gory “kill ‘em all”, “shoot ‘em up”, massacre games. When I like to get lost in a game I’d prefer that it not be disturbing. Also, although I did try the “lite” free versions first, the paid games I purchased cost no more than $2.99. There are many more expensive games offered on iTunes that perhaps have better graphics or offer more to the whole gaming experience but I’m on a budget. Just because these games are less expensive or free doesn’t make them in any way less entertaining.

The following are all currently on my iPod Touch and are free versions that I thoroughly enjoy and for which I have not yet purchased the paid “pro” versions:

1. iMatch Marbles Lite – IRID Software (paid version $0.99)

The goal of this game is to get the colored marbles into their matching colored base. You must maneuver the marbles carefully since any marble, which is blocked by another marble, cannot be moved. I downloaded this game a few months ago but I couldn’t find the free Version on iTunes for this post. Maybe the publisher took it down temporarily.

Pro version has 50 different puzzles and variable difficulty.

2. Movie Challenge Lite – Redwind Software Providers LTD (paid version $1.99).

Movie Challenge is an incredible movie trivia game. The lite version offers over 300 different questions in five distinct categories in easy, medium, and hard difficulty levels. The object is to cross the board by answering questions correctly. There are three questions per category and the difficulty level determines how many of those three you must answer correctly. The three selections under each category are “Trivia”, “Preview” and “Order”. You must answer multiple-choice questions when playing the “Trivia” selection. “Preview” is a hangman-like game but you don’t run out of guesses, you’re just under the pressure of a timer. “Order” questions require you to put a list in the correct order (e.g., Put these Woody Allen movies in order of release starting with the oldest.)

The pro version offers much more – over 5,500 original questions, 10 distinct categories and other great options.

3. Gem Spinner (Free) – Tiny Bite Games (paid version for $2.99).

Gem Spinner is a totally unique take on a “match three” game. I told my brother that it was one of my favorite games. He downloaded the free version, tried it once and immediately purchased it. That’s right; Gem Spinner is just that good.

Here is the application’s iTunes description:

Gems are arranged inside of pieces of difference shapes and sizes. Swap adjacent gems to match three in a row. Double-tap a gem to spin its piece 180 degrees. Match all the gems in a piece to clear the piece from the board. Drag pieces to empty board spaces to create more match opportunities. Match enough spaces to complete the level goal and then continue to swap, spin, and drag to try to clear the entire board.

4. Unblock Me Free – Kiragames (paid version for $0.99)

Just like it sounds, Unblock Me is a game in which you must try to move a colored block free from the screen when it is surrounded by other blocks. It doesn’t sound like much or it may seem simple but it is anything but. Once you start you lose track of time. This game is very fun and quite challenging.

Full version offers 4 levels of difficulty and 2,400 puzzles. Free version offers Relax Mode and Challenge Mode, 400 beginner puzzles, and 400 Intermediate and Advanced level puzzles.

5. Sol Free Solitaire – Smallware LLC (paid Solebon Solitaire pro version for $1.99)

There are six solitaire games offered in the free version: Klondike Deal 1, Klondike Deal 3, Baker’s Game, Baker’s Game Easy, Demon and Spiderette. This solitaire game looks great, is easy to use and can easily hook you in for long game play. It features unlimited undo and tap card movement. Pro version includes 40 different Solitaire games.

Next week – a continuation of my list with my Top 5 paid game applications.