These iOS Misconceptions...

It wasn't until 2012 that I owned another Apple product outside of my iPod Touch - which, I should have you know, I never used for anything more than productivity and audio.  I'm not defending my new-found fondness for iPad gaming, I just feel the need to clear my name of fan-boy bullshit that will undoubtably be...

OK, so I AM on defense, and you know what, it's a shame that I feel the need to instantly be. This great iOS debate has gone on far too long. Funny thing is, there has been no debate; just uneducated, bias opinions shot around like bullets on your favorite COD map.  iOS games are on the rise and you're only going to miss out on some great experiences if you can't swallow that jagged little pill.

I've come to educate because I care;  because I once "fanboy-ed" the SNES over Genesis, and later realized I missed out on some awesome games due to shallow stupidity. I've decided, with this here editorial, to break the ice and chip away at the two common misconceptions of iOS gaming; the games themselves and its controls.

The Controls

If we're talking simply virtual d-pad, one should also consider that console and PC have seen - and still often do - games that control awfully with analog input. Pointed fingers go to the devs in this case. We shouldnt forget how awkward it still is using arrow keys to platform on PC games either.  Sure, I'd prefer analog button presses too, but learning to feel out "the new" also made me realize virtual controls work, when the developer actually gives a shit about nailing-down something accurate.

Exhibit A: League of Evil (series)
This game controls exactly as you'd wished.  One great example to consider when flaming virtual d-pads.  Sure it takes some time to get used to the lack of tactile feedback from analog buttons, but it also took us time to get used to N64 controllers, right? 

Other than virtual d-pads, controlling most iOS games works wonderfully. Point & click adventure, hack & slash dungeon crawlers, strategy, tactics, and even card/board games have not had a better platform, to exist on, outside of the PC.

Which leads to the next misconception...

Games

Angry Birds, Temple Run, Jetpack Joyride, and Where's my water are not ALL there is on iOS, let's be clear.  Sure, the casual market made these games household names, but they certainly don't set the bar for what to solely expect out of the app store.

Exhibit B: Real games!
Final Fantasy Tactics, DoDonPachi, Super Meat Boy, Max Payne, Baldur's Gate, Okami, MechWarrior, GTA: Chinatown Wars, Scribblenauts, and a whole lot more are either already sitting on the app store, or on their way.  Not to mention with more dudes like Schaffer, Molynuex, and Inafune looking to "self-express" on the platform, the future of its games looks that much more promising.

Putting aside ports, there are also far to many indie games that deserve some attention here.  While the influx of cash-in titles clutter the market, the existance of the team that wants to simply make some fun games to play remains a reality. The truth is, there is too much good stuff to play on this thing.  No bullshit.  Search for what you seek, and you'll find a lot more than just that "casual" stuff.

I'd appreciate it if you'd use the comments to further unravel the handkerchief-blindfold that wraps around the topic.  Questions will be answered with honesty.  I plan on blessing 4PP with "iOS love" because it deserves it, and there's a future market for it - which needs to be saddled up sooner than later.  A ton of video Foreplay features are on the way, which should help build a little excitement for the games on the platform and further shed some light on what kind of games are out there on iOS now.  Hey, it's not exactly MY ideal platform either, but I've come to appreciate it more than expected, as may you... if decided to expose yourself to it.

Don't worry, Dad won't mind that you're suddenly infatuated with his iPad. Or, maybe he will and the house will be blessed with a second.  Either way, more gamidge!