It's been another eventful year in the world of mobile gaming. The iPad arrived on the market, helping Apple mount a stronger challenge against Sony and Nintendo's dominance in the sector. With their successors on the horizon, the DS and PSP showed signs of decline, but still played host to some classics in 2010. With precious few shopping days remaining until Christmas, Digital Spy rounds up the top ten handheld games of the year.
10) Angry Birds Seasons (iPhone / iPad)
October saw the release of a Halloween edition, and a Christmas update was later added to make Seasons. The game offers the same level of addictiveness as the original, with added novelty from themed backdrops and props. Moreover, as a budget release, it's great value for money, and the promise of further updates ensures longevity well into the future. Angry Birds Seasons wings its way in at number ten.
9) Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies (DS)
In addition to a gratifying solo campaign, Dragon Quest IX takes the series into uncharted territory, making novel use of the DS's chat function and capacity for content sharing. A co-op multiplayer mode that allows players to drop in and out of each other's adventures is an added bonus, making this an essential purchase for lovers of JRPGs.
8) Professor Layton And The Lost Future (DS)
There may have been a few gameplay concessions to accommodate a more expansive story, but a handful of subtle tweaks makes this a more polished effort and maintains the series reputation as the best puzzler on Nintendo's dual screen system. We look forward to the arrival of future sequels on these shores.
7) Game Dev Story (iPhone)
A game about making games might sound like an unorthodox idea, yet this iPhone offering is one of the most original and addictive simulations we've played in a long time. A lovingly-crafted homage to the medium, Kairosoft's magnum opus will delight lifelong gamers with its industry-related in-jokes and old-school graphics, while its infectious gameplay and charm lends it universal appeal. You'll develop a hardcore addiction to this one in no time.
6) Real Racing 2 (iPhone / iPad)
From its extensive career mode to the 16-player online multiplayer, the game rivals virtually any other handheld driving game on the market and is easy on the wallet too. Real Racing 2 accelerates in at number six.
5) Valkyria Chronicles II (PSP)
This isn't the first time that home console fare has been given a handheld sequel, though it's a masterclass in how to maintain the essence of a formula on lesser hardware. Valkyria Chronicles II does justice to its PS3 predecessor and helps the series make bold strides in the process.
For fans of the old-school point-and-click adventure, the arrival of a revamped Monkey Island 2 on Apple devices was well worth celebrating with a few rounds of grog. Developer LucasArts invested a commendable amount of effort into revitalising this classic sequel for a modern audience, and the iPad was the perfect place for it to drop anchor.
Introducing slick new graphics, competent voice acting and a host of other bonuses, Le Chuck's Revenge Special Edition is a fanboy's dream come true, and hopefully the first of many vintage adventure games to undergo the remake treatment for touch-screen devices.
At number three, we have another game that takes advantage of the iPhone and iPad's capacity for a good point-and-click fest. Adventures don't come any more epic than Charles Cecil's Broken Sword, and this deluxe edition is the perfect fit for Apple devices.
Taking control of George Stobbart and Nico Collard, players solve mind-bending puzzles across the globe on their quest to unravel the mystery behind the legendary Knight's Templar. With its engaging narrative, challenging puzzles and memorable characters, this one boasts enough thrills and historical context to put Dan Brown to shame. It's been over a decade since Revolution Software first unsheathed Broken Sword, but this remastered edition feels as fresh as any other handheld title released this year.
Kratos's home console outings have set the standards for the hack 'n' slash genre for two generations now, and his latest adventure had a similar impact on the portable sector. Guiding the irate demigod on an epic quest across ancient Greece to rescue his brother from the Underworld, players can now carry the definitive God Of War experience around in their pockets thanks to this stellar prequel.
Of course, some scaling down was inevitable but Ghost Of Sparta still managed to measure up to its PS2 brethren, cramming in all of the series staples. Screen-filling bosses, brutal fatalities and cinematic cutscenes abound in this worthy entry in the series. There's Kraken good fun to be had with this one.
Metal Gear Solid has long been synonymous with the definitive stealth experience, and the series' latest PSP instalment continues the tradition. Serving as an effective showcase for the PSP's credentials, Peace Walker takes handheld gaming to dizzying new heights. From its breathtaking visuals to its engrossing gameplay, Konami's mesmerising prequel could easily be considered Solid Snake's finest hour. It captures everything that made its home console forbears great, while providing an experience self-contained enough to win over series newcomers.
From amassing an army to creating your own Metal Gear, the solo campaign boasts countless memorable moments. The Extra Ops and Outer Ops bring a wealth of lasting appeal to the table, while strong multiplayer support helps cement its position as the one of the best games to arrive during the PSP's lifecycle. Peace Walker dispatches the opposition and infiltrates the number one spot.
What do you think is the best handheld game of 2010? Write a comment in the space below!
