Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The iPad probably will not get games as in-depth as a dedicated console

Perhaps that's something to do with the market and the average price though? I see no reason why they couldn't make a game like Fallout for iPad, and arguably Fallout or any other RPG of the ilk is far deeper than, say, CoD on consoles

However what people are looking for would be isn't actually real depth in gameplay, but instead they are looking for top-of-the-line graphics, huge first-person world and real time control. I disagree they have anything to do with actual depth of a game, but certainly iPad cannot match a real console in those areas.

Having said all that iPad is a one heck of a game platform. For my usage it's a very enjoyable form factor for gaming. I do hope it does get more "serious" games because it's really great for slow paced deep thinking games in a relaxed mood. At least Baldur's Gate is coming, although I'm not the biggest fan.
 
iPad as primarily as a gaming system? I don't thing its worth it unless you like casual games and 5 minutes at a time gaming a Vita or 3DS are much better options for portable gaming

Vita has no games. Just like the google play store. I currently own a android phone and very bored with it. Want something new. Was thinking bout trading my Galaxy s2 for a iphone.

----------

Yeah games and cool apps.

no games? Uncharted/FIFA/Wipeout/Unit 13 say hello and Resistance Burning Skies among others are coming to say hello
 
I would say the iPad does work as a gaming system but, like any other console or gaming device it's reliant on the game themselves to use it in that way. Touch or accelerometer are just its dedicated input methods, you can use others but those are the primary ways to interact with an iPad. If that doesn't appeal to someone then fair enough but, it can still be considered a gaming system.

For the iPad you can play some "deep" games (Baldurs Gate or Bards Tale come to mind as old school RPG PC games remade for touch input) as well as casual games (Angry Birds, etc as mentioned). Platformers and other genres are all there so the iPad works as a gaming system but again, it's only as good as the games available for it. If none of these games appeal to you it's useless as a gaming machine and a Vita or DS or whatever other device is probably a better fit.

If I want to play God of War then I need a Sony gaming system, if I want to play Gears of War then I need a Microsoft system so I think Apple just needs a few major franchises that are their own and use touch/whatever input in a compelling way. That might be Infinity Blade or Draw Something today but who knows what games might be Apple exclusive a year from now.
 
Vita has no games. Just like the google play store. I currently own a android phone and very bored with it. Want something new. Was thinking bout trading my Galaxy s2 for a iphone.


----------

Yeah games and cool apps.

The Vita and the Google Play store has a piss poor selection of games. Yes the Vita has a few gems in the pipeline, but not enough to keep it a float. I'm sure Sony is begging Capcom to create a Monster Hunter port for the Vita.

For the record, I own a 3G Vita.

Are you sure?

It has/going to get Uncharted, FIFA, Wipeout, Mortal Kombat, BioShock, Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, etc.

App Store and Google Play are pretty much the same, but iOS has a lot more and some really good games that aren't on Android.

-Infinity Blade
-Real Racing 2
-Batman Arkham City Lockdown
-Sky Gamblers: Airsupermacy
-EPOCH

The App store is nothing like the Android market. I can count the few good Android games on one hand....lol. On iOS I could be here all day naming good games.

Just to help even out your list you forgot:
-Kingdom Rush
-Mass Effect Infilitrator
-SoulCalibur
-Paper Monsters
-Sonic Racing
-Mini Motor HD
-League of Evil 1 & 2
-Towers and Trolls
-Mortal Kombat
-Jenga HD
-Run Roo Run
-Burnout Crash
-MegamanX
-Max Payne
-Darius Burst SP
-Dodonpachi Resurrection The Android version is only for mobile phones https://play.google.com/store/apps/...2VlLnZpdmlkcnVudGltZS5nYW1lX3RpY2tldF83NzkiXQ..
-Espgaluda II The Android version is only for mobile phones https://play.google.com/store/apps/...nZWUudml2aWRydW50aW1lLmdhbWVfdGlja2V0Xzc5MyJd




Most good Android games do not run on Android tablets....also the games that have "Retina Updates" that are available on the Google Play market look like garbage even on the TF201 Prime's screen/resolution in comparison.


and last but not least..............the Vita has an annoying habbit of limiting some games to a maximum of 75% brightness, while other games do not allow custom soundtracks. The Vita has the best specs on the market as far as mobile devices go....especially with a low qHD resolution. The Vita should be able to display better graphics thanks to it's quad core cpu and quad core gpu(same as iPad).

We already have a good game controller for iOS devices. It just needs more titles that support it.
U0EDf.jpg

http://www.60beat.com/product_p/gp001.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzw3HOG0Od8
 
Last edited:
The iPad is so much more than a gaming device but it also excels at gaming.

For quick games that are addictive and you can turn on for 30 seconds and get enjoyment, there is:

Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Angry Birds Space
Angry Birds Rio
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope Experiments
Cut the Rope Holiday Gift
Jetpack Joyride
Fragger
Cover Orange
Tiny Wings
Ragdoll 2
Ragdoll 3
The Marbians
Where's My Water?
Monster Island
iBlast Moki 2

If you want to jump around (platformer) there is:

Monster Dash
League of Evil
League of Evil 2
Blobster
Toyshop
NyxQuest
Cordy
Sandwiches!!
DEO
iStunt 2
Muffin Knight
Lep's World
Babylonian Twin's

If you want a 1st person shooter you can play:

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
N.O.V.A. 2
Doom
Modern Combat 2
Modern Combat 3
Infinity Blade
Infinity Blad 2

For 3d RPG's you can download:

Aralon HD
Pocket Legends
Star Legends
S. Odyssey
Eternal Legacy
Celtic Heroes
Dungeon 2
Earth and Legend HD
Gangstar MV
Ganstar Rio
GTA 3

If you want to play an insanely good World of Warcraft clone you can play:

Order and Chaos

And I haven't even mentioned Racing Games, Flying Games, Strategy Games, Tower Defense Games, Sports Games, 2d RPG games, Puzzles, Board Games or Arcade Games.

And as previous posters have mentioned just get APPSHOPPER first thing and you can always wait for the best price.

If you think there are no enjoyable games on the iPad you are DEFINITELY not a gamer and just a bitter person that is sad the Vita is failing. :D the iPad could be your only gaming source and you would be entertained for THOUSANDS of hours.
 
The Vita and the Google Play store has a piss poor selection of games. Yes the Vita has a few gems in the pipeline, but not enough to keep it a float. I'm sure Sony is begging Capcom to create a Monster Hunter port for the Vita.

For the record, I own a 3G Vita.


*lots of stuff cut*

The Vita was just release about a month ago in the US. It has the best launch line up of games of any launch for a console. Take a look at the other console's launch windows and the amount of games.

There is a good selection, if those are the games you want. It is lacking a good RPG right now however (at least an English translation one).

As someone who has been an earlier adopter of other consoles, I think Sony is trying very hard to get it right this time. Except the dedicated memory card, they seem to be on the right track. But it will take time to build up the library of games. Just like every other console has had to go through.

As to the OP's question about an iPad as a gaming system....if you want AAA games like on consoles, then the over all mentality of all games need to be less than $5 needs to end for those types of games. It is a fine price point for all the angry birds and other 5 min at a time games. But if people want the AAA game titles they are going to have to be willing to pay for them. And looking at touch arcade and here, at the comments when a more expensive game comes out, about how they will wait for a price drop, isn't going to get us many those kinds of games on our iPads.

So OP, if you want AAA games at this point in time, then go with a console of some sort...if you are willing to wait some, and pay the price when the few AAA games trickle out for the iPad, and plan on using the iPad for more than just games (which once you get it, most likely you will) then get an iPad. But be aware that if people refuse to pay the premium that comes with getting an indepth AAA title, we won't see many on the iPad. Since it has been out two years now and there are very few of those titles for it.
 
The Vita was just release about a month ago in the US. It has the best launch line up of games of any launch for a console. Take a look at the other console's launch windows and the amount of games.

There is a good selection, if those are the games you want. It is lacking a good RPG right now however (at least an English translation one).

As someone who has been an earlier adopter of other consoles, I think Sony is trying very hard to get it right this time. Except the dedicated memory card, they seem to be on the right track. But it will take time to build up the library of games. Just like every other console has had to go through.

As to the OP's question about an iPad as a gaming system....if you want AAA games like on consoles, then the over all mentality of all games need to be less than $5 needs to end for those types of games. It is a fine price point for all the angry birds and other 5 min at a time games. But if people want the AAA game titles they are going to have to be willing to pay for them. And looking at touch arcade and here, at the comments when a more expensive game comes out, about how they will wait for a price drop, isn't going to get us many those kinds of games on our iPads.

So OP, if you want AAA games at this point in time, then go with a console of some sort...if you are willing to wait some, and pay the price when the few AAA games trickle out for the iPad, and plan on using the iPad for more than just games (which once you get it, most likely you will) then get an iPad. But be aware that if people refuse to pay the premium that comes with getting an indepth AAA title, we won't see many on the iPad. Since it has been out two years now and there are very few of those titles for it.

Obviously there will be a difference in depth between Shogun 2 on the PC and the War game that just came out for iOS yesterday. But it doesn't mean that iPad cannot have "AAA" game titles. Take Real Racing 2 HD or Chaos and Order for example. OF COURSE Gran Turismo 5 on ps3 or Forza 4 on xbox 360 are better than it but that doesn't mean it's not an EXCELLENT AAA title and that people can't spend hundreds of hours unlocking all the tracks and cars and competing on multiplayer. Many do and love it.

OF COURSE World of Warcraft will have more depth than Order and Chaos but guess what (again) ? People can put hundreds and thousands of hours into O&C leveling up their character, finishing quests, gaining loot, grouping up, interacting with a guild, etc. And the monthly fee is $0.99 instead of $14.99.

So to do a direct comparison of a touch screen only to systems that use tv's, their own game console, and a separate controller is foolish. Look at them for what they are. So if a person isn't going to make a ridicilous comparison (say iPad vs Gaming PC or iPad vs xbox 360/ps3) then they will realize a LOT of gaming fun can be had with the iPad.

To the PS Vita, i'm sure it's great. It's just hard to convince people to spend $40+ for gaming on the go when most people already have smart phones and can game on the go for free or $0.99. Of course there will be some people that are ok with carrying around their smartphone AND a separate handheld console everywhere but it's just not going to appeal to most.

The Vita sales numbers are already poor and unless there is a miraculous turnaround it's just not going to have the widespread adoption that smartphones enjoy or that past playstation products enjoyed (PS1 and PS2 really) or that Nintendo's handhelds enjoy.

It's a great kit, it's just not going to survive the market.
 
Graphics on the newer iPads is fantastic, so in that sense they are great for gaming, but there are 2 main things I would consider:

1) What kinds of games do you like? Are these games available on the iPad?

2) This is the big one for me, do you like the control scheme used on the iPad's scheme for those games, or do you need or want a physical controller?


Some games I find work ok with the on-screen controls, but in general, I HATE using the screen as a controller. It's terrible. I physical controller makes a world of difference (and you can buy them for iPad). Now, that's just my opinion, but my point is that it's something you'll want to think about! :)
 
Not saying it can't have AAA titles. But the price point won't be 99 cents for those titles. It will be that $15- $40 range, if you want a port of those console games. There are development costs to those larger titles. And right now there are about the same number of those titles as on the vita. For something that has been out for two years, not less than two months.

Also if the OP is thinking about carrying an iPad around with their smart phone then what is the difference in carrying a different portable game machine (other than it is smaller than the iPad)?

I have had an iPad since the first launch. Picked up a vita. I travel. If the AAA titles were there...and even more so for example the racing controls for real racing HD were better, I would not have picked up a vita. Some will be fine with what is on the iPad and smart phones. Some will not. The OP needs to decide for themselves if the price difference (which is alot compared to a portable game device price) is worth it to them, to not have the console type games for a bit.

I have over 100 games on my iPad. The depth and quality of most are not the same as what is out there for the handhelds. Doesn't mean it can't get there...but notice the price tag for a portable systems games, and you will see what the AAA studios want for a price for their AAA games. Not $5
 
Not saying it can't have AAA titles. But the price point won't be 99 cents for those titles. It will be that $15- $40 range, if you want a port of those console games. There are development costs to those larger titles. And right now there are about the same number of those titles as on the vita. For something that has been out for two years, not less than two months.

Also if the OP is thinking about carrying an iPad around with their smart phone then what is the difference in carrying a different portable game machine (other than it is smaller than the iPad)?

I have had an iPad since the first launch. Picked up a vita. I travel. If the AAA titles were there...and even more so for example the racing controls for real racing HD were better, I would not have picked up a vita. Some will be fine with what is on the iPad and smart phones. Some will not. The OP needs to decide for themselves if the price difference (which is alot compared to a portable game device price) is worth it to them, to not have the console type games for a bit.

I have over 100 games on my iPad. The depth and quality of most are not the same as what is out there for the handhelds. Doesn't mean it can't get there...but notice the price tag for a portable systems games, and you will see what the AAA studios want for a price for their AAA games. Not $5

it's true about carrying around ipad or vita, same difference. i made that comment because i just got the ipad and before i just had the iphone and was happily gaming on it for a year.

but the lower price points are possible. Order and Chaos has been on sale for $0.99 instead of it's normal $7. Real Racing 2 has been $0.99 on the iphone and i think the ipad version has also been on sale for $0.99. You need to download APPSHOPPER so you can see when the apps you want to buy go on sale, but yes, pretty much every AAA game for the ipad does go on sale for free or 0.99. you just have to be patient.

console or vita games don't ever go on sale for $0.99. They go on sale for $10 or $15 :)
 
it's true about carrying around ipad or vita, same difference. i made that comment because i just got the ipad and before i just had the iphone and was happily gaming on it for a year.

but the lower price points are possible. Order and Chaos has been on sale for $0.99 instead of it's normal $7. Real Racing 2 has been $0.99 on the iphone and i think the ipad version has also been on sale for $0.99. You need to download APPSHOPPER so you can see when the apps you want to buy go on sale, but yes, pretty much every AAA game for the ipad does go on sale for free or 0.99. you just have to be patient.

console or vita games don't ever go on sale for $0.99. They go on sale for $10 or $15 :)

:)

This is an awesome debate. :)

I agree they go on sale. For some stellar pricing, and have picked them up for that. But take Battle academy for example. It is $20 game. Same as the PC version ($40) and can play online with the Mac and PC versions. The developers have out right said they have no plans to have a price drop anytime in the near future. They don't think it is fair to their loyal customers, nor do they think it would help the community that plays the game. and they would just lose money in order to sell more copies. Where if they sell to the ones that want it and will add to the community. At that price point they will make a profit. Which is what they need to do in order to develop more titles. I hope to see more of that quality coming to the iPad. But feel it will come at those prices. Which I am alright with. Probably because I have paid the price of console games though. But that is the future if we want those kinds of indepth games. If the ones that come out don't sell well at that pricing though, I think we will not see much more than what we have already seen. Main because it won't be worth it to the developers.

But I do see your side...there are some great games on the iPad. Just would like to see more of those like we both have mentioned.
 
The Vita was just release about a month ago in the US. It has the best launch line up of games of any launch for a console. Take a look at the other console's launch windows and the amount of games.

There is a good selection, if those are the games you want. It is lacking a good RPG right now however (at least an English translation one).

As someone who has been an earlier adopter of other consoles, I think Sony is trying very hard to get it right this time. Except the dedicated memory card, they seem to be on the right track. But it will take time to build up the library of games. Just like every other console has had to go through.

As to the OP's question about an iPad as a gaming system....if you want AAA games like on consoles, then the over all mentality of all games need to be less than $5 needs to end for those types of games. It is a fine price point for all the angry birds and other 5 min at a time games. But if people want the AAA game titles they are going to have to be willing to pay for them. And looking at touch arcade and here, at the comments when a more expensive game comes out, about how they will wait for a price drop, isn't going to get us many those kinds of games on our iPads.

So OP, if you want AAA games at this point in time, then go with a console of some sort...if you are willing to wait some, and pay the price when the few AAA games trickle out for the iPad, and plan on using the iPad for more than just games (which once you get it, most likely you will) then get an iPad. But be aware that if people refuse to pay the premium that comes with getting an indepth AAA title, we won't see many on the iPad. Since it has been out two years now and there are very few of those titles for it.
My first time owning a Vita was in December 2011(Japanese). Have you seen how awesome the Japanese SEN store is compared to the rest of the world? They have Neo Geo, Turbo Graphx 16, Genesis, PS one and a ton of PSP games. Sony should be doing a lot more for those outside Japan. Even with the awesome store in Japan the Vita is still struggling to gain momentum.

I own Plants vs Zombies on every platform. Sony charges 14.99 for the game on Vita!!! There's no way Sony is going to be competitive ripping their customers off.

A lot of PlayStation Vita owners expect HTML 5 support, a YouTube app, a non-checker boarding web browser and a Skype app. All of these apps should have been ready from the get-go. In Japan Sony launched with Nico Nico Douga.... and yet we still sit here waiting for a YouTube app.


I really think the Vita has a hard battle up ahead. 39.99USD for a mobile game is harder to pull off than it was back when the PSP launched.
 
My first time owning a Vita was in December 2011(Japanese). Have you seen how awesome the Japanese SEN store is compared to the rest of the world? They have Neo Geo, Turbo Graphx 16, Genesis, PS one and a ton of PSP games. Sony should be doing a lot more for those outside Japan. Even with the awesome store in Japan the Vita is still struggling to gain momentum.

I own Plants vs Zombies on every platform. Sony charges 14.99 for the game on Vita!!! There's no way Sony is going to be competitive ripping their customers off.

A lot of PlayStation Vita owners expect HTML 5 support, a YouTube app, a non-checker boarding web browser and a Skype app. All of these apps should have been ready from the get-go. In Japan Sony launched with Nico Nico Douga.... and yet we still sit here waiting for a YouTube app.


I really think the Vita has a hard battle up ahead. 39.99USD for a mobile game is harder to pull off than it was back when the PSP launched.

Developers set the price, or publishers more likely. Such as Ubisoft wanting $40 for dungeon hunter. Doesn't cost that much on any other platform including the PS3. Sony isn't the one trying to rip them off in the instance of those games. Pop cap for PvZ and Ubi for Dungeon Hunter. But with them doing that it won't help the vita, since most know it is cheaper on other platforms, and there is nothing new or special about those particular games. But the uncharted game and Unit 13 both are worth the $40 price tags. You see the same thing happen on other platforms as well. Just there is more to choose from on those right now. So it isn't always as noticeable.
 
iPad is great for certain type of gaming.



What're not better:
Button masher games
Games made for consoles


What are better than consoles (games with multi-touch / gyro control):

Plant vs. Zombies
Cut the Rope
Sky Gamblers Air Supremacy
Fruit Ninja
Racing games, such as Real Racing (use iPad to steer)
World of Goo
Tower defense games

And iOS games are inexpensive.
 
Developers set the price, or publishers more likely. Such as Ubisoft wanting $40 for dungeon hunter. Doesn't cost that much on any other platform including the PS3. Sony isn't the one trying to rip them off in the instance of those games. Pop cap for PvZ and Ubi for Dungeon Hunter. But with them doing that it won't help the vita, since most know it is cheaper on other platforms, and there is nothing new or special about those particular games. But the uncharted game and Unit 13 both are worth the $40 price tags. You see the same thing happen on other platforms as well. Just there is more to choose from on those right now. So it isn't always as noticeable.

SOE(Sony Online Entertainment) are the publishers for Plants vs Zombies(14.99) on the PlayStation Vita. Uncharted is 49.99. I agree it is a good game.
 
Perhaps that's something to do with the market and the average price though? I see no reason why they couldn't make a game like Fallout for iPad, and arguably Fallout or any other RPG of the ilk is far deeper than, say, CoD on consoles

However what people are looking for would be isn't actually real depth in gameplay, but instead they are looking for top-of-the-line graphics, huge first-person world and real time control. I disagree they have anything to do with actual depth of a game, but certainly iPad cannot match a real console in those areas.

Having said all that iPad is a one heck of a game platform. For my usage it's a very enjoyable form factor for gaming. I do hope it does get more "serious" games because it's really great for slow paced deep thinking games in a relaxed mood. At least Baldur's Gate is coming, although I'm not the biggest fan.

I would love to see Fallout Tactics, StarCraft, C&C Tiberium Sun/Firestorm. I really would like to see Metal Gear AC!D 1 and 2 or even 3. I really really want Lemmings. But these games will never happen.

Those games would work good with touch controls but I was more referring to games that would not work with touch controls. Every game I have played that is a FPS or full on adventure game or even a standard racing game just does not feel right without a controller.

This is why I say Apple should release a Bluetooth 4.0 controller which will get far more support than say the iCade controller. We have air mirroring so we can play them on the TV.
 
Apple is said to be working on a game controller already. I think this is why they haven't approved the Onlive gaming app.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.