EXCLUSIVES

Got Game? > Not Unless You're Playing One of These!

April 2008

Words by Jone Devlin

Whether you're looking to challenge your hand-eye coordination, your memory, or just tease your brain, these games can't be beat!

Always wanted to run your own movie studio? Then "The Movies: Develop Your Inner Mogul" is the game for you. The year is 1926 and you've just taken over M'eye studios. Though you started strong you're now the lowest ranking studio in Hollywood and are desperately trying to overtake Old Rope Studios for the number 4 spot. You've got a couple of movies ready to burst on the scene, and some top notch stars, but they're starting to ask for more money. What to do?

"The Movies" challenges players to think strategically as they weigh the results of their last decision against their next one. While this game isn't as fast paced and action pack as say, "Prey", (see below) it does have its fair share of obstacles and challenges to be overcome and is just the thing for those who have always longed to tap into their inner empire builder.

As for those who would rather blow up things than build them, there's "Prey." When an alien spaceship visits a Cherokee reservation and steals Tommy, his grandfather Enisi and his girlfriend Jen, Tommy must call on all his powers, both physical and spiritual, to rescue his loved ones before they meet a horrible fate at the hands of their alien kidnappers.

Packed with excitement, adventure and some really cool scenarios, "Prey" uses a combination of good old fashioned physical prowess coupled with mental and spiritual power to provide the player with plenty of thrills, chills, and contests. This one will definitely heat up those cold winter nights!

The historically minded, meanwhile, have a couple of choices. The first is "The Napoleonic Era: Imperial Glory," which allows players to strengthen and fortify their military and economic forces as well as invade and engage in battle with other countries. As much about skill and historical knowledge as it is about raw military power and lots of armies and weapons, "Imperial Glory" will definitely put players to the test.

The second game that will have you running to your history book is "Cold War," a game in which an American journalist (you) must survive behind the pre-1989 Iron Curtain when your nose for news leads you into a trouble zone. Avoiding the KGB is only the half of it as you struggle to keep your head above water in a situation that could potentially derail the end of the Cold War - as well as cost you your life. There are lots of layers and levels to this one too, ensuring that the challenges, unlike your old history classes, never get stale.

Meanwhile, for all you "Fast and Furious" fans, there is the exciting "Redline," which allows players to race a series of cars (some nicer than others) on a series of tracks. Users have the added option of being able to choose between a realistic "physics" mode and a more speed oriented "arcade" mode. The designers have also been thoughtful enough to throw in a few other variables regarding track locales and styles that are guaranteed to make the races even more action-packed (and difficult). So no matter what your preference or driving style, "Redline" will absolutely satisfy your need for speed.

If extreme sports are your thing, "Tony Hawk's Proskater 4" lets you experience all the excitement of skateboarding without any of the broken bones. Up to eight players can compete in all sorts of games designed by the master himself, Tony Hawk. Players can show off their best moves, defend their crown (literally) and choose from a whole bunch of crazy, yet realistic, scenarios in which to play. Fast paced, highly competitive and guaranteed to impress your friends, Proskater 14 is the ultimate party game!

Visit apple.com/games for more details on these and other games.