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Top 5 best superhero games on iPhone and iPad (2011)

With great power comes great hours of gaming

Top 5 best superhero games on iPhone and iPad (2011)
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iOS

While most associate summer with ice cream, trips to the beach, and a golden tan, it's also a time for Hollywood blockbusters starring superheroes. 

This year we've had Thor, X-Men: First Class, and the Green Lantern, with Captain America still to come. 

If you're like us here at Pocket Gamer Towers, you can't watch a superhero film without wanting to jump knee-deep into a world-saving quest. 

As this is highly dangerous, energy-sapping, and just a little bit silly, we recommend you grab a cold one from the fridge, take a seat with your iPhone, and let your thumbs do all the work instead.

Disclaimer: Pocket Gamer accepts no responsibility for any injury which may arise from attempting to save the world.

Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem
spider-man-iphone

Inspired by the range of comic books and not the progressively disappointing series of movies, Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem places you in the shoes of the web-slinging Peter Parker.

Your task is to save New York City from six of your toughest opponents, who have escaped from confinement following an explosion inside S.H.I.E.L.D's Triskelion facility.

Over 12 levels you'll come across Sandman, Rhino, Electro, Venom, Dr Octopus, Green Goblin, and hordes of unintelligent thugs, whom you can whip into shape with a variety of punishing combos. 

Living up to your reputation as a human spider, you also have the ability to climb walls, swing across destroyed scenery, and grind poles from building to building. Eat your heart out, Tony Hawk. 

Finally, you can use Parker's spidey sense and keen eye to snap photographs of your foes, and unlock various bits of comic art.

Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem received a Pocket Gamer Gold Award at review for its successful blend of classic action and comic book style. 

Download Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem
Download Ultimate Spider-Man: Total Mayhem for iPad

Iron Man 2 iron-man-2-iphone

Although Iron Man 2 - which is based on the film of the same namedoesn't quite reach the lofty heights of Gameloft's Spider-Man outing, it's good enough make our list. Obviously - ed.

You take control of everyone's favourite billionaire Tony Stark as he battles Ultimo, Firepower, Whiplash, and armies of other enemies across Stark Expo, New York, Somalia, and six other locations. 

You have a range of outfits at your disposal, including Mark IV, Mark VI, Stealth, and underwater suits, not to mention the ability to suit up as War Machine. 

Each suit grants you hovering and flying capabilities, and a range of weaponry that can be upgraded between bouts.  

And, as Tony loves to brag, you can unlock 25 Gameloft Live achievements for your imaginary mantelpiece. 

Download Iron Man 2
Download Iron Man 2 for iPad

The Hero the-hero-iphone

Chillingo's The Hero pits you – a hero of unknown identity who bears some resemblance to Pixar's Mr Incredible – against your arch-nemesis, who is unsurprisingly attempting to take control of the world one city at a time.

Recruited by The Chief and his curvaceous secretary, Miss Rose, you're tasked with flying through cities at lightning speeds smashing thieves, henchmen, Zombies, and 17 other types of goon along the way.

The recipient of a Pocket Gamer Silver Award, The Hero also features a Survival mode, unlockable mini-games, and leaderboards and achievements through the Crystal gaming network.

Download The Hero
Download The Hero for iPad

Thor: Son of Asgard thor-iphone

Thor: Son of Asgard, surprisingly, doesn't follow the story of the recently released film, instead opting for an original script by Marvel's Bryan J.L. Glass.

You take on the role of the Norse god of thunder Thor, who wields the legendary Mjolnir hammer in the fight to protect the city of Asgard from siege.

Being an all-powerful god, you have a substantial number of moves at your disposal, which range from long and magical attacks to ferociously swinging your hammer and hoping for the best.

Along with its original script, Thor: Son of Asgard features comic panels by Marvel artist Ron Lim, an original soundtrack, and the ability to unlock comic cover art dating back to 1962.

Download Thor: Son of Asgard (universal)

Hero Project hero-project-iphone

Glu's freemium Hero Project offers a change from the arcade-action orientated titles in this list, with turn-based battles and an emphasis on improving your skills.

Recruited by the mysterious Captain Midnite to an exclusive 12-strong order known as the Parliament of Heroes, you have one goal: to save the world. 

This involves taking on a variety of missions which range from rescuing stranded cats to defeating burglars and overpowering evil clowns. Each victory awards points that you can spend on improving your Stamina, Speed, and Luck, among others. 

To succeed, you'll have to utilise laser eyes, super punches, and meteorite storms, and harvest crystals to purchase a number of stat-boosting tight-fitting uniforms.

You can also grab yourself several Game Center achievements, if you're into that kind of thing.

Download Hero Project
Download Hero Project for iPad

Anthony Usher
Anthony Usher
Anthony is a Liverpool, UK-based writer who fell in love with gaming while playing Super Mario World on his SNES back in the early '90s. When he isn't busy grooming his beard, you can find him replaying Resident Evil or Final Fantasy VII for the umpteenth time. Aside from gaming, Anthony likes hiking, MMA, and pretending he’s a Viking.