The 10 most anticipated iPhone games of 2009

With Nintendo and Sony duking it out over a stake on the handheld gaming, Apple has flanked both PSP and DS with a bevy of accessible games on iPhone.

First came a tsunami of casual games, followed by an end-of-year blitz of some truly stellar titles.

Looking forward to 2009, though, we see an even bigger year for iPhone with too many heavy-hitting games to fit into our Top 10. Considering we could barely scrounge up five measly titles for our most anticipated PSP games of 2009 list, things are looking mighty fine for iPhone.

That said, there's a lot of work to be done. More emphasis on original, exclusive titles will be the road to victory. Rolando demonstrates that dedicating resources to original iPhone development pays enormous dividends. The top game on our most anticipated is an iPhone exclusive, as are most of the others on the list. Even those titles extending well-known franchises are receiving special treatment on iPhone and iPod touch, which will make all the difference when it comes to delivering a good game instead of another sloppy port.

While the trend of releasing arcade clones and knock-offs isn't likely to end anytime soon, we're confident in the outlook for 2009 given these ten highly promising games. Some will undoubtedly turn out better than our expectations and others probably worse; that, however, doesn't hold us back from being optimistic about the fun that awaits us in the 12 months ahead.

Oh, and Happy New Year, obviously.

The 10 most anticipated iPhone games of 2009

10. BioShock Developer: IG Fun Publisher: IG Fun Release: 2009 Ever since the surprising revelation that the underwater first-person shooter would be getting a mobile makeover, BioShock has held a spot on our most anticipated list. After all, the console and PC game was amongst the finest titles of 2007, garnering dozens of awards for its innovation and originality. We're hopeful that the same praise can be lodged for the iPhone version, which will follow the same script and style of play. First-person action in full 3D is being promised, although we know little more than that. As long as we're able to make a stop at the Circus of Values when the game releases later this year, consider us content.
9. LEGO Indiana Jones Developer: THQ Wireless Publisher: THQ Wireless Release: 2009 Indiana Jones may have ridden off into the sunset on the silver screen, but he's got a lot more adventuring to do on the touchscreen. THQ Wireless is handling the iPhone iteration of the well-to-do handheld version and we're eager to see what it manages to build. Unlike the spin-off treatment Warner Bros did on LEGO Batman: Gotham City Games, we don't want to see a collection of mini-games. Let's hope we get plenty of brick-busting action mirroring the PSP or DS versions, instead.
8. Silent Hill: The Escape Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami Release: 2009 There's little more to know about Silent Hill: The Escape other than the fact it'll be bringing the psychologically disturbing breed of survival-horror for which the series is well-known to iPhone. Konami just needs three ingredients to make a successful new addition to the franchise: nurses, a score composed by Akira Yamaoka, and lots of creepy fog. If the success of Silent Hill Origins on PSP is any indication of how well this touchscreen-enables version may come out, we definitely have a horrific treat on the way.
7. Bejeweled Twist Developer: Pop Cap Games Publisher: Pop Cap Games Release: 2009 The game that started the match-three puzzle craze is getting a twist of its own in this long-awaited sequel. While the goal fundamentally remains the same – create matches of three like-colored jewels to clear them from the board – you can't move individual jewels; rather, you position 2x2 blocks of jewels to make your matches. Mobile and PC versions (pictured) have already been pegged, but an iPhone equivalent is surely in the works and we hope for 2009 release.
6. Soul Trapper, Episode 2 Developer: Realtime Associates Publisher: Realtime Associates Release: 2009 This unlikely adventure makes our most wanted list for its creative use of sound to weave its spectral story. As paranormal detective Kane Pryce, Soul Trapper, Episode 1 had you using your ears to deduce the culprit behind a series of ghastly hauntings. Where this second installment will take Pryce is anybody's guess considering the well-travelled man has already been to Hell and back. Superb audio design and an intriguing, if not slightly cheesy story, made the first one enjoyable; as such, we're banking on the sequel to deliver as much entertainment.
5. 1112, Episode 2 Developer: Agharta Studio Publisher: Agharta Studio Release: 2009 Having already named the introductory episode of 1112 (pictured) as one of the best adventure games in years, we're anticipating the next installment of this brilliantly crafted series. Superb writing promises to make the second episode even more compelling than the first, espousing the story of Louis Everett as he deciphers an enigmatic dream. 1112 is more than just a sophisticated tale, though, catering unprecedented interactivity for an adventure game with tons of objects to tinker with, examine, and dynamic conversations with a host of characters. As long as the second episode builds upon these qualities, it's assured to be among the finest games of the new year.
4. Re-Volt Developer: IUGO Publisher: IUGO Release: 2009 Not much has been heard of this ambitious first-person shooter since we went hands-on with it at BREW 2008 in July. The accelerometer is put to good use in navigating nicely detailed environments that take a liking to Quake. Interestingly enough, shooting is handled automatically and tapping the touchscreen allows you to target enemies. While we're still largely in the dark about the game's premise and when it's slated to release, Re-Volt could establish the first-person genre as viable on the device.
3. Underworld Developer: A-Steroids Publisher: A-Steroids Release: 2009 What better way to leverage the hardware of a powerful portable than for interactive narcotics trafficking? Underworld, or the game formerly known as Drug Wars, taps into the GPS functionality of iPhone for a location-based game centered around the drug trade. Mature is the first descriptor that comes to mind, but innovative and unique also spring to thought. While the chances of it being approved by Apple are slim at best, we can't help but hold our hope that this original offering will make it out in 2009.
2. Metal Gear Solid Touch Developer: Kojima Productions Publisher: Konami Release: 2009 The recent revelation that Hideo Kojima's epic franchise would be coming to iPhone just about proved what we've been saying for months: Apple is building a powerhouse platform ripe for platinum hits. While we won't be getting the stealth-action gameplay of the main series, Metal Gear Solid Touch will undoubtedly reestablish standards in the shooter genre as it chronicles a side story set in the Metal Gear Solid 4 timeline. Visually we know it'll be stunning because of Kojima Production's amazing ability to push every console and handheld it's worked with. Like any installment of this mammoth franchise, though, it's going to be a long wait until the game's unspecified 2009 release.
1. Trismology Developer: Demiforce Publisher: Demiforce Release: 2009 Beating Solid Snake for the top spot is no easy feat, but when you're continuing the legacy of the iPhone's first major hit anything is possible. Trismology promises to build on the foundation of Trism (pictured) with tweaked gameplay mechanics and added levels. It's the new features, however, that boost this slick puzzler to our most anticipated title of 2009. Full integration with a suite of online community features could make it the most connected game on iPhone. Full online multiplayer, statistical tracking, friends list, and other features prime Trismology to push iPhone gaming into new territory.