10 games that play better on iPhone 3GS

Product: Top 10 iPhone charts

by Tracy Erickson

The only thing missing from Apple's iPhone 3GS launch is a big, fat bow to gussy up what is a huge gift to mobile gamers.

Enhanced processing power and support for advanced graphics make iPhone 3GS a dream device for games. After all, it runs up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G, meaning your favourite titles benefit from a doubling in performance. In some cases, it's even more pronounced.

Most leverage the handset for smoother graphics and speedier loading, though a few benefit from faster access to the network too. We've tested a bunch of games and found these ten to be tops on iPhone 3GS.

Have a game that you think plays better on an iPhone 3GS that isn't listed here? Let us know by leaving a comment or posting in the forum.


The Sims 3
Publisher/Developer: EA Mobile
With all the computing that goes on in the background of this lifestyle simulation, it's no surprise that The Sims 3 plays better on an iPhone 3GS.

The added power of the handset ensures speedier 3D graphics, but also pumps through all the simulation data through for smoother gameplay. Simple actions like adjusting the zoom slider is noticeably smoother.

I Love Katamari
Publisher/Developer: Namco Networks
One of the things we initially criticised I Love Katamari for largely resolves itself when playing the game on an iPhone 3GS.

The annoying freezes that occur when your katamari jumps up in size are done away thanks to the increased power of the device. It makes an enormous difference in the game's flow, making it preferable to play on iPhone 3GS than an earlier model.

Hero of Sparta
Publisher/Developer: Gameloft
Among the very first games to begin pushing the capabilities of the device with lush 3D visuals, Hero of Sparta benefits from the added processing power of iPhone 3GS.

While there weren't issues with the performance following the initial release, the game does appear to run at a faster lick on the new handset. Levels load sooner and any hiccoughs with the controls are less apparent.

Real Racing
Publisher/Developer: Firemint
When it comes to performance, Real Racing already exceeded expectations on iPhone 3G and iPod touch. The game benefits from iPhone 3GS not so much graphical, but in speeding up access to network features. Syncing your profile online is much faster than on an earlier model. Additionally, uploading videos to YouTube takes markedly less time.

Prey Invasion
Publisher: Hands On Mobile
Developer: Machineworks Northwest
Let there be no doubt that Prey Invasion sits among a select group of visually astounding iPhone games. That, however, doesn't prevent play on an iPhone 3GS kicking things up a notch. A speed boost provides for slightly improved performance and greater fluidity in control, which is a boon for shooters like this one.

Resident Evil: Degeneration
Publisher/Developer: Capcom
Behind nearly every door in Resident Evil: Degeneration waits a loading screen. Fortunately, playing on an iPhone 3GS allows for lickety-split loading that minimises the time spent waiting to shoot up zombies. The performance was already solid, though the added speed does support a tighter, smoother experience.

Star Defense
Publisher: ngmcoco
Developer: Rough Cookie
Super-fast loading times make playing Star Defense on an iPhone 3GS preferable.

From the moment you start up the game, you can note the increased speed at which the game loads. Even better, multi-touch works like a dream on the device with the camera effortlessly scrolling around the fully 3D planets with slides of your fingers. Lastly, you can tweet your Challenge mode scores or post them via Facebook Connect quicker, too.

Cops & Robbers
Publisher/Developer: Glu
A rather slow framerate was among the few flaws that we pointed out when reviewing Cops & Robbers. Fortunately, iPhone 3GS speeds things up to make this clever foot racer a slicker experience. No more stuttering of the graphics as you jump across rooftops or dart past angry grannies.

Car Jack Streets
Publisher/Developer: Tag Games
Car Jack Streets may not boast cutting edge 3D graphics, though it demands a lot from iPhone with its open-world gameplay.

Raising a ruckus is far better on an iPhone 3GS, the game's crime-ridden top-down city streaming by at greater speed on the device. The occasional stutter is done away when playing on an iPhone 3GS, not to mention that initial long loading time that kicks off each time you start up the game.

Galaxy on Fire
Publisher/Developer: Fishlabs
While its stuttering performance has long been addressed in a software update, Galaxy on Fire gains even more of a technical boost thanks to the support of iPhone 3GS. The only rushed element here is that of speed: more power ensures your spaceship zips about the screen without issue.

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