Top 10 best multiplayer iPhone games (2009)

It's a well-known fact: one is the loneliest number. Sometimes, playing by yourself just doesn't cut it when you're itching for a feverish race or pining for a heated round of cards. Nothing can rival the excitement of competing with friends or obliterating a complete stranger online.

While there's still a lot of road to be travelled when it comes to expanding multiplayer options on iPhone, we've got ten games that are sure to beat your solitary blues. There's a bit of everything here, from racing to trivia to card games to straight up action: you're sure to find something to like.

Not all have network multiplayer. In fact, most offer local multiplayer options to be shared with nearby friends. That shouldn't discourage you, though, because local play is often more entertaining than anonymous network competition. After all, it's great to watch a smug smile turn into a frown as you zip past a buddy in the final lap of a series in Real Racing.

Of course, there are plenty other multiplayer games than the ones we've listed here. Let us know what you've been playing by leaving a comment and posting in the forum.

Top 10 multiplayer iPhone games

Don't dismiss Uno for its family-friendly appeal - this classic card game boasts one of the best multiplayer experiences on iPhone.

Three friends can link up with you via local wi-fi for colourful games, yet its the online competition that really makes Uno number one.

Effortless networking enables you to connect with others online for quick head-to-head matches or longer four-player sessions. A great pick if you're after a quick multiplayer fix.

Conjuring the familiar match-three puzzle formula in new form with role-playing and network elements, Aurora Feint II helps usher in a wave of connected games.

While it doesn't offer direct competitive multiplayer, the game leverages asynchronous puzzle battles that have you uploading ghost data for others to test their match-making skills against.

An array of social networking features, including real-time chat and a personal profile, bring added depth to one of the most fully featured games on iPhone.

Multiplayer only recently came to Galcon after months of tearing up the App Store with its unique breed of touchscreen strategy.

Both local play via wi-fi and online matches are supported, the latter earning our commendation. Intuitive touch controls and extraordinarily simple mechanics make it perfect for a quick multiplayer session.

Its geometric style and plain presentation ensure effortless play, and have rocketed this indie title into the stratum reserved for our favourites iPhone games.

What Lux DLX fails to bring to the table in terms of online play, it more than makes up for in a wealth of options for hotseat multiplayer.

This is hands down the best homage to Risk on the App Store due to the ton of content it offers. Up to five buddies can play with you in pass-around games set on any of dozens of maps.

From the classic World Map to historic settings such as the Pacific Theatre during World War II to obscure locales like 19th century Texas, there's a wide range of placec to play. Even better, you can have computer-controlled armies weigh in if you don't have enough friends for a full round.

You'd have a hard time preventing us from getting our daily fix of BulkyPix's excellent iPhone beat-'em-up. My Brute dishes out an exclusively multiplayer experience that centers around daily bouts with your personlised brute.

In the wait for worldwide rankings, there's plenty of skills and weapons to unlock as you engage in fights. The ability to mentor other players in your own dojo adds a bit of depth to the game, as well as social networking through Open Feint and Facebook Connect.

We're excited to see what enhancements this already fun multiplayer bash will be getting in the coming months.

Aussie development house Firemint began pushing the limits with network features with Fast & Furious, but Real Racing truly delivered a fully connected experience.

Online leagues let you race asynchronously with others around the globe in massive competitions. Real-time racing can be done locally via wi-fi, the game supporting up to six vehicles at once.

Of course, what makes Real Racing such a fine multiplayer game isn't so much its laundry list of features, but rather the slick races it supports.

You can debate which footie simulation deserves top billing on iPhone, but only Real Football 09 kicks up some multiplayer.

Two player duels via local wi-fi let your square off with a friend in any of the game's dozen impressive 3D stadia. More importantly, straightforward controls and solid mechanics make it easy to get into the game.

In fact, playing with a friend instead of the computer is an excellent way of honing your skills. Head-to-head matches may not be the full online tournaments we'd like to see, yet it's enough to keep us playing until next year's inevitable instalment.

TV Show King Online
Publisher/Developer: Gameloft

TV Show King Online offers an enormous set of features and equally big gameplay. More than 3000 questions await your answers in either hotseat multiplayer or online quiz fests.

The ability to pass around a handset, taking turns answering questions, gives it added value against Who has the Biggest Brain?