5 of the best FPS for iOS

Shooters are the defining benchmark for consoles. How has this bombastic genre translated to iOS? We take a look at the current kings of the hill for iPad and iPhone.

N.O.V.A. 2 – US$6.99

Halo-inspired N.O.V.A. 2 is a blueprint for how other FPS’ should be made for iOS. The game is nothing short of inspired, with some of the most frantic shooting action on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Graphics-wise, N.O.V.A. 2 is hard to top and while it may not make use of the Unreal engine, its own proprietary engine manages to knock out the action at a smooth pace. Controls are smooth, the music is fittingly epic and the multiplayer pushes N.O.V.A. 2 into a league of its own.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies – US$6.99

Fight on, touchscreen soldier. COD Black Ops Zombies is the successful follow-up to COD: Zombies and keeps alive the tradition of murdering the undead. The basic premise is to survive: fight zombies, upgrade your weaponry and defend your little fort. What I love about the latest version of this game is that it not only improves on the original, but adds a new spin in the form of upgraded graphics and gameplay which move it even closer to its console origins.

Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation – US$6.99

Is Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation the Call of Duty for iOS? I say, yes. From the first iteration of this series till the last, MC captivates with one of the best multiplayer modes for iOS bar none. Instead of casual shooting, players can look forward to upgrading their character and customising their weapon load-out with modern-day weaponry. A Michael Bay-style single player mode may deliver a nonsense story, but the ride is well worth any time invested.

Dark Meadow – US$5.99

Dark Meadow is the bastard offspring of Silent Hill and Infinity Blade, neatly sandwiched into a FPS environment. With Unreal Engine 3, Dark Meadow explores derelict environments which were previously unimaginable on the iDevices. It looks fantastic and plays in a circular loop: play, learn more of the environment, die, and fight on with new skills as the story continues to evolve. While the controls are fiddly at times, it adds to the suspense and overall feeling of helplessness which permeates the best horror FPS titles. Not the longest of games (it clocks in at 4-5 hours for the most skilled of players) but it is an experience that will stick in the meaty centre of your brain for months to come.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard – US$6.99

This is one of my personal favourites. Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard combines the best of the console versions into a pick-up-and-play team-based FPS which exceeds expectations. Two bombastic modes can turn a casual addiction into a full-on frenzy: an aggressively exciting single player mode with a stellar story and an in-depth multiplayer mode which demands team work. RS:SV easily moves from a first person perspective to cover based shooting in the blink of an eye, turning generic shooter conventions into engaging gameplay.