14 DAY TRIAL // Recently, Apple decided to tap more of the iPod's possibilities by going into games. Users of fifth-generation video-capable iPods can now purchase games from the iTunes Store for $4.99 apiece. Titles include some well-known classics and some not-so-familiar games: "Tetris," "Zuma," "Texas Hold'em," "Mahjong," "Mini Golf," "Pac-Man," "Cubis 2," "Bejeweled" and "Vortex."
While the iPods display doesn't allow for very visually impressive games, it is nevertheless quite capable of delivering an adequate gaming experience for when you happen to have a few moments on your hands. What separates the iPod from other players is the click-wheel, and while it may be very important when navigating your music collection, when it comes to games, it can make or break the deal.
Fast paced games that are based on a grid, such as Pac-Man are not ideal on the iPod. To control the Pac-Man you need to tap, not press, one of the four directions. Unlike other players whose pad is well suited for this, the click-wheel is less than ideal. However, for those games that are designed around a circular gameplay, such as Zuma, the click-wheel is an ideal control method that blends perfectly with the game itself.
Most of the games that Apple made available so far are popular titles that have been available for some time on various gaming platforms. However - due to the particularities of the iPod - it looks like not all games are as good for the iPod, and since Apple has not opened the door to the game development community at large, it will be interesting to see what comes next.