Medieval HD
Tower defense games are a fantastic way to implement a real-time strategy type game on portable platforms. Medieval HD does a pretty good job on the iPad. There seem to be two types of tower defense styled games now. One where you place turrets and troops along a given path from point A to point B. In Medieval HD's case, it is more along the 2-D side point of view.
Two castles face off on opposite sides of the screen, each with it's own flag. The enemy sends a myriad of troops from the common footman, to calvary, to catapults, and even balloons to attack your castle and steal your flag back to their side of the screen similar to capture the flag. You start out on a simple map with a beautifully designed background shooting a crossbow/ballista type weapon mounted on the top of a castle tower by dragging your finger back similar to pulling the string on a bow, shooting one of many variations of arrow, flaming arrows, and rocks at the enemy. Your arsenal doesn't end there, however. You can build support buildings that allow you to recruit land troops as well that will recover your flag or attempt to steal the enemy's as well. Simple? Yeah, right. As the levels progress, you do keep the troops or types of projectiles along the upgrade path, but will they be enough for the particular attacks the enemy is sending your way on a particular map? Sometimes your build order can work against you in such a way to make the game downright maddening. I have found it to be loads of fun for a quick get-in; get-out type of game. It looks great on the iPad. The controls are easy to pick up and gameplay is a blast. There is enough variety to keep you pulling your bow string back on the enemy repeatedly. Highly recommended for the $3. Medieval HD (iPad, $2.99)http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medieval-hd/id387132819?mt=8
