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10 iOS games that are as good as (if not better than) their PC and console counterparts

Should touch this

10 iOS games that are as good as (if not better than) their PC and console counterparts
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| Papers, Please

A lot of pocket gamers flinch at the mere mention of words like 'port' and 'mobile version' - and with good reason. There have been a lot of terrible ports and mobile editions of some terrific games.

It stands to reason, then, that a PC or console game being ported onto iOS would result in a much lesser version in every single aspect. Well, as the list below will attest to, that's not entirely the case.

At best this list contains creative uses of a touch control scheme and, at worst, a solid port that barely differs from its original version.

Papers, Please
By 3909

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A dystopian thriller that originally launched on PC, Papers, Please is arguably better on iOS due to some nifty touch screen controls that make the game feel a lot more personal. Now you have to slide that rejected passport back with your own hands - very traumatic.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
By Blizzard Entertainment

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The iOS version of Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft received a lot of love from developer Blizzard. The UI was completely customized for the iPad and flinging your cards around with your fingers is a lot more fun than using a mouse.

Faster Than Light
By Subset Games

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This is an example of a port done really, really well - Subset overhauled the user interface of Faster Than Light to make it work better on the iPad's smaller screen, which is good news for those wanting to take this strategic roguelike set in space on the go.

The Walking Dead
By Telltale Games

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Classic point and click adventures in general have found a great new home on mobile but Telltale Games has moved the genre forward. Its games are more like interactive movies - in a good way. Cinematic, suspenseful, and engrossing and they're best played on the comfort of an iPad.

Bastion
By Warner Bros.

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Originally released on Xbox as an indie exclusive, Bastion has found its way onto pretty much everything since. The iOS version is the full experience with a great swipe control method thrown in for good measure.

XCOM: Enemy Within
By 2K Games

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X-Com Enemy Within is, remarkably, the full PC version of Firaxis's massive strategy game, shrunk and placed right onto the iPad. No shoddy controls here, either - they are perfectly optimised for mobile.

The LEGO Movie Video Game
By Warner Bros.

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Though it launched almost a year after the PC and console versions, The LEGO Movie Video Game was worth the wait on iOS. The view is isometric to allow for a much more comfortable swipe-based control scheme but the rest remains largely unchanged and is pretty much awesome.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
By Aspyr Media, Inc.

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I'm not sure what it would take exactly to make this game a bad one but Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on iOS isn't a crappy port, it's a great one. Nothing was lost in the move to iOS but a little was added to make it a lot more comfortable on touchscreen.

The Banner Saga
By Stoic

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The visuals are stunning on that retina display - go on, admit it. There's also something a little bit more satisfying about tapping your Vikingheroes around the battleground. The Banner Saga on iOS just feels right and probably should have launched here.

Dragon Quest VIII
By Square Enix.

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Square Enix did something radical with its port of PS2 role-player Dragon Quest VIII. Unlike most games, you hold the phone vertically to play this one so you can control the game with just one thumb and without obscuring the action. You know what? It works.

Now we want to hear what you think. What are your favourite mobile ports or versions? Are there any other games you prefer playing on your iPad? Let us know in the comments below!
Chris James
Chris James
A footy game fanatic and experienced editor of numerous computing and game titles, lively Chris is up for anything - including running Steel Media! (Madman!)