10 iPhone games you missed in 2008

As we wait for the big title of 2009, finding great games that you haven't already played on the App Store is a bit of a chore. Sure, you've already hacked Hades's minions to bits in Hero of Sparta, crossed the finish line in Powerboat Challenge 3D, spent an evening with the Kane Pryce in Soul Trapper - but our top ten games of 2008 can't be all the good stuff out there, right?

You know it. While our first recommendation is to check out the phenomenal games we named as last year's best, if you're looking for more entertaining titles then here's another batch that might have slipped under your radar.

For whatever reason, each of these games didn't receive much attention or were swept under the rug as the heavy-hitters took the stage. No matter, because we're giving them second play in the hope that you give them your first.

The 10 iPhone games you missed in 2008

Asterope Developer: Niklas Wahrman Publisher: n/a Among the first wave of platform games specific to iPhone, Asterope is in the same strain as the seminal Toy Bot Diaries series. You control an astronaut in his efforts to rescue a stranded scientist. The zero gravity of space allows you to swing through environments to bypass obstacles. The adorable visuals give it an endearing quality that suits its creative gameplay well.
Bounce Trap Developer: PlayScreen Publisher: PlayScreen While everyone freaks out about Peggle coming to the iPhone at some undefined date, we've been enjoying Bounce Trap. Going beyond the pure chance of PopCap Games's addictive puzzler, this hybrid offers a great balance of chance and skill. Dropping coloured balls to clear holes from the screen requires a bit of tactical planning and luck. A new version of the game, Bounce Trap Tilt, introduces tilt controls that allow you to influence balls mid-fall. Polished and fun to play, this is a great pick up.
Vektrax Developer: Metismo Publisher: n/a This futuristic tube racer was among the first wave of racing games to hit the iPhone. Surprisingly, it still stands as one of the best at delivering quick, cheap thrills. What Vektrax lacks in longevity it gains in pure action. Solid controls, pleasant visuals, and well-tuned gameplay ensure a nice challenge. We'd love to see a more robust effort in a follow up, but for the asking price Vektrax is a great buy.
Theseus Developer: Jason Fieldman Publisher: n/a Turn-based puzzles games have long been a natural fit on portables so it comes as no surprise that Theseus plays so well. What amazes is the quality of contemplative gameplay awaiting you in this cerebral puzzler. Twisting Greek mythology into a turn-based test of wits, Theseus has you evading a symbolic minotaur as you escape from a touchscreen labyrinth. Simply presented, challenging to play - an ideal puzzle game at a phenomenal value.
Bike or Die 2 Developer: ToySpring Publisher: Chillingo Don't let the scary-sounding title of this fully-featured racer fool you: Bike or Die 2 is accessible and entertaining. What sounds like a game of chicken between two motorcycles is actually a test of skill in pedalling bicycles through physically-challenging environments. The tough courses ensure hours of play, but it's the level editor and ability to swap ghost data online that really sets the game apart.
1112, Episode 1 Developer: Agharta Studio Publisher: n/a Rarely do adventure games emerge as quality contenders with more sophisticated 3D endeavours or slick puzzle games. 1112, Episode 1 does just that with a phenomenal presentation and provocative narrative style. The inaugural instalment of this brilliantly-crafted adventure series is among the year's finest and at the top of the genre. With additional episodes to come (hopefully soon!), now's the perfect time to get caught up.
2079 Developer: Eric Tong Publisher: n/a Top-down shooters have always been a staple of gaming and 2079 does its work in extending that legacy to iPhone. Not only does it successfully present a fun shooter on the device, but it does so in a way that feels fresh thanks to smart use of the accelerometer. On-the-fly calibration ensures play at any angle without fuss. That's a good thing because 2079 dishes out some challenging battles. An excellent and affordable game.
BloXoR Developer: Terminal Core Games Publisher: n/a Given the simple task of uniting three blocks, BloXoR transforms an easy objective into a testing puzzler. Tilts of your handset allow you to move blocks about the screen in order to accomplish the goal; however, a variety of obstacles and tricks keep it from being a total breeze. While many of the later stages are hard, the game does an excellent job of introducing its elements methodically so when those challenges hit, you're ready. Plus, 72 levels ensure plenty of trying gameplay.
Hexterity Developer: Wooji Juice Publisher: n/a Tracing lines may not sound like much of a game, yet Hexterity puts enough of a twist on the simple act to turn it into a satisfying puzzler. With the screen filled with hexagons, your goal lies in crating a loop using adjacent hexagons. Of course, things are made more difficult with hazard tiles and bonuses. Hexterity succeeds because it's gameplay is intuitive; it stands out for being so fun and addictive.
Dizzy Bee 2 Developer: Igloo Games Publisher: n/a There's a ton of platform games taking advantage of tilt controls, yet Dizzy Bee 2 has always enjoyed buzz. Colourful graphics catch the eye, but its the intuitive gameplay that enables you to jump right in and play. That isn't to imply that the game lacks challenge: on the contrary, a wealth of creative enemies and complex levels ensure plenty of challenging moments. In a highly competitive genre, Dizzy Bee 2 exemplifies its best qualities.