The free iPhone game Trawler report: FarmVille, AC-130 Spectre, and Daredevil Dave

The Trawler was in dry dock last week, having the barnacles scraped from its hull (ahead of the Pocket Gamer team, who are due their checkup next week), so we apologise for its absence.

To make up for it, this week see two huge releases, alongside two topical games that couldn’t be farther apart in tone or content. The proliferation of sites that see fit to give away free apps means that there's no excuse not to try as broad a range of titles as possible.

So, whether you’re into slow burning social experiences, or careening, bone-breaking excitement, there's something on the App Store for you.

The best free iPhone games on the App Store

FarmVille
By Zynga
Type Freemium

Not everyone enjoys games like FarmVille, but for those that are into playing games that simulate a real job, this will be a delightful addition to their phone.

Primarily designed to augment your Facebook farm, and offer you permanently available access, the freemium app plays exactly how you would expect it to. A slick interface, pastoral music, and huge selection of things to buy (using game cash or the real life stuff) makes for a surprisingly deep, if creepingly slow, experience.

The charismatic visuals look excellent on the iPhone’s screen, and if you’re the patient sort, the game won’t cost you a penny. Clearly there aren’t many patient players, though, as Zynga’s offices are entirely gold plated, filled with swivel chairs stuffed with swan down, and its games are run on diamond encrusted servers.

AC-130 Spectre: iSniper from above!
By Triniti Games
Type Full

Despite the terrible title, flagrant exclamatory excess, and questionable morality of playing a game centered around killing insurgents in a fictional war identical to one currently raging, AC-130 is a curiously engaging experience.

Using a variety of powerful guns, the player must take out all manner of targets, including troops, tanks, and SAM turrets (before they take you out).

Anyone who has played Modern Warfare or Modern Warfare 2 will know exactly what to expect here, as this is essentially that level drawn out over several. It does look good, though, and the cold calculating nature of shooting at targets whilst ensconced in the belly of a gently humming plane is hypnotic.

This one has been out for a while, but it's free in conjunction with FreeAppADay, so grab it while you can.

Tate Trumps
By Tate Britain
Type Full

One to roll out when your partner/mum/boss tells you that games are a waste of time, make you fat and violent, and are just for kids (presumably not thin pacifist ones, though). Admittedly a little limited in terms of audience (you can only use this in the Tate Modern), the idea is a great one, and a pleasant example of games being used productively.

Simply roam the museum with a friend, and ‘collect’ the pieces when you’re next to them. Only one player can collect each piece, so you need to make sure you get to the good stuff quickly.

Choosing from three modes (Battle, Mood, or Collector) you then play a game of top trumps based on which artworks would win in a fight, which is the most menacing, or which would form part of the ultimate home collection.

Pick of the week

Daredevil Dave: Motorcycle Stuntman
By M-Digital Media
Type Full

PS3 owners may already be dabbling with stunt ‘em up Joe Danger, the latest entry in Sony’s Play, Create, Share range. Whilst iPhone owners aren’t likely to enjoy a conversion any time soon, Joe’s colleague, Dave, has stepped in to help.

The hapless stuntman is better known for his crashes than successful landings, which is great for players. Every bail is sweetened with ragdoll physics, and M-Digital Media has even thoughtfully included Injury Mode, in which you must achieve the highest possible hospital bill.

The 3D graphics and amusing soundbytes make this feel like a high quality release, whilst the random elements in each of the 18 challenges, along with the highscore table, ensure a great deal of replayibility. This is temporarily free thanks, yet again, to FreeAppADay.

Crap apps Box of Shame award

Finger Cut
By Jan Mazurczak
Type Full

I was going to write something cutting about this app, but the App Store description does a better job than I ever could (I particularly like the dramatic pauses):

“This is very simple and funny app.

"I turns your iPhone into saw, which can cut your finger if you touch it.

"Just saw, your fingers, blood and strange, bloody sounds. Show your friends, that your iPhone cuts your finger!

"Or just play with blood, shaking and turning you iPhone (Accelerometer works with blood).

"Multi touch enabled too! cut more fingers. Have fun!”

Sound appealing? Then you’re an idiot.