FIFA 10

The recent big release for the iPhone is EA’s FIFA 10, which joins other “big” EA games on the platform, such as Madden, Tiger Woods and The Sims 3. While it's obviously not as robust as the console versions, the iPhone version of FIFA holds up quite well and is surprisingly deep.

This game features all the modes you would expect on a traditional console, which is more than you probably expect on an iPhone game. This includes Be a Pro, Tournament and Manager mode. You can also play others using local Wi-Fi. It also includes 30 leagues, over 500 teams and 12,000-plus individual players.

In addition to all those extras, the graphics look good and the game sports a solid frame rate.

The biggest issue with this version of FIFA 10, which is common for most iPhone games, is the controls. You have two options: an on-screen joystick or the accelerometer.

I found the joystick to be a little too sensitive on the default level (sensitivity can be changed) -- to the point where all I could do was sprint. And, while sprinting, turning is very difficult. It seemed I was instantly taking any player I switched to out of the play. Plus, there were times when my player would disappear behind my thumb.

On the other hand, while playing on the default accelerometer setting, I was tipping the screen to such an extreme degree that I could not see the action on the field.

While using either style, the controls are limited to two buttons -- more advanced controls often require double-taps or slides from A-B-A. These advanced controls work, but like the rest of the control scheme, you will need a lot of practice. The controls are not as intuitive as the ones you would have access to with an actual console controller, or even as intuitive as the touch controls found in the iPhone version of Madden.

Still, there’s a lot to like here if you are a soccer fan. I’ve read some complaints about outdated rosters and poorly colored jerseys, but for the price and the platform, this seems like a good buy.

Backbreaker Tackle Alley

So the iPhone is where Backbreaker first shows up in playable form?

Weird.

Nevertheless, even here it’s not the Madden-killer some may have hoped. In fact, it’s not even a true football game, but an evolution of the old LED games where "football" meant running up while avoiding tacklers.

But even those old handhelds were fun, and I’ve probably logged more time with Tackle Alley than iPhone Madden. It’s a very simple game to pick up and play in short bursts.

Basically, you create a player (using only a few options) and try to score a touchdown by running down the field and evading the defense. You have no teammates or blockers, just an arsenal of spins, jukes and sprints. It’s a points-based game, and you get more points by pulling off slick moves and hitting the right area of the end zone.

The more difficult levels in the game limit what areas of the field you can use and also boost the defense. There is also a challenge and endurance mode with, once again, some very limited customization options.

And that’s it. Of course, you’ll only pay $2 for this game, so for less than a cup of fancy coffee, you can get a quick football fix.

It should be noted that if Backbreaker can achieve proportional graphics and animations on the consoles, we may have something to pay attention to. This game looks great, has a slick style and animates very well. The post-tackle replays are also fun to watch.

Baseball Stars 2010

There are many modes in this game, including the traditional exhibition and season modes, but the highlight is the career mode. Playing as either a pitcher or a batter, you earn points to increase your experience, buy new (and crazy) equipment and live an "off the field" life complete with dating. The story isn’t as encompassing as the one found in Power Pros on the Wii, but it works on the small scale of the platform.

While playing the career mode, you have to play four games at a time -- for whatever reason -- then you have a chance to upgrade stuff, purchase equipment, etc. The games obviously do not take much time to complete because you only play during your at-bats or innings where you are on the mound. The graphics, gameplay and style are all reminiscent of the old 16-bit baseball games.

Occasionally, your manager will give you some advice, such as "strike this batter out." Big bonuses await you if you are able to follow that advice. However, there isn’t any “positive result” outcome like in MLB: The Show. So, while you are not penalized for getting a double play instead of the commanded strike out, you do get a stern remark from your manager. (Here is one example of the manager being a mean old man: "Who taught you to pitch?!" -- apparently, someone who valued two outs instead of one skipper.)

But that is a small complaint in an otherwise quality baseball game. This particular title may not appeal to the masses, but it will definitely satisfy the small lot of us who enjoy quirky baseball in small doses.