Pro-wrestling games have been staples of my console gaming setups for as long as I can remember.  So far, though, mobile platforms haven't been kind to the genre and TNA Wrestling iMPACT really doesn't do much to change that situation.

There are plenty of good things here.  You get a cast well-rendered TNA superstars, including Samoa Joe, Hulk Hogan and AJ Styles, along with 21 others, complete with their costumes, entrances and signature moves.  There's a character creator, too, which lets you fashion some decent-looking wrestlers all on your own.  A generous collection of moves are available, all with good animations.  You can also pick up objects like chairs for going at it hardcore style.

Controls in TNA Wrestling iMPACT consist of a D-Pad for movement and separate buttons for attack, grapple and run.  Special buttons appear when you're in the position to pin an opponent, execute a finishing maneuver, climb stuff and a couple other situations.  There's not much complication when executing moves (think pre-SVR console games), so a lot of the gameplay is fairly basic.  If you like your wrestling games the old rock-em, sock-em style, this could be a regular on your playlist.  Career, exhibition and multi-player modes are all available.

On the downside, if you're looking for a little more gameplay depth, there's really none to be found here.  It's a little slow, too, compared to some of the fighting games on the iPhone.  There are also a lot of graphical glitches that hint at a rushed finished product.

Overall, I'd still recommend TNA Wrestling iMPACT if you're a hardcore fan of old-school, mindless pro-wrestling bash-a-thons.  There's potential here, but with too little variety in gameplay and an overall lack of polish, it's not worth a casual fan's $4.99.

[iTunes]

After skipping a release last year, a new Tiger Woods game just came out in the App Store.   The iOS version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12  was recently release, bringing more of the same mobile golfing action with a few new features that you might find enticing.

The main strength of the original Tiger Woods on the iPhone was its gameplay and that continues on through this iteration.  A few refinements have been thrown in here and there, but it remains primarily the same as the original.

The main part of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 remains the career mode, which has you competing in various tournaments for cash, which you can then use to both improve your skills and enter subsequent tournaments.  They also added a new Challenge mode, which has you competing in multiple mini-challenges that make for fun pickup games; a Closest to the Pin mode for competing with Facebook friends regarding which ones can get closest to a hole.  Multiplayer over Bluetooth and WiFi is supported for both the career and challenge modes.

Graphics are a definite step up from the original game, with marked improvements in appearance for almost every aspect of the visuals.   You also get more options in golf courses (8), more athletes to play with (8) and a character create mode.  The commentary is still better muted, though, but it's a small downside to an otherwise tremendous effort.

While the gameplay only marks a slight upgrade from the original;, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 still comes across as a big improvement to the mobile golfing franchise.  It's available from the App Store now, priced at $6.99.

[EA]

I didn't have high hopes for Fight Night Champion, the iPhone version of EA's hit Fight Night series on consoles.  The Xbox 360 titles I've played made for hours upon hours of entertainment and I can't imagine an iOS version really coming close to recreating that.

Fortunately, EA proved me wrong.  The boxing game turned out to be a mighty fun experience, even with the occasional hiccups (it crashed twice on me -- yikes) and the obvious limitations of the platform.

Fight Night Champion's overall gameplay shares many similarities to Fight Night 4, with fast and furious pugilistic action taking center stage round after round.  Controls can be a handful to learn, so make sure to take some time to learn it before giving up in frustration.  Once you get the hang of it, though, you'll realize it's actually pretty intuitive -- you tap to jab, swipe sideways for a cross, swipe up for an uppercut and so on.  The one really tough area is the movement: you need to tilt your phone to get the boxer to move and it feels like a chore even after 50 or so rounds.

As with all Fight Night games, there's a career mode with some depth to it, as well as quick play for short pick-up matches.  I'm really glad they managed to add multiplayer over WiFi and Bluetooth -- really ups replayability tenfold when you can bust heads with your friends.  Graphics are really good for an iPhone game and it comes with 20 big names in tow (both active and retired boxers), so there are no complaints on either end.

Overall, Fight Night Champion is a welcome download that will likely be a bestseller on the platform.  You can get it now for $4.99.

[EA]

Let me preface this with a disclaimer: I've stayed away from every NBA Jam game on every platform.  Being a big fan of the NBA 2K series, the comical gameplay of the title just didn't appeal to me.  With a lack of decent basketball games on the iPhone, however, I thought I might as well give NBA Jam a shot.

Visually, the game look stunning on the small display.  With the characters sporting 3D polygonal bodies and high-res photographs for heads, the effect is equally creepy and hilarious -- just the very things the developers are likely aiming for.  The animation is fluid and actual game performance is predominantly smooth (with a few hiccups here and there).

The old NBA Jam gameplay is recreated in the iOS version.  That means, a relatively free-for-all game of 2-on-2.  All the crazy things you can do on console versions are faithfully remade, so it's a lot of fun if you're into the on-court mayhem that's been the title's trademark all these years.

Control system works very well.  You get a virtual stick, a turbo button and another pair of buttons that changes functions, depending on whether you're on defense or offense.  It's simple, but accurate.  There's a training camp mode where you can pick up more advanced controls, such as making use of the turbo to turn regular moves into something spectacular (and, often, implausible).

All 30 NBA teams are represented, with 3 to 5 current players for each team available for use.   Each team has unlockable players, too, which range from retired legends to team mascots.  And, yes, it's a boatload of fun.

If there's anything missing in NBA Jam for iPhone, it's multiplayer.  Arcade games, especially action-packed sports ones, are just bundles more fun when played against people you can insult throughout the game.  As it is, though, this is a very fun sports title well worth the $4.99 price.

[EA]

Seldom do we get hockey games on mobile platforms, so the release of 2K Sports' NHL 2K11 is a much welcome addition to the App Store.  With serviceable graphics, fun gameplay and in-depth realism, it's easily one of the most entertaining sports games on the iPhone.

Let's start with the shortcomings.  Most noticeable here are the unpolished graphics (nothing horrible but the resolution is blocky at best), lacking commentary and a sometimes questionable AI.  None of the above are really deal-breakers, since the game is so good even with those deficiencies.

Controls consist of an analog stick for player movement and three onscreen buttons for a variety of in-game actions .  Strength of passes and shots are determined by how long you hold down the corresponding buttons.  Actions of the buttons will sometimes depend on your position relative to other players, so the body check button can deliver either a simple poke or a hard body check.  All the controls work well, adding plenty of depth and strategy to the way you play the game.

Possibly the best thing in NHL 2K11 is the amount of options, which rival what you can find in an actual home console title.  You can change a load of things, such as difficulty, camera angles, in-game rules and a whole lot more.  Considering this is the franchise's first iPhone game, it's mighty impressive.

You can play quick games or a season mode.  For the latter, it works like a real console game, complete with the ability to load entirely new rosters, make trades, enforce salary caps and fiddle with other off-court factors.

If you've ever hankered for a hockey game on the iPhone, 2K Sports NHL 2K11 is easily the best one available.  It's a veritable bargain too, priced at only $1.99.

[2KSports]

There's been a lot of buzz about Flick Baseball prior to its release. Showing it's worthy of the hype, the new game proves to be one of the most entertaining arcade baseball titles we've seen on a mobile platform.

Emphasis on "arcade." If you were hoping for serious baseball simulation, you'll be disappointed. However, if you're in search of a fun baseball game with a console-like presentation, you won't have to look any further. This is the sports game to get.

Right off the bat (yes, it's a pun), you notice the excellent graphics and audio, which bring a feel that makes it seem like a full-fledged console title, instead of an App Store download. It's a hint at the kind of sophistication we should expect from future games on the platform and it works out beautifully here.

You get to do a lot in Flick Baseball: bat, pitch, field fly balls and more. Every action actually feels like a mini-game unto itself, making the experience of a single game intensely fun and varied.

When batting, you tilt your iPhone around an onscreen crosshair to line up your bat, tap the screen to swing and advance bases by tapping on them. When pitching, you select a throw, tilt the handset to aim and tap the screen to let it loose. The AI batter also picks its own pitch and, in case their choice matches yours, earns extra power on the hit. Most fielding is done automatically, although you can contribute by playing a timing-based mini-game during fly balls. Tap the four gloves that come onscreen when they intersect and you've got a catch.

In case all you want to do is pitch, you can skip entire innings. However, your scores for the skipped round will be calculated using an in-game algorithm based on each player's stats. Your players do get tired as the game wears on, so their accuracy (for both pitchers and batters) decrease. Also, the ease by which all the actions can be accomplished will depend on your players' stats, so picking a good team is important (if you care about winning, that is).

Flick Baseball is designed mostly for fun pick-up games, rather than sustained, sim-style play. However, you can go through entire seasons if you want to. Plus, you can build your own teams, with your own roster of players, fiddling with all sorts of details. While not for those in search of an in-depth baseball title, it's a seriously entertaining arcade sports game with an affordable $2.99 price.

[Freeverse]

Remember Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 on the original Playstation? Highly-regarded as a classic of the genre, the game has now found its way to the iPhone and the port is every bit as good.

Calling it good doesn't mean it's perfect. Mainly, it suffers from the issues of porting a 10 year old game into a modern platform. While we're already familiar with the difficulties of going from physical to virtual controls, it's not that bad here. In fact, if you've never played the original, it's likely not going to be an issue. The main problem for me is the fact that it saves progress only after each level (just like the PS version). Get interrupted by a phone call in the middle of play and you'll be right back to the last saved game.

One of the best things about Pro Skater 2 is that it blends an in-depth career mode with an open world. The iPhone version brings all that in, allowing you to play it both as a skater coming up in the ranks or just a dude roaming the streets, finding fun things to do. All the upgrades have been retained, from learning new tricks to earning new gear, which you amass by progressing through your career.   Both the graphics and sound are great, probably even better than the original in some ways. They weren't able to port the old soundtrack completely, although I didn't particularly find it to be a major drawback.

While old fans of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 will undoubtedly find this to be a gem (the skating plays very much like the original), it does lack some of the more social features we're used to in modern titles. Imagine this game with online leaderboards and replay sharing, for instance. Wouldn't that be a blast? In fact, I'll be willing to pay $5 more for an update like that. As it is, though, this is an extremely fun game that's well worth the $9.99 price.

[iTunes]

Pumped up from the Winter Games?  You can snowboard like a heavily-padded athlete on your iPhone too with X2 Snowboarding, the first really good snowboarding title to ever grace the platform.

First, a disclaimer.  I'm not a big fan of snowboarding games.  In fact, I'd never been able to tolerate them until a friend turned me onto SSX some years back.  While it hasn't grown on my stable of favorites, I do enjoy a pick-up game every once in a while.

The graphical presentation of X2 is really noteworthy.  While cartoony, the overall look is exceptional, especially when compared to competing titles on the App Store.  The instant replay, which allows you to watch scenes from various angles over and over, are a constant source of amusement.

You get a choice of six characters, each one with a varied skill set that gives you different advantages and disadvantages during play.  There are six possible venues (USA, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and Chile) and three types of competitions (Freestyle, Race, and Trick-Race).  The slopes are very long, with plenty of variations, making for a challenging romp every time down.

Controls are a combination of tilt and touch, but are geared quite loosely, which works really well for both the platform and the fast-paced action.  The basic buttons control jumping and turbo, while  a third one helps you tie tricks together.  When you're up in the air, buttons appear to perform various grabs.  You can also tilt the phone to rotate the character during the trick.

With an excellent soundtrack to top everything off, X2 Snowboarding is one of the most immersive and exciting solo sports games on the iPhone.  Very surprising.  The price feels a bit steep, though, at $6.99.

I loved both NFL 2010 and Madden 10 on the iPhone.  When asked what's the best sports title I've seen on the platform, however, I'd have to point towards that other sport where they kick balls too.  X2 Football is, hands down, the most consuming sports game I've played with on the handset, setting the bar high for future action sports apps.

The game offers four modes of play - Exhibition, Penalty Shootout, Training, and Tournament.  It's all single player, though, with a multi-player update promised for the end of the year.  You can tell, pretty much, what each mode is about just based from the names, so I won't delve into descriptions.

In Tournament play, you go after various championships, both national, international and league tourneys.  It offers detailed team management, allowing you to assign formations, captains, substitutes and many more.

Game controls are excellently picked out, making for a game that is both exciting and technically challenging.  An onscreen joystick is available on the left side of the screen, with three buttons for various actions (kicking goals, putting pressure, passing, sliding tackles, etc) available on the right side.  The range of shots and passes can be controlled by holding buttons down, filling up the power meter.  Double-tapping during a run makes your player do special moves to get around opponents.  Numerous additional buttons also appear onscreen as needed.

An instant replay with slo-mo is integrated into the game, allowing you complete saveable playback in 3D mode.  Both the graphics and audio are topnotch (though not as good as Madden), adding plenty of realism into the gameplay.  You can also play songs from your library during the game.

With challenging AI, realistic action and technical gameplay, X2 Football 2009 is probably the best sports title I've laid my iPhone thumbs on.  Sorry, Real Soccer fans, but it blows that game out of the field.  There's plenty of fun here to keep you busy till the multi-player update rolls out before the year is through.

Photo Credit: X2 Football

After sitting on it for some time and letting NFL 2010 get first dibs on the App Store, EA has finally released its port of Madden to the iPhone.  Managing to make it just before the new season kicks off, Madden 10 looks downright gorgeous.  How well does it stand up to its platform competitor, though?

In a nutshell, the battle between NFL titles is neck and neck.  Character models and player environments are more beautifully-rendered than its GameLoft counterpart, though it does come at a price: choppiness.  It's not enough to detract from the game, so it's not that big of a deal, however.  Production and play-by-play commentary is great, probably better than what's been done with the PSP and DS.

Controls, as usual, are managed via a virtual joystick and a couple of on-screen buttons.  You can tap to select linemen and receivers, tap to snap anywhere on the screen and create instant hot routes for receivers by drawing them with a finger.  The latter is such an entertaining tweak that it changes the whole dynamics of calling plays on a football video game.  During critical moments, you can slow down (your choice) and choose from more specific action buttons.  It's not forced (unlike in NFL 2010), so you can opt not to stall the action, which is the way I like it (sloppy play).   Playing modes include Season and Quickplay, but there's no Franchise or Multiplayer (the latter may come with a later update, though).

So which is better?  It's really a toss-up, with both games largely weighing as equals in my book (I enjoyed NFL 2010 a bit more, though).  Madden 10 is now available at the App Store for $9.99.