Kami by State of Play Games
Kami or "Paper" is a beautifully designed puzzle game for the Mac and iOS. The game embodies certain aspects of eastern philosophy, as the user strives to create "oneness" or one color within a limited number of attempts. During the process of cyphering puzzles, the game feels like a struggle between Yin and Yang, opposing forces of positive and negative shapes that evolve interchangeably to become a single color or unified experience. Consistent with the eastern influence, the application features meditative music and sound effects to support your journey to oneness. The concept for Kami is brilliant, yet is equally enhanced by the aesthetic quality of duplicating the art of origami. Every color that is changed or transformed takes on the form of folding paper, triangular shapes that flicker toward completion and/or dissolution
Scrabble by Electronic Arts
If I had to choose my favorite game for the iPad, I would choose Scrabble by Electronic Arts. The virtual re-creation of the traditional scrabble game feels a lot like the original game. The app has a variety of settings for determining levels, whether you are playing solo, with friends, with a random opponent, pass n' play, or speed play. The game comes with all the features you need to get the most out of scrabble, such as best word, shuffle, dictionary, and swap. Unlike the physical scrabble game, letters are shuffled and replaced automatically after each word play. You can test out your skills by changing the level of difficulty or turning "teacher" on in case you need some recommendations. You can also choose to have music in the background to make the game more enjoyable, especially during those struggling moments.
The Room Three by Fireproof Games
The Room Three by Fireproof Games is the third iteration of this critically acclaimed virtual reality puzzle game that takes you into dark and mysterious rooms to explore various cabinets, gadgets and compartments in search for the true meaning of the null. As you play the game, letters in the form of scrolls provide background information about the narrative, and a drawer on the left is where you collect important items to open hidden compartments, and a special eye glass enables you to solve spatially configured puzzles. The visual graphics and sound effects transport you to another world, providing an immersive experience. The Room Two was voted Game of the Year by Apple and developers continues to exceed expectations. It is one of the most beautiful applications ever designed for iOS. If you are new to this series, check out The Room and The Room: Old Sins.
Let's Create! Pottery HD by Infinite Dreams Inc
Lets Create Pottery by Infinite Dreams, Inc is a virtual pottery wheel for the iPad, iPhone, and the Mac. On the iPad, the app makes use of the touch screen interface, enabling the user to press up, down, and across to mold and shape pottery vessels. You also get to fire your virtual clay vessel in a virtual pottery kiln and sell your winning designs on the market for virtual cash. The cash you procure enables you to purchase designs to further enhance the quality of your future creations. I have yet to find an app that replicates the tactile experience as well as this app. Let's Create Pottery is available in the App Store.