Big things sometimes come in small packages, or so the old saying goes. By extension, it also stands to reason that small things can come in packages that are downright invisible.

Digital distribution - accessing digital content as a direct download rather than by purchasing content on a disc in a box - is quickly taking over the world. Whether you're talking iTunes, Netflix, Steam, or any old dot-com-direct marketplace, digital shopping centers are quickly becoming the retail outlets of choice in entertainment, and nowhere is this more prevalent than on mobile phones.

But how do you wrap a digital present? Easy! It may not sit under the tree, wrapped and ready, but thanks to the "gifting" feature of many services, physical gift cards, or just good ol' cash and a list of recommendations, you can quickly turn your friends and co-workers on to your favorite mobile games this holiday season. We've put together a list of the top 5 mobile games that should suit every taste.


Angry Birds (Chillingo/Rovio)
iPhone $0.99, iPad $4.99, Android $Free, Nokia $2.99

When it comes to mobile entertainment, few trends have been as popular this year as physics-based puzzle games. Of the literally thousands that litter the market, Angry Birds manages to rule the roost. How does it manage to maintain that number one spot for so long with little more than a bird and a slingshot? By adding fresh content, challenging puzzles, and new twists to the game regularly. Players will need to use their brain to think out each and every puzzle, as they sling a variety of birds at structures in an attempt to destroy the dastardly pigs that have stolen their eggs. If you think you've played through every puzzle this game has to offer, you're never more than a few months from a free content update. Combine that with new spin-offs like Angry Birds Halloween, and you'll see why these birds have something new to squawk about.


Cut the Rope (Chillingo)
iPhone $0.99, iPad $1.99

The chief rival to Angry Birds throne in the world of physics-based puzzle games, Cut the Rope tells the story of a cute little monster in a box that just loves to eat candy. That candy, however, is kept away from him by a series of ropes and obstacles that players will need to cut in particular ways if they want to make sure the little guy gets fed. The rope physics in this one are astoundingly realistic, and thanks to some brilliantly designed puzzles and plenty of variety, no two challenges ever feel alike. Offering 300 puzzles and the promise of new content in the future, this pocket puzzler is bound to keep players busy for hours.


The Harvest (Microsoft Games Studio)
Windows Phone 7 $7.49

When it was announced earlier this year that Windows Phone 7 would incorporate Xbox Live into the mix, gamers wondered if the hardcore brand of gaming that they'd grown accustomed to would be completely watered down for the typically casual mobile experience. Thanks to The Harvest, they can put their fears to rest. Fighting packs of enemies on a post-apocalyptic landscape, players will enjoy a top-down blend of action gameplay and RPG elements as they evolve their on screen warrior on a desolate future Earth. For gamers who've grown tired of the two minute time wasters that most mobile offerings consist of, The Harvest proves that Windows Phone 7 gaming can be just as meaty as what you'd find in the home market. If Microsoft can pull more experiences out of their pocket like this one, Windows Phone 7 is going to have a great first year.



Fruit Ninja (Halfbrick)
iPhone $0.99, iPad $4.99, Android $0.99

With the popularity of the Food Network in full swing, it's no surprise that one of the most popular games this year is all about slicing and dicing edible treats. But don't go thinking Fruit Ninja is simply some namby pamby cooking game. Players will take part in a fruit-slicing frenzy, attacking citrus-based projectiles with a swipe of their sword. The main game tasks players with slicing as many fruit as they can without missing any or accidentally slicing a bomb, but thanks to free regular updates, players now have a variety of modes to choose from including a timed challenge, multiplayer, and an arcade mode with power ups and penalties. The frantic action here should easily appeal to fruit lovers and detractors alike.



Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus (Gameloft)
iPhone $6.99, iPad $9.99

Tailor made for the gamer that just can't walk away from a Call of Duty obsession, Black Pegasus brings online multiplayer action to the iPhone with a level of style and polish that should impress any first-person shooter fan. Bundled with an impressive single player campaign that puts players on the front lines of the war on terror, Black Pegasus' 10-man multiplayer features a level progression system that unlocks new weapons to equip your soldier with as you progress. There's also a variety of game modes including Team Battle and Capture the Flag, and jaw-dropping visuals designed to take optimal advantage of the iPhone 4's retina display. That's an awful lot of war to fit in your pocket, and it looks even better on the big screen for gamers on the go thanks to the recently released iPad adaptation.

Complete Evergeek Gift Guide listings at www.evergeek.com/GiftGuide

 
 

It's true: Quality kids games are hard to find. Sure, there's lots out there, but few that are both good and genuinely kid-friendly. Fortunately, GamersGate online games portal has an entire section dedicated to quality family fare. Go ahead, check it out!