One of the most popular app collections in Store is Next Big Thing, probably because it showcases some of the latest and greatest titles from the enthusiastic community of indie game makers. (I’m sure Store editors also have fun putting this collection together.)
Here’s a round up some of my favorite new additions to Next Big Thing, which has 11 titles in all. And don’t miss the January, February, and March installments of this column for more great picks.
Death Worm
Have you been waiting for Death Worm like so many other gamers? It’s on indiegames.com’s list of top 50 indie games, and now it’s on Windows Phone 8. Use your finger to control the horrifying underground monster as it blows up cars and tanks, brings down planes and helicopters, and eats…well, just about everything. There are 60 levels in 4 locations, plus 3 bonus mini-games to hold your attention. Fans of the movie Dune should also like this one. Buy it
Timber Words
Think you’ve seen it all, word game fans? Then check out the free Timber Words for Windows Phone 7.5 and Windows Phone 8. The game turns a classic crisscross of words into an addictive and mind-boggling Rubik’s Cube-style letter maze. The basic idea here is simple: make words on a 5×6 board by sliding rows or columns. But the result is complex, and completely fun. You can even compete in a worldwide championship for daily, weekly, monthly, and all-time leadership. Download it
Squids
It’s a scary time in this lush, underwater kingdom. Steev, Vahne and the rest of the Squids are threatened by an infectious black ooze, and they need a hero to help save their beautiful world. That’s you. By recruiting a platoon of stretchy, squishy Squids, you can lead them into battle—and into the light of victory against the dark hordes. Squids ($1.49) is a charming, turn-based game of strategy and skill for Windows Phone 8. Buy it
Hexalines
Here’s a great game to play with friends — or against the computer—and runs on Windows Phone 7.5 and 8. As you race to fill the most tubes with red liquid, your opponents are working at it as well, adding hexagons on the plan, or rotating them. Play unfolds rapidly, and you’ll need sharp eyes and quick reflexes to keep your strategy on track. Are you up to the challenge? Like all great games, Hexalines ($.99) is a cinch to learn but difficult to master. Buy it
