SkullReaper (top) Inkvaders (bottom)
SkullReaper and Inkvaders actually have a lot in common. Both are side-scrolling shooters, both have hand-drawn graphics, both use virtual controls to move the main character and fire weapons, and both were released during the same week in August 2009.
Despite these similarities, each game incorporates the gameplay a little differently, and it's this distinction that makes Inkvaders a bit of a better buy over SkullReaper.
In SkullReaper, in order to touch an object in the game to either pick up more health or find more ammunition, the player has to press the virtual on-screen button for touch. Inkvaders, on the other hand, allows players to just touch the object directly to pick it up. It's a subtle difference, but it's far more intuitive for the player to directly touch an object rather than press a button to touch it. When battling hordes of enemies, it's also easier to quickly touch an object while firing than releasing the shoot button to press the touch button.
Ammunition also runs out extremely quickly in SkullReaper over Inkvaders, and when it does run out, it's not as easy to find more. At least in Inkvaders, if G runs out of ammo, he can fly over enemies with his jet-pack to head back toward a vending machine to purchase additional supplies.
Inkvaders can also, to some extent, be customized to the type of player. Each level contains a Rush box, and if the player chooses to open it, G will be attacked by a massive swarm of aliens from both sides. The rewards--if G survives--are great, but not everyone will enjoy wading their way through such an onslaught. As such, the Rush box is not required to be opened for level completion. Casual gamers can ignore it, and hardcore gamers looking for a fighting frenzy can have at it.
Each game only costs $.99, so it may be worth it to some players to try out both. However, Inkvaders' better gameplay mechanics will attract more players and will most likely entice them to keep the game on their iPhones longer than SkullReaper.
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