One of the key capabilities of the recently announced Apple iPad is gaming. In April, 2010, the Apple App Store for iPad had 1,577 game titles (32% of total iPad apps) of which 28% were free.http://distimo.createsend3.com/t/r/l/bddfh/tukhsidt/j This Free iPad Games page has a list of reviewed games, video demo clips and the latest news, links, and lists of best iPad games.

While the iPad can be used for what a MacBook (browsing web, email, reading ebooks) and iPhone (listening to music, watching videos or TV) can do - it is the games that rule. The Apple iPad may mean changes to gaming as the gamer is no longer tethered to a computer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBlqqeA7XKw Apple was initially skeptical about games on their devices but free iPhone games have been one of most popular downloads for the iPhone/iPod Touch.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7090946/Is-gaming-the-Apple-iPads-killer-app.html A good reason why games played a prominent role in the iPad product announcement despite the focus of media attention on its eBook reader capability. The April announcement of the Apple Game Center points to the central role of games on the iPad WiFi and iPad 3G.

Free games can be demo (trial) versions, "lite" or restricted features, or really free.

WWDC 2010 Highlights:

iPad games that were winners of the 2010 Apple Design Awards were Flight Control HD from Firemint and Pinball HD from Gameprom.http://www.macstories.net/news/apple-design-awards-2010-winners-announced/

Zynga announced Farmville for the iPhone (not native on iPad yet) on center stage at the WWDC 2010 Keynote.http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/06/07/14354/ Push notification may improve the gaming experience over the Facebook version. Zynga will pay Apple the usual 30% share on revenue from Farmville currency.

Game specific features on the iPad include a 2X button that fills the screen with a simple tap. The graphics are affected but Joystiq lists some advantages to the full-screen feature.http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-hands-on-preview/ For example, they report that "Need for Speed actually controlled better with the larger screen; tilting the iPad had less of an effect on the screen than doing the same on the iPhone's comparatively tiny display.." They also report the "larger surface means your big fat thumbs won't obscure as much of the screen as they do on the iPhone". The larger iPad screen also allows for on-screen pads demonstrated in the iPad-optimized port of NOVA. The game experience is enhanced by the iPad recognizing nearly 11 simultaneous multi-touch inputs.http://www.iphonehacks.com/2010/03/can-ipads-richer-gaming-platform-outdo-apples-iphone-gaming-success.html

The iPAD SDK beta (actually iPhone SDK 3.2 beta) is now available.http://www.apple.com/ipad/sdk/ Those who are iPhone Developer Program members have access to iPad Programming Guide, iPad Simulator, iPad Sample Code, iPad Human Interface Guidelines, and Preparing Universal Applications.http://www.apple.com/ipad/sdk/

Only a few games were demonstrated at the product announcement that took advantage of the larger screen. iPad-optimized games will have their own section on the App Store according to an Apple representative at the launch event.http://toucharcade.com/category/ipad-games/ The iPad version of FPS Nova ships later this year. Herocraft announced Majesty will be released full-resolution for the iPad.http://www.examiner.com/x-544-Games-Examiner~y2010m1d29-The-iPad-gets-majestic-with-Majesty-kingdom-sim

Many game developers are committed to the iPad including OpenFeint, Firemint with optimized version of Flight Control, and Apple games divison of Namco network.http://toucharcade.com/category/ipad-games/

Entertainment Arts (EA) showed an iPad-enhanced demo of Need for Speed. Some of the features include drivers tapping the car to access a view of the cockpit or tapping the rear view mirror to look behind them.http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37329/EA-fronts-iPads-games-push

More details on games available will be provided. Keep in mind that any iPhone or iPod Touch game will run on the Apple iPad. Developers will no doubt deliver iPad-enhanced games shortly after iPads are available. For games running Adobe Flash go to iPad hacks page as the iPhone does not have Flash.

Everyone has their favorite iPad games. This section lists the consensus choice (three or more reviewers) for best free iPad Games.

Harbor Master (Flight Control but with boats)http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games http://toucharcade.com/2010/04/03/free-ipad-games-smiles-hd-and-many-more/ http://www.cnet.com/2300-31747_1-10003174.html It is free for the moment ...

iPad Air Hockey (gold version free)

Labyrinth 2 Lite (limited levels)

The Solitaire and Break HD Free are the second and third most downloaded free iPad applications in May according to the Distimo Report.http://distimo.createsend3.com/t/r/l/nidydk/tukhsidt/j

18May Compression HD for iPad is free - a matching game from Little White Bear Studioshttp://toucharcade.com/2010/05/18/compression-hd-for-ipad-is-now-available-free/

14May Dizzypad HD climbed to the top of the free iPad games list in the Apple App Store.

Paper Football HDhttp://www.crazymikesapps.com/paper-football-hd-ipad-app-video-nice-free-ipad-game/ - takes those paper triangles to the big screen

Star Daze HDhttp://www.crazymikesapps.com/star-daze-hd-ipad-app-review-blazing-fast-game-play/ - free coupon code available

Nanoplex 1.0 for iPad (and iPhone) - see video demo belowhttp://appmodo.com/19194/unreal-mojo-releases-nanoplex-1-0-free-game-for-ipad-and-iphone-2/

Pinball HD for iPad releasedhttp://ipadmodo.com/831/the-pinball-hd-for-ipad-released/ released 23Apr10

MMORPG, IMO: The World of Magic basic version free at the App Store (buy enhancements)http://www.gamezplay.org/2010/04/imo-world-of-magic-free-mmorpg-game-on.html

Top Free iPad Games as of May 14, 2010http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28560/Top_iPad_Game_Apps_Dizzypad_HD_Leads_Free_Charts.php

1. Dizzypad HD
2. Demolition Master HD Free
3. The Solitaire
4. Labyrinth 2 HD Lite
5. 1on1 Hockey
6. GodFinger for iPad
7. What's the Difference? (iPad Edition)
8. Tap Tap Radiation
9. Doons HD Deluxe
10. Checkers Free HD

The April Distimo Reporthttp://distimo.createsend3.com/t/r/l/bddfh/tukhsidt/j has the following games on the Top 20 free applications list.

Rank Application - Publisher

2 The Solitaire - UnitConvertr

3 Break HD Free - Jirbo, Inc.

8 JamPad - QNG

13 Big Bad Sudoku Book - Bad Weasel, LLC

14 GodFinger for iPad - ngmoco, Inc.

15 Jirbo Says : Brain Test - Jirbo, Inc.

18 Labyrinth 2 HD Lite - Illusion Labs

There are over 140,000 apps at the new Apple iPad Apps Store - many of them iPad games (1,283 at last count) - some free - though not as many as for the iPhone.http://www.apple.com/ipad/app-store/

From the 20 Best iPad Games (CNET)http://www.cnet.com/2300-31747_1-10003174.html

Harbor Master

Labyrinth 2 (free version limited levels)

From the Weekly top iPad apps (The Independent)http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/weekly-top-ipad-apps-traditional-board-games-get-a-digital-makeover-1951734.html

SCRABBLE for iPad

Shanghai Mahjong

Shredder Chess for iPad

Small World for iPad

BoardBox

From the Featured & Best Free iPad Games (iFunia)http://www.ifunia.com/ipad-column/featured-free-ipad-games.html

Cube - single and multi-player first person shooter

Armado Lite

Ibasketball

iGolf

iBall3D - 3D remake of Labryinth

Pukk HD is a free ad-supported app with two player, split screen action.http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pukk-hd/id364578808?mt=8 Free App A Day expanding to Free iPad games - stay tuned for details - the domain is FreeiPadAppADay.com

From the The 20 Best Free iPad Apps (Extremetech)http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2362640,00.asp

7. Air Hockey Gold

8. Pocket Legends for iPad

13. Aurora Feint 3

16. Harbor Master HD

See the sidebar for Best iPad Games that are not Free For the first few weeks after the US launch, iPad games are more expensive than their iPhone counterparts and fewer free games.

Free iPad Games recommended in single reviews

Solitairehttp://www.appolicious.com/games/articles/1953-solitaire-ipad-game-a-great-way-to-waste-time includes posting of scores globally

Jirbo Says http://www.ipadpig.com/free-ipad-game-4-jirbo-says/ - like playing Simon Says - reached top 20 download in April on the iPad Store

Minesweeper Boom!http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games

Tap Tap Radiationhttp://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games http://toucharcade.com/2010/04/03/free-ipad-games-smiles-hd-and-many-more/

Gun Wars for iPad now freehttp://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-games/1747-temp-free-gun-wars-ipad.html

Dubble is a puzzle shooting game - break three bubbles and keep them away - free for a limited timehttp://news.handhelditems.com/ipad-game-app-dubble-free-limited/

The iPad runs on a 1 GHz Apple A4 chip. The Engadget correspondent reported "A handful of new touch controls. Graphics look smooth, fairly fast ... live video within the app and fullscreen"http://i.engadget.com/2010/01/27/live-from-the-apple-tablet-latest-creation-event/

Gameloft FPS Nova was demonstrated by Mark Hickey of Gameloft at the Apple product announcement.http://iphoneblips.dailyradar.com/video/gameloft-nova-fps/ Short demonstrations by Entertainment Arts (EA) and MLB.com were also made.

Travis Boatman from EA said "Building for the iPad is a little different -- it's kind of like holding an HD display up to your face. It's really cool."http://i.engadget.com/2010/01/27/live-from-the-apple-tablet-latest-creation-event/

Chad Evans from MLB.com -- "We were excited to build something for the iPad. We had to create a whole new experience for this display."http://i.engadget.com/2010/01/27/live-from-the-apple-tablet-latest-creation-event/ MLB.com offered a free weekend (April 24-25) of MLB.TV to At Bat 2010 subscribers promoting their iPad app.http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/free-weekend-of-live-baseball-via-mlbtv-on-iphone-ipod-touch--ipad-91906974.html

Try out some suggestions from Touch Arcadehttp://toucharcade.com/2010/04/03/free-ipad-games-smiles-hd-and-many-more/

We Rule

Aurora Feint 3

CastleCraft

Pocket Legends

Labyrinth 2 HD Lite

A list of features (or lack thereof) to watch out for - are you getting mobile games at console prices?http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9176501/Gaming_on_the_iPad_What_works_what_doesn_t for features functions

Lack of console capability for shooter games

iPad games that you have to buy but recommended by cited reviewers:

Angry Bird HD ($4.99)http://www.padgadget.com/2010/05/10/angry-birds-hd-ipad-game-review/

Pinball HD for iPad ($2.99)http://ipadmodo.com/831/the-pinball-hd-for-ipad-released/ released 23Apr10

Air Coaster XL ($1.99)http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/an-app-with-some-ups-and-downs/ - design your own roller coaster and then ride it.

Civilization Revolution ($12.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Fieldrunners HD ($7.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Flight Control HD ($4.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Real Racing HD ($9.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

N.O.V.A. ($9.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Pacific Defense ($1.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Need for Speed Shift ($14.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Mirror’s Edge ($12.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Smule Magic Piano ($.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Dungeon Hunter HD ($6.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Air Hockey ($.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/ http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games

Frogger ($4.99)http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/12/crunchgear-rates-the-top-10-ipad-games/

Labyrinth 2 HDhttp://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games

Game Table (chess, checkers, cards)http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games

Scrabble (US only $9.99)http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

Rush Hour HDhttp://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games

Pac-Manhttp://www.pocket-lint.com/news/32555/ipad-apps-casual-gamer-games http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

Sam & Max Episode 1: The Penal Zone (Telltale Games, $9.99)http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition (Sega, $9.99)http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

Pool Pro Online 3 (Namco Networks, $6.99)http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

Diner Dash: Grilling Green (PlayFirst, $4.99)http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-shopping-guide-the-best-ipad-games-169974.phtml

From the 10 Best Apple iPad Games (PC Mag)http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,1205,l%253D250668%2526a%253D250665%2526po%253D0,00.asp?p=n - unfortunately none free

Scrabble (Electronic Arts) $4.99

Dungeon Hunter HD $6.99

Nova (Gameloft) $9.99

NOVA $9.99

Fieldrunners for iPad $7.99

Plants vs. Zombies HD $9.99

Real Racing HD $9.99

Frogger $4.99

Minigore HD $4.99

Babylonian Twins HD $1.99

Mirror's Edge $12.99 - iPad port

Just because an iPhone game is popular doesn't mean it will look and feel right on the iPad. Here are 20 games that would look and play great on the iPad:http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/20-best-ipad-games-we-want-to-see-ported-from-the-iphone-672825

1. Civilization Revolution

2. Monopoly

3. Scrabble (now available on iPad)

4. Championship Manager

5. Flight Control (now available on iPad)

6. GeoDefense

7. Red Conquest

8. Galcon

9. Orbital

10. 'A decent pinball game'

11. Solebon Solitaire

12. Space Invaders Infinity Gene

13. Beneath a Steel Sky

14. Frotz

15. Missile Command

16. Doom Resurrection

17. 'An air hockey game' (now available on iPad)

18. FIFA 10

19. Lucky Coins

20. Enigmo

10 best iPad games we can't wait to play (iFunia)http://www.ifunia.com/ipad-column/10-best-ipad-games-we-can-not-wait-to-play.html

Flight Control

Monopoly

Tiger Woods Golf

FIFA 10

Missle Command

Civilization

Command and Conquer

ATV Offroad

Lucky Coins

Missile Defense

CNET has put together a wish list of iPhone games that should be adapted to the larger screen format available for the iPad.http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10446967-233.html Some are free but most you'll likely have to pay as developers provide iPad-enhanced games.

• Tiger Woods Golf
• Air Hockey
• Civilization
• Command and Conquer
• ATV Offroad (and other racing games)
• DrawRace
• Enigmo (and other puzzlers)
• Monopoly (and other board games)
• Farmville
• Field Runners (and other tower defense games)
• FIFA 10
• Flight Control
• Galaxy on Fire
• Galcon
• Missile Defense
• Oregon Trail
• Video pinball (Pinball HD released 23Apr10)
• Secret of Monkey Island
• Secret of Bryce Manor
• Shuffleboard
• Sim City
• Super Monkey Ball
• Sims 3
• Touch Grind
• Wooden Labyrinth
• Plants vs. Zombies
• Settlers of Catan
• Quick Hit Football
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
• Peggle