For some people, the iPhone is the ultimate phone. With so many other mobile phones cum PDAs coming out in the market, however, it is clear that the iPhone is NOT the BEST phone out there. True, it does have that X factor that no other brand seems to be able to duplicate, but in terms of being the best, many have doubts about that (including yours truly).

However, if there is one thing that just might push the iPhone over the edge in terms of desirability, it might be the interest that video game developers have for this baby. We all know how difficult it can be to text on the iPhone. We all know that other phone cameras are way better than the iPhone’s. But when it comes to gaming, well, the iPhone beats them all!

According to statistics, games are the most downloaded content from the App Store. There are so many games available in the store, and many of them are so cheap – 99 cents – and even free!

Even those people who normally do not take a second look at video games are turning into “casual gamers.” It is true that some hard core gamers might scoff at these people and at the games, but hey, they are a LOT and video game developers are taking notice. They will probably make tons of money out of this market. And as for the iPhone? Well, it only stands to benefit from this.

Who said that video games are harmful to the development of the youth?  I have always believed that this idea is way too biased and I was more than happy to hear that the renowned and respected group National Geographic is coming up with it own video game series.  Their aim is to “encourage a new generation to take an interest in science and the environment by launching branded video games.”

National Geographic has teamed up with other big names in the video game industry such as Namco Bandai and Sony Computer Entertainment in an effort to come up with video games that will work in different gaming consoles.  As of the moment, they are looking at releasing titles for the Nintendo DS and Wii, the PlayStation 3, and even the Apple iPhone.  It has been reported that there will be more formats, though.

As for the titles, there are a lot on the drawing board.  The Telegraph reported a coupe of them:

Forthcoming games include Herod’s Lost Tomb, out this month, National Geographic: Panda, produced by Namco Bandai, and National Geographic: Africa, made by Sony. Next month sees the release of games focused on rainforests and the food chain.

The report that I read merely mentioned the basic details.  What I am curious about is the kind of game play that these games will offer.  For sure, these will be high quality games but I cannot help but wonder what kind of gamer they will cater to.  Does anyone have any ideas?

The iPhone was met with a lot of expectations.  I think this was partly due to the fact that the iPhone has a lot of things to offer in terms of features.  Of course, we cannot discount the fact that it is backed up by the irresistible name of Apple.  Steve Jobs and his team have to be applauded for what they have done to build up the excitement and anticipation for the iPhone.  And even now that it has been out for quite some time, people are still clamoring for it – bugs and all.

Well here is another thing that iPhone fans can be happy about – it has the capability to play great games as well.  Mobile gamers who happen to be able to afford the iPhone have a lot to look forward to in terms of games.  Resolute Games Corp. of Memphis has released a music game called ThumStruck.  Highly addictive, ThumStruck features music by Skillet, which is a band under Ardent Records.  It is rhythm based and is currently free for downloads.

Since it was released on the 16th of October, the game has reached incredible heights.  It is already within the top 100 free downloadable games and is part of the top four games for the iPhone.  They get about 2,000 downloads a day – imagine that!  If I were you, and I had an iPhone, I would download the game NOW because the full version will be released later this month in the iPhone App Store for $4.99.