The iPad is overflowing with different kinds of shooter games — games that most of the time are not plot-intensive but are oozing with destroy-everything-that-moves action. However, while there are a lot that play in this gaming genre, only few merit downloads. I have decided to take a break from reviewing individual games and sift through the sea of apps and bring you the best shooter games for the iPad that are worthy of your attention.

Pick your poison!

First Person Shooter Games

These games are very much like the old PC game Wolfenstein 3D (now also in iPad, but did not quite make it to the cut) where you do not see the character,  only usually the hands and the weapon. These are my favorite type of shooter games so I have quite a lot to point out!

1. N.O.V.A. HD ($4.99)

aka Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance

NOVA HD is definitely the best shooter game for the iPad. The game separates itself from the rest because it boasts the most awesome graphics and it also features a story mode (unlike most shooter games). You will consume a ton of your time playing through the single campaign mode, but multiplayer games are also available!

Download Link: N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance HD – Gameloft

2. N.O.V.A. 2 HD ($6.99)

This game continues the story on the first installment after six years. The main character finds himself in a planet where a war between two main factions is about to arise.

Download Link: N.O.V.A. 2 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance HD – Gameloft

3. Eliminate Pro (free)

This one is really good because it is free. However, you can only play thrice a day. Still worth your while because it is a free game.

Download Link: Eliminate Pro – ngmoco, Inc.

4. Modern Combat: Sandstorm ($4.99)

This game lets you in control of an agent tasked to locate and eliminate a group of terrorists in a dessert. The game looks awesome and the controls are great too. This game have been praised by various game review sites aside from My iPad Games.

Download Link: Modern Combat: Sandstorm HD – Gameloft

5. Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation ($6.99)

Yup, another Modern Combat. This one is just like the first Modern Combat, but more of a multiplayer heavy game. This game features an awesome multiplayer feature where up to 12 players can play in 6 exclusive maps and 7 different modes.  Freakin’ awesome!

Download Link: Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation – Gameloft

6. Rage HD ($1.99)

This game has an interesting plot — you are in a post-apocalytic game show and you are to find your way out of a maze filled with mutants! And I thought zombies are scary.

Download Link: RAGE HD – id Software

7. Battle Bear: Zombies (free)

OK, so you thought zombies wont make it to the cut. Well, surprise, surprise. Battle Bear: Zombies takes on a new twist to first person shooter games: you are just in one place and you are a bear! The weapons here quite hilarious which include rabbit with poop as ammo, crossbow with unicorn horn as arrows and a megaphone! Enjoy the carnival of zombie teddy bears!

Download Link: BATTLE BEARS: Zombies! – SkyVu Pictures

8. Archetype HD ($2.99)

This is another deathmatch first person shooting game. This one is a 5 to 5 matchup with everyone online. Fun!

Download Link: Archetype HD – Villain LLC

9.  Contract Killer (free)

This game lets you into the position of a hired sniper to dispose of various criminal lords. The game is super exciting, but the lack of content (the game gets a little repetitive at level 20+) makes it inferior to the others. Still, a free game is awesome!

Download Link: Contract Killer – Glu Games Inc.

10. CK: Zombies

The zombified version of the previous game. This time, you have a damsel to cover as she gather supplies for the survivors of the post apocalyptic setting.

Download Link: Contract Killer: Zombies – Glu Games Inc.

Dual Stick Shooters

A rather creative take on shooters, you have two virtual sticks to use: one on the right that controls where the character runs and one of the left that controls the direction the character shoots. This system takes a while getting used to but is an awesome control system once mastered.

1. Gun Bros (free)

This is my personal favorite in the dual stick section. It is free, the in game description is super fun to read and the game play is just beyond awesome. The game gets updated periodically, too!

Download Link: Download Gun Bros

2. Minigore ($0.99)

Do not let the cartoony interface fool you. This game is hardcore dual stick at it’s finest and the normal mode is already hard for me. Serious gamers only!

Download Link: Minigore HD – Chillingo Ltd

3. Garters & Ghouls ($0.99)

This is Dual Stick shooter with a story! You play as Marie Dupois to close the portals that spawn undead and werewolves and similar scary stuff.

Download Link: Garters & Ghouls – Namco Networks America Inc.

Side Scrollers

Side Scrolling shooter games are the children of Mario. These are 2D, always cartoony, sometimes the screen moves on it’s, sometime you can freely move from side to side. Check these side scrolling shooting games out!

1. Zombieville USA ($0.99)

Yup! Another Zombie game! This game does not have a plot at all, but you can bet that this game is the most casual amongst  this post’s big list.

Download Link: Zombieville USA – Mika Mobile, Inc.

2. Zombieville USA 2 ($0.99)

I loved the first installment and love this too! The title gets an extreme makeover including new GUI, new characters, new baddies and new features like multiplayer!

Download Link: Zombieville USA 2 – Mika Mobile, Inc.

3. Color Bandits HD ($1.99)

This the Contra  or Metal Slug in a cute version! Color Bandits lets you control a feline with guns to fight in various well-drawn worlds, battle epic bosses and bring back colors. Awesome game this is!

Download Link: Color Bandits HD – Chillingo Ltd

4. Platypus – Squishy Shoot Em Up

The game is like the clay version of most side scrolling ship Shoot Em Ups. The game, although has a quality graphics does not lag. If you love shoot em ups, you might want to give this one a try.

Download Link: Platypus – Squishy Shoot-em-up – Handmark, Inc.

5. Mini Squadron

Mini Squadron is like a merge of vertical and horizontal side scroller SHUMPs (shoot em ups) — with lots of awesome weapons and lots of wacky enemies like UFO’s as flying chickens! So fun!

Download Link: MiniSquadron – supermono limited

You might want to check out these related posts:

1. Best Platform Games for the iPad