3 Upcoming iOS Apps: PS4’s 'Knack,' 'Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign' and Screen Australia-Funded 'TownCraft'

iOS is going to be populated with a lot of really cool and ambitious games this year: one comes out for an anticipated PS4 indie game, one from Marvel that takes after a game that went wild three years ago and an Australia-based game.

Check out these three gaming apps and see if one of them strikes your fancy.

PS4's 'Knack' App

Sony is pushing another iOS app in the form of the 'Knack' complementary mobile app. Following the announcement of its PlayStation app, 'Knack' would enable gamers to unlock more items that can be used in the main game.

"In the past, we felt like these guys were competition to our portable games, in general--but now, everyone owns these smartphones and tablets," said Shuhei Yoshida, Worldwide Studios president, in an interview reported by Push Square. "Why not try to include them in the PlayStation ecosystem?," he added.

In addition, Push Square reports that this iOS app can be a way to invite casual gamers to a more dedicated gaming approach. Aside from the unlockables, it is a puzzle-themed app that takes off on 'Knack.'

This kind of thinking for PS4 is pretty ambitious and innovative, though one might wonder if the mobile iOS apps would actually take away from the function of the PS Vita, which the company is also touting for next-gen remote gaming. Still, this can hint at the fact that Sony won't be closing off the opportunity for additional game content to those who have the PS Vita.

'Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign'

After three years of silence following the release of "Puzzle Quest 2," Marvel just ups and announces that it will be releasing a new iOS and Android app in the form of "Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign."

What's more, Pocket Gamer reports that it will be out as early as Oct 3.

"I'm happy to officially announce our next game: #MarvelPuzzleQuest: Dark Reign, on iOS & Android October 3!" said Ryan Penagos, executive editorial director for Marvel Digital Media Group and Marvel.com, in his Twitter account.

Based on the image, a lot of heroes have gathered in a battle pitting good against evil. Mr Penagos adds that this is not a direct sequel to the "Puzzle Quest" but rather a Marvel game that adapts the "Puzzle Quest" game.

As though the new app is not enough, Mr Penagos also answers a fan asking about updates for the promised "X-men Battle of the Atom" mobile game with a teasing, "Soon!" So you can expect another game rolling out as a surprise from Marvel.

'Towncraft': Builder App Gets Funding

From the name of the game alone, it is pretty reminiscent of building game "Minecraft." Only this time, "Towncraft," Flat Earth Games' debut app, gives a mix of RPG where you'll be honing the skills of a craftsman with many worlds to choose from.

Already available on the iTunes, VG 24/7 reports that the game has received funding from Screen Australia which has been holding funding for the local gaming talent in Australia.

As the game originated from Sydney, Australia, the funding will be used to localise the game for other languages and build the title for other platforms as well.

According to their official website, Flat Earth Games revealed that the game was created by brothers Rohan and Leigh Harris at Flat Earth Games and a handful of local artists. At its Australian debut, the iPad app has immediately skyrocketed to number 2.

"This funding will allow us to ensure that TownCraft has the best possible shot at a successful international launch," said Leigh Harris in their blog. "We'll be able to make sure we have strong language support, hit as many platforms as we can, and can market the game properly, really giving us the best possibly [sic] shot at turning our great start into a big success," he added.

You can download "TownCraft" here for $4.99. The app promises no in-app purchases, procedurally generated maps for worlds, real-time day and night cycle for characters and a storyline with kingdoms fighting for control.