iPhone games

Based on our level of excitement for Jurassic Park 3D, you'd think we hadn't already watched the film 23 times since its 1993 debut. Nothing can crush our love of dinosaurs, not even what happens when ancient animals come to life on a remote island. Rather than wishing for a real-life version, we'll opt for crafting a virtual dino park from the safety of an iPhone with the Jurassic Park Builder game (free, with in-app purchase options) for iOS.

The game's more SimCity than it is action-packed running-from-a-T-Rex thrills. Players are guided through the ins and outs of building a theme park on land or underwater with prehistoric attractions by the movie's stars John Hammond, Ian Malcolm (hello, Jeff Goldblum!), and Dr. Grant. Expand the park with new buildings and hotels, than take care of the dinosaurs well enough to add more to the menagerie — over 30 varieties in total.

As you progress, show off your creations with Facebook sharing, but whatever you do, don't share the plans with a character named Dennis Nedry!

They say that you're more famous when you're dead, which is probably the case for the zombies. We're not exactly sure where pop culture's soft spot for those blood-thirsty walking corpses comes from, but we are certain that our love for the living dead spikes during the Halloween season, which, as luck would have it, is happening now. In honor of our creepy affection for all things undead, here are five fun zombie games for iOS to keep you spooked all month long.

• Zombie Farm 2 (free) — Build a farm, grow your own zombies, mutate your new friends, and then invade your friends' farms in this Zombie/Farmville mashup.

Read on for more fun zombie games:

Classic toy brand Hasbro thinks game night is in dire need of a tech edge, based on their just-revealed spin on classic games Monopoly and The Game of Life. At this year's Toy Fair, the company is previewing tech savvy versions of the games that use iOS devices during play.

Monopoly zAPPed plays generally like the classic real estate game you know, but instead of fake paper money players tap "debit cards" on their iOS device of choice to withdraw or add funds to their game account. The app will also have side games to try for a free "get out of jail" pass.

Being mildly obsessed with The Game of Life as a kid, the zAPPed version of the game is what I'm most excited to try. Use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch for a digital version of the giant number spinner and view family snapshots of your fabulous life by the end of the game. The game also features over 100 videos from America's Funniest Home Videos, which I really hope can be skipped through on the app.

Life zAPPed will hit store shelves in Spring, while its Monopoly counterpart debuts in the Fall. Both games will retail for $25. Are you interested in playing an apped-up version of the games, or is classic better when it comes to board games?

Last week, I asked you about which games I should load up on my iPhone, and you guys totally came through for a geek gal in need. I already play Plants vs. Zombies on my computer, but more than a few of you suggested that I start playing on the go. Consider it done! What other games did you suggest? Just read on to find out!

• "Right now: Words With Friends. I think it's excellently set up for iPhone usage. I wish more games would take the "take your turn at your pace" idea and run with it." — gwenix
• "Civilization Revolution (I have the Lite version, but I prefer it on my DS) and Oregon Trail." — aniline
• "Zen Stones! So addictive and free!" — guruguru

To see a few more suggestions, just read more

I feel like a sham. Even though I call myself a gamer, my 4-year-old godson was quick to say otherwise. Why? Because my iPhone isn't jam-packed with portable games. I guess that's not entirely true — I have a few notables buried on page three of my apps. And while I was a little hurt by his comment —  I mean, c'mon, I own a Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, DS Lite, and a vintage Commodore 128 — he's sorta right. A real gamer would most definitely take advantage of all the iPhone games out there, if only to make a bus ride more bearable.

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to games for the iPhone and iPod Touch, I haven't been the best student. Last time I checked, you guys were playing games on your iPod, so I'm leaning on you, dear readers for advice. What games are you loving on your iPhone and iPod Touch right now? Help me out by sharing in the comments below!