For all those times when you’ve got an itching for some sea faring and smuggling I think we have the answer for you today. Another classic game from the Astraware archives has made the jump to Apple’s golden child. Tradewinds 2 brings you onto the high-seas in a swashbuckling tale of trading, fighting and smuggling. If you’re unfamiliar with any of the original Tradewinds games from Astraware, think Dope Wars in the 1700s with ships, battles and side missions. This means that the basic premise of Tradewinds 2 is buy goods, sail to another port, sell them for a profit, buy low, sell high if you like. I don’t know about you but I find these types of trading games particularly addictive and therefore I had high hopes for Handmark’s latest port.

Read on to see whether it makes the grade.

Based on the popular Sandlot games PC game of the same name, Tradewinds 2 has two game modes for you to explore, Story mode and Free Trade mode. Both are pretty explanatory; Free Trade mode gives you the choice of 5 characters to start with, two more unlockable characters are also available, and is basically just the Dope Wars-type trading game without the extra missions and RPG elements that Story mode brings. So if you’re in the mood for some quick trading and fighting Free Trade is for you. If on the other hand you want something with a bit more content to it, then Story mode provides character progression and RPG-like features. In fact there are 100 odd different tasks for you to undertake, building your reputation and wealth. Most of these mini-quests consist of blowing the crap out of some up-start pirate with your cannons and other incendiary devices to rescue a port or person. You get some control over the fights too with target selection and the use of bombs and other weapons. The cannons fire automatically once locked on and if you’re getting your ass handed to you, you can try and make a break for it by fleeing like a coward. Overall the battles are engaging enough to keep you interested without requiring you to concentrate too much, which provides for interesting but relaxed play.

Once you’ve completed the game with one of the original characters two more characters can be unlocked for play giving you something to aim for and a reason to go back to it after an initial play through (if it’s not addictive enough already). The overall presentation of the game is smooth and well put together. There is some of the cheesiest background music I’ve heard in a long while available as you play which actually does add to the play as well as some rather 8-bit is sounding effects. iPod music can be played in the background if you turn off the in-game music allowing you to listen to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack as you take to the sea. The game play is also well thought out and there are some handy features that you don’t see in many other trading games such as high-lighting categories when you’re going to make a profit from a sale, removing the need for you to remember exactly how much you paid for the goods in the first place.

As I said before I’m rather a fan of the odd trading game here and there and I can safely say that Tradewinds 2 really scratches that itch for me. Featuring great trading game play, unlockable goods and ports with side missions and a good battling system, Tradewinds 2 is one of those games you simply can’t put down. If you’re a fan of trading games then this is a must buy, if you’re a fan of strategy games I would also recommend Tradewinds 2. In fact if you’re in the market for a game that is both interesting yet relaxing to play then Tradewinds 2 for iPhone might be right up your street, just don’t forget to charge your iPhone.

Tradewinds 2 for iPhone is currently available in the App Store for $4.99 (£2.99).

Here’s a walkthrough video if you still need some persuading: