Every week, Pocket Gamer sister site iPhone Quality Index (iPhone Qi) highlights the newest games to make a critical splash in the cool, seductive waters of the iPhone pool.

Grabbing scores and opinions from all corners of the web, including from 148Apps, AppGamer, and Macworld, Qi answers all your iPhone-related questions before you've even asked them.

Today, we're going to focus on two new contenders vying to be crowned king of your iPhone. Both are worthy, but do they have what it takes to win your head, your heart, and your wallet?

Royal rumble

Pounding its way onto the iPhone Qi Top 10 this week is retro arcade beat-'em-up The King of Fighters-i 2012.

The latest entry in the much-loved fighting franchise expands on its predecessor in two critical departments.

Firstly, the character roster has swelled from 14 combatants to an incredibly generous 32, leaving long-time fans truly spoilt for choice.

Secondly, you can now do battle across the interwebs, thanks to wi-fi multiplayer support. Beat up your buddies over Game Center, or try out the ranking matches if you fancy some anonymous virtual violence.
Slide To Play's reviewer was knocked out by The King of Fighters-i 2012, saying it "may very well be the king of iOS fighters".

Magical metal

Slicing up beasties elsewhere in the chart is the charming 2D retro RPG-platformer Spellsword.

Having stumbled across the legendary Spellsword, our nameless protagonist must immediately put it to good use, carving up critters and mauling monsters with glee.

This gently humorous take on the role-playing formula sees developer Everplay adapting the frantic platforming framework of Super Crate Box to include magic, card collection, and equipment upgrade mechanics.

The guys at Gamezebo fell in love with Spellsword's self-aware serving of steel and sorcery, stating: "While Super Crate Box may have invented the formula, Spellsword elevates it to the next level."

You can get the up-to-date information about which games are reviewing best over at the iPhone Quality Index.