Yeah, I really wish people would start making some meatier games for the iPhone to go with all the 5 minute junk food distractions that are about as entertaining as bouncing a ball. There have been a few games of more substance, but for the most part, it doesn't hold a candle to the DS' library.
As a developer I view the rise of the $1-$2 price point with some concern. There's not much room between Angry Birds and the massive piles of junkware to make a living as an indie there.
This isn't true with big publishers - Square Enix's $10-14 games are consistently in the "Top Grossing" list. For smaller devs who can't market well, you're right.
Yeah, it probably requires a brand or a recommendation from someone to get over the price anchoring. Are there any very reputable review sites a la Gamespot/PC Magazine/etc. that focus on writing high quality reviews of apps?
They do aggregate scoring and have established themselves as the main way to rate "greatness" on PC and consoles, going as far as landing game directors a bonus if their creation gets a score above 85. They're quite valuable for iOS as well. "King of Dragon Pass" gets a 90 at MC.
Most critics review games based on what they are. So a simple jump&run game might rate highly if it's a truly original+fantastic one. I would suggest you go through the list - anything above 80% is a game absolutely worth your while - then see if the genre and complexity fits you.
