E.T. and video games. It's considered one of the causes of the great video game crash of 1983. And, the alien is threatening to kill video games once again.

E.T.: The Green Planet is a new free-to-play game for iOS from Strawdog Studios, Big Play Digital, and Chillingo. The game takes E.T. to a dying planet where he must use his healing touch to breed new plants.

Watch: At least this one won't end up in a landfill »

Superman has a rocky history with video games. His most famous game, Superman 64, is remembered mostly as a punchline. But that doesn't stop developers from trying to strike the right tone with the Man of Steel, and his next platform will be the iOS devices. Chillingo and Tiger Games plan to release their iPhone and iPad Superman game this November.

Read more: Game features and powers »