The mobile games industry is one that has really enjoyed astonishing levels of growth over the past few years and it is arguably equally – and in some cases more – popular than gaming on a console. This is due to the greater ease of access and flexibility it offers gamers. The New Year is set to bring more great mobile games to be explored, but here we will look at some of the finest ones from the last two decades.
- Angry Birds
This game has become a legend and is available for both IOS and Android mobile platforms. The series hails from Finland and has been around since 2009. Although not free, it is priced cheaply, which has also contributed to its popularity – as have the funny, silly graphics of birds being flung from catapults to destroy the fortress of a green pig.
- Heist
This is an Android mobile game and is entirely free, centring on a bank robbery. You play the bank robber in question and the retro graphics evoke the Nintendo Game and Watch – giving it an extra level of nostalgia for older gamers.
- Candy Crush Saga
This is another pretty legendary series of mobile games that was originally launched in 2012. It is available for both Android and IOS, with the former version being free, and features various levels where you have to line different candies up in rows to get through them – with boosters available to help you. It is addictive and massively popular.
- Tetris
This is one of the best puzzle games for your phone and involves stacking the seven different tetrominos that fall from above to create solid horizontal lines. It can be played on both IOS and Android phones.
- Snake
This game, which Nokia includes on its devices, has spawned several sequels including Snake II, Snake EX, Snake Xenzia and Snakes Subsonic. The basic premise is to manoeuvre a growing line, while avoiding the border, the trail it leaves as it moves and all other obstacles.
- Alto’s Adventure
This is an oddball Canadian game where you play a mountain shepherd trying to recapture his llamas on snowy mountains. You travel using a snowboard, while dreamy visuals and soothing music play, making for a strangely relaxing experience.
- Soccer Safari
There are lots of themed slot machine games for mobile phones, but this wacky football themed game about an animal version of the World Cup is a real winner. Available on Android and iOS phones it offers funny graphics, great payout odds, superb gameplay and a jackpot. Plus it’s usually possible to find promotions on slot games from casino online sites like Casinoonline.co.nz from your mobile.
- Mr Jump
This is a streamlined, clutter-free iOS game where the protagonist jumps forward a bit at a time, attempting to avoid the various obstacles and precipices that line his path.
- No More Kings
This chess-inspired free Android game sees you needing to win the king by capture, but when you capture a piece you become it – thus if you claim the bishop, you are then only allowed to move diagonally. The graphics are basic, but the idea is smart.
- Bonsai Blast
This can be played on Android and IOS phones and involves stopping the balls rolling down a track from reaching their goal – shooting other balls at them to do so. Again a simple premise, but hugely fun to play.
These are all fantastic games and this year should bring more quality ones.
