Love them or hate them, mobile games are a big part of the industry. But these five may actually be worth playing.
The world of mobile gaming is a contentious one. Despite being one of the most played game types, it’s often dismissed by the gaming community as a time-waster to keep on your phone for long bus rides or trips to the bathroom. And to be fair, many games are just that. But some mobile games are great. Some are (nearly) everything you could want from the console or PC gaming experience but with the portable convince of your phone. But which ones are worth spending your limited time on?
Pokémon GO
We’re starting with the softest of softballs here, but I stand by Pokémon GO. Way back in 2016 when the game kicked off, it was borderline annoyingly popular. But it also got lots of folks out of their houses and walking around and exploring their towns and cities. While many of us have fallen off of the bandwagon since its introduction, for loyal fans of Pokémon GO, the game has only gotten better. You don’t have to play or even like Pokémon GO for yourself, but it’s probably the closest we’ll ever come to actually catch Pokémon in real life.
Pocket City
Remember the Sim City and Roller Coaster Tycoon-style games? The games that scratched the planning, organizing, and micromanaging itch some of us had? Pocket City comes shockingly close to recreating that exact feeling in a pocket-sized mobile game. It’s not as expansive as Sim City, but it also doesn’t have some of the annoying roadblocks of other city-builder games. Just create your city, manage the economy of your new metropolis, and leave all of your other worries behind.
Monument Valley
There are tons of puzzle games out there, and if you’re already iffy on mobile games, you may already be giving puzzle games the side-eye. But Monument Valley is truly unique. The art is reminiscent of M.C. Escher, and the way your character progresses through levels of puzzles feels like a little quest. If you don’t like any puzzle games, you don’t like Monument Valley. But if your problem is with boring puzzle games, definitely give this one a shot.
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Alto’s Odyssey
This is another game that may not be a winner if you’re more interested in mobile games that don’t feel like mobile games. But if you’re looking for a fun, simple, relaxing, and maybe even a little addictive game, Alto’s Odyssey is the perfect game. Sandboard down endless settings while working towards game goals. There’s not much to it but the graphics are gorgeous in their simplicity and the game manages to give us enough variety to stay enjoyable.
Cat Quest 2
Ok, I get it. You’re looking for an RPG you can play on your phone that will feel similar enough to your console RPG to not get boring. May I suggest one populated entirely by cats and dogs. Your favorite homeward-bound-esque adventuring friends are on a quest to save Felingard and the Lupus Empire with all of the quests, battles, and loot that any good RPG should have. Plus it’s adorable.
Do you play any mobile games? Do you prefer quick puzzle games or longer RPG-style games? What mobile games would you recommend if any? Let us know in the comments!
Happy Adventuring!