So, you've got a phone, but what about the games? Maybe you're not sure what to download, or perhaps you're tired of the same old games that you just can't be bothered to delete. Whatever the case, you've come to the right place.
There are hundreds of thousands of mobile games out there, and it can be hard to choose which are worth your time. That's where we come in. Our team has managed to narrow down our list of the best mobile games for iPhone and Android. Seriously, it took us ages to test them all out.
Alto's Adventure
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free on Google Play, $7.99 on App Store)
If you're looking for a mobile game that has received great reviews, well, this is one of the best out there. Alto's Adventure has stunning 2D graphics, reinforced with beautiful parallax effects and a grandiose soundtrack.
The game is endless, meaning your goal is to beat your high score, which you do by capturing your llamas and collecting gold coins. The gameplay is straightforward and easy to learn, but mastering Alto's Adventure is a challenging task; one you'll keep coming back to.
Asphalt 8: Airborne
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free on both)
If the soothing gameplay of Alto's Adventure just isn't for you, how about the slightly more intense option of Asphalt 8: Airborne? This is definitely one of, or if not, the best racing games available for free on both iOS and Android.
You can enter both fast-paced car and motorbike races, and both have the options of offline and online interactivity. Asphalt 8 is based around a leveling system: You start off in the D-class of cars, and as you progress through the game (by winning races/ beating levels), you earn cash and parts which you use to buy or build newer and faster vehicles.
Minecraft: Pocket Edtition
Available on: Google Play, App Store
($10.99 on both)
Most of you have probably played or heard of Minecraft before, but if not: Minecraft is a game about mining blocks and building with them. It's extremely popular with younger audiences, and it encourages design skills and innovation through its unique building and mining system.
The mobile "Pocket" version of Minecraft revolves around two different modes: Survival and Creative. If you play survival mode, you begin the game with an empty inventory (where you store blocks/resources) and 10 hearts. Drowning, fall damage, and the monsters that come out at night are the main ways you can lose health.
Through the core gameplay of chipping away and placing of blocks by hand, all the while attempting to flee monsters you are undeniably granted with a grand feeling of ownership over your creations.
If you don't want to deal with monsters, there's creative mode, where you are given unlimited access to all of Minecraft's blocks and let loose around the world to build to your hearts content.
Super Mario Run
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free to try, $14.99 after the first world)
Super Mario Run is the first time you've been able to play Mario on a smartphone. When Nintendo decided to make a mobile game based around its mascot, it had a lot to live up to in terms of old Super Mario games. Despite this, Nintendo has truly made a game that fans will love. If anything, Mario's movement has developed more flow, but the graphics are reminiscent of New Super Mario Bros. (2006).
Using the smaller phone screen in comparison to a DS means a slight loss of control; Mario now runs and vaults over small objects automatically, all you have to is jump. Throughout levels there are also hidden coins which are a fun incentive to go back to missions after completing them. The level designs are great, containing slower, one-screen puzzle levels as a break from the otherwise fast-paced campaign. Overall Nintendo made a great debut to the mobile gaming community.
Angry Birds Star Wars
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free on both)
All the Angry Birds games are great, however the best is definitely the ambitious crossover between Angry Birds and Star Wars. The app is free for download on both the App store and Google Play store and provides engaging gameplay and iconic moments from the movies for players of all ages.
Star Wars characters and locations have reshaped the game, for instance, the birds have been redesigned to look like individual characters from the original trilogy with their own unique abilities. The red bird - inspired by Luke Skywalker - can use its lightsaber to break objects, for example.
The levels follow the events of the original trilogy.
PinOut!
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free on both)
A modern take on the classic pinball machine, PinOut! combines the fast paced, addictive gameplay of a pinball machine, and places it in the palm of your hand. Free to download on both IOS and Android, the game is full of vibrant colours, polished graphics and smooth gameplay.
On its surface, PinOut! Is a classic pinball machine with a modern twist. However, dive a little deeper and you'll find that they're not as similar as they seem. Instead of trying beat high scores, you're trying to beat the clock and make your way through maze-like levels.
Alphabear
Available on: Google Play, App Store
(Free on both)
Alphabear is one of the cutest and best kid-friendly word games available on iOS and Android. Gameplay is simple, you are set up with a grid of letters, and are tasked with making as many big and sophisticated words as possible. The bears are adorable and you can unlock different outfits for them to wear (which modify your score).
While the point of Alphabear is to rack up a high score, your bears will make funny, shareable sentences using your words at the end of each round. So make sure you use as many weird words as possible.
Monument Valley
Available on: Google Play, App Store
($3.99 on Google Play, $5.99 on App Store)
Inspired by Escher artwork, Monument Valley is an incredibly clever puzzle game. Mind-bending graphics combined with illusory puzzles create an amazingly strange but wonderful experience for players, who guide Princess Ida to the top of a series of towers.
Monument Valley's levels are constantly shifting around you, and you are tasked with interacting with the environment to help find perspective-bending passages for Princess Ida to use. Although the game isn't free, it is completely worth the money.
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