Though claims that mobile games would irreparably erode away the traditional games market were perhaps premature, there’s no doubt that many people are playing games on their mobile devices. With devices like Sony’s Xperia Z3, you could even be playing your PlayStation 4 games remotely – but sometimes when that’s not feasible, you’ll want to play games made for your phone. Here are five of my current favourites.
I’ve recently moved over from Apple to the Android side of the fence – but I find I’ve been playing the exact same games. Gone are the days, it seems, where Android’s fragmentation meant games took forever to be ported. Here’re the game’s I’ve been playing – and just about everyone one of them is on iOS too.
Threes!
Yes, I’m still playing Asher Vollmer and the rest of Sirvo’s excellent number matching, sliding tile puzzle game. There’s something mesmerising, addictive and delightfully charming about Threes! that clones and other similar games like 2048 just haven’t managed to capture. It’s minimalist, accessible, and required genuine genius to develop because of that. There are certainly worse ways to spend 20 Rand.
XCOM: Enemy Within
Sometimes though, you want a fully-fledged gaming experience, which is especially handy for those times where you’re sitting away from home for extended periods and don’t have a dedicated games system lying about. I’ve recently taken to playing XCOM: Enemy Within on my phone. The Standalone expansion to Firaxis’ incredible XCOM: Enemy Unknown works surprisingly well on on a little screen, bringing the new weapons, enemies and soldier abilities to your pocket. For less than R150 on The Google Play Store, it’s worth every cent.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a work of art. With intricate and delightfully delicately crafted levels that take MC Escher’s impossible architecture and add an extra dimension. Reminiscent of Echochrome, it’s a strange world where everything can be turned around and inside out. That archway? Actually stairs, those inaccessible paths? Stepping stones once you’ve turned them around. Though its puzzles aren’t too challenging, and it’s far too short, Monument Valley is beautiful. It’s R44 on the Play Store.
Shadowrun Returns
One of the seemingly few kickstarters that’s born fruit, Harebrained Schemes’ Shadowrun Returns is now on Android, and it’s fantastic. It’s a cyberpunk fantasy future RPG, filled with cyborg elves, trolls, orks and dwarves, where magic and high fantasy meet technology. You’ll play this hours-long, turn-based RPG as Shadowrunner: highly-skilled freelance operatives who specialize in black ops for the world’s many governments. Stupidly cheap, it’s just 32 bucks.
Game Dev Story
One of my very first smartphone mobile game addictions, Kairosoft’s Game Dev Story is a simplistic little simulation strategy, giving you a (very simplistic ) view of what it might be like to be a great big game developer and publisher. Hire staff! Release your game! Watch as nobody gives a damn! Milk your franchises for all they’re worth as public sentiment turns against you! Addiction can be yours for just R25.
Those are the games I’ve been playing on my mobile when Eskom decides we’re not worthy of power, or when I’m out shoe shopping with the wife – and they’re the games you could be playing if you’re the winner of the Xperia Z3 and PlayStation 4 we’re giving away to one lucky winner tomorrow.
Last Updated: December 9, 2014
HairyEwok
December 9, 2014 at 15:32
Ok i totally went and pre-downloaded the games and even the patches. Now please give me the PS4 and Z3. PLEASE GIVE IT! I’M BEGGING YOU!
Guild
December 9, 2014 at 15:33
Damn if I had an Android phone I’d grab that XCom game immediately
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
December 9, 2014 at 15:41
It’s on iOS too 😉
ToshZA
December 9, 2014 at 15:42
As is the original Star Wars Knights of the old Republic. Just saying.
Guild
December 9, 2014 at 15:48
🙂 I need to go find these games
Gareth Smith
December 11, 2014 at 10:27
And GTA : San Andreas.
Not that I own a single App device. psk!
Guild
December 9, 2014 at 15:48
Hmm I need to browse the store more often. Going to get it now for the long blackout nights
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 9, 2014 at 15:33
XCOM ON THE DROID???????????????????
Admiral Chief BellatorMachina
December 9, 2014 at 15:34
I MUST HAVE THE FAWR!!!
I'm really feeling it! (Umar)
December 9, 2014 at 15:35
If I win I’d sell the prize and give the money to Gav
HairyEwok
December 9, 2014 at 15:36
You have the same master plan as i have. Only difference is i want to be like a asian and say suplise!
ToshZA
December 9, 2014 at 15:39
But can it run Crysis?
I'm really feeling it! (Umar)
December 9, 2014 at 15:43
I would HIGHLY recommend Republique
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
December 9, 2014 at 15:47
I will check it out.
Viking Of Divinity
December 9, 2014 at 15:50
Dead Trigger 2 is beautiful, and free to play…
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.madfingergames.deadtrigger2
Brandon van Reenen
December 9, 2014 at 16:03
My recommendations: The Room, The Room 2, Worms 3, Deemo, Cytus. You’re welcome.
Trebzz
December 9, 2014 at 16:27
I just want the phone and you guys can give the PS4 to whoever you want 😀 really need to get rid of this garbage 4S now.
Klipkop1980
December 9, 2014 at 16:27
My S 3 says no 🙁
Brady miaau
December 9, 2014 at 16:44
Shadowrun Returns
Play it, buy it. Steam, Android. Whatever. If you like RPG, just play it.
Gustav Minnie
December 9, 2014 at 18:24
Go and have a look at Hitman Go.
Great game. Ek praat nie fabels nie.
SlasherZA
December 10, 2014 at 10:12
My freezing Galaxy S2 needs to be replaced – make it SO.
Lupus
December 10, 2014 at 13:46
Throw in a Bards Tale as well, that game is fun and it’s like R10. I use my bluetooth controller on it.