Do we have a topic for mobile gaming? If so, I am happy! Well, not once I finish this post since I'd have done all this for naught! Naught!
Mobile gaming can be great fun, but it's often seen as evil due to many games containing in-app purchases and microtransactions. However, some games don't hammer you over the head with them, and many don't even have them. Once you buy the game, you're set!
First of all, a big gripe many have with mobile gaming is that touch controls aren't the best way to play certain games. For a lot of titles, this can be solved by purchasing an MFi controller such as
this one. It's great for your 2D games, but won't work for more involved games like GTA: San Andreas, for instance.
If you're looking for games to put your new MFi controller to use,
the same site I linked to earlier is great for keeping track of what games are compatible with an MFi controller like the one mentioned.
Now, let's get to some fun games to talk about! Note: These are ones I've played so far. I'm relatively new to the iOS market (I'll just be listing mostly iOS stuff, but games like Adventures of Mana are available on both the App Store and Google Play.)
Also, an asterisk (*) means the game is MFi controller compatible!
Lara Croft GO -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lara-croft-go/id971304016?mt=8A game that uses the touch controls of mobile devices to perfection. When touch controls are used smartly, they're second nature, and that's exactly what you get with Lara Croft's mobile adventure.
Final Fantasy Record Keeper -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.west.FFRK&hl=enGet an assortment of Final Fantasy all-stars and battle your way through multiple mainline entries' biggest confrontations. Gain new weapons, characters, and more in this addicting RPG style game.
Adventures of Mana* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adventures-of-mana/id1048629983?mt=8A fantastic remake of Final Fantasy Adventure that doesn't hold your hand, but is linear enough so that you won't be totally lost when you have no idea where to turn next. The bosses are fabulous, the combat is fluid, and the world design is basic but nice.
Goblin Sword* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goblin-sword/id905488045?mt=8A 2D hack-and-slash platformer with light RPG elements. Levels are relatively quick, packed with three crystals and two treasure chests each to find (optional), new swords, armor, and relics to earn, and brilliant boss battles.
Mini Motor Racing -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mini-motor-racing/id426860241?mt=8If you like Micro Machines or Super Off-Road like games, then Mini Motor Racing is the game for you. There's over 100 individual racing events spread across over a dozen different tracks, ranging from grand prix circuits to ancient ruins. Upgrade and customize your ride to seize victory.
Ridge Racer Slipstream* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ridge-racer-slipstream/id725879978?mt=8It's Ridge Racer! RIIIIIIDGGE-- okay, you get the idea. I haven't played many Ridge Racer games. My first was the 3DS one, so I can't say I'm burned out on this series yet. If you know about the series, then you should have in mind what to expect: fast speeds, lots of drifting around corners, and rarely using the brake button. Progression makes you replay the same races again and again, so small doses are recommended for this one.
Swordigo -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/swordigo/id499125840?mt=8Want a more beginner friendly Zelda II that's still quite challenging? Then play Swordigo! It uses touch controls, but these are darn responsive ones at that. Find treasure, battle enemies, gain experience, level up, and explore forests, plains, caverns, and dungeons!
Heroki* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/heroki/id1013818720?mt=8A game published by Sega that could very well be developed by Sega of old, Heroki has you piloting the titular character through an assortment of levels, using the copter on his head to fly around, and grabbing boxes to chuck at foes.
Oceanhorn* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oceanhorn/id708196645?mt=8Wanting a more traditional Zelda game on your mobile device? Then check out Oceanhorn, an action adventure game played in an isometric perspective, featuring all the puzzle solving, monster slaying, and quest completing goodness that a certain Nintendo franchise is known for!
Sonic the Hedgehog 2* -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonic-the-hedgehog-2/id347411942?mt=8The same classic that you know and love, given the Hidden Palace Zone that was lost in time! Play via touch controls or utilize a controller for on-the-go gaming goodness.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed/id686542963?mt=8Not my preferred way of playing this game, but it runs and plays excellently on my iPhone. Everything you love about the original release is present in this mobile version.
Dragon Land -
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-land/id940452319?mt=8A free-to-play 3D platformer akin to Super Mario 3D Land, the touch controls feel great here, so the lack of a traditional controller isn't really missed. What is, however, is the ability to have infinite stamina so you need not take breaks if you don't want to. Still, this is a game that kept me coming back for more with its colorful worlds and clever level design (Save for the tutorial world).
Rayman Adventures, Jungle Run, and Fiesta Run* -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubisoft.raymanadventures&hl=enhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pastagames.ro1mobile&hl=enhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubisoft.rayman.fiestarun&hl=enYou can never have enough Rayman, and all three of these games are unique experiences. For instance, Rayman: Jungle Run has you automatically moving, but requires you to tap the screen to jump, glide, punch, and do an assortment of moves to get through levels and collect every last Lum. Definitely worth a look, at least for Rayman Adventures, as it's free.
Disney Crossy Road* -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.disney.disneycrossyroad_goo&hl=enCrossy Road with a Disney theme! What's not to love? The simple to learn, hard to master, ultimately addicting gameplay of Crossy Road meets Disney's worlds and characters, offering a unique take on a familiar formula.
WHAT GAMES DO YOU RECOMMEND?