We don’t normally do these options this early within the 12 months, however 2023 has been very robust on all fronts. Similar to with my characteristic overlaying the most effective Swap video games of 2023 to date, I’ve put collectively a listing of the most effective iOS video games we’ve performed to date this 12 months. This record consists of new authentic video games, ports, Netflix Video games releases, Apple Arcade video games, and extra. This record is in no explicit order, and I’ll probably do one other one in just a few months if it helps you discover a recreation you hadn’t tried but that you simply ended up having fun with.
Sid Meier’s Railroads ($12.99) – [Review] – [Interview] – [Forum Discussion] – Sid Meier’s Railroads isn’t what I anticipated to see ported to cell by way of Feral Interactive, however it’s a good mix of tycoon video games and mannequin trains. The cell model is one of the best ways to expertise the only participant content material on any platform, and it performs like a dream on fashionable iPhones and iPads.
Paranormasight ($14.99) – [News] – [Review] – [Forum Discussion] – Sq. Enix has a bizarre historical past on cell, however the writer generally treats the platform effectively with concurrently bringing video games to cell alongside PC and consoles. The thriller journey recreation Paranormasight is a gem of a recreation, and it performs finest with contact controls. It’s priced the identical as different platforms, however is great on iPad. I don’t need to spoil the story, however I’d suggest simply shopping for Paranormasight in case you have the remotest curiosity in thriller and journey video games.
How We Know We’re Alive ($2.99) – [Game of the Week] – [Forum Discussion] – How We Know We’re Alive from Motvind Studios is a brief level and click on journey, however one with wonderful writing, nice music, and beautiful visuals. We don’t see many video games on this style which can be this good on cell, and How We Know We’re Alive is without doubt one of the finest cell video games this 12 months with its impactful story.
Stuffo the Puzzle Bot ($4.99) – [Game of the Week] – [Forum Discussion] – Stuffo the Puzzle Bot is a puzzle recreation about utilizing blocks to achieve the exit. It has a whole lot of fascinating mechanics with its different blocks, however actually shines because of its attractive visuals. I didn’t play this when it launched, however I’m glad I lastly bought round to this gem of a puzzler.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge (Free) – [Game of the Week] – [Review] – [Forum Discussion] – TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a recreation everybody at TouchArcade loves I’m positive. We’ve all performed it throughout completely different platforms, and the Netflix Video games cell model from Playdigious is without doubt one of the finest additions to the service. It’s a incredible recreation no matter platform, and an ideal match for choose up and play on the go on iPhone or iPad.
Pocket Metropolis 2 ($4.99) – [News] – [Forum Discussion] – I’m nonetheless engaged on my full overview for Pocket Metropolis 2, however it’s greater and higher than the unique in each method. Codebrew Video games’ latest metropolis builder goes above and past with its options, visuals, and content material. It’s a shockingly good recreation that feels underpriced by so much proper now. You owe it to your self to get this one as quickly as potential in case you’re a fan of the style or seeking to get into it.
Extremely Blade ($2.99) – [Game of the Week] – [Forum Discussion] – Kyle Barret’s Extremely Blade is an incredibly good roguelike RPG that performs brilliantly with one thumb on cell. Kyle’s video games are normally wonderful for pickup and play, however Extremely Blade is my favourite for positive. It’s a bit obtuse in methods, however comes filled with a ton of content material and nice music. It’s a straightforward suggestion.
Completely happy Recreation ($5.99) – [Review] – [Forum Discussion] – Amanita Design’s releases on iOS through the years have ranged from premium releases to Apple Arcade video games, and the studio’s horror journey Completely happy Recreation is a brief however memorable expertise about making an attempt to assist a boy escape nightmares with puzzles and all kinds of creepy issues. Completely happy Recreation isn’t what I anticipated Amanita Design to work on, however it’s a shining instance of how inventive the developer is throughout a wide range of settings.
Pocket Card Jockey: Experience On! () – [Review] – [Interview] – [Forum Discussion] – Pokemon developer GameFreak’s 3DS gem bought supercharged for Apple Arcade as Pocket Card Jockey: Experience On! earlier this 12 months. It’s my favourite present recreation on the service, and I hope to see it supported for a very long time. The mix of solitaire, horse racing, and simulation by no means will get previous, and it hasn’t appeared pretty much as good because it does on Apple Arcade earlier than. That is a necessary in case you have a subscription.
Voice of Playing cards Trilogy (Free), ($11.99), ($11.99), ($11.99) – [Review] – [News] – [Forum Discussion] – Sq. Enix’s Voice of Playing cards trilogy has all the time felt like an ideal match for cell, and it lastly arrived as three premium video games and one free prologue launch on iOS and Android. Whereas the ports have just a few points I’ve touched on in my overview of the primary recreation, the decrease asking worth than different platforms and nice controls make them price trying out. These are mainly turn-based RPGs with a tabletop card recreation aesthetic, and I’d suggest making an attempt the free prologue to see how you’re feeling earlier than shopping for any of them. I’m presently engaged on my overview for the second and third video games.
This 12 months began out stronger than anticipated on all fronts in gaming, and I’m trying ahead to the numerous extra video games hitting cell this 12 months. In the event you assume I missed one thing, be happy to tell us within the feedback, and thanks for studying.
