50 near-perfect iPhone games
I have been captivated by mobile gaming since the inception of the iPhone, enjoying the best games available at that time. LightsOut , Imangi and the incredible Bejeweled 2 .
Indeed, mobile games existed prior to that era (Nokia’s). Snake While some mobile games from the early to mid-2000s provided brief entertainment, most are better off being consigned to oblivion.
I grew up with portable gaming devices like the original GameBoy The original text (76 characters): and the devices that came after, enabling the download and playback. good Playing games on a device connected to the internet that you already had felt like a glimpse into the future. This phenomenon sparked the booming mobile gaming industry, generating a staggering $42 billion in revenue in the US last year alone.
Although I still find console gaming charming and enjoy playing World of Warcraft on my Mac, lately, my iPhone has become the primary focus of my gaming activities.
So what’s the selection criteria?
When choosing which games to keep on my phone, I consider a set of criteria that I narrow down to specific requirements for each game to meet.
-
Was the game designed for
mobile first
?
Dead Cells & GRID Autosport For instance, while mobile games offer incredible experiences, many individuals may find platformers and driving games more enjoyable on a dedicated console with a controller. Although it is possible to use controllers with iOS, I prefer maintaining a collection of games that were designed specifically for the platform. -
Does it function with the touchscreen akin to a traditional controller?
I enjoy platform games and dungeon crawlers, but I prefer versions designed for mobile devices that don't rely on touch controls mimicking a gamepad. Games that necessitate constant screen tapping or pressing specific areas feel less appealing to me, regardless of their mobile-first design. -
Does the game make full use of the screen?
Preserve classic games for a touch of nostalgia and endless entertainment. Blockwick & Blockwick 2 In my view, these puzzle games are some of the finest ever created for this platform. However, with the shift to taller, narrower iPhone screens, they failed to adapt, leaving players with a sense of neglect whenever they engage with the game. -
Does the game require a subscription?
Not many games mandate a subscription, yet Apple Arcade and Netflix excel in offering a vast array of games under their subscription plans. This encompasses an impressive array of titles. Into The Breach (Netflix) WHAT THE GOLF? & Grindstone Perhaps it's traditional, but I appreciate Apple's approach. own The video games I enjoy don't tie progress to a subscription. Losing all progress due to cancellation is discouraging. Many are experiencing subscription fatigue, seeking alternatives. -
Does the game use In-App Purchases?
This is not a blanket ban on IAP; many games offer a free version with a single IAP that removes ads, or unlocks the full game. If a game offers any form of digital currency (coins, tokens, etc) that can be purchased through IAP, the game will likely (but not always) have been designed in a way that will strongly push you towards buying them in order to make progress further or faster. Even those games that were designed to work fine without Completing a purchase, I am left with a sense of unease about the upcoming experience. better As a paying customer, I prefer not to struggle with temptations while enjoying a game. What's the use of investing time in leveling up if you can easily pay to progress? It diminishes the enjoyment. I would gladly invest in a game that maintains the challenge without such shortcuts. Toy Blast but without the pay-to-win mechanic.
I think it’s great that games like Mindustry and Civilisation VI Mobile gaming is crucial for many users. Personally, I prefer games that are easy to pick up after a break, whether it's been days, weeks, or even months. It's important for a game to be intuitive enough that you can seamlessly continue playing without struggling to remember controls or your progress in the game.
The list contains numerous puzzle games, yet it aims to offer a diverse selection appealing to a wide audience.
SpellTower by Zach Gage
Discover terms to eliminate tiles. Longer terms remove additional tiles, but prevent letters from reaching the top. Multiple gameplay options available. Trailer ]
Good Sudoku by Zach Gage
Discover a Sudoku variation offering optional solving aids for beginners to enhance their skills, even if they are new to the game. Trailer ]
Cracking The Cryptic by Nick Carney
Exclusive Sudoku app from the top Sudoku channel on YouTube. Cracking The Cryptic Discover exclusive puzzles by top Sudoku creators, carefully crafted and curated for your enjoyment.
Sumaddle by Jonathan Buchanan
Discover a captivating number puzzle game with over 100 diverse levels from easy to challenging. Hours of engaging gameplay await you.
twofold inc. by Grapefrukt
Navigate the playfield to reveal tiles, then connect same-colored groups to clear a path and remove them. Trailer ]
Valleys Between by Little Lost Fox
Immerse yourself in a soothing puzzle experience. Cultivate a vibrant, picturesque environment as you bring life to new creations, foster communities, and uncover the serene enigmas of this enchanting realm. Trailer ]
Evergarden by Flippfly
Captivating and calming puzzle game of indescribable beauty. As you delve deeper, its complexity surpasses initial impressions, revealing an enchanting experience. Trailer ]
Red’s Kingdom by Cobra Mobile
Engaging puzzle game reminiscent of classic Zelda challenges. Delightfully charming with a touch of elegance. Trailer ]
Rustbucket by Nitrome
Immerse yourself in a turn-based dungeon crawler emphasizing intricate puzzles. Endless dungeon exploration will keep you engaged for hours on end. Trailer ]
Fidel Dungeon Rescue by Daniel Benmergui
An innovative twist on the roguelike genre - a game that allows you to rewind time. Navigate through monsters and treasures strategically in this highly praised puzzle adventure. Uncover hidden dungeon secrets and save your master! Trailer ]
[the Sequence] by Maxim Urusov
Engaging sequential puzzles that begin with simplicity and progressively intensify in complexity, unlocking new skills along the way. Elegant, smart, and highly captivating. Trailer ]
the Sequence [2] by Maxim Urusov
The sequel is a worthy continuation, enhancing the original with a hexagonal playfield, introducing fresh modules, and innovative game mechanics. Trailer ]
Up Left Out by Maciej Targoni
As a spiritual successor to a beloved game series like Blockwick, Up Left Out offers a tranquil and engaging sliding puzzle experience. Trailer ]
Sage Solitaire by Zach Gage
An elegantly straightforward solitaire game with a poker twist. Enjoy various gameplay options and personalize backgrounds and card designs. Trailer ]
Miracle Merchant by Arnold Rauers
Engage in a captivating card game where you brew potions solitaire-style. Craft unique elixirs for daring adventurers by blending various ingredient cards. Tailor your potions to meet their specific needs and conquer challenges. Trailer ]
Triple Tile by Tripledot Studios
Despite some reviews mentioning advertisements in the game, I personally have not encountered any so far. Due to its incredibly calming gameplay, Triple Tile remains on my recommended list of relaxing mahjongg variants. Gameplay ]
Baba Is You by Hempuli
In this innovative puzzle game, players have the ability to modify the game rules. Each level features interactive blocks representing the rules. By manipulating these blocks, players can alter the level's dynamics, leading to unforeseen and exciting outcomes. Trailer ]
Last Voyage by Semidome
Last Voyage is a cosmic adventure through space and mind in 10 unique chapters. Go through psychedelic portals, solve abstract puzzles, explore grand minimal forms or race against the stars. A science-fiction experience unlike any other game. [ Trailer ]
Idle 1 by Cem Games
An idle/incremental game focused on random upgrades. Its simplicity is elegant, testing patience and the ability to resist the temptation to cheat.
Thumper: Pocket Edition by Drool
Thumper embodies rhythmic aggression, combining classic gameplay, intense pace, and raw power. Assume the role of a cosmic beetle, challenge the abyss, and face off against a monstrous colossal head.
Super Hexagon by Terry Cavanagh
An action-packed game with a minimalist design, initially challenging yet highly addictive, keeping players coming back for more. Trailer ]
Hyperburner by Bad Potion
Hyperburner offers an exhilarating experience of navigating through hazardous courses in a remote colonial star system at high speed. Progress through challenging levels to climb up the leaderboards in endless mode. Trailer ]
Alto’s Adventure by Snowman
Embark on an infinite snowboarding adventure through stunning alpine landscapes, quaint villages, dense forests, and forgotten ruins. Experience the thrill of the endless slopes in this unique endless-runner game. Trailer ]
Alto’s Odyssey by Team Alto
An ideal follow-up to Alto's Adventure, featuring new gameplay elements. A serene experience with delightful music. Trailer ]
Tiny Wings by Andreas Illiger
Fulfill your dream of flying with tiny wings by using the beautiful hills as jumps. Slide down, flap your wings, and soar into the sky! Trailer ]
Super Fowlst by Thomas Young
The impressive continuation of Fowlst features 16-bit graphics and level design. A truly outstanding game, the finest in the trilogy in my opinion. I highly recommend it. Super Fowlst 2 . I’m a renegade! [ Trailer ]
Monument Valley by ustwo
A game of unparalleled beauty and ingenuity on iPhone. Navigate intricate architecture and lead a mute princess through a breathtakingly gorgeous realm. Trailer ]
Monument Valley 2 by ustwo
Discover the captivating sequel, surpassing expectations. Join Ro in educating her child about the secrets of the valley, navigating breathtaking landscapes, and using architectural puzzles to lead the way. Trailer ]
Pavillion: Touch Edition by Visiontrick
Described as a unique fourth-person puzzle adventure, Pavilion immerses players in a mysterious world without tutorials or explanations. Its serene beauty captivates from the start. Trailer ]
Pocket Run Pool by Zach Gage
Pocket-Run Pool is a unique blend of 8-ball pool and high-score chasing excitement. The challenge lies not just in pocketing all balls, but in strategic decision-making of when and where to pocket them! Trailer ]
The Witness by Jonathan Blow
When I think of intrigue and puzzle games, The Witness is the game I think of. An incredible achievement of game design — possibly one of the best puzzle/adventure games ever made. Whilst definitely better on a console or PC, the phone version does it justice (and can also be played with a controller should you wish). [ Trailer ]
X-Plane by Larimar Research
X-Plane Mobile is an absolutely incredible achievement of a full-featured flight simulator on a mobile phone. Whilst not quite matching the desktop version in terms of completeness, it uses the same flight model and has a stunning level of detail. It’s not a game, it’s a simulator. [ Trailer ]
