Not everyone in the world can be a self-professed gamer. However, each and every person has played a video game at some point. If not on a console, we often find ourselves passing the time on our phone by playing what seems like trivial (despite ridiculously addictive) mobile video games. For those who aren’t quite on the level of playing a full, multilevel, intense video games, The Edge decided to ponder which mobile video games we love enough to share with the world. Some are classic, some are new, but all are wonderfully brilliant at helping us procrastinate and waste our time.
Pokémon Go
The hype surrounding Pokémon Go has arguably settled down now, after we all spent our summers chasing colourful creatures around the city in the hopes of “catchin’ em all.” Collecting all 151 of the original Pokémon takes determination, dedication, a few strokes of luck and a whole lot of travel/exercise, but that’s all part of the fun. True, the game has its annoying elements; wherever you go, Rattatas and Pidgeys gather in packs to gang up on your avatar; there are times when you walk/travel 10km only to be presented with yet another Jynx; and there are some Pokémon that you can only catch if you can afford (or be arsed) to travel to different continents. But for those who enjoy the nostalgia of this joyous enterprise and the thrill of collecting and competing against your friends, it’s a great game to play on your travels. And Nintendo has just released a whole new generation of Pokémon – meaning that the chase is on once again to fill your Pokédex and catch ’em all!
words by Anneka Honeyball
Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes certainly isn’t as deep as the franchise’s console counterparts, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s often difficult for an app developer to strike the fine balance between engaging design and the inherent simplicity of mobile games. However, Fire Emblem‘s first mobile outing achieves this beautifully. While the franchise’s complex mechanics remain in place, the game’s pocket-sized maps mean battles never outstay their welcome. In much the same way, Heroes‘ story manages to stay investing without bogging the player down in boring dialogue heavy scenes. It’s these changes that show Nintendo is really beginning to understand the mobile market. While it certainly isn’t a replacement to the original series, it works perfectly as both a simplified introduction for newcomers or a light distraction for franchise veterans. The App Store is packed with superficial puzzle games, but Fire Emblem Heroes is perfect for anyone looking for something a bit deeper than Candy Crush or Clash of Clans.
words by Josh Nicholson
Super Mario Run
A recent success on iPhone and Android, Super Mario Run is a mobile game like no other. It has the aesthetic quality and feel of every other Super Mario game you’ve played on the DS or Wii, but you can play it on the go, simply by tapping along as Mario (or one of the other characters you can unlock) runs across each world in pursuit of Princess Peach. Though all six worlds come at the fairly steep price of £7.99, the game is still very enjoyable in a number of ways. Even when you come to the end of the initial story line, perfectionists can go back through each level to try and unlock different items by collecting various coloured coins. The minigame, Toad Rally, is also great fun as you race against others to win the affections of mini toads with your mad running skillz and create your own fancy Toad kingdom. Not only is the game enjoyable, it’s also challenging – particularly if you’re looking to unlock things beyond the main gameplay. If you’re willing to spend a few real life coins, it’s a great way to pass the time.
words by Anneka Honeyball
Tetris
Away from all the new-age games, one traditional favourite stands firm: good old Tetris! Tetris stands as a classic because it’s simply, yet so annoyingly, engaging, as you attempt to fit various weird sized blocks into coherent rows until you falter and die. In the process you get overly frustrated as they present you with some weird-sized cuboid that messes up your otherwise perfect layout, and quicken the speed at which new shapes appear until your reflexes can’t take trying to position the shapes any longer.
Though it may sound like inhumane torture (I realise I’m really selling this game), it’s also unbelievably addictive and fun! I remember spending my GCSE Geography lessons trying to beat my best friend’s score, and feeling a sense of ultimate glee and satisfaction when I did (he then trumped my score, but we don’t mention that). It doesn’t have any of the unnecessary complexity of many modern phone games, but rather is renowned, loved and overbearingly addictive for its simplicity. I certainly have fond memories and still recommend this old favourite, even if you’ll get no work done the week you download it. I did warn you.
words by Bruno Russell
Temple Run
You’re an Indiana Jones type adventurer. Athletic, slim, ginger. You’re on the look out for fascinating new artefacts to show that you’re a top notch Tomb Raider, but wait. You’re not alone in the temple, there are flesh-eating creatures that have detected your presence and they’re coming for you. There’s only one thing you can do, and that is to run for your fucking life. Just running and running, and turning and turning, jumping under and over dubiously placed obstacles, seeking out artefacts and gems on your way. Stumble, and the beast will catch up with you. Jump at the wrong time and you’ll find out the various ways in which you can go splat. This is the essence of Temple Run. Simple, oddly cinematic and frustrating as hell. There is no end to the running, but for high score obsessives and those interested in playing games where Olympians could potentially get eaten (Usain Bolt is a playable version), this is the game for you.
words by Anneka Honeyball
Endless Lake
Endless Lake provides endless fun. And endless frustration. And endless addiction. Oh my, how this game destroyed my productivity when I discovered it a few months ago. Discovered through the means of Facebook challenges in group chats, Endless Lake quickly became a favourite of mine. Simple in its premise, you are a character plodding along a path and tapping to jump when there is a break in the path, so that you don’t fall into the eponymous endless lake. Sounds easy enough, but judging whether a gap needs a single jump or a double jump is a surprisingly hard task, especially when choosing the wrong one can mean that you lose. As well as this, there’s random portals which can make your avatar split into 3 separate avatars on 3 separate paths. It all sounds a bit stupid, and in reality it is, but the pretty colours and characters and the sheer repeated action of tapping is great fun. Basically, this game ruined my life. I want it to ruin your life too.
words by Rehana Nurmahi
