Cutting-edge consoles like the Xbox One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch might score more headlines and pump out flashier games, but when it comes to sheer size, no gaming platform on the planet can compete with the smartphone in your pocket.
But with hordes of mobile games arriving with little fanfare on a weekly basis, trying to figure out what, exactly, you should be playing on your iPhone or Android device is a daunting task. Still mindlessly crushing candy? Tired of catching ‘em all? Then put your thumbs to good use and try something new.
Here are the 10 coolest mobile games of January 2018:
“The Room: Old Sins”
‘The Room: Old Sins’ sees you searching through a creepy old house to reveal all of its secrets.
Few iOS releases are as eagerly anticipated as a new “The Room” game, and for good reason: Fireproof Games’ challenging puzzle series is consistently among the platform’s best. Once again, you’ll need patience and an eye for detail as you twist, turn, prod, and pull all kinds of levers and gadgets as you suss out the secrets of a creepy dollhouse mansion. “The Room” series has always been a graphical showpiece, and “Old Sins” is no different: this is a stunningly beautiful game that shines brightest on larger screens.
“Hero Academy 2”
‘Hero Academy’ pairs the collectibility features of games like ‘Hearthstone’ with tactical board game mechanics.
(iOS, Android | Free) The iPhone 5 was the freshest phone on the block when mobile gamers first fell for the fast-paced tactical strategy game, “Hero Academy.” A great deal has changed in six years, however, and that’s all reflected in this smart, gorgeous sequel. Now real-time, “Hero Academy 2” takes a cue from “Hearthstone” by tying a collectible card mechanic to its tactical board game vibe. Well worth a look, though you’ll definitely want to play it on something faster than an iPhone 5 this time around.
“Thumper: Pocket Edition”
‘Thumper’ is now on your smartphone. Just make sure you don’t move too much.
One of the best console games of 2016 thumped its way to iOS devices this month, and the result is absolutely unmissable. Players guide a metal-plated scarab down a Lovecraftian rhythm highway, slamming around turns to the beat of unsettling noise rock.The mobile version’s tilt controls aren’t quite as tight as a gamepad, but it’s just as gripping an experience.
“Antihero”
Take down crooks as a crook yourself in ‘Antihero.’
(iOS, Android | $4.99) Sneak, steal and stab your way through the Victorian underworld in this devious turn-based strategy game. “Antihero” has you burgling homes, hiring thugs and sabotaging businesses as you try to take over a city and defeat an opposing crook. Its colorful, cartoonish graphics belie a great deal of strategic depth. Offering both a single-player campaign and various multiplayer modes, it’s a must-play for digital board game geeks.
“Rusty Lake Paradise”
‘Rusty Lake Paradise’ is a stylish puzzle game that will is well worth checking out.
(iOS, Android | $2.99) The third entry in the delightfully morbid “Rusty Lake” series has you exploring an island in an attempt to rid your family of ten plagues. Mostly that involves solving increasingly difficult inventory puzzles, but what really sticks is the game’s “Twin Peaks”-meets-“The Wicker Man” sense of dreadful foreboding.
“It’s Full of Sparks”
‘Full of Sparks’ sees you try to keep from blowing up.
Another quirky freebie from prolific publisher Noodlecake, “It’s Full of Sparks” lets you play as a firecracker attempting to fling itself into a pool before the fuse on its head turns it into a depressing light show. That means quickly solving puzzles while running for the water. That’s easier said than done; you’ll soon run out of firecrackers, which can be replenished by waiting a bit or dropping a couple bucks for an infinite supply. Either way, you’ll have a blast.
“Marshawn Lynch Pro Football”
Beast Mode is coming to your smartphone. Get your Skittles ready.
While the Raiders are sitting around waiting for the Big Game just like the rest of us, their beast of a back is still picking up yards…on your phone, at least. This rushing-focused football game lets you juke, truck and, yes, Beast Mode downfield in pursuit of high scores. It’s nowhere near as deep as other iOS sports games like “Madden” or “NBA 2K,” but solid controls and simple gameplay will scratch that NFL gaming itch for just a few bucks.
“Meteorfall: Journeys”
‘Meteorfall: Journey’ is a collectible card game with a slick style that will have you coming back for me.
Trendy gaming buzzwords “rogue-like” and “collectable car game” combine in this polished, um, rogue-like collectible card game. “Meteorfall” takes a cue from the excellent “Reigns” games (or Tinder, even) by letting you swipe left or right to pick fights, cast spells and trade iron. The longer you last, the higher the score. Smooth, fast and eminently replayable, it punches well above its weight.
“Four Last Things”
Who said point-and-click adventures were old school?
Renaissance paintings come to life in this absurdpoint-and-click adventure. Your goal: commit the seven deadly sins and receive absolution by puzzling your way through what looks like a smartly written Monty Python animation. A solid catch if you dig art, adventure or dry British humor; perfect if you dig all three.
“Jydge”
‘Jydge’ is definitely not based on Judge Dredd. Not at all.
There’s certainly no shortage of twin-stick shooters on the App Store, so you might not be in the market for a new one. But “Jydge” (*pronounced “judge,” apparently) is a pretty good one, letting players customize their very own totally-not-Judge Dredd supercop and blast criminals to oblivion. Also available for consoles, “Jydge” is generally best played with a controller, though the touch screen controls will do in a pynch. Punch. Pinch.
