Mobile games exist on the back burner no longer. The world’s biggest studios are investing more into the mobile gaming scene than ever before, determined to turn the monotony of your morning commute into the most exciting part of your day.
This month saw the birth of two landmark subscription services. The Apple Arcade officially launched on September 19th. While the arcade’s impact on the mobile market is not yet clear, user response has been largely positive. Android users are also testing the waters of their own subscription platform—Google Play Pass—which is already facing some early criticism. Whether you’re subscribed or not, there are still plenty of titles that are worthy of a download this month! Continue reading for some of September's best and brightest mobile iOS releases.
Pokémon Masters
Cost: Free
Genre: Role-playing game
Since the release of Pokémon GO, hardcore Pokémon fans have been waiting for a version of the game with sharper teeth. This month, prayers were finally answered with the release of Pokémon Masters. The game featured some early road bumps in terms of connectivity and compatibility issues but has been relatively well received in its first few weeks post launch. Bringing the combat specifics of the franchise’s most popular games to mobile platforms comes with its own set of challenges, and Pokémon Masters delivers quite well. If you’re not a fan of the grind, you’ll want to stick to PGO. However, if you're after something with a bit more substance, Pokémon Masters brings the best of Pokémon—strategy and all—straight to your phone.
Dead Cells
Cost: $7.99
Genre: Roguelike, Metroidvania
Like a spool of yarn, the more you play with Dead Cells the more it unfurls. And that’s where the appeal of this “roguevania” adventure lies. Every time you master an element of the gameplay, something new is introduced. On top of smooth mechanics and an adventure that gains momentum with each step sits a stylish interface and sleek graphics. The game is beautiful to look at but offers gameplay that lives up to its polished image. Fight your way through waves of undead and decipher the most effective weapon combinations as you work your way through levels at warp speed. Fifteen minutes feels like thirty seconds when you’re playing Dead Cells.
Star Traders: Frontiers
Cost: $6.99
Genre: RPG, Open world
If you have the patience to pick up the ins and outs of Star Trader: Frontiers, you won’t be disappointed. Between the intergalactic politics, alien warfare, and a seemingly endless stream of new worlds to discover, there’s a lot to take in. The game is considered an indirect sequel to the Trese Brothers’ original Star Traders RPG and was originally released as a PC game. Players are tasked with working their way through the universe while building up a unique squad of crew members. “Tasked” is a strong word, because—like most sandbox games—there really is no linear way to play. You can forgo your commerce role and pirate other ships for loot or simply explore the stars. No matter how you play, Star Traders: Frontiers is a can’t-miss game for Trese Brothers fans.
Game Of The Month: What The Golf
Cost: Apple Arcade ($4.99 subscription)
Genre: physics-based, sports game
Apple Arcade is full of games that feature artful graphics, stunning visuals, and intricate narratives from some of the world’s most renowned indie developers. What the Golf has neither aesthete-pleasing graphics nor heart-tickling narrative, but it’s still the best game Apple’s subscription service has to offer. If you don’t believe me, Reddit users even voted What the Golf as the best Apple Arcade game by a landslide. The Label tags the game as “Golf for people who hate golf,” but even golfers can get a laugh out of What The Golf’s silly physics and absurdist gameplay. Tee off as a car, a cat, or even a house to get a “home in one.” The scoring doesn’t make any sense, trees are easily uprooted, and holes aren’t really shaped like golf holes. While the game’s idiosyncrasies may seem off-putting at first, it’s the oddities that make What the Golf such a joy to play. You never know what’s waiting for you on the next tee!
Looking Forward
The mobile space is exploding, and every month is more exciting than the last. Coming off the heels of Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, the market isn't scheduled to slow down any time soon. October is a hot time for traditional platforms. Luigi's Mansion 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and The Witcher 3 are all set for release. But October holds a lot of promise for mobile games as well. A League of Legends mobile game is rumored to release sometime this month, Call of Duty mobile is making its debut, and early access for Minecraft Earth (AR) is making its way to mobile platforms. No matter where October takes you, you'll probably want to have your phone with you at all times.