Even with tons of great games out right now for consoles, I’ve found myself playing a ton of iOS games. I don’t know why … actually, I know exactly why: the good ones are incredibly addicting and have me saying, “Just one more run!” over, and over, and over… and over again. I’ve become obsessed with a whole new batch of games since the last time I did an article like this, so if you’re looking for a fresh new way to kill five minutes … or two hours, check these games out.
Knightmare Tower ($2.99 for both the iPhone and iPad version)
This is one of my favorite games in a long time. An evil… something… kidnapped 12 princesses, and you need to get them back. You’re shot up a tower and must slice through enemies to propel yourself up. Think of it like Fruit Ninja, except where the fruit fight back. You earn coins to unlock new stronger weapons, bigger bonuses and better potions. And once you beat the main game, you unlock a Survival Mode where you can keep playing forever… if you’re good enough to survive. The great art style, addictive gameplay and easy-to-understand controls will hook you instantly and keep you coming back for more.
Ridiculous Fishing ($2.99 for both the iPhone and iPad version)
In Knightmare Tower, you have to fight monsters on your way up. In Ridiculous Fishing, you have to avoid fish on your way down. Ridiculous Fishing is another incredibly simple game to pick up and play. Cast your line and avoid fish as long as you can on your way down. Once you hit the bottom – or hit a fish – you start to reel your line in and try to snag as many fish as you can on your way back up. And once you’re up? Blast the fish out of the sky with shotguns and rocket launchers! Another game that benefits from unlocking new items (as well as new stages), Ridiculous Fishing will have you casting your reel just one… more… time… in the goal of getting that top-tier weapon to blast more fish to smithereens.
Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s About Time (free for both the iPhone and iPad version)
The first Plants vs. Zombies game is one of my favorite computer games of all time. When I heard that the sequel would be coming out on iOS, and that it would be free-to-play (like Candy Crush, where you can play the full game for free, but can pay real Earth money to get through more difficult sections), I was bummed. But the game works perfectly on the iPad, and I honestly can’t even imagine playing the original with a mouse. Your goal in the game is to protect your house from increasingly difficult hordes of zombies by using plants to ward them off. With dozens of plants and even more zombies, there’s no end to the variety you’ll encounter. Since it’s free, there’s no reason for you not to check this game out.
Quell Memento ($2.99 for both the iPhone and iPad version)
This is a much quieter, more introspective game than the rest on this list. The game is set in an old abandoned house, where you have to restore order to the jumbled memories of the last occupant. It’s similar to a lot of other puzzle games – you control a blob of color and need to turn all blocks the color you are. Adding in spikes, locked doors and other obstacles means it’s more challenging than it first appears. Couple that with beautiful, soothing piano music and you have a game that, unlike the rest of the games on this list, you can take at your own pace and truly use to relax.
The Scarecrow (free for both the iPhone and iPad version)
I kind of hate that I’m putting this on the list, but I’ve put a decent amount of time into this lately. It’s an adver-game from Chipotle, and the only reason I downloaded it was because the game gives you a free burrito once you beat a few levels. (It’s true!) It’s heavy-handed and smashes you over the head with its message, but it’s pretty stunning, visually, and it led to one of the most amazing commercials in recent memory. Come for the free burrito, stay for moderately okay gameplay. What’s not to like about free food?