The Survival Guide to Mobile Gaming
Published: 1/6/2013 6:00 AM
Last Modified: 1/6/2013 6:27 AM
Load the iPhone with the correct games and you will be immune to boredom. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World
The Endless Runner
This is a must have for any mobile device. You should have AT LEAST ONE on your mobile device at all times. The endless runner can provide hours of entertainment for those long stretches of times. The objective is rather simple: Don’t stop moving. Keep your character going for as long as you possibly can. If you lose, you can just try again and try to beat your high score.
Preferred choice: Super Hexagon – This is a new title and a new spin on the endless runner formula. You are a small triangle and you must try your best to not get trapped in geometric shapes. The real catch: It is extremely difficult; as indicated by the lowest setting being Hard (called Hexagon). When you first start the game, you will perhaps die every two or three seconds. The speed that these shapes come at you is extremely fast and twitch reflexes are definitely required. If you think Hexagon is really fast, just TRY the Hexagonest difficulty and you’ll see Hexagon is taking it easy on you.
The Match Three Puzzle
If you are looking for things to stimulate your brain a little bit, try puzzle games that have you match three or more tiles in a row. These games usually incorporate RPG elements in them, so you’ll also be treated to side things such as upgrading your character with better equipment and leveling up. Think of them as a pocket RPG. These games require a bit of strategy at what tiles you match together as matching some will cause other matches to be made after the initial match. And with whatever game you are playing, the bigger the chain/combo; the greater the effect.
Preferred choice: 10000000 – This title encompass both aspects of the match three puzzle as well as the endless runner. You wake up in a dilapidated castle and according to the number at the top right of the screen, scoring 10000000 points will grant you your freedom. As you begin a dungeon run, you will be required to match three or more tiles of swords and staves for attacks and things like stones and wood for resources to upgrade the castle. The graphics are a great throwback to old Atari games and it’s still a bit anxious to play as your character is pushed closer to the edge of the screen.
The Premium Game
These right here are the games that are up there with some of the console titles of today. They have great graphical prowess that pushes your mobile device to the limit and they can be a drain on the battery if you are not careful. Still, it is worth it with the gameplay that comes with it. Also, don’t expect them to come cheap unless A: It has been on the market for quite awhile or B: A sale is going on at the time. Still, for titles as good as these, it’s worth putting down over $5 for.
Preferred choice: Infinity Blade II – Infinity Blade II is perhaps the quintessential title for a mobile gamer. Epic Games and Chair Entertainment are known for making games such as the Gears of War series as well as the XBLA title Shadow Complex respectfully. Putting the Unreal Engine on mobile devices has never look better. The Punch Out style gameplay that has you blocking, dodging and parrying foes is fast paced and highly addictive as you control a swordsman fighting his way through a giant castle to take down countless opponents. This game right here is the reason I own an iPhone and if you have one or an iPad, this is a must-have game for them.
Do you have a topic you would like the Prairie Nerds to address? Let us know at PrairieNerds@tulsaworld.com
Written by
Chris Moore
Web Production Tech
