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Mobile games as of late are being played on smartphones and tablets. While most handheld video game consoles are becoming secondary to our daily smartphone drivers then it doesn’t come to much of a surprise that developers would be looking at mobile devices as an avenue to bring their catalog of video game titles. While we are used to seeing ports of popular video game titles hit the latest platforms, there are several video game titles being ported to our smartphones and tablets. While you may know some of the more common title ports such as the Grand Theft Auto franchise, XCOM, and the Final Fantasy series, here are a few ports you might not be familiar with.
#18 The Sims 3
You all probably know of The Sims. Within the game series, players are able to make various characters and build out their homes. This is somewhat of a life simulation game where the main purpose is simply allowing the characters to live out their lives, introduce new items and entertainment for them, while allowing players to create unique dream homes. There have been several installments released so far and in terms of the mainline franchise, fans got a release on the iOS and Android platforms for The Sims 3.
In this application version, there is a focus around completing different objectives with the game ending after players complete the various lifetime wishes a Sim has. There were even different expansions that brought a bit more content into the game such as the Vampire theme pack. To top it off, there were different locations players could visit along with five career jobs a Sim could have. The game has since transitioned to just being known as The Sims and continues to get supported today.
#17 Hotline Miami
Indie games are pretty easy to find releasing into the market daily. However, few make the same reception and attention-grabbing success that AAA games hit. One of those small titles that made a huge splash into the market was Dennaton Games’ Hotline Miami. The video game acted like an old school twin-stick shooter set in a top-down perspective. This mature game was set in 1989 in Miami where our protagonist has been tasked with taking out a Russian mafia. Of course, facing the mafia is not going to be easy so expect some guns blazing action throughout.
While the game was a massive hit and has since released on all major platforms since its initial launch of 2012, if you own an Android smartphone or tablet then you’re also able to enjoy the fun. Hotline Miami managed to make it on the Android Google Play store marketplace back in March of 2015. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for iOS.
#16 Bully
Bully is an iconic video game from Rockstar Games that released initially back in 2006. Much like most Rockstar Games that launch, there was a bit of controversy surrounding it due to the nature of the game. Players will follow a student named Jimmy that gets tossed into Bullworth Academy but it’s within the school that Jimmy learns that most of the students attending the academy are bullies and snobs. As a result, Jimmy sets off to bring peace onto the school by fighting back the bullies while traveling around the open world school environment.
Combat is more lighthearted than what you would find in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Players will be able to use an assortment of weapons that range from slingshots, marbles, to marbles. The video game, in general, was a huge hit initially and for years now fans have been seeking a sequel to launch into the market though Rockstar Games has yet to make any official announcement regarding a new installment. However, over the years we have seen rumors and supposed leaks that suggest a Bully 2 may be coming out sooner than later but for now, players can enjoy the first title on an assortment of platforms such as your smartphone and tablet.
#15 Crazy Taxi Classic
Crazy Taxi is an arcade classic hit that was put out initially in arcades by Sega in 1999 where it grew in popularity and spread to home consoles. Within the game, players take the role of a taxi driver that must pick up riders and deliver them to their destination in the fastest amount of time. However, if you arrive too late or get into too many wrecks, your passenger will end up leaving. It’s a constant race against the clock to deliver the most amount of passengers and rake up a ton of cash along the way. Likewise, the game came with a killer soundtrack thanks to music provided by massive bands at the moment such as The Offspring and Bad Religion.
Over the years there have been several installments released from the franchise with a few of them being available on the mobile platforms. We’re suggesting you take a look at the first installment which is titled simply as Crazy Taxi Classic. This game still holds up today and its mechanics are easy to navigate through the hectic and crowded cities.
#14 Max Payne
Max Payne was a fantastic video game when it launched back in 2001. The game revolved around a former NYPD officer who is now a detective seeking out the answers to a case that cost the lives of his wife and daughter. This case would lead him into a big conspiracy that involves the military and a new designer drug that has hit the streets. Acting as a third-person shooter, one of the components that made Max Payne such a big hit was the bullet time effect which was popularized by The Matrix. While the game launched initially on the PlayStation 2, gamers can now enjoy the game on the go with their smartphones.
#13 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the more popular Star Wars titles to ever release. This is an RPG that takes place thousands of years before the first film which means both the Jedi and Sith are great in numbers. Through the epic journey, players are given freedom of how they progress their character and story as you can determine if you wish to side with the Jedi or fall into the lure of the dark side.
Developers, Aspyr Media Inc., have stated that the mobile video game contains the full experience from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and because of that, this game will require over 2.4GB of internal storage. If you’re okay with losing out on some storage space and happen to be a fan of the Star Wars films then you won’t want to miss out on this incredible journey.
#12 Sega Forever
It was back in June of 2017 that Sega rolled out their service known as Sega Forever. This would bring out a number of classic video game titles for players to enjoy for free on the iOS and Android platforms with intentions of bringing it over to other platforms as well. The video games range from titles that launched back on the Sega Genesis, Sega CD, and even Dreamcast. As a result, you’ll want to follow the service to see just what video game is added into the marketplace next as you can already enjoy Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Gunstar Heroes, and their latest release at the time of writing this, Shining Force II.
#11 Telltale Games
Telltale Games may not be around anymore to deliver fans deep narrative journeys but there’s a large catalog of video game titles you can enjoy now. Unfortunately, several of these video game titles may not wrap up its narrative journey due to the fact that Telltale Games is no longer with us. But you can enjoy The Walking Dead series which has spanned across several installments with the last one in the works currently thanks to Skybound picking back up the series after studio’s closure. Outside of The Walking Dead, there is Game of Thrones, Batman and Guardians of the Galaxy.
#10 Tales From The Borderlands
The story of Tales from the Borderlands takes place after the events of Borderlands 2 on the planet Pandora. After a discovery is released, swarms of vault hunters head to Pandora to locate a hidden vault that supposedly contains a vast treasure. Players will take the role of Rhys, a Hyperion that has his eye on taking over the position of Handsome Jack, along with Fiona who is another con artist within Pandora that hopes to score big thanks to this hidden vault. While we did mention Telltale Games earlier in this post, it’s worth adding this game into the mix simply due to Borderlands 3, a game coming up in 2019. Borderlands 3 takes place after the events of Tales From the Borderlands so if you have to play the game and want to get some preparation for the upcoming main installment then we recommend checking this title out.
#9 Life is Strange
Life is Strange is one of those games that at first glance doesn’t seem to be something that would have such a deep narrative. But when you give it a try, you’ll have a terrible time when it comes to setting the controller down. There are so many elements to the narrative and journey Dontnod Entertainment takes you that it’s easily a great title recommendation for those that want a deeper story or to those that might not be extremely skilled when it comes to gaming.
Within the game, players take the role of a young adult named Max who is in her senior year of high school after she was accepted into a prestigious academy featuring a desirable photography course. This school actually takes Max back to her hometown of Arcadia Bay, Oregon and it’s with her return that she stumbles upon her past best Friend, Chloe.
Years have passed since Max left with her parents and their friendship slowly chipped away into nothing more than acquaintances. However, one day Max discovers she has a supernatural ability to reverse time and through it, she is able to rekindle her friendship with Chloe. But with all that said, there is something deeper that resides in Arcadia Bay and this game definitely doesn’t hold back.
You’ll learn of deep dark secrets the town has kept hidden along with morally tough and emotional choices that will alter the narrative. This is an episodic video game and with the entire season available, we highly recommend playing the game. Gameplay is aimed more towards puzzle solving and exploring which makes it easy for anyone to pick up and play.
#8 Oxenfree
Developed as their first debut title, Night School Studio released Oxenfree. This is a supernatural adventure video game that puts players into the role of a teenage girl named Alex. It’s within her weekend trip to a local island that events turn for worse leaving her and a group of friends stranded with a mysterious being.
Most of the game is revolved around choices when speaking to the other cast of characters while you explore the island in search for a means to escape. There will also be a few puzzles to solve as well, though the main center of focus is the story. Speaking of the story, the game will give players the ability to go back and replay the narrative a few times as there will be multiple endings available depending on the choices that you make.
#7 Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath definitely looks appealing visually and the gameplay is what you would expect from a title within the Oddworld franchise. However, in Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, players take the role of a bounty hunter named Stranger who wanders into the wastelands of Western Mudos, a town filled with belligerent outlaws. Stranger sets off on his goal in order to earn enough money for a much-needed life-saving surgery. As mentioned, the world of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is stunning, the gameplay mechanics are fun with quirky weaponry and the game world is filled with outlandish characters to meet along your journey.
#6 Broken Age
Broken Age was Tim Schafer’s return to a graphic adventure in over a decade. This adventure story tells the tale of two individuals that live completely different lives but, strangely enough, similar. Vella Tartine was chosen to be sacrificed towards the village monster, as is a tradition within this village, though, before the day of execution, she escapes. However, out of this world, we have Shay Volta who resides in space where he has a computer monitoring and taking care of every need imaginable. Desiring to leave his prison and go on a grand adventure, Shay makes the leap of faith and escapes as well.
If you enjoyed Life is Strange for its story and relatively easy gameplay mechanics then moving on to Broken Age will make for an easy transition. There’s a focus on the narrative and being a point-and-click style adventure, most gameplay elements will center around solving puzzles.
#5 Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
To all the siblings out there, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons makes for a tear-jerking video game that puts players into a horrible narrative right from the start. This is an adventure game that will take you just a couple hours to complete and it’s rather easy to navigate through.
Within the game, players are following two brothers who must go on a grand adventure through several hostilities in order to bring back special water. The water is believed to heal their dying father though the journey itself will prove to be difficult to overcome for these siblings.
Again, because of its length, it’s hard to really showcase too much information without spoiling the narrative. With that said, this is a beautiful title with puzzle-filled gameplay and boss fights.
#4 Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve takes the elements of Minecraft by dropping a player into a dark dreary world with little instructions on what to do while the design looks as if it came directly from a Tim Burton film. Players control a scientist named Wilson as he must make his way through the night with monsters and supernatural enemies hot on his tail. Players will search and scavenge the world during the day in order to gather supplies for firewood and food to survive the nightfall. Gamers attempt to survive for as long as they possibly can while exploring the world and reaching the end island. Since the game released, there has been DLC which offers news characters, creatures, and seasonal effects.
#3 Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor is a game that was first released in 2017 for the PC and Xbox One platforms due to an exclusivity deal. Now that the deal has come to an end, players can enjoy the game across the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, and Android platforms as well.
The game puts players into the shoes of a protagonist that has recently moved into a neighborhood when he discovers his neighbor to be acting strangely. All signs point that the neighbor is keeping something hidden in his basement leaving the players to determine how to gain access.
Players will have to sneak into the house and gather various items that will allow them to gain access into the basement, but they will need to be careful not to be caught. If the neighbor spots the protagonist then they will have to flee to a hiding spot otherwise they will end up back at their home.
Interestingly enough the game’s AI learns of previous gameplay sessions allowing the neighbor to lay down various traps making it difficult to reattempt certain tasks.
#2 The World Ends With You
The World Ends With You launched back in 2007 for the Nintendo DS but you can now enjoy this action RPG title on your smartphones. Within the game, players are in a contest with other dead individuals where the grand prize could mean a way back to the living world. Likewise, because the game was originally available on the Nintendo DS, several of the touchscreen mechanics are in place with players tapping on the screen to swiping away to defeat enemies. If this is a video game you missed out originally then we highly recommend playing it on the Android or iOS platform in order to enjoy the new HD visuals.
#1 Grim Fandango Remastered
Grim Fandango Remastered focuses on Manny Calavera, a salesman that offers packages to souls that will set them onto their four-year journey to everlasting eternal rest. However, Manny’s world gets turned upside down when a conspiracy could threaten his own salvation. Players will guide Manny out of this mess in order to clear his name from any wrongdoings.
This is a graphic adventure though an old school one as it originally came out in 1998. However, the game has been remastered and published for most current generation consoles along with an upcoming Nintendo Switch release.
