Among Us
This game is fun to play alone but truly shines when played with friends. Set aboard an abandoned spaceship, you’re part of a crew of four to 15 players assigned simple tasks like repairing electrical systems or taking out the trash. The catch? Some of your crewmates are actually alien impostors determined to sabotage your efforts – or worse, eliminate you.
In the game, each player is privately notified at the beginning whether they’re a regular crewmember or an impostor. The goal for the impostors is to blend in seamlessly. Any player can call a meeting to vote off a suspected imposter, who is then promptly ejected through the airlock. The crewmembers win if they successfully eject the impostors. However, keep in mind that these alien infiltrators are always plotting. While the game is free, it does offer in-app purchases.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
For those who grew up playing the original PlayStation, it’s quite remarkable that one of its top games can now be played on your handheld device. This epic game, part of a long-standing series of vampire-fighting adventure games and first launched in 1997, allows the player to step into the shoes of Dracula’s son Alucard. Players must battle their way through his castle to confront the lord of evil himself. Often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made, players explore the vast castle, acquiring new skills and items that allow them to access previously unreachable paths. And for those stepping into Alucard’s cape for the first time, a wicked surprise awaits. Priced at just .99, it’s a steal.
Chrono Trigger
This ambitious RPG, another true classic from the 90s, features a storyline that spans millennia, from pre-history to the far future. If you’re a fan of epic narratives that fuse sci-fi and fantasy with memorable characters – including a sword-wielding frog aptly named Frog – this game is just for you. Despite its charming anime-style graphics, the story takes players on an intense and occasionally serious journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Retailing at .99, it offers bang for your buck with 13 different endings to uncover.
Fortnite
This game is a bona fide sensation that propelled the battle royale genre into the limelight. Players are thrown into a frenzied arena that progressively shrinks over time, with the last person standing crowned the victor. Its whimsical visual style and guest appearances from characters as diverse as Godzilla and Batman to Lionel Messi and Billie Eilish ensure there’s something for everyone. Although it requires downloading directly from a dedicated launcher provided by developer Epic Games rather than the Google Play store, it’s free, making it a tempting choice.
Genshin Impact
This vast action RPG feels just as comfortable on your mobile device as it would on a PS5 or Xbox. With a seemingly limitless range of activities, top-tier anime-style cinematics and voice acting, it has garnered a devoted fanbase who love its characters. The unexpectedly superb soundtrack enhances its charm. Although it’s free to download and play, the game does promote in-app purchases to unlock new characters, so be careful if you’re handing your phone to someone else.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
The Witcher, a popular video game and Netflix series, frequently shows its main character Geralt engrossed in a card game named Gwent. Developers CD Project RED promptly capitalized on this opportunity to create a standalone Gwent game, now available for download for those keen to jump in. Set in the magical world of The Continent, Gwent features cards decorated with mythical creatures, locations, and characters, along with a complex set of rules that requires mastery. Like many mobile games, it’s free but offers in-app purchases.
Minecraft
Does Minecraft even require an introduction? This crafting and survival sandbox game first emerged in 2011 and continues to enthrall audiences worldwide nearly 15 years later. It has even inspired a movie starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Often referred to as the LEGO of the 21st century, Minecraft allows players complete freedom to bring their most imaginative creations to life. Some of the outcomes are truly breathtaking. Priced at .99, this is a game you could potentially play forever.
Pokemon Go
Another game that needs no introduction, Pokémon Go, virtually dominated the globe when it was launched in 2016. The brilliant idea of bringing cherished Pokémon franchise characters like Pikachu into the real world was a smashing hit. The fact that it motivated people to go out and explore together in pursuit of rare monsters and engage in battles cultivated a community unlike any other game has ever achieved. Pokémon Go may not be the phenomenon it once was, but it continues to flourish – and serves as a great diversion while walking the dog or simply getting some fresh air. Just make sure you don’t wander onto the road. It’s free, but with in-app purchases available.
