Note: This article originally appeared in the Cult of Mac Newsstand issue, Game On!. Grab yourself a copy or subscribe today.
It still surprises me when someone says, “I don’t play video games.”
Games are a touchstone of cultural relevance these days. With the advent of the iOS platform, with its ready availability of a wide variety of video games for all types of players, it’s hard to not see their influence. Not playing video games is like not reading novels or not watching television: sure, some folks choose that, but they’re missing out on a common cultural heritage and discussion.
That said, video games can seem intimidating. Or feel like a waste of valuable productivity time. I won’t bore you with statistics and studies that say otherwise, but trust me on this: video games can be a viable leisure time activity for all of us.
So how do we get you playing games? In the case of my girlfriend, it was finding the games that made sense to her. For my dad? He still won’t play them. So this list is as much for him as it is for you. You’re welcome.
One Tap Complexity
If you’re intimidated by controllers with upwards of 15 buttons on them, you’re not alone. One tap games capitalize on this, allowing you to relax or rev up with a game without having to memorize which button does which.
Tiny Wings ($0.99) – Andreas Illiger’s indie-game success story has all you want in a one tap game, with cute character design, clever mechanics, and a simple control screen. Tap your screen once to fold your little bird’s wings, let go to have it flap and soar. Try to get farther on each successive attempt before the sun goes down. Simply delightful.
One Tap Hero ($0.99) – This game by Coconut Island Studio re-thinks the standard platform game, letting you navigate your cute little hero with a tap on the screen, making him jump or move on ladders. It can get frustrating at later levels, but it sure is a relaxing way to try a genre you may not have the tolerance for with too many buttons.
Canabalt ($2.99) – Feel like a bit more challenge? Canabalt popularized the endless runner genre with stylish, monochromatic charm, aiding the rise of the genre on the App Store. Tap your screen to jump and avoid obstacles and enemies as well as to clear the gaps between buildings. What more do you need?
Not The Same-Old
Tired of running across platforms and jumping on mushrooms? Don’t want to match yet another set of multi-colored gems? There are many unique games that may just tickle your fancy. Here are a few of them.
Scribblenauts Remix ($0.99) – This gem brings the award-winning word-centric puzzle game to iOS, letting you experience the pure freedom of bringing anything you can think of into existence to solve Maxwell’s problems. Need to climb a building? Get a purple dragon to do it for you! The possibilities truly are endless, and you’ll get a kick out of the unique approach to problem solving here.
Little Inferno ($4.99)- At once both a creepy little puzzle game and commentary on planned obsolescence consumerism, Little Inferno is unique enough to pull anyone, gamer or not, into its weird and wonderful world where burning up toys is the only way to stay warm.
Impossible Road ($1.99) – Kevin Ng’s simple, beautiful arcade game is visually striking, maddeningly addictive, and possibly genius. It just may be the one game that pleases both perfectionists and hackers alike.
Narrative Depth Charge
Let’s face it: video games aren’t known for their plots. The princess has been captured or the world needs saving, am I right? If you’re looking to escape the humdrum of every day life, or just spend some time in one that’s a bit more interesting, these games will fit the bill.
Walking Dead (Free, $4.99 per each episode)- This scary experience from the folks at Telltale Games is part point and click adventure, part expansion on the popular media franchise, and all glorious narrative. Take part in what feels like an interactive television show with solid plotting and tough choices to be found at every turn. What would it be like if the world suddenly went zombie? Play through and find out.
Waking Mars ($4.99) – This feels more like a platforming or environmental game at first, until the story starts to filter in, mysterious and foreboding. The story here is deep, interesting, and funny, even delivered via text.
Bastion ($4.99) – This may be the most video game-like game on the list, but the narration, music, and gorgeous world make Bastion’s story one worth playing through a time or two. Help the Kid find his way through a post-apocalyptic world that’s still putting itself back together after a calamity, while a deep voiced narrator and a soundtrack that would have been right at home on Joss Whedon’s Firefly guide you through it.
Cards, Word Games, And Dice, Oh My!
Sure, we know that first person shooters and fantasy role-playing games aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. There are, however, a wide variety of digital games that mimic the real world games we all know and love. Here are some of the best.
Ticket To Ride Pocket ($1.99) – While there is an iPad version of this pitch-perfect port of Days of Wonder’s iconic board game, the iPhone variant supports asynchronous play via Apple’s Game Center, letting you play with folks both near and far. If you like the board game, you’ll love this edition as much, plus it takes up less space, and is much easier to put away when you’re done.
Magic 2014 (Free, $9.99 for full unlock) – This is the grandaddy of all collectible card games, and possibly the best digital version of such a game ever. The iPad version is easy to get lost in, and it never forgets its roots—each match has the look and feel of an actual card battle, just with cooler special effects. Fight yourway through epic campaigns, and then head out onto the internet to test your mettle with other real players.
Zombie Dice (Free) – “Eat brains. Don’t get shotgunned.” Great advice, from one of the funniest dice games out there. Steve Jackson Games (Munchkin) has been making card and dice games for decades, and that experience shows in this great iPhone game with dice. Roll three dice, trying to get the most brains without getting shot. Roll again? Or stop and savor the brain meats? Your call, of course. Braaaains.
