iPads and iPhones may not be the first platform you associate with some of those bigger triple-A titles, but Apple continues pushing its devices as the go-to for more intense games. From Resident Evil 4 to Death Stranding, the newest phones and tablets will support more graphically intense games.
Yet this isn’t the tech giant’s first massive push into gaming. Apple Arcade has been around for several years and is home to mostly casual titles. At $5 a month, it’s not a bad deal to download some time-killers when nothing else is around. Some are genuinely solid games, and the service has only improved its offerings since its 2014 debut.
As an iPhone and iPad user, I’ve used the service on and off, but now and again, something always draws me back in. Some of those deserve a spotlight — the underrated, convenient little gems accompanying me everywhere my phone goes. So, for those of you looking to expand your mobile library, I’ve got some recommendations.
DoDonPachi Ressurection’s excellent Apple Arcade port
Getting my most biased choice out of the way, DoDonPachi Ressurection is arguably my favorite bullet hell game, and my first exposure to it was via its iOS port. Although I mostly play the Steam port now for more content, I prefer the mobile version’s controls due to its simplicity.
With automated shooting, all the focus remains on movement, leaving only one hand needed to play. For an intense arcade game, it’s incredibly comfortable to play casually. This is especially true in its smartphone mode but is also the case in the included straight arcade port.
Since it was also originally an arcade game, DoDonPachi Ressurection only takes about 40 minutes to finish. This makes it perfect for lengthy commutes, especially as skills improve on subsequent playthroughs. The soundtrack is a banger too, and one I highly recommend grabbing headphones for.
My recommendation does come from a bullet hell fan’s perspective, but its accessibility on Apple Arcade leaves it open for anyone to try. DoDonPachi Ressurection is a heavenly bullet hell title, and hopefully one encouraging more people to try out more of the genre.
Game Dev Story is the perfect laid-back strategy game
As someone who enjoyed Game Dev Tycoon around a decade ago, seeing what is basically the same game on Apple Arcade was a treat. Game Dev Story‘s mobile version predates its similarly named counterpart by several years, so seeing the original take on a mobile device adds another layer to this pleasant surprise.
Game Dev Story follows the basic premise of building up an indie game company in the ’80s. As the studio makes games and takes on contracts, new consoles will overtake older ones as players balance budgeting, employee management, and adapting to new tech.
Getting caught up in a single massive success can lead to some underserved confidence, but it’s never too bad to start a new company after accidentally burning the previous one down. The longest any playthrough lasts is probably a few hours, so it’s worth experimenting with risky projects.
It’s a solid loop that’s perfect for short gameplay bursts. Even longer sessions can be engaging when a streak of solid game releases gets going.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is Apple Arcade’s surprise hit
Although its only home is on Apple Arcade, I count Hello Kitty Island Adventure as one of this year’s pleasant surprises. My latest renewal for the subscription service is even because of it.
Island Adventure is best described as an open-world life sim. The player creates a character and helps various Sanrio characters fix up an amusement park and partake in cozy vibes. It emphasizes making friends and developing each character’s story while being incredibly cute.
Half of the game’s appeal is honestly based on how adorable it is. Sanrio knows how to make cute characters, and bunching them together for a laid-back adventure guarantees adorable shenanigans. Various quests and activities make Island Adventure surprisingly involved, eating up your time. From befriending the cast to swimming and crafting, there’s much to do on the island Hello Kitty and friends reside on.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is the perfect game for anyone who wants something without tension. Sometimes, it’s nice to get away from life’s stresses and hang out as a cute animal person with your equally as cute, animal-people friends.
Stardew Valley is excellent no matter where it’s played
Stardew Valley is arguably the most famous cozy game, tasking players with restoring their grandfather’s farm after moving in. Despite releasing in 2016, it’s still receiving updates that make it worth revisiting time after time again.
The iOS port of Stardew Valley is no exception since it’s the full game but in a hand-held format. Everything from farming to relationship building and combat is here and as good as its PC and console counterparts. This means dozens of hours of content in a neat and relaxed package. Its slower pace also makes it easy to jump in and out at any time, even if it can be difficult not to sink your whole day into it.
While the mobile version’s update schedule doesn’t always fall in line with other platforms, Stardew patches have eventually launched on the iOS version and caught up. Regardless, this is a fantastic way to get into one of the most consistently popular farming games in recent memory.
Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat is a wonderful arcade-style rhythm game
Rhythm games are a genre that shines on mobile. Their quick pace and basic gameplay make them perfect for playing a few minutes of in-between other activities.
Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat is no exception to this, and it’s just a lovely game. The taiko drum theme makes controls easy to learn as players focus on learning a particular song’s rhythm. Its varying difficulties and range of control options also make it friendly for any newcomers to the genre.
The available tracks are varied, too — even if they skew toward J-pop, anime, and video game fans. It’s still funny seeing Frozen‘s “Let it Go” alongside Kaneda’s theme from Akira. Even more odd inclusions like “Baby Shark” mean not every song is a winner, but the growing song roster makes it easier to find a solid playlist to play with.
Of any Apple Arcade game, Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat is the easiest for me to return to. Its simple and engaging gameplay helps keep me occupied whenever I want a quick dopamine rush.
