Welcome to Gearburn’s Mobile Game Picks of the Week, a weekly series in which Hadlee takes a look at the latest, most entertaining, or time-consuming mobile games on portable screens.
On the lookout for the best mobile games but have no idea where to start? Well, it’s time for our weekly look at some of the more notable titles to be launched in recent days.
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Two drastically different hack-and-slash titles, a Monument Valley-style game and an “interactive adventure” title round out our picks this week.
Bushido Bear
An action game about a sword-toting bear? Yeah, Bushido Bear ticks most of the boxes for a quirky mobile title.
Anyway, you’ll be using swipe gestures to quickly take out hordes of enemies in this wave-based action game. And in the process, you’ll be unlocking new abilities and playable characters.
Bushido Bear is free on Android and iOS, and no, it’s not a pay-to-win title at all.
Hearts of Iron: War Stories
Spotted by Pocket Tactics, this one is less of a videogame and more of a “choose your own adventure” experience.
This title is a surprise when you consider the fact that developer Paradox Interactive is known for its hardcore strategy titles. Anyway, you’ll be taking on the role of a rookie pilot during the Battle of Britain in World War Two, making key decisions at various junctures and watching the story twist as a result.
Hearts of Iron: War Stories is free to download on Android and iOS, but you’ll need to spend US$5 to progress beyond the fifth chapter. A fair deal.
Titan Quest
Yes yes, I’m cheating a bit here, as the game only comes out on Thursday. But action-RPG fanatics will want to stick this on their wishlist anyway.
Titan Quest is heavily inspired by the Diablo games, featuring the same hack-and-slash combat and isometric perspective as Activision-Blizzard’s franchise. Otherwise, this is the PC version of the game with touch-optimised controls.
Titan Quest will be available as a paid download on iOS, while an Android version is also set to launch “soon” after the Apple version.
Mekorama
One of the more interesting titles on the list this week, Mekorama is heavily inspired by Monument Valley.
So this means you’ll be taking on a series of increasingly difficult, perspective-shifting puzzles, as you guide a little robot around mind-bending levels. And yes, you’ve got some lovely stark visuals in tow as well.
Mekorama is available for free on Android and iOS, but the developer is allowing users to pay what they think the game is worth (from R10 to R320). A refreshing change from in-app purchases.