It’s an impressive achievement to see console games running on today’s smartphones, showing just how far we’re coming in terms of technology.
Yes, these games are great achievements then, but oftentimes, the best mobile games are the ones that offer bite-sized sessions, ideal for when you’re in a queue or… on the bog.
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Sure, many people know about Flappy Bird, Angry Birds and Game Dev Story. But here are a few recent titles you’ll want to grab before nipping off.
PinOut (free – Android, iOS)
From the same people behind glass-breaking game Smash Hit, we’ve got an updated take on pinball for a new generation.
PinOut combines pinball with endless running mechanics, as you fight the clock and gravity to advance as far as you can. It’s ideal for short bursts, but good players will need a couple of minutes though.
Their previous title, Does Not Commute, is also worth a look, if you like what you see.
Reigns (paid – Android, iOS)
One of our favourite games of 2016, Reigns manages to combine the Tinder-style swipe mechanic with medieval decision-making.
You play the role as a king, making a variety of decisions to keep your clergy/citizens/military/treasury happy. It’s a tricky balance and you’ll inevitably die, but the sheer wealth of choices makes for a entertaining experience. Hell, it’s possible to die within a few swipes, but most sessions will last a couple of minutes.
Reigns is a paid title, being available on PC as well.
Flip Diving (free – Android, iOS)
Another standout title last year, Flip Diving is ideal for those wanting some physics-based hijinks.
You’ll be playing as a cliff diver, leaping from high places and flipping numerous times before safely landing in the depths below. You can also unlock different tricks, costumes and stages, giving the title some legs.
The game is also ideal for the toilet thanks to an ever-decreasing target area for you to dive into, making it tougher to keep the game going. So you won’t be playing one level for 15 or 20 minutes — unless you want to.
Disco Dave (free – Android, iOS)
A rhythm action game with an endless twist, Disco Dave is another bite-sized title that works well if you’ve only got a few minutes to spare.
The game sees the titular character hopping on a dancefloor, but you’ll need to move Dave to the illuminated part of the floor to keep his dance going.
Once you get the hang of Disco Dave, you’ll be playing for minutes rather than seconds. But a Crossy Road-style unlockable system also keeps things interesting.
High Risers (free – Android, iOS)
Another solid title with a short play-time, High Risers makes a good case for being a quintessential toilet title.
The title has your character auto-running left and right on a floor, with a screen tap sending them to the next floor. But you’ll need to be careful, as walls might be missing and floors grow unpredictable in their layouts.
High Risers is another title with a simple formula, but it’s certainly one of the more addictive games out there.
Golf Zero (free – Android, iOS)
We’ve seen numerous games being released that use golf mechanics, such as Super Stickman Golf and Flappy Golf. Now, Golf Zero is the latest pseudo-golf title to see the light of day.
Originally released on iOS but later making its way to Android, Golf Zero is essentially Super Meat Boy meets golf. You’ll be taking shots while jumping, giving you three seconds of slow-motion to aim and hit the ball. Throw in wall jumps, balloons to pop and other garnishings, and you’ve got a different take on golf once again.
The game really does seem tailor-made for speed-running though, right down to the inclusion of a speed-run mode.
Ultimate Briefcase (free – Android, iOS)
Another prolific developer, Nitrome has quite a library of games on mobile app stores, but Ultimate Briefcase certainly fits the bill for this roundup.
The game puts you in the shoes of a briefcase-toting businessman, walking down the street when bombs rain down on the city. You’ll simply have to dodge the bombs, using your briefcase to protect yourself as well. And then there are the unlockable characters with their own powerups…
It starts off slightly challenging, but you’ll be running around for several minutes after a while, trying to beat your previous best.
Steppy Pants (free – Android, iOS)
Think Flappy Bird but with walking, and you’ve got a great idea of what to expect from Steppy Pants.
The game, which uses the Crossy Road visual style and unlockable system, has you rhythmically tapping the screen to make the character walk. You won’t make it very far initially, much like the popular QWOP.
Steppy Pants doesn’t have a breadth of content then, but the core mechanics make for a “just one more go” kind of experience.
Polyforge (free – Android, iOS)
One of the more eclectic picks in this roundup, Polyforge essentially has you shooting at rotating shapes.
More specifically, you’ll control a tiny triangle that automatically spins around a shape. Tap the screen to illuminate one side of the shape, with the goal being to illuminate the entire shape — the game ends if you accidentally illuminate an already illuminated side.
The game also ups the ante with more complex shapes, so chances of one super-lengthy session aren’t likely. Ideal for the loo, then.
Super Mario Run (free to try – Android, iOS)
The first Mario game on mobile is an auto-running affair, as you merely time your jumps to perfection in order to grab coins and avoid enemies.
Super Mario Run offers just over 20 levels, with each level being about a minute or two long. In other words, you’ll get through them pretty quickly, but achieving a perfect score is where the main challenge is at.
The first four levels are free to play, but you’ll need to splash out over R130 (platform dependent) to unlock the full title.
