Animal Crossing and Sheltered: this week’s top mobile games

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.

Another week, another look at the world of mobile games. And we’ve got a few noteworthy titles in our roundup.

Highlights include a South African title and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (sort of). Check out all five picks below.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (free – Android, iOS)

It’s officially available in Australia only (a wider release is set for November), but enterprising gamers can unofficially try out the first Animal Crossing game on mobile devices.

In any event, Pocket Camp manages to capture the basic AC gameplay for the most part. So you’ll be collecting furniture, chatting to campers, fishing, bug-hunting and more.

The game map is split into chunks, while a virtual currency is also in effect (for speeding up furniture purchases and unlocking new areas). If you can’t wait for the official release, you may as well try this route, but be warned that you won’t be able to update the game via the Play Store if you do. Don’t be surprised if Nintendo cracks down, either.

Pocket Pool (free – Android, iOS)

Ketchapp is pretty much a veteran of the mobile game scene now, with Pocket Pool being its latest offering.

The game is essentially pool with levels, tasking players with making increasingly difficult shots. Progression is quick-fire too, while rules (such as the white ball being sunk) don’t matter. All that matters is that you sink the highlighted ball.

Those expecting any semblance of proper pool will be disappointed, while full screen ads occasionally pop up too. Otherwise, it’s still a mildly enjoyable title.

Death Road to Canada (paid – Android, iOS)

It’s been available on PC and iOS for quite some time, but we’ve finally seen this action-RPG come to Android as well.

Death Road to Canada sees you interacting with various NPCs, fighting off waves of the undead and making “tough” choices through your playthrough.

Death Road to Canada is R135 on Android and R170 on iOS. It’s usually R160 on Steam.

Sheltered (paid – Android, iOS)

Like the idea of Fallout Shelter but want a more realistic spin on things? Sheltered might be for you then.

You’ll be controlling a family in the wake of a nuclear holocaust, venturing out of your shelter to scavenge for supplies and fighting off all manner of enemies. Give it a go if you enjoyed Fallout Shelter or perhaps even This War of Mine.

Sheltered is R60 on iOS and R64 on Android.

Afghanistan ’11 (paid – iOS)

We’ve also got a South African pick this week as Steam title Afghanistan ’11 comes to the iPad.

A strategy title of sorts, you’ll be at the helm of the US army presence in Afghanistan in… 2011. But the game emphasises a “hearts and minds” approach to the conflict, as you deliver aid, construct infrastructure and more to win over the occupied people. This is in addition to actually taking out the enemy and scouting various regions.

Afghanistan ’11 is available for a not cheap R300 on iOS, although it’s slightly cheaper than the standard Steam price.