Build skyscrapers, battle aliens or roll a ball
BATTLING aliens and humans, controlling a ball in a black and white world and building skyscrapers – we look at some of the new games out now for smartphones.
Only one survivor
In recent months, two games have been shaking up the gaming world and they’re now available for smartphones and tablets too. The games are PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (android/iOS) from Tencent games and Fortnite (iOS) from Epic games.
Both are so-called battle royal survival shooters and work on the same principle: several dozen players find themselves on an island and have to fight each other – either singly or in teams.
Everyone starts without equipment and first has to find weapons and protective gear.
Opponents can lurk around any corner and as the numbers decrease the surviving players are pushed together towards a final showdown. Rounds go by quickly and sometimes when victory seems close a shot in the back can send a player back to the beginning.
although the premise is similar, the two games do differ. PUBG has a more realistic approach while Fortnite is comic and full of gags. Both games are free and planned or available for iOS and android.
Fighting for humanity
Shadowgun Legends (android/ iOS) is a classic first person shooter from madfinger games. In this scifi game, the player takes on the role of a so-called Shadowgun, legendary warriors with extraordinary abilities who are the last line of defence for humanity after an alien invasion.
Players have to fight back on four planets in over 200 missions. That sounds like a lot but this game is all about big numbers – it offers over 600 weapons and 1,000 pieces of armour.
Shadowgun Legends can be played in co-op mode with up to three friends or against other players online. This extensive shooter with stylish graphics is available free for iOS and android. Some additional content has to be paid for.
Black and white puzzler
Ovivo (iOS) from izHard Team is a minimalist platformer that can truly astonish players despite, or perhaps because of, its minimalism.
The game is completely in black and white and involves the player controlling a ball that rolls between black and white areas, changing colour as it goes.
Obstacles have to be overcome and items collected to solve various well-designed levels. as colours change so does gravity, making daring jumps possible but also deep falls to destruction. at first glance the game seems easy to play but clever puzzles mean it’s actually a decent challenge with surprises coming right to the end.
Building above the clouds
Project Highrise (android) from Kalypso media is a building simulation that tasks players with constructing towering skyscrapers. First the floor plan is set and then the building has to be filled with life.
Players see the building in cross-section and have to design the interior. Should it be an office building, a shopping centre or a residential building? Or a combination of all three? The infrastructure also has to be installed, from elevators and stairwells to electricity cables and water pipes.
If something doesn’t work, the tenants will be dissatisfied and revenue will fall. an attractive skyscraper attracts better-paying tenants and that revenue in turn creates opportunities for further expansion. Project Highrise is available on google Play for Rm21.99.