Fun games for your new smartphone
They’re free (or cheap) to play — and addictive, too
Get a new smartphone this holiday? Once you’ve set it up and downloaded some apps, it’s time for the fun stuff.
If you are looking to mix up your gaming library, here are a few great choices. All these games are for iOS or Android and are free to play unless otherwise noted, but some might feature in-game purchases:
Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders ($1.99)
On their own, both of these games are absolute classics. Together, they form a really cool hybrid game where players command an Arkanoid ship deflecting enemy fire from alien invaders. It takes the best of both arcade games and mashes them up into a new, fun experience.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
This charming simulation from Nintendo tasks players with managing their own campsite filled with cute animals. As you explore, you help the animals, which in turn reward you with items to help craft furniture and other amenities that spruce up your campsite. Eventually, you’ll host parties at your outdoor home.
Bit City
The creators of Pocket Planes and Ti
ny Tower do it again with their addictive city-building simulation. Players start with a small metropolis, slowly building businesses, services and residential properties and watch it grow into a sprawling city. It’s free to play, but players can purchase “Bux” to build faster.
Fire Emblem Heroes
This free-to-play, turn-based adventure is based on Nintendo’s epic fantasy franchise. Players collect Heroes they assemble into teams of four to compete in various missions. They will level up their Heroes, unlocking new abilities and rewards. Strategy plays a big role, as players choose how to craft their teams based on compatible skills, weapon types and other factors.
Hearthstone
Blizzard’s fantasy card game has been around since 2014, but a consistent stream of new cards and fresh content make it a great addition for hardcore game players. Build decks using a variety of minions and spells, then duel other players. There are so many cards available, the combinations are endless.
HQ Trivia
Ever want to join a live game show? That’s what this viral hit offers — for now only for iOS but coming soon to Android. Every day at 9 p.m. ET, players join the game with thousands of others, trying to get all 12 answers right. If they make it through, they get to share a cash prize.
Rainbrow
This one is just for iPhone X owners. Thanks to the device’s TrueDepth camera, users play the game with only their eyebrows. An emoji moves up the screen, with players moving their eyebrows up to jump or down to drop down. Players must collect stars along the way while dodging obstacles such as cars and ducks.
Reigns Her Majesty
It’s no longer good to be king in the delightful sequel to 2016 game Reigns.
It’s a card-based choose-your-own-adventure style game where players make decisions as queen, keeping their kingdom protected and filled with riches, all while continuing to please the church and the people. The goal is to stay in power as long as possible.