Big names, small screens
> The world of mobile gaming is expanding, with a number of new titles determined to keep gamers glued to their phones
HERE’S a look at four of the freshest smartphone games to have been released this past spring.
Classic fighting goes mobile A console classic of the fight genre, Bandai Namco’s Tekken has now come to mobile devices. The game’s legendary fluid fighting style and fluid control, have also made it into the mobile version.
On a touchscreen, Tekken (Android/iOS) is controlled by gestures. Tapping on the right launches an attack, tapping on the left blocks one. To move the fighter the player swipes left or right. These fluid movements lead to fast fights.
Twenty characters are available and all bring their own fighting style. Combo attacks can be launched by combining special cards listed at the bottom of the screen. This free game can be played solo in story mode or online with friends or random opponents.
Dare to dream (in digital) With The Sims Mobile (Android/iOS) from Electronic Arts, players can develop their own individual character and then release it into life.
One of the first steps is to make a career choice. The money earned can then be used to build the dream house – a swimming pool, a roof terrace or a hobby room with a pool table are just some of the options.
But the most beautiful house only becomes a home when it has loved ones in it. Activities such as parties, outings and festivals are a chance to make new friends – and perhaps meet a life partner.
This life simulator for iOS and Android offers many opportunities for personal development but some of them cost real money.
Throw the spear of the gods A combination of Angry Birds and a tower defence game adequately describes Lichtspeer from Noodlecake Studios.
At the beginning of the game a Norse god presents the eponymous light spear to the player and soon after he or she finds themselves being attacked by trolls, ice giants and other mythical creatures.
Luckily, the spear can defeat them. Just aim it and let it fly into the enemy hordes. The goal is keep these opponents at bay in wave after wave of attack. To make things more interesting, players don’t have the option of fleeing.
The gameplay is simple and fun thanks to intuitive controls and varied opponents while the mythical Nordic setting is colourful and crazy.
Curiosity about what’s coming on the next level will definitely keep players playing. Survive in the wilderness The strategy game The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands (iOS) by Xigma Games is set in a desolate landscape. People come to the eponymous campfire in search of protection and work.
A settlement is created, sufficient food must be produced, houses must be built, and people need to be protected from external threats. Over time, opportunities, needs and problems increase and the player has to decide what’s the best use of scarce resources.
Players need to pay equal attention to both the economy and residents. The latter quickly become restive if they don’t get enough sleep or food. And then there’s also attacks by monsters and harsh weather to be overcome. – dpa