Stoking the Arcade fire
SUBSCRIPTION services are everywhere these days, from TV to music – and even virtual synths – but it’s not until Xbox’s Game Pass that we’ve truly seen something like a Netflix for games.
Apple’s Arcade is essentially that for mobile play, and I’ve recently tried it out. Here’s a few choice picks: MINI MOTORWAYS is a particularly charming take on road infrastructure, reducing city planning to the simple pleasure of drawing with your finger, against limited resources and a ticking clock.
ENCHANTED mixes a fairytale story with sliding block puzzles and an attractive low-poly style. It can be tricky for smaller kids but it’s certainly fun to work together on.
OVERLAND simplifies turnbased tactics as you attempt to survive a post-asteroid apocalypse, hunting for fuel while avoiding monsters, making for a tense but occasionally frustrating experience.
ASSEMBLE WITH CARE is a wonderfully crafted game that mixes puzzle-like object repairing with an emotional, well-written narrative that explores the stories behind each broken thing.
SPEED DEMONS calls back to the early days of the Burnout series where skimming oncoming cars would give you a speed boost. Floaty touch controls make this less entertaining though.
GRINDSTONE is an absolute blast – a hilariously stylised puzzle game where a warrior slices his way though monsters for points and prizes. Candy Crush this ain’t (thankfully).
The quality of games on offer is pretty consistent, with the spectre of manipulative in-app purchases thankfully absent from this growing library, which makes it particularly attractive as a parent too.