ARCADE: THE BEST 10 GAMES THAT YOU NEED TO PLAY

It’s been eight months since the launch of Apple Arcade, the company’s gaming subscription service, and though its initial reception was mixed, there’s no denying that the Cupertino firm has reinvented the way we play games on our iPhones, Macs, and Apple TVs. But now with more than 100 premium gaming titles to choose from, deciding what to play can be tough.

CHANGING THE WAY WE PLAY

Last year, Apple went all-in on subscriptions. As well as announcing its revolutionary Apple Card and the long-awaited Apple TV+, Tim Cook and co also lifted the lid on Apple News+ - a new way to access content from your favorite publishers - and a wildcard: Apple Arcade. There’s no denying that Apple has revolutionized the gaming industry, contributing towards the mobile gaming market $137.9 billion, as well as spawning a whole generation of developers who create experiences exclusively for iPhones and iPads, but up until last year, Apple served as a platform, rather than a publisher. That still remains the case for the thousands of developers who create handheld games for iOS and iPadOS, but with Apple Arcade, the company has ventured into new territory, creating the ‘Netflix of Games’.

Priced at just $4.99 / AU$7.99 / AED 19.99 / £4.99 per month, Apple Arcade launched on September 19, 2019, with games compatible across Apple’s entire ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and Macs. Start an adventure on one screen, and finish it off on another. These highly-polished games aren’t available anywhere else, and by taking a new stance (paying developers based on

how popular their games are, rather than encouraging them to load games with exploitative in-app purchases and invasive ads), Apple Arcade is a family-friendly approach to gaming, with IPs that everyone can enjoy, aged 3 through to 103.

Apple launched its Arcade with 60 games, but that’s quickly jumped to more than 100, and new titles are added every few weeks. The company’s latest addition is The_Otherside, a turn-based RPG and a strategy board game that challenges ‘brave players’ to fight monsters and overcome puzzles and spirit anchors that threaten the dimension, to ultimately restore peace in the Otherside town. Apple doesn’t have an exact schedule - several games have dropped at once, followed by many weeks without a new title - but the overall pace makes the Arcade subscription product incredibly valuable; especially considering one $4.99 plan is enough for six family members.

A dedicated Arcade tab on the App Store highlights new and popular games, but with an increasing number to choose from, the service can appear overwhelming at first; especially when you consider that every mobile game has its own story, personality, and mechanics. This week, we’ve picked out our favorite Apple Arcade games that you should download.

1. SPACELAND

If you’re a fan of (metaphorically) blasting off into space to defeat enemies, then you’ll love Spaceland. This turn-based strategy title was inspired by the classic board game Space Hulk but sports a more graphically-updated style that works for modern gaming. Though this

is a single-player game, it’s fun for the whole family to experience live in front of the TV, as you’ll choose from a bunch of heroic space characters as you investigate an abandoned colony that’s packed with aliens and enemies, which you must shoot, kick, and generate your way through. Although we recommend a touchscreen, this game also supports controllers like the SteelSeries Nimbus and DualShock 4, which adds a new element of control and immersion.

2. PAC-MAN PARTY ROYALE

Mobile games have come a long way since PACMAN, but the iconic brand still proves to be incredibly popular on the App Store, with the 8-Bit retro classic title regularly topping the App Store charts. Party Royale, available exclusively on Apple Arcade, is a multiplayer classic that pits four PAC-MEN against each other in a fight that will result in death. If you’re caught by the nonplayer ghost or another PAC-MAN, you’ll morph into a ghost to sabotage your fellow players. Keep an eye on the dots; the more of those you eat, the faster you’ll move, giving you an advantage and accelerating the game. If you’re on your own, then you can play against robots under the QuickStart option - or find some friends and swap party codes.

3. ASSEMBLE WITH CARE

One of the early favorites when Apple Arcade launched was Assemble with Care, which is the brainchild behind the ustwo games studio, who’ve made games such as Whale Trail and Monument Valley. In ‘Care’, you’ll play as Maria, a restorer of antiques who’s on a working holiday.

This storytelling experience will see you get to grips with the inhabitants of Bellariva, repairing their treasured possessions and uncovering mysteries and memories on the way. This is a one-time experience; once you’ve delved into the history of characters and solved puzzles, you won’t want to go back to it, but it’s worth a playthrough, especially on the Mac.

4. SAYONARA WILD HEARTS

Apple singled-out Sayonara Wild Hearts as its Apple Arcade Game of the Year in 2019, and it’s clear to see why. Developed by Simogo, this dreamy game is centered around motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and even breaking hearts at 200 miles per hour. With a stunning custom score and impressive graphics, this game is not one to be missed; the fact it’s now also available on Nintendo Switch says it all.

5. LEGO BUILDER’S JOURNEY

If you ever wanted to play LEGO inside of your iPhone, you’re in luck. Builder’s Journey lets you move and rotate some of Lego’s most iconic bricks into the right places so that you can build structures, create paths, and take your character through a journey. This is a laid-back, low-effort game that you can enjoy with the kids, with a soothing soundtrack and puzzles that aren’t overcomplicated. What really makes this game stand out is its sound effects; once you have found the right brick and selected its location, there’s a satisfying and familiar “click”.

6. SUPER IMPOSSIBLE ROAD

Back to the highway now, this time for Super Impossible Road. This futuristic racing game is a firm favorite, and the only way that you can win is by taking some nail-biting shortcuts. Oh, and don’t expect tarmac; on SIR, you’ll be racing through the skies on roller-coaster tracks where metal balls and other obstacles will step in your way. Unlike Lego Builder’s Journey, this game requires skill, patience, and focus. At first, it really may feel impossible; for casual gamers, ‘Road’ is frustrating, but you’ll soon pick up the pace and come out in first place.

7. CARD OF DARKNESS

There might be thousands of card games on the App Store, but none hit like Card of Darkness. This game takes players through a series of cards, with each level working on a four by four grid. Your goal is to cut a path to the stairwell, depleting the cards as you go. It does require some skill and practice, but once you understand the basics of each card and their strength and value, you’ll quickly work your way through the levels and find success.

8. MURDER MYSTERY MACHINE

If Cluedo is a constant in your own Family Games Night, then the Murder Mystery Machine will go down a treat. Once you’ve played through the introduction, you’ll be first on the scene and have to collect evidence and put two and two together to work out the killer. The game’s narrative and mechanics are truly rewarding - yes, the controls are a little unusual and at times frustrating, but they’re worth the pain for the pay-off once you’ve solved each mystery.

9. RAYMAN MINI

Developed by Unisoft, Rayman Mini is a runner platforming game designed for the whole family. Your character is shrunk to the size of an ant, and you’ll need to buddy up with plants, mushrooms, and insects to work your way through a rich natural landscape, encountering trees, nests, rivers, and more across almost 50 levels. The best part? With lots of Easter eggs and hidden treats, you can play through each level dozens of times before it gets stale.

10. WHAT THE GOLF?

You don’t need to be a fan of golf to enjoy this unusually-named puzzler, which requires you to get an object - whether that’s a slice of pizza or a cat - into a hole. Perhaps one of the most redeeming features of this title is that it’s packed with outlandish and unexpected level designs and mechanics, and though it’s certainly not for everyone, it’s popular amongst kids, and once you’ve powered through the first few challenges, you’ll struggle to close the app!

With Apple Arcade introducing us to new games and experiences from established and indie developers around the world, it’s hard not to say yes to its $4.99 price tag. Whether you’re a fan of action, role-playing, strategy, sports, puzzle, or idle games, you’ll find something that keeps you entertained for months on end - and when you’re done, the next game is waiting. Load up Apple Arcade on your iPhone and MacBook today - truly magical adventures await!