Top 5 mobile games of 2024: Will’s picks of the year

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  • So many games reviewed in a year!
  • Five have been picked that stood out the most
  • Will you take my word or check them out yourself?

As someone who’s been navigating through the digital wilderness for years now, I must say, this year has been a real rollercoaster of gaming experiences! From the standard to the outstanding, I’ve dipped my toes into an array of games that have pushed the boundaries of creativity and left me in awe. Some were so outlandish, they made me question if I was still in reality or had somehow slipped into a particularly engaging video game.

2021 seemed to fly by in some aspects and drag on in others, but we’ve persevered! As we reach the year‘s end, one silver lining is the resilience of creators and designers who continue to thrive amid adversity. In fact, they might find inspiration in challenging times, crafting games or series that offer escapism from reality. Best of all, these engaging titles can be accessed on our mobile devices, providing a creative boost even during those lengthy, monotonous waits.

Let’s move on from that topic now! This year, I’ve been fortunate enough to try a variety of games, ranging from ordinary to extraordinary. Any titles that could run smoothly on my limited tech setup gave me an opportunity to explore fresh concepts. Some games were so innovative and peculiar that I couldn’t help but scold myself for not thinking of them first. Nevertheless, this just motivates me to dream up even more unconventional ideas. As for my fellow game developers, they’ll have to do the same when they encounter these unique titles. It’s time to share ‘Pocket Gamer’s GOTY staff opinions’, including mine (Will Quick).

Hamster Inn

There have been a lot of reasons to turn to cosy games this year and rather than list them, I’m just going to talk about one of the cosiest. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy, though that probably had something to do with the fact that the characters are hamsters. That’s right,
Hamster Inn
by Hyperbeard Inc. is a non-stop shop for hamster hospitality. The soft art style and colours made this a place you wish was real so you could spend a holiday weekend there.

Absolutely, by turning it into a business operation, it adds a layer of complexity to prevent the situation from becoming overly comfortable. As the manager of this inn, you’re responsible for maintaining its efficiency within the hamsterverse. This involves welcoming guests, keeping rooms tidy, accepting tips, providing meals and activities, and ensuring peace and order among guests, all while fostering a sense of relaxation and satisfaction when everything runs smoothly. I found myself surprisingly engaged with the happenings and felt at ease whenever things went according to plan.

Floop’s Big House Adventure

If you grew up in the ’90s or just have a penchant for cartoons from that era, then you’ll know that there were a lot of weird shows. There are still weird shows today, but something about ’90s animation was twisted, and rough, but still fun to watch. They’re the kind of thing you’d see on modern-day Adult Swim or in
Floop’s Big House Adventure
. Courtesy of the delicious Buttery Games, this is a Saturday morning shooter that you won’t insult by playing it on other days of the week.

This game is a fast-paced shooter with elements of bullet hell, featuring the main character Floop who’s on a mission to clear out the menacing creatures from the large mansion. The retro designs of the monsters, bosses, and power-ups evoke a sense of nostalgia as the action unfolds. With each new weapon I encountered, I found myself drawn back in, eager to explore the game’s content while also enjoying the mystery surrounding the peculiar items I collected. Floop’s adventure isn’t over yet, and there’s always more chaos to be had within the mansion – so come join the fun!

Yes, Your Grace

Is it okay to say that the concept of monarchy is a novelty nowadays? Well, I’m saying it, but that won’t stop me and many others from exploring monarchies in gaming. There’s so much intrigue and complexity in such a system while still being human. That’s what I felt while playing
Yes, Your Grace
by Noodlecake. I know this is kind of an odd entry since it was released years before on other platforms, but I played it on mobile first and it was still new to me. The more I played, the more I wondered why it wasn’t released here first.

This game blends elements of interactive management and strategy, but maintains a relaxed tempo that’s easy to follow. You essentially traverse different locations, making choices, and then experiencing the outcomes of those decisions. Characters will live and perish, battles will ensue, and it’s all under your watch, while wearing a glittering crown. The narrative unfolds in surprising ways, keeping me guessing about what would happen next and if my destiny had been decided long ago. Despite the unpredictability, it remains enjoyable.

Pizza Hero

What?! Pizza can’t be game, game is made for pizza. That’s the rule, isn’t it? You should know by now that one of the best things about creators and designers is that they always break the rules. Astrohound Studios decided to do this by making the popular consumable pizza, the hero of their adventure. Hence,
Pizza Hero
, obviously. It’s a bullet hell survivors-like that follows a technologically advanced (and arguably sentient) piece of pizza on a quest to do… something.

In this game, the mechanics aren’t explicitly detailed, yet you control a flying pizza laden with decorative toppings that double as power-ups and weapons. You’re accompanied by a valiant canine friend, and your mission is noble: saving his fellow animal comrades. The pixel art brings every intricate projectile, vibrant cast of enemies, bosses, and diverse worlds to life, prompting strategic thinking. Gaining superior power isn’t about waiting for level-ups; you need to ACTIVELY MOVE AROUND AND TARGET CERTAIN ENEMIES. The experience was oddly captivating, much like savoring a scrumptious, hot, cheesy pizza.

Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance

Oh no, it’s happened… I’ve become obvious! Anyone who knows even a little about it knows that two things I enjoy are stylized graphics and tower defence. So of course
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance
is going to hit all my sweet spots. I’ve been with the series since Ironhide Game Studio released the first Kingdom Rush all those years ago. And here we are, so many years later, and it’s still SO GOOD. The stylized graphics are still there for the towers, heroes, enemies, bosses, environments, and even the UI.

In addition, you now have the exciting opportunity to build towers from both teams – the good guys and the bad guys. This allows you to confront even tougher adversaries. The difficulty level remains high due to the diverse enemy types, but there are delightful surprises hidden on different levels too. Plus, the sound effects are a treat; it’s truly enjoyable hearing your towers and heroes cheer loudly whenever they perform an action.

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2024-12-26 13:18