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

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  • 2024 has definitely been a headline year
  • Warframe: 1999 has finally dropped and you should play it
  • Wuthering Waves has stolen both my life and my phone’s battery

2024 holds significant importance in my mobile gaming career as it marks a period of substantial advancement for me. When I first joined Steel Media, most of my focus was on 148Apps and AppSpy, and let me assure you, those two platforms will always hold a special place in my heart – they are like my own children. However, this year has witnessed remarkable growth.

I have been contributing more frequently to Pocket Gamer with code articles, the weekly Wrapp, and some reviews. The biggest highlight will of course be heading over to Canada for TennoCon; enjoying the show, meeting and interviewing the lovely Rebecca Ford and some of the game’s talented cast, and of course, the delightful Digital Extremes PR staff who took fantastic care of us. It’s been a fantastic year, and one I hope 2025 tops.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 has been nothing short of a golden era for the gaming community. The announcement of FFXIV Mobile has left me absolutely thrilled; if it doesn’t sweep next year’s awards, there might be a riot in my household!

On the other hand, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket had an impressive start, but it quickly lost its sparkle for me. Square Enix’s continued expansion of their mobile portfolio has also been noteworthy, although I must admit that it’s starting to feel a bit overwhelming.

Looking back on this year, I believe I can confidently compile my top five favorite games without any Balatro in sight!

Little Nightmares

Right out of the gates, I am technically cheating since this came out mid-December 2023, but I adore this port, and so did all of you, voting it the
Best Platform Game
in the Pocket Gamer Awards. It was my first
review
of the year if I recall, and it was incredibly good fun.

As a devoted fan, I never thought a touchscreen could provide the intricate control necessary to steer Six through The Maw towards victory, but somehow it managed. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it got the job done. Holding this minuscule protagonist in the palm of my hand only underscored her vulnerability, adding an extra layer of immersion that significantly enhanced the overall atmosphere of Little Nightmares.

Potion Permit

I am going to start a rumour that if I
review
it, it wins because my next choice is Potion Permit. It picked up
Best Roleplaying Game
at the PG Awards, and whilst it wasn’t my personal choice, it certainly is a worthy winner. Also my second Playdigious entry, I should be sponsored.

Potion Permit is an exceptional game that blends crafting, collecting, friendships, and RPG aspects beautifully. It’s noteworthy that you also get a canine companion to assist you, making it surpass Stardew Valley in my opinion. I hold dear memories of my cherished dog, AlcheMutt, and on a recent flight, I found myself revisiting this game once more.

Hades

Netflix has gone downhill a bit recently, it is hard to pinpoint exactly when, but I feel like we all just started to lose interest in the series they have. Happily, though, the gaming side is picking up the slack, with the fantastic Hades doubtlessly being the crown jewel.

Before composing my review, I hadn’t previously played Hades; however, it seems inconceivable that it would fit anywhere else but on mobile devices. The characters are captivating, the mythology is undeniably intriguing, and the weapons are simply outstanding. For an optimal gaming experience, I strongly recommend using a controller with this game.

Warframe

We are building up to the crescendo here with a title I genuinely loved even before they stuffed me in a box and took me to TennoCon. Admission time; I did not expect Warframe to transition well to mobile, but I suppose even I can be wrong, once. If you read my
preview
back in February, you know how converted I was.

The touchscreen can be challenging due to the chaos of enemies attacking from all directions, but connecting a controller will make gaming elsewhere seem dull. Notably, Warframe: 1999 has just been launched following months of anticipation, making it an ideal moment to immerse yourself in this exciting release.

Wuthering Waves

I am ending with the big one, and the fact that neither we nor The Game Awards recognised its greatness fills me with sorrow. Wuthering Waves is an absolute masterpiece that does gacha gaming the way it should be; giving you a solid team you can take to endgame for free, and having everyone else be optional goodies for fun.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been utterly captivated by Wuthering Waves since I first picked it up last month. The combat is simply exhilarating, with its depth leaving me awestruck. The world it presents is breathtakingly beautiful, each corner inviting exploration. But what truly sets this game apart for me is the unique ability to scale walls like a nimble acrobat – no more tedious climbing! Since I started playing, I’ve found myself lost in its immersive universe day after day. In fact, Wuthering Waves has earned my Game of the Year title, and I can’t see myself putting it down anytime soon.

2024 has been an exceptional year in numerous aspects, particularly in the realm of mobile gaming. The caliber of games this year is simply outstanding, and I believe these are the top five without a doubt. If you don’t share my sentiment, I respectfully disagree – but do give my colleagues’ lists a look, as I’m confident you’ll find common ground with mine. Take a moment to peruse some Pocket Gamer content, and stay tuned for my 2025 list, where all five selections will be FFXIV Mobile. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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2024-12-31 13:19