Both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store have nearly 1 million games in each for smartphone, tablet, and even iPod Touch users to download. With so much choice, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose.
If you’re looking for some stand out games to get some more variety in your gaming in 2021, then you should definitely check out some of the popular titles below.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
If you’ve ever played a “tycoon” game, it was almost certainly RollerCoaster Tycoon or one of its sequels. This business simulator series became a massive hit through the 2000s, with players enjoying the mix of structure and creativity that it offered.
As well as the business simulation element, where players were required to ensure their theme park remained profitable and met targets for customer satisfaction, players could experiment with roller coaster designs that wowed their guests.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is a mobile port of the original game, its expansion packs, and the sequel RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 with adaptations to make it easy to use with a touch screen. Unlike other mobile versions in the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise, this game is free from ads and microtransactions and retains the classic grid system.
It’s not free but won’t set you back much more than a fancy coffee. For the hours of fun you’ll have building roller coasters and running theme parks, it’s well worth the money.
PokerStars
At around the same time that RollerCoaster Tycoon was released, PokerStars was becoming one of the first online poker platforms. The company launched a beta play money game back in September 2001, with a real money version later that year.
Over the years, the company has continued to develop its software adding new features. One of the ways it has done this is by letting people take part in poker games and tournaments from their smartphone or tablet. The PokerStars mobile app contains all of the same features as its desktop software, but with a layout that is optimized for the compact form factor and touchscreens.
The PokerStars app is free to download and is available in both app stores.
Fortnite
Fortnite has been in the news a lot recently due to Epic Games’ high profile battle with Apple over the fees it pays to the tech giant to accept payments in the game.
It is one of the most successful free-to-play games of all time and has been made available on just about every possible platform. Gamers can take part in its giant battle royale matches from their computer, console, tablet, or smartphone. Fortnite even has cross-platform play, meaning you can compete with friends no matter what device you’re using.
The third-person view and slightly cartoonish graphics help Fortnite stand out against competitors like Call of Duty: Mobile and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
You can still play Fortnite on your smartphone, even if you don’t have the app already installed. For iPhone users, you’ll need to create an Nvidia GeForce Now account, while Android users can download the APK file directly from the Epic Games website.
Minecraft
Minecraft is the best selling game of all time. Like Fortnite, it has been made available on just about every possible platform, including both major smartphone ecosystems.
Also like Fortnite, Minecraft focuses on fun gameplay rather than on cutting-edge graphics. The game has permeated its way into pop-culture, with its trademark building blocks becoming recognizable even to people who don’t play the game.
The premise of Minecraft is that you need to create your own world from the resources you collect. The possibilities of what you can build are almost infinite, with people creating everything basic houses through to complete replicas of entire cities and famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
An augmented reality version of the game called Minecraft Earth was released in 2019, but has recently been discontinued by Microsoft. However, it is still available to download and install today.
The original Minecraft game is available for both Android and iOS devices in their respective app stores. Like RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, it isn’t free, but it doesn’t break the bank either.
