Ten years ago this week the late tech icon and Apple boss Steve Jobs took to a Macworld Conference stage and introduced the iPhone, instantly sparking the mobile revolution. Game developers quickly embraced this new technology and set about delivering the veritable handheld arcades we enjoy today. At this point it's difficult to imagine a world in which
classic titles softonic.com or even interactive
experiences that payout significant winnings aren't available at a tap or swipe.As mobile gaming enters its second decade, here are five can't miss games for 2017.
Super Mario Run
In one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory, Nintendo's flagship plumber finally made the jump to iOS in December 2016, and is expected to arrive for Android in early 2017. It’s no happy accident if Super Mario Run bears some resemblances to the New Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo DS; both games were developed by the same team.Super Mario Run players can enjoy three distinct modes of game play-a classic style mode where Mario is directly controlled in a side-swipe fashion, a mode called Toad Rally that allows players to battle the ghosts of other players, and Mushroom Kingdom, an area for players to expand by redeeming coins and collectibles gathered in the other game modes.
Ridge Racer Draw and Drift
If car racing fare is more your speed, check out Ridge Racer Draw and Drift, out now for Android. The newest entry to the acclaimed Ridge Racer series challenges players to trace the path their car will race on a map of the track. The player must then control their car as it travels in the predetermined route without allowing it to drift out of bounds. A bonus feature of the game is the ability to compete against four real life players via the app.
Alto's Odyssey
While a firm release date and platform availability has yet to be announced, celebrated game developer Built By Snowman promises that Alto's Odyssey will surface in 2017. The sequel to 2015's monstrously popular Alto's Adventure features the return of everyone's favorite llama chasing snowboarder in what promises to be a totally infectious and elegantly designed game.The folks-in-the-know are remaining incredibly tight-lipped on details, but there is wide speculation that this forthcoming Alto installment will ship with a much expanded scope of game play.
Yugi-Oh! Duel Links
If the past year taught us anything about mobile gaming crazes, it’s the power of an old school animated franchise to rule the roost. Enter Pok?mon GO as exhibit A. The trend continues in January 2017 with the release of Yugi-Oh! Duel Links for iOS and Android.Players can expect two worlds of game play. The Duel World is a main area in which players may challenge either a Standard Duelist or a Legend Duelist in order to collect cards and up-level. The Online Versus world facilitates interactive duels between randomly selected Duelists or friends in a real-time experience.
Family Feud 2
A list of must-have game titles in any year is certainly incomplete without the inclusion of a game show themed app. Such games have been around since the early days of mobile and rightfully remain player favorites. Family Feud 2, available now on iOS and Android, delivers to the smartphone all the zany guesswork and fun that players have come to expect from the time-honored TV show. This second version of the game features over 2,000 surveys and 10,000 answers.Family Feud fans can easily challenge their real life family and friends, or opt to play random opponents. A new tournament feature allows seven players to compete simultaneously in a quest to earn coins and be crowned Tournament champion.
