As we are entering into the early weeks of 2014, I would like to take a brief look back at the year 2013 by listing the top five most fun, engaging, addictive and interesting games I have reviewed this year. FYI, you should take this list as a suggestion guide of what new apps to add to your smartphone or tablet for the upcoming year.
#5: Real Racing 3
The third edition of the Firemonkeys Studio’s Real Racing franchise made its debut to mobile platforms on February 28, 2013 with greater-detailed graphics, more car models to drive, improve and customize, more tracks based on real world racetracks and a streamlined HUD. The selling point of this game is the new Time-Shifted Multiplayer feature, which lets players race against other players without them having to be online at the same time. The game will create a “time-shifted” clone of your driver to compete in other races based on your performance and driving skills. The controls are simple enough for anyone to pick up and play and the plethora of car models, game modes and levels to unlock and choose from will keep you busy.
#4: Battle Command!
If you read my reviews often, you would know that I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to role playing, strategy games as I do not play them often. However, there was one new MMORPG that caught might eye and my attention: Battle Command. Developed by Spacetime Games, the same creators of Battle Dragons, Battle Command allows you to create your own army base loaded with a various types of soldiers and a variety of weapons to protect your base from other opposing armies whom may want to invade your territory and steal your resources. This game features three different game modes including Mission, Player-vs.-Player and War Games, a scrimmage mode built to test the strength of your defense base. The excellent animated graphics, step-by-step guides and the deceivingly challenging gameplay makes Battle Command a “must-have” for avid gamers, despite of age or a heavy interest in RPGs.
#3: What’s The Phrase
What’s The Phrase is a turn-based puzzle word whose premise closely resembles Wheel of Fortune. The player who scores the most points in three rounds will have a chance to win more coins or a collector item. This is another great game created by the same developers who created the incredibly successful word games Words With Friends and Scramble With Friends that will have you playing five games at once in no time. One of the cooler features of this game is you get to create a send your own puzzles for your friends and opponents to solve. If you have Words With Friends, then you will definitely enjoy What’s The Phrase.
#2: You Don’t Know Jack
This zany and unpredictable game show made a comeback in 2011 on the XBOX 360. Due to spreading popularity, it soon became available on more platforms including Facebook and iOS and Android devices. The streamlined version pitted you against five other players in a five-question game, which includes the chaotic and quick-thinking Jack Attack end game. In this version, you can challenge your Facebook friends to a game or two and even match wits against celebrity guest stars in special theme games. You Don’t Know Jack is another great addition to add to your app library whether you are a trivia aficionado or a fan of the better known computer game that was more popular during the 90s.
#1: Tetris Blitz
With the birth of Tetris Blitz, EA Games reinvented the classic game by adding a modern spin to it with an exciting new way to play. In Tetris Blitz, you will have two minutes to score as many points as possible. Features including special, score-boosting power-ups and Finishers, the new hard drop-outline and Frenzy Meter will help you achieve insane six-figure scores on a regular basis. Since I had downloaded this game about four months ago, I haven’t gone more than two days without playing at least one two-minute drill. This is a “gotcha” game, in terms of its fast-paced, intense and challenging gameplay, great graphics and catchy music themes. If you have an Apple or Android smartphone, download this game today. You will not regret it.
Happy New Year, everyone!
