Apple’s video game subscription service Apple Arcade has revolutionized mobile gaming. It has seen quite some exclusive release in the past three months. These games are not only available for iOS but also for Apple’s other operating systems, including iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS. The combination of powerful hardware and software optimization has made it possible to port the games on multiple platforms.
For those who play games on their iPhones most of the time, getting an Apple Arcade subscription is useful. It costs only ₹99/month, and you get to get to play 100+ exclusive games from both AAA and indie developers.
This article covers the top 5 best iOS games for December 2019. This time we have picked games from Apple Arcade only, considering the vast selection of high-quality titles currently available.
1. Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a unique arcade game where you get to experience the story of a young woman from an all-female motorcycle gang. As she experiences heartbreak and distress, she discovers that the balance of the universe is disturbed. One day she finds a butterfly in her dreams that leads her to a dreamy highway, where she meets her alter ego: a masked biker named “The Fool.”
Your objective is to control the woman as she drives through a set of obstacles, collects hearts, and shoots enemies with lasers to restore the balance of the universe. As you progress through each level, you unlock new allies, weapons, and vehicles.
The environment is built upon a futuristic neon vibe and a killer set of indie-pop soundtracks that dynamically change rhythm based on the mood of levels. You also hear the voice of Queen Latifah as the narrator of the story.
Similar to other Apple Arcade games, The game allows you to either use a controller or regular touch input. Combined with the intuitive controls, the gameplay feels responsive and satisfying.
Overall the developer Simogo has done a great job at refining the aesthetic of each level, gameplay elements, controls, music, and the short cutscenes. The game has recently been nominated for the best mobile game in The Game Awards 2019 too. If you like platformers, then Sayonara Wild Hearts is a must-play game on iOS.
2. What The Golf?
If you think it is your average golf game, then you got it wrong. What The Golf? is a physics-based parody game where the golf course changes in each level, and makes you guess where the goal or what the objective is. It needs you to think outside the box to figure out the levels. You either launch yourself or a freaking house to the goalpost. The levels are absurdly hilarious yet brilliantly executed. You also encounter boss fights. Yep, you heard that right. Boss fights in a golf game.
The pastel color palette and blocky art design suit the silly environment of the game. The music also makes it a pretty relaxing game overall. The game supports both touch and controller input. Controls are very basic too.
What The Golf? is definitely a golf game you should try. There aren’t many levels to play, but it is addicting enough to keep you entertained for hours.
3. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Oceanhorn 2 is an RPG game that sends you to a mythical world called Gaia. As a prequel, the timeline shifts to a thousand years before the events of the previous Oceanhorn game. You play as a young knight, whose objective is to protect Gaia from the Dark Army of Warlock Mesmeroth.
As you progress through the chapters, you meet new allies who are willing to fight at your side against the Dark Army. You explore new regions, solve mysterious puzzles, unlock new weapons and spells to defeat powerful monsters in epic battles.
Oceanhorn 2 offers 15+ hours of gameplay, which is insane for a mobile game. There are also rewarding side quests in between each main mission as well as find collectibles and secrets throughout the world.
It is undoubtedly one of the best single-player action-adventure games available for iOS. It is graphically impressive, contains a huge open-world map, and a story that will keep you hooked for days.
Oceanhorn takes inspiration from The Legend of Zelda series, which isn’t a bad thing at all. If you like role-playing action games, then put Oceanhorn 2 on your list. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Down in Bermuda
Down in Bermuda is a puzzle game with a focus on exploration. Your objective is to help a pilot stuck on a stranded island for more than three decades. You make progress as you collect orbs locked behind several puzzles scattered across the island. Each puzzle is different, and it requires players to use skills and patience to solve the puzzles. The game gives you complete control over the camera, which you can freely adjust to your preference. You will also find photographs on the island that tells the story of the pilot.
There are three islands in the game, with more on its way. Each island has a unique environment and sets of puzzles. Furthermore, you face off monsters and defeat them by completing puzzles. Defeating a monster drops an orb too.
The colorful and blocky graphics fit the game well. The touch controls work out pretty well, considering that the camera is adjustable. As previously mentioned, the developer (Yak & Co) have confirmed to add more content in the game with future updates.
5. LEGO Brawls
LEGO Brawls was a showcase title for Apple Arcade for a good reason. It is a platform-fighting game with a 4v4 online multiplayer mode. The game draws a lot of resemblance to the Super Smash Bros. franchise. The fighting arenas are based on iconic LEGO sets. You can create your own LEGO Minifigure and equip it with unique weapons, power-ups, and brawling abilities.
As you play more and complete missions, you will receive mystery chests that contain either combat or cosmetic upgrades. LEGO Brawls also features a training mode for players to improve their gameplay skills. The Brawl mode basically puts you in a game with other players, where your objective is to capture and defend multiple platforms from the opposing forces on the same level.
The game can be played with both controller and on-screen touch controls. The touch controls are very intuitive and one of the best implementations in a mobile game.
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Talha Ali is your tech generalist, covering a wide spectrum of topics within the ever-evolving world of technology. With a curiosity for the latest innovations, industry trends, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s hardware, software, emerging technologies, or the intersection of tech with daily life, Talha’s articles provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the dynamic landscape of the tech industry.
