THE BASICS
Try new things
Resident Evil Village on an iPhone is a great technical feat, but it’s horrible to play without a controller – and not ideal with one. For some titles, then, it’s best to stick with a console or PC. So rather than replicating your console experience on a phone, try new games – especially ones designed specifically for touchscreens.
Be happy, not IAP-py
In-app purchases increasingly infest console and PC gaming, but they’re endemic on mobile. Ideally, find paid games that avoid such nonsense, or those with a one-off purchase to unlock the main game, with remaining IAPs being purely cosmetic. Either that or just say no, kids.
Sync it up
For a game that involves progression – such as an adventure or a puzzler with dozens of levels – check if it syncs over the cloud by way of Google Play Games, Apple Game Center or a bespoke account. If not, progress will be locked to one device – so make sure you start playing on the best hardware for that title.
Define limits
When video games are everywhere, it’s easy for them to take over your life. Use screen time systems to stop your kids – and yes, yourself – from being glued to them 24/7. But when you are in the zone, get the most out of your phone while playing by using ‘do not disturb’ and gaming modes to block distractions.
Console yourself
The best games tend to be those optimised for specific hardware, but inevitably there are many console-style titles
for smartphones. When you fancy tackling them in a more traditional manner with the benefit of big-screen visuals, you can turn your phone into a sort-of-console by using a Bluetooth controller and a USB-C to HDMI adapter to link it to the TV.
VISIT THE FUTURE
Take the Xbox with you
Play those AAA Xbox games anywhere, without needing an extra-long extension cord, by joining Game Pass Ultimate (R130/m) and installing Game Pass for Android. You’ll want to use a controller, unless you have a thing for minefields of virtual buttons.
Get it on iPhone
Because of Apple’s ridiculous rules regarding streaming games, iPhone owners have to use Safari – xbox.com/
en-za/play – but you can sort of ‘appify’ this web page: tap Share and then ‘Add to Home Screen’.
GO BACK IN TIME
Install emulators
Android’s openness has made for a thriving ecosystem of emulators and retro launchers. A combination of Retroarch and Daijisho will set you up for dozens of ancient systems. See retrogamecorps.com for extensive guides.
Explore webRcade
Apple’s rules also mean emulation barely exists on the iPhone. But in Safari, try webrcade.com. You’ll need to
add a controller (such as the Backbone One), and can then instantly play loads of built-in games – or make feeds to add your own favourites.
LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE
Go to the Arcade
Apple doesn’t have a great track record in games. But for R125/m (or as part of an Apple One sub) Arcade is great value, with many mobile exclusives and a growing selection of IAP-free App Store classics.
Try Netflix Games
Oh, how we guffawed when Netflix said it was getting into games. We’re not laughing now, since the catalogue includes Oxenfree, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Hades. If you have a Netflix sub, it’s all yours at no extra cost.
Get a Google Pass
Google Play Pass is less about curation and more about unlocking a huge chunk of its store. For R390/yr you get access to over 1000 games and apps, with no ads or IAP.
HEAD TO THE WEB
Try a fantasy console
Pico-8 is a fantasy console that challenges creators to make games for its limited specs. Handily, you can also play them on your phone: load any of the carts from lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php and virtual controls will appear.
Get free web games
Many free browser games have mobile-optimised versions, which you can save to your homescreen as progressive web apps. Start with Gridland, Car Boot Carnage, Spike Dislike, Puzzmo and Google’s own Quick, Draw!
3 MOBILE CLASSICS
Rocket League Sideswipe | Android, iOS
The football-meets-cars mayhem of Rocket League would be a mess on a touchscreen – and crazily hard when drawn against folks playing on PCs or consoles – but this side-on effort distils it into bite-sized bouts. And there’s no IAP!
Super Cat Tales: PAWS | Android, iOS
This retro platformer has loads of adorable cats and nefarious (yet also adorable) enemies. More importantly, it’s fun. The game is driven by the two-thumb control method, resulting in very distinctive level design and choreography.
Data Wing | Android, iOS
This looks like a simple top-down racer, where you blaze around circuits in a tiny craft, scraping track edges for a speed boost. But you soon find yourself inside a strange adventure involving wider challenges and a deranged AI.