Best mobile games of 2014
Mobile gaming began as basic flip-phone games, simple brick-breakers more reminiscent of Pong than Call of Duty. Today, mobile gaming has exploded into one of technology’s biggest industries, with hundreds of massively popular mobile games being released across platforms every month. With expanding capabilities and new ways to monetize, mobile games have been elevated to the level of art and have established themselves as one of the App Stores’ largest players.
2014 was a massive year for mobile, and an enormous year for games. Here are the top games that changed mobile in 2014.
Threes!
| _$2.99 | iOS App Store | Google Play Store_ |
This addictive puzzle game captured the world’s imagination after its February debut, and—despite copycats like 2048—has brought its inventive mathematical puzzles to millions of people. Its endearing visuals and unforgettable music create a streamlined and polished experience beyond what most mobile games even aim for, and its frequent updates and bug fixes make its $3 price tag a worthwhile investment. Whatever you do, don’t turn off the sound effects—they’re adorable.
Space Age
| _$3.99 | iOS App Store_ |
More than two years in the making, Space Age is a nostalgic adventure through the cosmos in an alternate version of 1976 from Big Bucket Software of The Incident fame. With pitch-perfect retro visuals and a grand cinematic style, Space Age takes players through an arresting story across time and interplanetary space. The app is scored with appropriate 8-bit–influenced music by Cabel Sasser, and is compatible with iPhone and iPad and syncs game data via iCloud.
TwoDots
| _Free | Website | Google Play Store_ |
The sequel to popular minimalist puzzle game Dots, TwoDots expands the vision to encompass a loose narrative and a wide variety of themed environments. The app’s basic color-matching mechanic makes it accessible for players at any age, and its smart Game Center integration allows users to take on their friends and compete for the best scores across more than 180 levels. The app was originally for iOS and Android, and has now expanded to Amazon’s platforms and Facebook, as well.
Monument Valley
| _$3.99 | iOS App Store | Google Play Store_ |
With its gorgeous visuals and innovative gameplay, Monument Valley might be the most memorable mobile app of any kind to come out in 2014. Developed by creative studio ustwo, the game makes use of Escher-style optical illusions to build complex and dynamic puzzles. Combined with its haunting soundtrack and surprisingly loveable characters—including a giant yellow one-eyed totem pole—Monument Valley is a jaw-droppingly beautiful mobile game with delightful complexities beneath the surface. For a $4 app that runs on a smartphone, Monument Valley manages to deliver an experience that promises to stand the test of time.