Smartphone Games You Should Play Before 2021 Ends

The new smartphone revolution has given rise to a new generation of video games, and the endless playing possibilities have already been explored by avid gamers. However, there are many great games you can play on your smartphone which you probably haven’t heard of. In fact, if you haven’t played any of these games, it might be time to get a smartphone just to experience them.

The best mobile games are those which benefit from your mobile device’s features. A mobile-only game may seem limited by comparison, but it’s also easier to refine the core experience without spreading resources between desktop and mobile platforms.

Many mobile games are optimized for brief play sessions throughout your day, so if you have 10 minutes, you can get in a mission or level before bed. Since phones and tablets are with you all day long, they give us a chance to avoid the usual “pick up and put down” cycle of video games. Another option is playing quick games when you only have a few minutes of break from work. An example for these kinds of games can be found in the mobile casino category. Mobile casinos are just as exciting as any other mobile games. Have a look at gambleonline.co for a detailed online gambling guide.

There are just two more months left in 2021, but we can already make a list of must-play games to play on your smartphones before the end of this year. Ranging from plot-rich role-playing games, to turn-based tactical games, to real-time roguelikes, this list has something for everyone.

Among Us

Among Us is the story of 7 astronauts adrift in space, scrambling for survival. There are hidden traitors among them—but which? Players have the opportunity to lie and mislead, while also trying to discover who in the group is a saboteur. Features include a board that connects each player’s space, multiple possible scenarios to create replay value, and contained gameplay that makes it easy for new players to learn the rules quickly.

GRIS

GRIS is an experimental game about colors, shapes, sounds, and sensations. It’s like a walk-in dream, like Alice in Wonderland. The colors are the most important thing in this game. There are no enemies or victories; there’s nothing to win or lose; you just have to play and feel the music while becoming one with the game.

Downwell

Downwell’s charming minimalist art style and mechanical gameplay are a joy. The controls may take some time to master, but eventually you’ll be kicking into gear as you trade bullets with enemies and navigate the dark centers of the stages. The levels are randomized, so it’s always exciting to discover what’s around the next corner.

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII for Android smartphones might feature characters that lack the detail of their console and PC counterparts, but this game is still plenty beautiful. All of Cloud’s abilities can be accessed immediately, including Aerith. This game also introduces the ability to take pictures in-game with your device’s camera, and share them on social media; all without leaving the app.

Spaceteam

Spaceteam is one of the few games that encourages quick sessions rather than drawn-out marathons; you quickly make your way through its gauntlet of random space emergencies, shouting at your teammates, before finishing it off in another game or two. The rounds end in laughter instead of frustration because there’s no penalty for failure, making Spaceteam great for people that don’t like turn-based mobile games.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is a JRPG with a fun and engaging story, addictive time-travelling gameplay, and well-written dialog. Use your ferries to jump through time and assemble a ragtag bunch of companions to aid you in treasured RPG battles. This mobile port of the classic SNES JRPG features much-improved English translation over the original version. Everything in this mobile Chrono Trigger is based on the Nintendo DS version of the game, including the character sprites, which are more detailed than their original Super NES counterparts. The game also features controls designed specifically for touch input, and many levels of difficulty to satisfy anyone’s experience level.

Legends of Runeterra

Legends of Runeterra is a collectible card battler featuring hundreds of cards, more than 20 champions, deck-building strategy, and fast-paced 1v1 or 2v2 online play. With accessible gameplay designed for both beginners and veterans alike, Legends of Runeterra is a fast-paced CCG that plays like a superhero movie.

Levelhead

Levelhead is a fast-paced 90 levels platformer with easy-to-learn controls, fun level design, and some cool collectibles. Its excellent custom level-building sets it apart from similar games. Plus, it has speedrunning features. The levels are actually pretty varied and each one has its own leaderboard.

The list is not full yet. There are plenty of other games for you to explore before time runs out: Arena of Valor, Crossy Road, Hitman Go, Monument Valley, Call of Duty: Mobile, Stardew Valley, etc.