Mobile games have come a long way since Snake on your old Nokia. You can now get your hands on racing sims with powerful graphics, ports of classic and contemporary console titles, and even made-for-mobile Nintendo games.
And often, Apple's iPhone gets the hottest games before Android. That was the case for Super Mario Run and indie stunner Monument Valley 2.
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Blizzard's Hearthstone is frighteningly addictive
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your iPhone, download these games, and start flexing those digits.
Hearthstone
Genre: Strategy
A frighteningly addictive strategy title that draws heavily from real-life card game Magic: The Gathering. Hearthstone comes from Blizzard (maker of life-consuming titles like World of Warcraft and Overwatch), and offers deep gameplay and polished graphics. Time to get hooked.
Limbo
Genre: Puzzle-platform
As console ports go, Limbo is among the very best. Its moody black and white aesthetic and sinister undertones will creep you out (in a good way). Don't waste too much time marvelling at its looks, though, as death lurks in every dark crevice. Touch, drag, swipe and flick controls are your only friends in this melancholy masterpiece.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Genre: Community simulation
Three games in and it's suddenly a lot tougher to choose just one Nintendo title. But, its most recent stab at mobile gaming wins (until Mario Kart and Zelda turn up, that is). Animal Crossing started life on the Nintendo 64 in Japan, and its smartphone version retains the cutesy characters and visuals. Set up your summer camp, craft furniture and clothes, and hope the neighbouring animals like it enough to come over (simple, but bags of fun to play).
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Final Fantasy on your mobile? You betcha
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Genre: Strategy
The most expensive game on this list, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions will set you back 14 quid. Is it worth it? We think so – especially for Final Fantasy fans. The detailed and complex tactics mean you'll have to invest a lot of time into it. The epic storyline and detailed RPG system are just two of the reasons why you should consider it.
Reigns
Genre: Strategy
Tinder meets tarot cards in this swipeable medieval romp that puts youin the shoes of a monarch. Your decisions will impact one of the four pillars of your kingdom: the church, the people, the army, or the treasury – and the goal is to help them all thrive. Cock up, and it's certain death.
Monument Valley 2
Genre: Puzzle
Like the first Monument Valley, its sequel is an accomplished game that packs the same amount of charm and vibrancy. It also costs five quid. The concept is the same: Manipulate pastel-coloured buildings and vistas to progress to the next level. Only this time, the protagonist Ro is accompanied by her daughter. Those familiar with the first outing may find the gameplay a bit repetitive this time round. But you can still sit back and admire the unique design.
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Limbo is a great argument for games as works of artCredit: Limbo
Alto's Adventure
Genre: Endless runner
There are plenty of endless runners on mobile, but Alto's Adventure puts them all to shame. Fork out five quid and you can guide the game's titular snowboarder around various obstacles (including rocks and chasms that you can backflip over) in a bid to rescue your runaway llamas.
Hitman GO
Genre: Puzzle
If you've picked up a console gamepad in the past few years, you'll probably have heard of Hitman. Its mobile appearance ditches the stealth assassinations for tightly-wound puzzles, and board game-style visuals. But, the payoff is still as satisfying as you recall.
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Real Racing 3 may be free-to-play, but its graphics make it worth your time aloneCredit: Real Racing 3
80 Days
Genre: Strategy
A choose-your-own-adventure-style take on Jules Vernes' classic novel, Around the World in 80 Days, this energetic title will have you hooked through tense decision-making and risk and rewards based around the hunt for valuable items. Literature lovers will love the roll-out of text across gorgeous illustrations of St. Petersburg, Hong Kong, and Cairo.
Real Racing 3
Genre: Racing
Some people may be put off by Real Racing 3's freemium model, which makes you fork out cash to unlock in-app content. But, its powerhouse graphics are closer to those you'd expect to see on an Xbox 360 and PS3 than a mobile title – making it worth a play alone (especially, if you have a newer iPhone).
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