There are certain iOS games that belong on pretty much everyone's device. We're talking about the games that should be installed by default. Of course no Games are installed by default on iOS, so make sure these are the ones you download first.
For those who enjoy Cut The Rope, or like action puzzles with physics elements.
Cut the Rope: Magic is a physics-based puzzle game that stars a cute green creature who loves candy. Players must help get the candy to Om Nom by cutting the ropes and making use of physics to guide it to him. The game features adorable visuals, a cute soundtrack, and challenging gameplay.
Why we love it
Cut the Rope is a popular franchise, and it's not a surprise why: the challenging physics-based puzzles will make you think and keep you coming back for more as you try and help Om Nom get that delicious candy.
For those that enjoy thought provoking puzzles presented through artistic design.
Monument Valley is an Escheresque puzzle game where you help guide Princess Ida through illustrious stages that are designed to be intricate optical illusions in order for her to figure out who she is. The art style in the game is revolutionary, and everything is beautiful and stunning. While the game may seem a bit short, there is more content available through in-app purchases. And in the end, it's all about the experience getting to the end than how much time you spend playing it.
Why we love it
Monument Valley is a breakthrough puzzle game that has inspired many others like it. The optical illusions are stunning and intricate, puzzles are more about the experience than challenge, and it is just one of those games you must experience for yourself. It's revolutionary, and for good reason.
For those who prefer a smooth flow in their games, yet still want some challenge.
Alto's Adventure is an infinite runner where you will hit the slopes of a beautiful mountain and go on a journey of recovering the escaping llamas. You will meet different characters that you can play as, soar through the sky, collect coins, grind on wires, and perform awesome tricks while getting some air. It's one of the most beautiful endless runners there is, and you will fall in love on first sight.
Why we love it
Alto's Adventure is an endless runner that sets itself apart from the rest with unique style and flair. The artwork is gorgeous, the music is tranquil and calming, and the dynamic lighting and weather can really change up the pace of the game. Being able to do some cool tricks while getting hang time and grinding the wires on poles is fun too, and racing elders will give you quite the adrenaline rush. Alto's Adventure is one not to be missed.
For those who like interacting with mini worlds filled with interconnected mechanisms.
Lumino City s arguably the best game of the year in 2015. The game is beautiful, the music is outstanding, controls are simple to learn, the puzzles are terrific, and the story is rather captivating and immersive. This is a puzzle adventure that is worth every penny and highly recommended if you are a fan of the genre.
Why we love it
The graphics in Lumino City are stunning. A big reason behind this is the fact that everything that you see in the game was created by hand out of real-world materials. The entire game is based off of a real life model city that the developers created from scratch, and the results have paid off.
For those who like Pac-Man, but want a fresh challenge.
PAC-MAN 256 is an endless arcade maze that welcomes both fans of PAC-MAN and newcomers alike. It is a modern take on the classic PAC-MAN formula and comes complete with the fantastic retro graphics, music, and sound effects that we all know and love. How far can you get without getting caught by the ghosts or The Glitch?
Why we love it
PAC-MAN 256 is a modernized PAC-MAN that everyone is sure to love and enjoy. The graphics and sounds remain true to the original, but the endless nature of the game means great opportunities for high scores and competitions among friends. There are also plenty of power-ups that can change the tide of the game, and a lot of unlockable goodies make you keep coming back for more.
For those that like thought provoking puzzle games.
Threes! is a little math puzzle game about matching numbers in multiples of three. While it sounds simple, it's a lot harder than it looks, and it will provide you with hours of entertainment as you try and best your score. The game is full of cute, minimalistic charm as each number tile has it's own appearance and personality, the music and sounds are fun, and it's rather challenging. You'll find yourself competing with your friends to see who can get the best score in the game.
Why we love it
Threes! is a fantastic puzzle game that is perfect for pick-up-and-play sessions while waiting around. The game concept is fresh and unique, yet challenging. It has brought about many clones in the App Store, but nothing comes close to the lovingly crafted beauty that is this game. It's a charming puzzle game that should not be missed and needs to be installed on every iOS device.
For those who like relaxing puzzle games with matching ideas.
Domino Drop is a soothing puzzle game where you must drop the dominoes onto the board and match the like-colored pieces together. With no way to rotate them, the game may look simple, but it's much more challenging than you think. There are also three game modes that are bound to keep you busy for a long time to come.
For those who enjoy varied gameplay, great design, and replay incentive.
Ridiculous Fishing is an arcade-style fishing game that features a simple but delightful game mechanic. Drop your line in the water, collect as many fishes as you can while avoiding some obstacles, and then when it's time to reel them up, shoot them up to make sure that they're good and dead. The game also has a lot of unlockable boosts and hats to collect.
Why we love it
Ridiculous Fishing is a delightful fishing game that is unlike anything you've ever played before. The game has a charming retro aesthetic, the music and sounds are fun, and the gameplay is challenging. Fishing has never been so awesome.
For those who enjoy any type of racing games, but especially classic arcade titles.
Horizon Chase is a retro racer with a modernized aesthetic that plays a fantastic homage to the old-school racing game. It also features a soundtrack created by the original composer of some classic retro racers like "Top Gear," so it's all like a blast from the past. The game looks beautiful, has great, responsive controls, and challenging tracks for each cup. There are a lot of unlockables and bonuses, so it provides plenty of reason to keep coming back.
Why we love it
Horizon Chase is one of the best retro racing arcade games on the App Store. The game is one of the most beautiful you'll see for what it is, the music is a great throwback to classics, there are plenty of realistic tracks available in each cup that are based on real-world locations, and the awesome cars all have their own strengths and weaknesses. The game is challenging, fun, and highly addictive as you strive for the gold in each race. This is definitely a winner!
For those who enjoy classic platformers in every sense.
Mikey Shorts is the best speed run platformer there is on the App Store. It has a retro aesthetic, awesome chiptune music and sound effects, and the controls are super responsive and customizable. You need to be fast from the starting gate to the end, while collecting all of the gold coins and avoiding baddies along the way. You can compete with your own ghost to see if your time improves, and there are a ton of hats to collect.
Why we love it
If you are into old-school platformers and like to see how fast you are, then this is the perfect game for that.