10. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Many mobile-only games have proudly flown the flag for the platform this year, but we can't help but be excited at the prospect of even more world-class ports appearing on phones and tablets. XCOM is one of the best examples of this latter category of games - a superbly creepy tactical strategy game that's barely lost a thing in translation.
9. FIFA 14
EA added a radical twist to the mobile FIFA formula this year by including a new control system that removes virtual buttons, and allows you to make more strategic swipes to control all of the on-pitch action instead. The original controls are still there if you prefer, but we think these changes - along with a beefed up Ultimate Team mode - make FIFA 14 the best mobile soccer game yet.
8. Angry Birds Star Wars 2
Rovio knows a good thing when it's onto it, and the sequel to the hugely popular Angry Birds Star Wars packs in everyone from Yoda to Darth Maul. There are fun tools to utilize too, from magnets to wrecking balls, and there's even the option of scanning in retail figurines for additional gameplay. The Force continues to be strong with this one.
7. Limbo
There's simply nothing left to be written about the original PC and console editions of indie masterpiece Limbo. For this mobile version, it's enough to remark that the developers have done an excellent job of porting the entire game over to touchscreens, and you'll not miss a beat when it comes to directing this lost soul through the dark and devilish world that lies ahead of him.
6. Infinity Blade 3
We knew Infinity Blade 3 would have outstanding graphics - that was a given. What we didn't expect were two playable characters with unique fighting styles, along with The Hideout, a hub-style world that lets players pick and choose whichever missions they wish to complete. Factor in the same user-friendly touch controls we've grown accustomed to, along with new Clashmob missions, and your left with a third series entry that's an instant favorite.
5. Bit.Trip Run
It seemed like we'd been waiting forever for Gaijan to bring its wonderfully colorful, yet teeth-gnashingly frustrating rhythm runner games to mobiles. In Bit.Trip Run we get a very welcome remix of the Runner sequel released on the PC platform earlier this year. As with Joe Danger, touchscreen capabilities are pushed to their limits - but no further - in order to deliver one of the most moreish games we've played all year.
4. Plants Vs Zombies 2
PopCap Games' long-awaited sequel is nothing short of brilliant. It not only takes the gameplay that worked so well in the original, and refreshes it with new enemies and plants, it also does so with a best-in-class free-to-play formula. Throw in plenty of demanding - yet fun - challenges and extra power-ups, and you can see why the developers deserve their high-ranking spot in our Games of the Year honors list.
3. Asphalt 8: Airborne
As well as nailing the racing scene in 2013 with GT Racing 2, Gameloft also churned out an arcade driving game that's every bit its equal. Asphalt 8: Airborne takes everything that worked in earlier games, and amps the gameplay up considerably with more cars, more high-flying stunts, and more courses. It's free-to-play now too, so it won't cost you anything to take this gorgeous game out for a test drive.
2. Joe Danger Touch
Joe Danger picked up our first 5 out of 5 score of 2013 when we reviewed the game way back in January, and deservedly so. Rather than attempting to awkwardly shoehorn the controls and content of the original console versions onto phones and tablets, this mobile edition makes a virtue of touchscreens like few others have managed. A superbly addictive arcade game that everyone needs to own.
1. Ridiculous Fishing
There's never a shortage of lively debate when we come to compile our top 50 games at the end of each year, but when it came to awarding our highest accolade, the verdict was unanimous. In Ridiculous Fishing, Vlambeer polishes two mini-games to perfection, then blends them together into an end result that's far greater than the sum of its parts.
Many mobile-only games have proudly flown the flag for the platform this year, but we can't help but be excited at the prospect of even more world-class ports appearing on phones and tablets. XCOM is one of the best examples of this latter category of games - a superbly creepy tactical strategy game that's barely lost a thing in translation.
9. FIFA 14
EA added a radical twist to the mobile FIFA formula this year by including a new control system that removes virtual buttons, and allows you to make more strategic swipes to control all of the on-pitch action instead. The original controls are still there if you prefer, but we think these changes - along with a beefed up Ultimate Team mode - make FIFA 14 the best mobile soccer game yet.
8. Angry Birds Star Wars 2
Rovio knows a good thing when it's onto it, and the sequel to the hugely popular Angry Birds Star Wars packs in everyone from Yoda to Darth Maul. There are fun tools to utilize too, from magnets to wrecking balls, and there's even the option of scanning in retail figurines for additional gameplay. The Force continues to be strong with this one.
7. Limbo
There's simply nothing left to be written about the original PC and console editions of indie masterpiece Limbo. For this mobile version, it's enough to remark that the developers have done an excellent job of porting the entire game over to touchscreens, and you'll not miss a beat when it comes to directing this lost soul through the dark and devilish world that lies ahead of him.
6. Infinity Blade 3
We knew Infinity Blade 3 would have outstanding graphics - that was a given. What we didn't expect were two playable characters with unique fighting styles, along with The Hideout, a hub-style world that lets players pick and choose whichever missions they wish to complete. Factor in the same user-friendly touch controls we've grown accustomed to, along with new Clashmob missions, and your left with a third series entry that's an instant favorite.
5. Bit.Trip Run
It seemed like we'd been waiting forever for Gaijan to bring its wonderfully colorful, yet teeth-gnashingly frustrating rhythm runner games to mobiles. In Bit.Trip Run we get a very welcome remix of the Runner sequel released on the PC platform earlier this year. As with Joe Danger, touchscreen capabilities are pushed to their limits - but no further - in order to deliver one of the most moreish games we've played all year.
4. Plants Vs Zombies 2
PopCap Games' long-awaited sequel is nothing short of brilliant. It not only takes the gameplay that worked so well in the original, and refreshes it with new enemies and plants, it also does so with a best-in-class free-to-play formula. Throw in plenty of demanding - yet fun - challenges and extra power-ups, and you can see why the developers deserve their high-ranking spot in our Games of the Year honors list.
3. Asphalt 8: Airborne
As well as nailing the racing scene in 2013 with GT Racing 2, Gameloft also churned out an arcade driving game that's every bit its equal. Asphalt 8: Airborne takes everything that worked in earlier games, and amps the gameplay up considerably with more cars, more high-flying stunts, and more courses. It's free-to-play now too, so it won't cost you anything to take this gorgeous game out for a test drive.
2. Joe Danger Touch
Joe Danger picked up our first 5 out of 5 score of 2013 when we reviewed the game way back in January, and deservedly so. Rather than attempting to awkwardly shoehorn the controls and content of the original console versions onto phones and tablets, this mobile edition makes a virtue of touchscreens like few others have managed. A superbly addictive arcade game that everyone needs to own.
1. Ridiculous Fishing
There's never a shortage of lively debate when we come to compile our top 50 games at the end of each year, but when it came to awarding our highest accolade, the verdict was unanimous. In Ridiculous Fishing, Vlambeer polishes two mini-games to perfection, then blends them together into an end result that's far greater than the sum of its parts.
