old mans journey

stranger things

It’s that time of year again.  Time to reflect back on the events of the last twelve months.  Maybe you want to remember some of the high points in your life, but we want to share with you some of the best games of the year.  This is specifically for iOS.  I will give you the best games for both the iPhone or the iPad.  If your favorite game isn’t listed in here, please let us know.

Best iPhone Games

Stranger Things: The Game

So this was actually a really big surprise.  It kind of came out of nowhere.  Well, it was announced a couple weeks in advance of it’s launch, but it was meant to coincide with the release of the second season of Stranger Things.  And it worked!  It is considered the best game of 2017.  This game has everything you could want in an iPhone game including, amazing 8-bit graphics, a killer soundtrack, and best of all, is completely free and there are no ads!  If you haven’t already, you need to check this game out.

Download Stranger Things: The Game on iTunes

Old Man’s Journey

Old Man’s Journey is a beautiful game through and through.  It has a gut-wrenching story, which is accompanied by some pretty amazing hand-drawn artwork that really makes the game come alive.  The completely wordless adventure is powerful, thought-provoking and downright emotional as they deal with some pretty heavy themes.  This isn’t for the faint of heart, but it remains enjoyable throughout.

Download Old Man’s Journey for $1.99 on iTunes

Monument Valley 2

Every bit as fun, cute, and brilliant as the first one, Monument Valley 2 also surprised us when it launched at WWDC this year. If you loved the first game or have been looking for a critically acclaimed puzzle game, Monument Valley 2 is worth checking out.

Download Monument Valley 2 for $4.99 on iTunes

Splitter Critters

Though the game originally launched and was well-reviewed much earlier in the year, Splitter Critters really stepped up its game when it released an update for AR support. The fantastic mechanics of splitting each level into multiple parts to guide cute, tiny aliens across each puzzle is paired fantastically with Apple’s ARKit to bring the experience to the next level.

Download Splitter Critters for $2.99 on iTunes

Best iPad Games

Red’s Kingdom

Red’s Kingdom became available in early 2017.  Even if you’ve been playing it for awhile, you will find new secrets and passages each time.  What’s great about this game is that it stays fresh and constantly gives you new challenges.  The script for the game is extremely clever, and the cast of characters are loveable.  This is an obvious choice for the best iPad game list.  The well thought out puzzles are laid out in beautifully colorful landscapes that are enough to make the game worth purchasing.

Download Red’s Kingdom for $2.99 on iTunes

Mysterium: A Psychic Clue Game

What’s great about this game is that it uses the idea of a tabletop game and takes advantage of the iPad’s large screen.  This takes a board game and now makes it accessible to more people.  You can play live multiplayer with up to seven people or simply play by yourself with AI partners to help solve the mystery through the visions the ghost gives you. The key is to discover the person, place, and thing that the ghost is trying to communicate with you before the time runs out. This is a must-have game, especially if you’re a fan of the Mysterium board game.  It has all the same gameplay elements as the traditional game with none of the setup time required.

Download Mysterium: A Psychic Clue Game for $2.99 on iTunes

The Elder Scrolls: Legends

This is a free-to-play game. Inspired by classic adventure tales, Return to Clockwork City is the latest story expansion for The Elder Scrolls: Legends. Set hundreds of years after Sotha Sil’s demise, embark on an epic journey to the fabled Clockwork City filled with danger, wonder, and riches beyond imagination. The road won’t be easy though. Nightmarish abominations, traps, and betrayals all stand between treasure hunters and their fabled loot, as the fate of the lost city hangs in the balance.

Download The Elder Scrolls: Legends for free on iTunes