Mobile games that offer a console experience

For the longest time, I’ve never enjoyed mobile games. A good portion of that comes down to lacking the time necessary to invest in them, but it’s mostly because they’re largely pay-to-play, stifled rubbish.

I’m not just talking about the likes of Candy Crush, but I’ll admit that I never really found much desire to play that either.

For me, however, things have changed, having given a few some time out of my life.These are the games worth my time.

I’m talking about mobile games with so much substance that once you tap into them, you will never go back to Candy Crush every again.

These are the mobile games that you might actively want to make time for, offering a console-like experience.

Final Fantasy IX

My continued support for Final Fantasy IX over Final Fantasy VII, a stance many disagree with, has meant I have to sleep with one eye open.

Still, I maintain that it’s a fantastic game, and the mobile version of Final Fantasy IX takes you on the same journey you experienced back on the original PlayStation, but this time with improved visuals, quick save checkpoints and a ton of cheats you can use to make the game a bit easier so you can focus on all those nostalgic moments in the story.

You can toggle the cheats on or off, granting things like maxing out gil, turn on and off 9999 damage with a flick of a button, and even turn off random encounters when you get tired of fighting.

The game truly shines on mobile, and has everything you loved about it on the PlayStation, with its spectacular soundtrack, well-imagined world and that darn Kuja, who I am still convinced is a female.

Minecraft

There is really nothing better than sitting on your phone during a boring movie night where you were shut down for choosing Star Wars Episode III (again).

With Minecraft, you can sit and build your own Death Star and prove to all those Sex and the City people that you do not need to watch Star Wars for the 27^th time to know what you are doing on the design.

Although the maps as a bit smaller and building options are not as expansive as the console and PC version, Minecraft: Pocket Edition is just the right amount Minecraft you need in your life, right on your mobile.

Oceanhorn: Monster of the Uncharted Seas

If Nintendo ever made a The Legend of Zelda title on smartphones, that game would be called Oceanhorn.

The game is basically an exact clone of The Legend of Zelda, with better visuals than any of the games thus far and a massive open world to explore.

You wake up one day to find your father gone; the only lead to find him is his old notebook and mysterious necklace.

You then set off on a journey on a boat, through various elemental islands to harness the power of each. Sounds pretty much like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, doesn’t it?

The game offers no in-game purchases, making it a solid adventure from start to end.

I have played it twice and I wish more mobile games offered the same amount of substance for the amount of money you pay for a mobile game.

Final Fantasy VII

For my own safety, I had to include this game as people will hunt me down.

Final Fantasy VII released on mobile a while back, and although it lacks the polish and some of the extra cheats that Final Fantasy IX has, it is Final Fantasy VII, which makes it a must for any fan of the series.

The game has a God Mode setting if you want to just play through it for the story, as well as the ability to turn off random encounters.

In terms of gameplay, it is an exact clone of the original PlayStation game with all its tears and joy.

Assassin’s Creed Identity

Assassin’s Creed Identity is the first fully-mobile game in the Assassin’s Creed series. The game is basically an open world Assassin’s Creed game that you can play on your mobile device.

I have spent a few hours playing it, and I really enjoy its fluid combat, and solid parkour.

The game also looks fantastic, and could beat some 3DS games on the visual scale.

Although the game lacks in the story department, it makes up with its solid gear system and great stealth mechanics.

Surprisingly enough, it could be the first Ubisoft game in decades that does not require you to purchase any in-game content.

The Room Three

If you love brain-bending puzzle games, then The Room series is the game you need.

I played the first one, and ever since, I’ve been gripped by its intriguing puzzle design and Steampunk inspired world.

The Room Three is the biggest game by far, with over 8 hours of puzzles and riddles to solve in a beautiful mysterious world.

If I had recommend any mobile franchise to get into, it is The Room. Each game is better than the last, and it will draw

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

A mobile games list will not be complete without the addition of Hearthstone. The game is basically the same as the PC version, but portable.

Take on online opponents, challenge yourself in the arenas and build your own deck to dominate the world.

You cannot be a fan of Warcraft without Hearthstone on you mobile. The game runs like a beauty, and looks as fantastic as it does on PC. Thank you Blizzard.

I know there are a number of other excellent mobile titles, but I sadly haven’t played them yet. What’s your personal favourite?