There’s a lot to get thrilled about with Apple Arcade. Apple Arcade, the latest service provided by the tech giant, gives the world’s largest platform to billions on zillions of game designers. It draws new titles into an impressive library for modern gaming. It’s also raising us beyond our small mobile screens, offering tons of games that can be played not just on iPhones however, but also on iPads, Mac computers, and even Apple TVs. Apple has now added support for Bluetooth controllers like the Xbox wireless gamepads as well as PS4 Dual Shock, making it more appealing. With 24/7 online support, a continuous release of new games, and a kickass price tag that is just $4.99 per month for a family plan (after the trial period of a month for free), Apple Arcade is definitely a subscription service that’s worth including to your monthly stack of expenses. Keep in mind, console games still cost around $60, and while the games in Apple Arcade’s collection aren’t exactly console-experience-sized, huge developers like Capcom, Sega, and Konami are publishing titles for it already, as are indie developing gems. It’s a bargain. But, not all games available on Apple’s new service are exclusive to Apple. While some games that are available can be purchased elsewhere like Steam, Arcade will house exclusive titles only for Apple. The company also assists with the development costs of Arcade games. The question that is looming over Apple Arcade remains: Who will this be for? Although there’s a variety of games available in the mobile gaming industry, that segment of the market is certainly still known for its comparatively low-key titles like Candy Crush. Consoles however are quite the opposite, recognized for their rich stories-driven games that appeal to a more serious gamers. Apple will have its work cut out for it to bridge the gap between these two seemingly distinct factions. The truth is, rather than focus on either one or the other it appears Apple Arcade will be curating the creation of a brand new gaming environment. It’s difficult to locate where to begin all the new games that Apple Arcade has available now that it’s in the App Store. We think every game is worth downloading once you’ve checked out the subscription option. It could be Apple Arcade’s top app. Capcom’s underwater action game is visually complex and rich. It also offers hours of rich narrative set in the ocean. It’s an exploration game, first and foremost but the intense action gameplay makes it worth testing out on the big screen. The game’s multiplayer style transforms “The Floor is Lava” from a fun game played by children into an epic platformer. With a style reminiscent of Team Fortress 2 and gameplay that feels like a smooth Parkour adventure similar to Mirror’s Edge, you should not miss this. It’s ideal to play on a mobile display because of the immersive POV that tracks how you move your phone. You’re a bird. Your goal is to fly. Retro-themed platformer with vibrantly colored images, and a straightforward control system that makes it easy and enjoyable to play. It’s the kind of game you’ll be able to take in the subway for a few minutes. It’s a great tiny gem that’s perfect for the Apple Arcade. There aren’t a lot of good skateboarding games on the market right now. With Tony Hawk no longer in the game, the landscape of skater titles is in dire need of some fresh ideas. Skate City isn’t as crazy or exciting as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games but it answers the need for Apple Arcade. Skate City features a straightforward control system that is similar to the big THPS-competitor series Skate. It aims to offer skating experiences that feel more real and authentic as opposed to the bizarre Pro Skater titles. Even though it’s difficult but it’s a great experience. Puzzle games come in many shapes and sizes The range of the genre getting more vast every day. The innovative puzzle game Where Cards Fall pushes the boundaries of puzzle gaming by offering emotions and an original puzzle mechanic. The game is based around the building of a house using cards, which is done with the swipe, pinch or rotation of a finger. It’s a game of puzzles with an intriguing storyline that keeps you interested beyond the usual game of problem-solving. This is an essential game to download for Arcade. It’s fast and fluid the gameplay mechanic is simple but highly effective and the game is addictive. Piloting a super-fast car around many obstacles, Speed Demons isn’t exactly a story-driven experience that will keep you glued to the phone’s display. However, as with many of the great games that are available on Apple Arcade, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. The service is curating numerous titles that you can add to your gaming library, and an adrenaline-pumping title like Speed Demons is definitely worth including in your game list. If golf wasn’t golf however, it’s still golf. This hilarious golf game is a blend of humor and challenge. Sometimes, the ball is you while other times, it’s the house that is the balls. However, the games and puzzles (and cats) are never-ending in this incredible pick-up and-go game. The game is truly thrilling. Sayonara functions as an audio video that can be played and includes everything you need to play from puzzles and platforming to riding a motorcycle. Gorgeous red-light effects and smoothly animated transitions make it appear that you’re always playing the correct way even when you make mistakes. Dom Nero is a Senior homearcadecenter.com Creative Producer at Esquire and also writes about film, tv technology, video, and games. Elsewhere, Dom hosts Eye of the Duck which is a podcast about essential movie scenes.
