There's no arguing that gaming on mobile devices today offers experiences that appeal to almost every type of gamer. And 2012 was proof of that very point. This past year saw more impressive releases on both iOS and Android (and even between the two) than since the smartphone and tablet crazes started. With the help of our esteemed Advisory Board, here are Games.com's top mobile games of 2012.
Angry Birds Space
This major sequel to the ubiquitous fowl flinger introduced a drastically different and impressive play hook: zero gravity. Rovio toyed with the very area of science that established its winning puzzle games: physics (and to brilliant effect). While Angry Birds Space didn't stray terribly far from its tried-and-true concept, it did more than enough to keep players swiping away.Punch Quest
This ingenious fusion of beat-em-up and endless runner is what happens when indie darlings Rocketcat Games and Madgarden join forces to create a mobile game. It's not just the irreverent humor and charming retro-style visuals that impress the most. No, it's the true mastery of simple-to-learn, hard-to-master play hook enhanced only by oodles of power-ups--interactive ambrosia.Horn
What Zynga and Phosphor Games's wonder accomplished will no doubt inspire mobile game makers in 2013. Taking notes from hits like Infinity Blade, Horn introduced clever solutions for a dramatic, story-driven action adventure game in the same vein of genre leaders like the 3D era Legend of Zelda games. This was a graceful first step in the right direction taken with panache.Angry Birds Star Wars
This branded sequel built upon the core concepts of Angry Birds Space in fun and interesting ways, no question. But what's most impressive about this venture is how faithful to and respectful of the brand it is. It's a brilliant, charming nod to all of the nuances and quirks that litter the Star Wars universe that just so happens to be a blast to play. Branded game creators: take notes.Super Hexagon
This cult hit is a piece of minimalistic, interactive art crafted by none other than Terry Cavanagh of VVVVVV fame. With its entrancing soundtrack and never-ending optical illusion of a maze to escape, Super Hexagon is one of the most challenging games ever to release on mobile devices. But if you don't come back for the challenge, you'll come back to be mesmerized.| Michael Fahey, Mobile/Social Editor | John Benyamine, Publisher | Kelly Karnetsky, Editor | Ludwig Kietzmann, Editor in Chief |
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