Mobile games are strange, aren't they? On the one hand, they shouldn't be so complicated you can't get into them while, ahem, occupying the lavatory. On the other, they need to have enough complexity to keep you from doing your homework the night before it's due. There's no right or wrong solution, just a collection of gameplay concepts that either works or doesn't quite work. We're proud to report that every game we feature on Mobile Monday works quite well, the end result being lots of late homework assignments but no time wasted in the loo.
Minesweeper of Wizard (iPhone/iPod Touch) - Are you ready for this? It's minesweeper. With a fantasy setting! An evil Dark Lord cursed the land, cutting livable spaces down to near nothing. A wizard appeared with the ability to separate land from the sea, and she set out on a journey to restore the world to its former state. You are that wizard, naturally, and you're playing a game of minesweeper to save the world. So, you know, don't screw it up! Simple, yeah, and the gameplay is pretty standard for a logic puzzle of this nature, but the pixel art is fantastic, and the setting really brings things to life. Also, friendly PROTIP: turn the music off!
Flapcraft (universal) - Vikings need hobbies, too, Especially when all of the great wars are currently on hiatus. So, to keep in shape and to have a good time, the bravest vikings use wooden logs to fly through the air, taking off from ramps to see how far they can go. These "flapcrafters" work tirelessly at their hobby, and so will you once you get your hands on this game. Tap to send the viking flying down the ramp, then tilt your device to steer him. Catch some wind, take a dive into the trees, then upgrade your flying doohickey with rockets, wings, and other contraptions to help you gain some air. A great little game of perfection and upgrades you won't be able to put down.
Hungry Sumo (universal) - Hey, you remember Hungry Sumo, NinjaKiwi's browser game, right? Now the rice-nomming arcade game is ready for you on your iOS device, and it works even better with a touch screen than with a cursor. Tap your sumo wrestler to make him eat rice and grow larger. When he bumps into an enemy sumo, he'll shrink a bit, taking down the other guy with him. Your goal is to have the biggest sumo possible, one that can crash into other enemies without getting too small. The best part of the iOS version is using the multi touch surface to tend to several wrestlers at once. And the mini-games are superb! Exactly the sort of casual diversion you need with a mobile device.
NOTE: Games noted as 'universal' have been designed for iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone devices alike. Any game not listed for iPad will work on the system, but native full screen will not be present. Games listed may not be available outside of North America. Prices are subject to change and are therefore unlisted. Please see the individual game pages for purchasing info.
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