Caption: Modern games are pushing the limits of iPhone graphics
Gaming has come a long way since the early iPhone models of the late 2000s. From the 2D, side-on games like Angry Birds and Flappy Bird, we can now enjoy console-level quality with games like Call of Duty and Fortnite.
The latest versions of the iPhone contain unrivaled computing power with the Apple A13 Bionic 64-bit AMRv8.3-A processor. This is a six-core CPU, which has two high-performance cores that run at a higher clock speed of 2.65 GHz, and four energy-efficient cores.
Crucially for gaming, the A13 Bionic processor includes a four-core graphics processing unit that is 20% more powerful than the chipset used in the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
If you’re wondering how you will pass the time this spring, then why not make use of some of this computing power and play exciting games? Here are some fantastic options you should consider:
Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty has been one of the most popular first-person shooters of the last two decades. It has been incredibly successful on both the PC and the range of games consoles that it has been released on, with the first game being released on the Sony PlayStation 2.
Call of Duty: Mobile, which was released on the iPhone in October 2019, is not the first mobile version of the title. The franchise has also been available for the PSP, PlayStation Vita, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, and Nokia N-Gage.
The thing that is different with Call of Duty: Mobile for iPhone is the truly engrossing gameplay. It has a rating of 4.8 stars from more than 800,000 reviews on the Apple App Store and features some of the slickest graphics.
It’s not clunky, which was a big problem with the Nintendo DS version several years ago. It feels well optimised for mobile and will give you hours of fun.
888 Poker
Card games have always been a fun way to pass the time, and many of them are now available as mobile apps. There are many different options to choose from, including some that let friends play in multiplayer mode.
Other apps are dedicated to individual games, the most popular of which is poker. For example, 888 Poker offers one of the most polished experiences for mobile users as it allows you to play a variety of poker games while on the go. This includes real money games like 7 Card Stud, Texas Hold ’em, and Omaha Hi-Lo. You can even enter mobile tournaments, which gives you the full experience no matter where you are.
Caption: There are plenty of games you can play on your iPhone this spring
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
While GTA San Andreas is not going to be stretching the limits of that A13 processor, it will give you hours of fun. Completing the main storyline missions in San Andreas alone will take you at least 20 hours of gameplay.
Yet, you’ll probably spend much longer playing the game since it’s very easy to get sidetracked by just about everything in it. What other game allows you to fly around a fictional Las Vegas in a stolen jetpack hunting for horseshoes and to race hovercrafts around the countryside?
Retro Highway
If you want something a bit more retro than San Andreas, try Retro Highway. With its pixel art in limited colours and the feeling that the world is moving instead of you, you will love how nostalgic it makes you feel.
There are ten different bikes to collect, with the ability to customise them with various power-ups. It has many different tracks from all over the world, but in true retro-style, they’re not that different from each other.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends will be more likely to test the graphics performance of your iPhone and give you a more modern driving experience. With over 60 different licensed cars to choose from, including Porsches, Citroëns, BMWs, VWs, Dodges, and Nissans, you’re surely have a lot of fun.
It has an arcade racing format with some incredible graphics, including realistic weather and photo-realistic effects in many areas.
Minecraft Earth
Minecraft is one of the most successful games of recent years. Microsoft has gone one better, though, bringing Minecraft into the real world using augmented reality. It’s sort of the Pokemon Go of Minecraft while keeping hold of its trademark blocky look.
You can build your creations in tabletop mode and then blow them up into real life, walking around your creations in 360 degrees AR. Just like in Pokemon Go, you can explore the real world to collect more materials for your building. However, Minecraft Earth doesn’t attach resources to real-world businesses and landmarks, so they end up in random places that are sometimes dangerous to go to.
Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush was one of the first viral games for iPhone, and it continues to be a hit today. It still has the same glass effect, 2D graphics, but it’s still just as addictive as it was a decade ago.
Candy Crush Saga is the latest release in the franchise, containing many more annoyingly frustrating levels. The only thing that lets it down is how aggressively it pushes its in-app purchases, but without them, the game wouldn’t be free.
This varied mix of games will keep you busy for hours. With a combination of easy-going, casual games like 888 Poker and Candy Crush and full-on shoot ’em ups like Call of Duty, you have a game for every mood this spring.
