It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since Apple decided to launch its own Netflix-style subscription service for games. Released on September 19, 2019, Apple Arcade has taken the world by storm and has continued to truly create some of the best gaming experiences you can find on mobile today.
Now packed with over 210 titles, including everything from Team Sonic Racing and Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm to Beyond a Steel Sky and Pac-Man Party Royale, the collection is a steal at $ 4.99 / 4, £ 99 / AU $ 7.99 per month. It’s also packed with plenty of top premium experiences designed for the mobile platform as opposed to free-to-play games which can more often be found guilty of trying to rip you off every time.
Apple regularly updates the list, and every now and then drops a whole load at one time, to keep subscribers entertained. For these newcomers however, it is difficult to decide where to start. So, to celebrate Apple Arcade’s second anniversary, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best games you can play today.
The pathless
There are many games that take inspiration from Breath of the Wild, and while there are very few that will ever meet that standard, Annapurna Interactive’s The Pathless comes close. The action adventure sees you controlling the hunter as they must find a way to cure the curse on an abandoned island.
What sets this game apart is its use of traverse which allows the player to quickly shoot arrows at targets, which in turn increases speed for zooming in on the terrain. There are also some great, thrilling boss fights that show the extent of what the mobile platform can do. Just awesome.
Monster Hunter Stories +
Originally a Nintendo 3DS version before heading to Apple Arcade, Monster Hunter Stories is a delicious JPRG on collecting monsters, leveling them up, and fighting against each other (sounds familiar?). It’s also a good size with easily over 35 hours of content if you focus on the story, while still having that universal appeal whether you’re eight or 80.
Grinding wheel
Grindstone continues to be Apple Arcade’s hidden gem, only growing with additional updates and tweaks to make this puzzle adventure more brilliant. Taking place on a grid, players move Jorj the Viking in a wide direction, taking out as many enemies as possible to progress. It’s incredibly addicting, super satisfying, and filled with over 200 levels.
Alba: a wildlife adventure
An open-world adventure where you focus on conserving wildlife on a Mediterranean island is exactly the kind of escape you need when you’re excluded from much of the world in real life. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is sweet, charming, and console quality. It’s easy to pick up and has a gorgeous palette that only expands as you explore. Spend time with Alba and you won’t be disappointed.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
If you’ve heard of Apple Arcade, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Sayonara Wild Hearts. The soundtrack alone is enough to make this list! Visually, it’s also stunning, mixing poppy music with kaleidoscope-like effects. It’s a short but extremely memorable experience that is instantly replayable. It has finally made its way to Switch, PS4, and PC, but it never feels more at home than it does on mobile.