The iOS store’s Adventure category covers a vast number of games, with titles that range from RPGs to business simulation games. Here’s our top 5 list from the wide Adventure category. These top 5 picks showcase cute characters, addictive gameplay, and strategic solving — a little bit of everything you can find in Adventure iOS gaming.
5. Empire Story
Empire Story is a colorful world-building game that’s completely addictive: you have to collect your money and crops on your own, and your empire suffers if you dawdle. Since it mostly consists of building city structures, selling items and collecting coins, it’s easy to play and sucks players in. Taking a cue from games like Farmville, Empire Story is built to keep you coming back for more. Like Pocket Legends, there are in-game purchases that seem almost impossible to avoid, but it’s got a huge, addicted audience. (Free)
4. Pocket Legends
This MMORPG has cute, fun characters with bite, which makes it a good bet as an all-ages game, too. The in-game purchases might be a downer for some, but the multitude of campaigns, levels, enemies and environments draws in more players. Social elements enhance the world exploration in Pocket Legends. The makers of Pocket Legends are continuously developing it; the most recent version was just released on Oct. 17. (Free)
3. Mystery Ball
Mystery Ball combines psychology with traditional get-to-the-exit levels. Its vibrant worlds float in the air, populated with enemies and puzzles that can be solved dozens of ways. The hero, FRED, is a free range energy ball who is working through some serious neuroses. As players familiarize themselves with the best way to solve each level, they can jump into time trials and try to beat the clock, too. Mystery Ball will be released in early November. ($2.99)
2. Infinity Blade
Infinty Blade grossed $1.6 million in its first four days of release, and for good reason. Its impressive fantasy art style is rich and immersive, and though some consider the gameplay repetitive, others find it wholly addicting. Infinity Blade II is coming out on Dec. 1 to deliver more action and even better mobile graphics than the first installment, if you can believe it. ($5.99)
1. Contre Jour HD
Contre Jour’s strength, and what sets it apart from other games in this category, is its beautiful art and original gameplay. The player manipulates the environment to move the main character, Petit, and collect bits of light in the dark world. But it’s not just good-looking: each level presents a logic puzzle that players have to solve in order to continue – and some of them aren’t easy. Contemplative piano music and fantastical environments make this a compelling adventure game. (HD, $2.99; regular, $0.99)
