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Elizabeth Eagen-Jones

Staff Writer | 148Apps

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Here are the top five iPhone games without IAPs

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on November 21st, 2018

It can seem like most phone games now have in-app purchases of some kind, whether it's a small fee to remove ads from the game or buy a few gems, up to luxurious and expensive bundles that will ensure you have every piece of top-tier equipment in the game. It's just the way of things now. That doesn't mean that it's your only choice though, which is why we've written this list of our top 5 favorite iPhone games that don't have IAPs.

Tired of seeing those "limited time offer" windows popping up during your gameplay, sick of being asked whether you want to watch a video to get some more gems? Yeah, we know how that feels. Sometimes you just want to sit down with a game and play it, and these 5 let you do exactly that.

Click here to check out all of the other awesome lists we've been writing lately, there's some real good ones there. And if you think we've missed anything out here, feel free to let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Idle Skies review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on November 12th, 2018
Our rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: IDLE WINGS
An idle game that's heavy on the idling
Read The Full Review »

Everything you need to win at Idle Skies for mobile

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on November 12th, 2018

Idle Skies screenshot - The main screen of the game

Idle Skies, from Crimson Pine games, gives you the chance to learn about the history of aviation, as you advance your flying machines from the most basic paper airplane through to the space age. It's not the most difficult game to get the hang of, but there are plenty of advanced techniques you can learn to get even better at the game.

We've put a good few hours into the game, and we reckon that we've covered enough here that you're going to be somewhere close to pole position next time you play. But, y'know, with planes. Obviously if you've got your own hints and tips feel free to let us know them in the comments section at the bottom of the article.

Want to see the rest of the tips, cheats, and tips we've published recently? Well then click on this link right now. Now tables up, seatbelts on, and we'll try and help your flight go a little bit smoother.

The top 5 console games we'd love to see on iPhone and iPad

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on November 11th, 2018

With so many games releasing across multiple platforms, it's easier than ever to find a mobile version of something you love. But there's still plenty of games that exist on consoles that we'd love to see make their way to mobile. So we thought we'd write a list that contains the very best of them. And here it is.

It's fair to say that this is a pretty contentious subject, (just look at the reaction to Diablo coming to mobile in the shape of Diablo Immortal) and we imagine that you're going to have your own suggestions to throw into the mix. We'd love that, and there's a comment section at the bottom of the page waiting for you to vent your spleen in rage or agreement.

If you want to check out some of the other amazing lists we've written, click here and you'll be able to do just that. And now, without anymore fanfare, here's five games we wish we could keep in our pockets.

Our top tips will show you to win at Candy Crush Friends Saga for mobile

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on October 30th, 2018

If you've been swept up into the candy fever that's come along with the release of King's new entry into the Candy Crush Saga, then we have the tips for you to utilize those brand-new friends and crush your way to the top levels.

We've put a good few hours into the game, and we're pretty sure that we know what we're talking about here. That said, you might have your own suggestions, hints, and tricks, for getting the most out of the latest edition of King's classic puzzle series. If that's the case, make sure you let us know in the comments at the bottom of the article.

Right then, without further ado, let's get on with the tips. After all, that's what we're all doing here. Onwards!

The top 5 best iPhone games for kids

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on October 29th, 2018

While there's plenty of games out there to keep us adults entertained on our phones until the end of the universe, there's also lots of options out there that are more kid-friendly. Which is why we decided to write this list of the 5 best iPhone games for kids.

Some of the games on this list have plenty of crossover appeal as well, so if you're looking for something to play with your sprogs you're in luck. Obviously we'd love to hear your suggestions too, so if you've got any make sure you throw them in the comments section at the bottom of the article.

While you're here, you may as well check out all of the rest of our lists, which are focused on older players, and will let you know the best games in a whole different bunch of genres. For now though, on with the games for the youngsters.

My scariest mobile game - The Room Two

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on October 23rd, 2018

Let's be honest - I'm a weakling when it comes to horror games. Even something mildly creepy will be plenty to give me nightmares, and I actively shy away from most titles that have "horror" in either the description or the name. So it's not really surprising that the supernatural elements in The Room series were plenty to give me a good scare, particularly one scene in The Room 2.

One thing The Room series excels at is creating a vaguely unsettling vibe throughout the various environments and puzzles within the game. As you piece together the storyline from letters and other clues left for you to find, you'll slowly start to understand the surreal plotline that underscores the puzzles you're solving.

Everything you need to know to grab the most territory in Paper.io 2

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on October 2nd, 2018

Voodoo games has come out with a sequel to their territory-claiming game Paper.io, and we have all the tips you need to chew up the scenery and claim the crown. We've put a good few hours into the game now, and we've picked up some impressive hints and tips along the way. So we're going to share them with you.

Make sure you click this link to check out all of our other handy guides. Whether you like your games casual or hardcore, there's going to be something in there that's going to help you. Right then, let's get on with making you the best Paper.io 2 player in the whole of the world.

Please note, that's not a guarantee.

Start out small

When you start up the game, you'll be thrown into an arena with several other players. How close they are to you - and how much time they've already had to start claiming territory - seems to largely be up to chance. When you first arrive, then, start out by coloring in small pieces of the world until you get a feel for things, and figure out where your opponents are.

Watch and wait

When it comes to the other players, it's best to avoid them until you have some territory claimed. Crossing another player's unfinished line will cause you to die, and while it might also take them out, that won't help you win any more ground. As your area grows larger you can try to manipulate your opponents into crossing your line by drawing in front of them, but you'll want to make sure they don't try to do the same to you.

Paper.io 2 guide screenshot - The game's opening screen

Nibble it up

While you want to be careful about crossing the lines of your opponents, you shouldn't hesitate to take a bite out of their territory in order to add to your own. In fact, you'll likely have to in order to keep adding to your score, especially as the game progresses. Again, it's easiest to take little pieces at first, but if you realize your opponent is far away - or not paying attention - that's your chance to take a sizeable piece of their claim.

Consider ad-free

The only transaction in the game is a purchase to remove ads, and if you really want to rise to the top, you might consider forking over the cash. The ads are frustratingly intrusive, playing after almost every round, and it can be hard to get into the flow of the game when you're constantly interrupted by them. Removing them lets you get rounds in quicker, and get more practice -but how worthwhile it is to have the extra time is up to you.

Paper.io 2 review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on October 1st, 2018
Our rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar :: PAPER CUT
A simple experience that can't get past the lag
Read The Full Review »

Check out our list of the best dragons in mobile gaming

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on September 14th, 2018

In honor of 148Apps animal month, we’re creating a whole bunch of lists of what we think are the best animals in mobile gaming. We've already done cats, which featured a special appearance from a very real, very derpy kitty.

But we're making sure we're not just focusing on animals that actually exist, but fantastical, imaginary creatures too. So we decided to do a list filled with dragons. If you’re a lover of fire-breathing, gold-hoarding dragons, here’s a number of games that should sate your appetite.

Make sure you click here to check out all our other lists, if lists are the sort of thing that you're into. Right then, on with the fire-breathing monsters.

Everything you need to know to win in Hello Stars for mobile

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on September 11th, 2018

Hello Stars Google Play artwork

Hello Stars is a combination of an idle game where you try to gain more fans and play on a bigger stage, and a puzzle game where you earn coins to help advance your rockstar career. Here's some tips to help you become the best of the best and shoot to stardom.

If you keep these in mind, you should be well on your way to blasting through the puzzles and soaring to the top of the world stage. And if you've got your own hints and tips that you think other players will find helpful, make sure you add them in the comments section at the bottom of the article.

And while you're here, smash a click on this link to check out all the other guides we've written to help you out in tricky games.

Upgrade your act

The number of fans you have determines the size of the stage you'll play on, so if you want to make it to the top you'll need lots of them. The best way to earn fans is by upgrading your act, and passively drawing fans to you, rather than clicking. As you earn coins, don't be afraid to spend them on your sweet dance moves.

Don't give in to your vanity

Many of the things you can spend your hard-earned coins on are actually cosmetic upgrades, letting you change the appearance of your ball or drawing line in puzzle levels, for example. These won't actually help you advance faster, so your coins are better spent on other things - unless, of course, you see something you just can't live without.

Don't be afraid to use hints

That said, don't let your need to save coins stop you from using hints if you get stuck on a puzzle level. Sometimes you'll be offered a chance to get a hint in exchange for an ad, but if you're truly stuck don't be afraid to hand over the coins in order to advance. After all, puzzle levels are the only way to make more coins, so getting stuck will definitely hold you up.

Take a light touch with your ink

When it comes to the puzzles themselves, you'll be drawing lines in order to get the orb where you want it to go. The less ink you can use, the closer you'll get to scoring a perfect for the level, and the more coins you'll earn. Try and make your lines as efficient as possible in order to save ink, and don't hesitate to reset a level if your line doesn't turn out quite like you wanted.

These are the 5 best RPGs for mobile

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on September 10th, 2018

If you're looking to get a little roleplaying into your mobile experience, it can be a little bit on the daunting side. After all, the App Store is chock full with games that wear the RPG moniker with pride.

There are different genres and styles to consider, too. Do you want to go premium or free to play? Retro or modern? A port of a classic or something with a little more mobile pedigree behind it? You've got so many options to consider that inactivity is probably the easiest course of action.

So we thought we'd write you a lis to save you from the paralysing nature of an almost infinite choice. With that in mind then, here are some of the best RPGs for mobile, sure to give you your fill of quests, gear, and monsters.

Everything you need to know to win in Sling Drift for mobile

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on September 5th, 2018

Sling Drift from Tastypill puts you in charge of directing your car around the track, drifting around curves to go as far as you can. And if you want to make sure every drift pulls around the corners perfectly, we've got the tips to help you succeed.

Sling Drift review

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
By Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on September 5th, 2018
Our rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar :: SLING IT
A little game that isn't without some problems.
Read The Full Review »

When it comes to inclusivity, The Arcana plays all the right cards

Posted by Elizabeth Eagen-Jones on August 27th, 2018

The Arcana, from Nix Hydra Games, may not be a new game (though updates are still being added), but it's an excellent example of a game that works to be inclusive to all players. A mystery/romance game, The Arcana tasks you with uncovering the answer to a murder, and at the same time gives you the chance to win the heart of the character of your choice.

What sets The Arcana apart, however, is its commitment to making a storytelling experience that is meaningful to a wide variety of identities.

While many games will give you a choice of avatar, or perhaps let you choose between being a male or female character, The Arcana looks to open up the player's possibilities with various options not only for the player's pronouns, but the identity of the person they ultimately seek to romance as well.