Six fantastic ways to spend National Video Games Day

As if anyone needed an excuse to play games today, I am about to give you one: it is National Video Games Day. A day for us to play games, like we no doubt do every day. Let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. Instead, feast your eyes on this banquet of gaming excellence you can jump into with your phone right now.

You can’t go wrong with an award-hoarder like Balatro

Our first choice needs no introduction since it collected awards like candy. It is, of course, Balatro.

It is so easy to lose yourself in this land of Jokers, trying to level up your favorite combo to achieve that perfect run. Think poker if it went to game design school, and you will be somewhat close. If you haven't tried this instant classic, or just took a break, head over to the App Store or Google Play and give it a spin. You will have to drop $10.00 though, so if you want some free options, read on.

Bungie recently brought its acclaimed shooter to mobile with Destiny: Rising

If you find yourself in the mood for something more action-packed, then you should definitely try Destiny: Rising. Thanks to its autoshoot mechanic, you won't even need a controller to get the most out of this space-aged shooter. You can collect multiple characters and then use them to whip out incredible skills to decimate your foes. Even the default hero, Wolf, is good fun to play as.

Best of all, it is free for Android and iOS.

Honkai: Star Rail is one of mobile's best turn-based titles

Turn-based RPGs pop up all over the place, but Honkai: Star Rail is one of the best. Each of its characters introduces fascinating mechanics to wrap your head around in your quest to build the perfect team.

Later this month, September 24th, you can even get your hands on a free 5-Star character, so this could be the best time to start your journey. Join the Astral Express on the App Store and Google Play.

Acecraft is a stylish success for those who don’t mind getting wiped a lot

Our next choice is both a joy to play and the look at. Acecraft is a shoot’em up in the same vein as Cuphead. The old school cartoon graphics are a delight to watch, as you fly ever upwards, shooting a million bullets and dodging twice as many.

There is even a collaboration with Tom and Jerry happening, and that is always worth checking out. Enjoy two generations of cartoons on Android and iOS.

Crystal of Atlan is a recent MMORPG with the best PvP I have played

Every MMORPG tries its hand at PvP at some point, but I believe that Crystal of Atlan really nailed it. It is an Action RPG game that usually has you running around an arena, blasting off special moves as one of four classes as soon as they come off cooldown. Atlans’ PvP, however, syncs everyone to the same level and has a fantastic stamina system that really makes you have to think about when you will attack or defend.

Plus, until September 17th, you can collect some Digimon to fight with you, which is enough reason by itself. Go to the App Store and Google Play right now and ride a Metal Garurumon. 

One of the greatest games ever came to mobile with Hitman: World of Assassination

We are ending with a personal favourite, and one that has a caveat. Hitman: World of Assassination, only on Apple. It is the game that made me do a complete 180 on the Hitman series. I really disliked the PS2 titles, tried the demo for WOA, and immediately bought everything it had to offer.

The levels are huge, and there are so many ways to take out your targets. Some brutal, some hilarious, often both. If you have an iPhone or Apple device, download it. The free trial options will convert you immediately. It might be National Game Day, but WOA will keep you busy for a long time after that.