The best female characters in mobile gaming

In the world of mobile gaming, truly well-made games can often be something of a rarity. Well-made games that feature female protagonists are even rarer, and while many games give you the option to choose between a male or female avatar, it's not often that the star of a game is a woman.

With that in mind, here's a few high-quality games that feature a woman not just as an avatar, but as the main character.

Monument Valley 2

Although she never speaks, Ro, the main character in Monument Valley 2, still declares her importance from the beginning. She guides her daughter through the world of Monument Valley, and they often work together to solve the puzzles that the landscape puts in front of them.

Part of the beauty of Monument Valley 2 is not just that it features cool puzzles and only female characters (the first game's protagonist, Ida, was also a woman). While echoing the journey and discovery of the first game, this second entry becomes about passing on knowledge to the next generation, as well.

Lara Croft GO

Lara Croft is probably one of the quintessential female protagonists on any platform, and that remains true on mobile. True to her usual self, she spends the game climbing, jumping, and otherwise navigating tombs with no hesitation or difficulty - save for any missteps on the part of the user.

It doesn't hurt that the GO series of games is well-crafted, with sleek graphics, smooth controls, and a robust number of levels. It's maybe a little unfortunate that the only customization you can unlock in the game is to change her outfit, but at least most of what she wears are fairly functional designs.

Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP

Speaking of capable, no-nonsense women, the next entry on our list could undoubtedly go toe to toe with Lara Croft. The Scythian in Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery is the essential questing adventurer, relentless in her journey to find all the pieces of the Trigon.

I won't give the ending away here, but The Scythian embarks on a true hero's journey throughout the course of the game. It's clear that her actions - and her bravery - have an impact on the people she meets along the way, including the player.

Once Upon a Tower

Once Upon a Tower is a game that turns the trope of the princess in distress right around from the beginning of the game. There was a knight that might have rescued her, but well, he got eaten. That's no barrier to our heroine, though. She'll pick up the knight's hammer and get herself out of the tower.

It's a reversal of a classic fairy tale, and while it's true that there are a number of other, unlockable characters, it's also clear that the initial princess is meant to be the main protagonist. She's ready to defeat any enemy that comes her way, and orchestrate her own rescue.

That's just a sampling of some of the lady characters out there. Do you have a favorite female protagonist on mobile that you think should be added to the list? Don't hesitate to let us know in the comments.