Mobile games have come a long way since their inception when they were basic puzzle and tap games. Some mobile games have grown to challenge the very limits of mobile devices, including full-blown shooters, RPGs, and more. And 2019 saw the mobile games industry shift in various ways, including the introduction of subscription services like Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass.
Beyond subscription services and general advancements, the mobile industry has a lot of room to grow. It'll be interesting to see where mobile games go in 2020, but for now, here are the top 10 mobile games of 2019.
Call of Duty Mobile
Call of Duty Mobile brings the CoD experience to mobile with full-fledged multiplayer support and a zombies mode. It's proven to be incredibly popular so far (and thereby incredibly profitable), as it managed to even top Fortnite on mobile sales charts in its first week. It's simple and straightforward to use, but also comes packed with content that has expanded somewhat and will likely continue to do so. With it and Modern Warfare currently out, it's a good time to be a Call of Duty fan.
Gears POP!
Gears POP! had 1 million+ users within its first week of launch, with the hype behind the franchise itself likely pushing that further along. It's been compared to Clash Royale several times but still captures what makes the Gears franchise itself, including advancing from cover points to defeat enemies. The Funko Pop characters was an interesting choice, but one that doesn't do anything to harm its reputation for fans of the typically grittier franchise.
Grindstone
There are plenty of gem-matching like games on the mobile market, and Grindstone flips this classic on its head. Combining this matching style of turn-based tactical gameplay makes a uniquely addicting mobile game where players create chains and consider the tactics of landing situations. Moreover, there's some customization and better combat abilities that fully flesh out this game, meaning it's truly not just another mobile game but a unique adventure for Jorj through Grindstone Mountain.
Immortal Rogue
Immortal Rogue is a roguelike title with a unique premise: as a vampire, players sleep for centuries. Upon waking, they may make decisions that shape the world around them, thereby creating a world how they desire it. They can create a stable government, terrorize the world as a true terror, and even force it into nuclear war and then some. For fans of mobile gaming, it's a unique experience that seemingly takes a tried-and-true fill-in adventure story and apply it to a strong, mobile-appropriate genre.
Minecraft Earth
As AR games become more and more popular, it's not really surprising to see major franchises step into the genre. One of the biggest this year was Minecraft Earth, which brought the popular IP's block-building mechanics to mobile devices, but it's more than that. There are other things to do like collect Minecraft animals, not completely different from the popular mobile ARG Pokemon GO, but it all feels uniquely Minecraft. It'll be interesting to see more mobile ARG games and advancements in the future, but there's little doubt that fans would enjoy playing Minecraft on the go.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm has been hailed as one of the best exclusives on the Apple Arcade and serves as a non-linear sequel to Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas. It's set in different timeline with a new main character, a Knight of Arcadia, and a new weapon, the Caster. This is one of those titles that push the limits of mobile gaming despite its action-adventure set-up, and luckily for fans, the ending seems to imply that an Oceanhorn 3 will happen.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Also one of the best-looking video games of 2019, Sayonara Wild Hearts describes itself as a "dream arcade game about riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph." If that sounds wild, the game itself also proves to be a tripe as the heart of a young woman, the balance of the universe, a diamond butterfly, and a masked biker all come together to tell a story that is unique in its platforms of choice.
Sky: Children of Light
Sky: Children of Light boasts a number of accolades, including being nominated for best mobile game at the Game Awards 2019, mobile game of the year at the Golden Joystick Awards, and won Apple's iPhone Game of the Year award. Players explore seven unique realms themed around life by using a magical cape that allows players to fly, which can be leveled up. There's a huge focus on befriending others and unlocking new abilities as that friendship grows.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades
Elder Scrolls 6 may be fading from minds until Bethesda shows more of its hand, but the franchise still has more to offer like The Elder Scrolls: Blades. First available as an early access title, this game provides a fairly straightforward action RPG experience set between the events of Oblivion and Skyrim, though its overall structure does somewhat seem limited by mobile devices. Yet, despite technical limitations, players find themselves in yet another chapter of the Elder Scrolls franchise, and it seemingly does its best to show how much mobile gaming has grown.
What the Golf?
Physics-based games are nothing new to the mobile world, and even absurd physics-based games are not. Yet, What the Golf? is a natural evolution of this classic style and allows players to golf a number of items, from the classic ball to a house and even a horse. For those interested in the brand and style this game presents, it's worth mentioning that it's advertised as a golf game "made by people who know nothing about golf."