As the holiday season ends, we all stand on the precipice of a brand-new year. The time has come to think about our future and the goals we hope to achieve. New Year’s resolutions fly through our minds, and we picture potential versions of ourselves next year, all altered and improved. You may lose that weight you’ve been worrying about or put on some muscle instead. Perhaps you’ll finish writing that fantasy novel lurking in the back of your mind or at least get through the stack of “to-read” books waiting in your room. Learn a language? Save more money? Master a skill? The possibilities are endless! The only issue is that achieving New Year’s resolutions never goes to plan. In a few months, we’ll scoff at our former naivety and return to snacking on chips and binge-watching TV shows.
What’s the point in feeling bad when we inevitably revert to our old ways and give up? Instead of setting expectations too high as December ends, consider setting more realistic New Year’s resolutions. Take mobile games, for example. They’re always with you, ready to provide s a bit of entertainment regardless of where you go. Why not take advantage of this convenience and vow to play more mobile games in 2025? It may not seem as appealing as being able to speak Latin or run a marathon, but at least mobile games are fun and often impactful experiences. Luckily for you, I spent my December seeking out the latest and greatest mobile games available, all of which will assist you with any mobile game related resolutions.
If you feel like taking down a few corrupted gangs with rad cyberpunk warriors by your side, then this first game is for you!
10. Cyber Quest
Cyber Quest is a spunky roguelike deck-building mobile game with a cyberpunk twist. It introduces players to a city run by gangs that deserve to be knocked down a few pegs. Fortunately, players have an arsenal of street-savvy characters by their side, ready to do that very thing. Hackers, mercenaries, and urban rogues are all available as cards in these gang-related strategic card-based matches. Players engage in turn-based combat that increase in difficulty, collecting and customizing a powerful arsenal of cards until they make their way to the most powerful gang of them all. The game’s characters and settings are all designed with retro 18-bit graphics. These really bring its cyberpunk themes to life, along with a soundtrack full of funk and electronic music.
This game is a clever combination of deceptively simple and easy-to-comprehend mechanics, with strategic depth and infinite gameplay potential. Cyber Quest rewards strategy above all else, and lets players overcome all odds and best even the most difficult gangs, so long as they make decisive choices regarding card order and character placement. Before each turn, players are clued in as to which of specific gang members plan to attack, giving them the opportunity to disperse shields and weaponry accordingly. The matches are quick and satisfying, making it a perfect mobile game for entertainment on the go.
Cyber Quest is available for $3.99 on iOS and Android devices.
9. A Kindling Forest
Embark on an ethereal auto-runner experience with A Kindling Forest, a mobile game as challenging as it is entertaining. Players control a tiny skeletal archer that has been resurrected by forest spirits and tasked with destroying demons. From dangerous crystal structures to sentient flying skulls, a variety of obstacles lie in wait. What makes the gameplay so unique in A Kindling Forest, is its interesting blend of the traditional auto-runner format with resource management. The archer is only able to exist if they have arrows remaining in their quiver, forcing players to use their limited number of arrows wisely. Many obstacles can be overcome by means other than destruction, as the archer is able to leap, sprint, and even use magical crystals to teleport past enemies. Players must think fast and decide whether or not to use their arrows at any given moment.
What really endeared me to this game was its captivating art style, with environments and character designs that all evoke a mystical fairytale feeling. Every level has its own unique ecosystem and obstacles, which made me constantly curious as to what additional beauty the game had in store. I found the game challenging in a way that simultaneously filled me with adrenaline and encouraged me try, try, and try again. The game is a great choice for anyone who enjoys auto-runners and long-term strategy.
A Kindling Forest is available for $0.99 on iOS and Android devices.
8. Shadow of the Depth
This top-down roguelike mobile game starts by throwing players into the perspective of Arthur, a blacksmith’s son whose village is destroyed by a hoard of heartless monstrosities. Seeking revenge, Arthur ventures into an eternal labyrinth of monster-infested dungeons. From there he delves deeper and deeper into the chaos, taking out as many monsters as he can. He encounters complex characters in the abyss, each of which possess their own complex backstories and desires. These characters join Arthur, forming a party and allowing players to choose between multiple protagonists The game features a hack-and-slash combat system, full of fast-paced action and explosive results. Players collect a variety of weapons with different effects as they play, letting them choose new strategies as their abilities evolve.
I loved how seamlessly this game blended story with gameplay. The character’s backstories and stunning hand-drawn designs made me root for them, giving the violence they endured meaning. The roguelike elements of constantly changing architecture and procedurally generated dungeons kept everything in a constant flow of change, forcing me to adapt. When the dungeon walls suddenly closed in and trapped me in a room full of powerful enemies, I was filled with the perfect sensation of dread and anticipation. Try out Shadow of the Depth if you’re looking for an addictive action-packed game.
Shadow of the Depth is available for free on iOS and Android devices.
7. Squid Game: Unleashed
Based on the hit Netflix series, Squid Game, Squid Game: Unleashed is a multiplayer action based mobile game similar to competitive games like Fall Guys. It has players participate in multiple rounds of 32-player tournaments, where they compete in games from or inspired by the show to win a simulated cash prize. When the player earns money, they have the opportunity to buy character models from the show, like Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), Cho Sang-woo (Player 218), Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067), or buy new characters with unique costumes and abilities. They can level up as players progress through tournaments, giving them powers that provide advantages during specific games.
While the game does not take a deep narrative focus like the original Squid Game series, it does make many references to the show and mimics its overall premise. Squid Game: Unleashed has also rewards players in the game for watching Squid Game’s second season on Netflix, making it a great companion piece for fans of the franchise. As someone who sincerely enjoys multiplayer competitions and is obsessed with Squid Game, I found being able to play it while watching the show a greatly enhanced experience. The game is still plenty dynamic and entertaining without prior knowledge of the series, making it a great pick for anyone at all.
Squid Game: Unleashed is available on iOS and Android devices with a Netflix subscription.
6. Pine: A Story of Loss
Grief is arguably the most difficult aspect of life, but as everyone discovers in time, loss and the grief that always follows are unavoidable. We all have people we love and cherish in our lives, even if “people” means a valued pet, and when these loved ones are taken away it often feels as though pieces of us are missing as well. Pine: A Story of Loss explores the difficult concept of grief in a way that comforts and guides players who may be struggling with their own traumatic experiences. The beautiful hand drawn game has players follow the perspective of a woodworker living alone surrounded by a dense forest. The player discovers that he is grappling with the loss of his wife, who he cherished and loved. The game repeatedly contrasts between the dull repetitive existence of the woodcutter at present, and the warm, meditative memories of the past.
When I began playing Pine: A Story of Loss, I feared that it would fall into the trap of making grief into a painful spectacle. This proved completely false however, and the game instead encourages players to heal alongside the woodcutter as he memorializes his wife by carving intricate wooden mementos. Players help him process his grief through the creative process of symbolizing memories into wood carvings. The game taught me to appreciate the memories loved ones provide during life, instead of lamenting them. This game may not resonate all that strongly with everyone, but its depth will deeply impact certain players, providing them with hope.
Pine: A Story of Loss is available for $4.99 on iOS and Android devices.
5. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete
Loyal fans of the original Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp everywhere, including myself, were devastated when Nintendo announced they would be discontinuing the game earlier this year. Fortunately, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete came along to save the day. This game allows players to continue enjoying the first game right from where they left off, only now they also have complete access to previously released content, including special events and over 10,000 items, without additional purchases. This game has no microtransactions, allowing players to focus in on the gameplay without any paywall barriers. Elements of the game that used to be off limits, such as getting to choose a camp caretaker, for example, are now inherent core aspects of the game. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is also completely offline, which lets players access their campsite any time they want.
When I discovered that this new Pocket Camp was to be entirely offline, I feared that I would lose the social aspect of the original game completely. My fears were relieved when I discovered that the game had implemented features like Camper Cards and a new location called Whistle Path. With Camper Cards I was able to connect with friends easily, and Whistle path let our characters meet at a cozy concert and share gifts. What really puts Pocket Camp Complete on this list are the same gameplay elements that made the first Pocket Camp so special: it’s relaxing gameplay, immersive customization, and seasonal content.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is available for $9.99. on iOS and Android devices. The price will be raised to $19.99 after January 30, 2025.
4. Civilization VI: NETFLIX
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is in mobile form now, and it carries all of the advanced graphics and depth of the original game. It introduces initiate and veteran players alike to an accommodating world of strategic turn-based gameplay. Players take on the role of a real historical ruler of their choosing which provides them with specific advantages that influence their approach to global domination. They do whatever they can to expand their empires and increase their nation’s knowledge, all while competing nations do the same. The game offers an amazing multiplayer mode, which lets friends engage in intricate matches against each other as competing nations. Runs span from the dawn of civilization all the way to space age technology, giving players plenty of time to experiment with their strategies and techniques.
As a person who admittedly struggles to immerse myself in grand strategy games like Civilization VI, I genuinely appreciate how approachable and straightforward this game was. Is has the potential to be incredibly complex, but it holds back when it needs to and handholds the easily overwhelmed like myself. This is the perfect grand strategy game for anyone new to the genre.
Civilization VI: NETFLIX is available on iOS and Android devices with a Netflix subscription.
3. Universe for Sale
Universe for Sale is a gorgeous hand-drawn game that introduces players to a tale full of science fiction blended with mysticism. This point-and-click game works well in a mobile format and lets players experience Jupiter’s ramshackle colony through the convenience of their smartphone. Players control multiple characters depending on what the narrative calls for, starting with a skeletal figure called The Master. This mysterious former cultist is associated with the Cult of Detachment, who has removed much of his physical form in pursuit of enlightenment. He seeks out Lila, who becomes another playable character. Lila is a young, embittered woman with the amazing ability to craft universes with little more than a cup, some innocuous ingredients, and her two hands. She sells these creations in the bustling bazaar of Jupiter’s colony, until her life takes a turn.
I cannot understate the beauty of this game. Its many graphics and character designs all seem to have an inherent warmth to them, like the glow of candlelight. The colony’s surprisingly cozy eclectic structures were made all the more comfortable when contrasted with Jupiter’s toxic rainstorms, which ravage the planet often. When the rainstorms cease, Universe for Sale lets players experience crafting universes as Lila while she works. She takes specific requests, giving players the chance to experiment with ingredients like eggshells and soot to see what universe forms as a result. This game is something special, and lovers of warm fireplaces and rainy days will undoubtedly fall in love with it.
Universe for Sale is available for $5.99 on iOS and Android devices.
2. Monument Valley 3
For years, fans of Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 have eagerly awaited Monument Valley 3. Fortunately, the latest entry of this beloved trilogy does not disappoint in the slightest. Like its predecessors, Monument Valley 3 is a mind-bending puzzle game that involves the exploration of expansive environments inspired by optical illusions and modern architecture. This sequel follows an apprentice lightkeeper named Noor on her quest to save her light house and restore light to the world as dark rising waters threaten innocent voyagers. Without the help of her mentor, Noor is left alone to traverse through puzzling structures in order to capture light. The game introduces brand new mechanics to the Monument Valley franchise, including sailing through vast open waters from puzzle to puzzle.
Monument Valley 3, like Monument Valley 1 and 2, manages to tell a heart wrenching narrative with hardly any dialogue at all. The story is expressed through its puzzles and the way in which Noor overcomes them. Every puzzle serves a purpose and progresses the story forward in a way that tickles the brain with clever illusions. The puzzles don’t ever feel as though they are trying to outsmart the player or make them feel silly. Instead, they function logically and in ways that merely encourage players to think outside the box and view reality from unusual angles.
Monument Valley is available on iOS and Android devices with a Netflix subscription.
1. Infinity Nikki
Infinity Nikki is the fifth installment in the beloved Nikki series, which center around a gentle and optimistic woman named Nikki. In this game, players control Nikki as she traverses through the whimsical world of Miraland alongside her adorable cat companion named Momo. The game takes players through a series of diverse nations, each of which possess their own culture and habitat. While much of the gameplay centers around dressing up, Nikki’s outfits serve an important purpose as their magical abilities allow Nikki to progress through the story. Her clothing items contain the powerful energy of Whimstars, which are the physical embodiments of inspiration. By harnessing said inspiration in the form of clothing, Nikki is able to float, glide, and shrink her way through puzzles.
Many aspects of this game are stereotypically feminine, which might turn a good deal of masculine gamers away, but I love how Infinity Nikki showcases the inherent beauty in expressing imagination through attire. Nikki is a breath of fresh air as a protagonist, and like her, the entire game emphasizes kindness, joy, and self-appreciation. Thats not to imply that the game doesn’t feature any combat, however! Nikki faces adversaries called Esselings as she attempts to save Miraland from chaos by rescuing a god of wishes. The game utilizes the Unreal Engine 5 and features a highly detailed fully open world. I could hardly believe my eyes when I first loaded up the game on my phone. It was one of the most complex and realistic game environments I had ever explored, and I was doing it for free on the go! For these reasons and more, Infinity Nikki was the best game released this December.
Infinity Nikki is available for free on iOS and Android devices.
Good luck with your definitely-mobile-game-related New Year’s resolutions! I’ll see you again in January with another top ten.