The best five new games for Apple Arcade - September 19th
So, you've got Apple Arcade - that's right, it's out - and you're sampling your first month for free. Value for money isn't the question now - you'll have paid your sub in future, so you're already in, right? It's time to talk about the best five games on Apple Arcade in which case - so you can smartly divide your time between the best of the games from the dozens there.
Before we start, you'll maybe notice that a few of the games on this might not appear on your device when you first browse the storefront. Don't worry though, as it turns out there are simply too many games on there for Apple to present in a readable manner. That's definitely an issue we've heard of before. The games are still there, you'll just need to either search for them or scroll down to the 'See All' option in order to see the full library.
With launch titles including the psychadelic dimension-battler Sayonara Wild Hearts, adorably-furry RPG Cat Quest II and even long-awaited, Sega puzzler sequel ChuChu Rocket Universe there were plenty of titles which could have gone into the best five, however with over 70 to choose from we had to be quite strict in deciding the best.
Just so you know, you'll be able to check out all of our Apple Arcade recommendations at our new Best Games For Apple Arcade hub, that'll just keep on filling up with great games to check out as the library continues to fluctuate over the months. Or, if you'd rather find out the news as hot as it lands then you can follow us over on Twitter.
Anyway, let's get to the games. Just click through the big blue button below to find out our best five picks from the Apple Arcade launch line-up.
1
What the Golf?
If you like golf then you've probably been DELIGHTED with the recent resurgence in the category. People have even started doing funky things like with the wondeful Golf Peaks, where a card-based movement system was added in. Well, the newest Golf game is somehow even more of a step away from the classic format. In What the Golf, which the developers label as an anti-golf game, the ball can be almost anything. You'll 'golf' a car around a race track, golf a house up a hill, and even golf an egg into a frying pan.
Okay, so maybe it's not really golf. But it's certainly a lot of fun.
2
Overland
Its the post-societal future and America has fallen hard. Strange creatures wander the streets and your only hope for survival is beyond the horizon. In Overland you're stuck on the wrong side of the USA and must manage your vehicle, health and companions in a series of procedurally generated skirmishes along your route to safety.
We recently detailed Overland when it was revealed that it was part of the Apple Arcade launch line-up.It's a brilliant turn-based strategy title which captures the tension of XCOM but in perfectly bite-sized skirmishes: fusing together the Oregon Trail inspired roguetrip genre with the tght tactical combat we've seen done well in titles like Into the Breach and XCOM.
3
Where Cards Fall
Where Cards Fall was one of the first games announced for Apple Arcade, and it has defintiely been well worth the wait. It plays out as a 3D platformer where you solve puzzles by building platforms (and buildings) of cards.
It's all a metaphor for growing up and exploring the world around you, but it's done in a beautiful and artisitc manner - complete with simple and stylised visuals and a wonderful soundtrack.
4
Oceanhorn 2
In the absence of a new Zelda the first Oceanhorn launched to an amazingly warm reception. It had the perfect fusion of bright colours, scale and fun mechanics to hit the adventure nail exactly on the head. Well, it's been over two years since the first game reached Nintendo Switch, and now it's time for the beautiful sequel to be playable for us mobile users.
It's a beautiful, bright adventure game and is easily one of the best looking games on mobile devices. If you're looking for a sweeping, Zelda-esque action-adventure and you're an Apple Arcade subscriber then you need look no further than Oceanhorn 2.
5
Dead End Job
Busting ghosts and defeating the dead isn't an easy task, but in twin-stick shooter Dead End Job that's literally your day job. You take on the role of Hector Plasm an employee of Ghoul-B-Gone and must work with your recently dead mentor to free the town of ghoulies and more to save their soul.
I've been lucky enough to spend quite some time playing Dead End Job over the years and while the artstyle is both charming and memorable it is the fantastic puns which run throughout the game which I remember best.
For those of you who haven't played it yet, Dead End Job is a twin-stick shooter roguelike where you dive into dangerous jobs attempting to clear each room and, ultimately, location. You'll earn ample upgrades as you fight bosses, free unappreciative innocents and stun-and-suck the ghost-pests up into your vac-pac for later disposal. It's exceptionaly fun, funny and easy to play in short bursts.
