While E3 definitely had some treats for mobile gamers, many of those are still months, even a year, away. If you’ve been bitten by the gaming bug this week and itching for something to get your hands on ASAP, here are some new titles that can be your. And some that might still be coming really, really soon.
Royal Blood
Almost every game maker now promises console-level graphics, which is admittedly easier to achieve these days thanks to the power of our smartphones. Gamevil, on the other hand, is promising a PC MMO-like experience with its latest title, Royal Blood. A bit hard to believe since you’re gender-locked to classes and have an auto-route system in place. Still, if it’s your cup of tea, might as well give it a try. It’s free anyway.
Dragon Nest M
Speaking of PC MMOs on mobile, one way of going about that is actually porting an existing game to smartphones. That’s the strategy that Nexon is trying with Dragon Nest M. It promises the same “classic” features of the original, like 3D non-targeting battles and “authentic images”. It’s not as classic as, say, Ragnarok Online but at least there’s only one version you’ll have to worry about.
Download: Dragon Nest M (Global), (SEA)
Asphalt Legends
Depending on where you are, you can already install the latest installment in the never-ending Asphalt racing series. Asphalt Legends also promises a console experience with hyper realistic cars and tracks. And, for the first time, you’ll be able to form your own racing club and pit your team against others’ records.
Pokemon GO Water Festival
In some parts of the world, the rains have started to fall. In others, summer beaches beckon. Wherever you are, there will always be water around, which makes it the perfect time for Water Pokemon to make an appearance again. Until June 21, 1:00 pm PDT, you will encounter more Magikar and Wailmer than you can possibly want. And, who knows, you might even see a Shiny Shellder while you’re out and about.
Coming Soon
Looking ahead, we have some rather interesting games lined up for July and beyond. You thought your life was strange? Wait until you get into the shoes of time-rewinding photographer Max. The hit narrative-driven game Life is Strange is finally coming to Android as an episodic series. Pre-register now to have an actual piece of a console game on your phone. If you’re willing to pay the price.
Mobile has been a great place for JRPGs to find new audiences and Square Enix is bringing one of the lesser known cult classics to smartphones. Like a blend of Star Trek and Final Fantasy, Star Ocean: Anamnesis puts you in the captain’s chair as you form and guide your crew of heroes across the galaxy. Meet characters from older Star Ocean games and play with actual friends in co-op multiplayer.
Stil coming sometime this year, Marvel and Nexon are bringing superheroes to a new kind of mobile game. While many superhero-themed mobile games feel like playing cards, Marvel Battle Lines will actually be playing with cards. Yep, it’s another grab for Hearthstone’s market, but perhaps with a better chance of succeeding given the superhero craze these days.
No word yet on when it’s coming but you can be sure that “free to download” means a lot of “freemium” IAPs to give you an edge.
