As a graphic designer, aesthetics play a huge role in my choice of games. I want a game that not only entertains me but also looks visually stunning. With that said, here are some of the best iPhone games that I've played so far:
1. Monument Valley
The Concept
Monument Valley is a puzzle game that follows a silent princess named Ida as she navigates through impossible architecture. The game's concept is inspired by the works of M.C. Escher, where the player has to twist and turn the environment to progress the story.
The Visuals
The game's art style is minimalistic, yet breathtaking. Each level is like a work of art, with vibrant colors and intricate designs that create a sense of wonder and mystery. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the overall experience of the game.
The Gameplay
The puzzles in Monument Valley are challenging but not frustrating. The game's mechanics are simple to understand, but the levels become more complex as you progress. The game also has a short playtime, which makes it perfect for those who want a quick but satisfying gaming experience.
2. Alto's Odyssey
The Concept
Alto's Odyssey is an endless runner game that follows Alto, a snowboarder who travels through the desert. The game's concept is simple, with the player having to collect coins and perform tricks to progress.
The Visuals
The game's visuals are stunning, with a color palette that changes depending on the time of day. The game's design is also minimalistic, with a focus on the environment and the character's movements. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the game's overall atmosphere.
The Gameplay
The game's mechanics are easy to understand, with the player having to tap the screen to jump and perform tricks. The game's difficulty increases as the player progresses, with new obstacles and challenges added to the game.
3. Gris
The Concept
Gris is a platformer game that follows a young girl who is trying to cope with a painful experience. The game's concept is heavy, but it's handled with grace and subtlety.
The Visuals
The game's visuals are breathtaking, with hand-drawn animations that create a sense of wonder and beauty. The game's color palette changes as the player progresses, with each level having a unique theme and atmosphere. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the game's emotional impact.
The Gameplay
The game's mechanics are simple, with the player having to navigate through the environment and solve puzzles to progress. The game's difficulty increases as the player progresses, with new obstacles and challenges added to the game.
4. Florence
The Concept
Florence is a visual novel that follows a young woman named Florence Yeoh as she navigates through her first love.
The Visuals
The game's visuals are stunning, with hand-drawn animations that create a sense of intimacy and emotion. The game's color palette changes as the player progresses, with each scene having a unique theme and atmosphere. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the game's emotional impact.
The Gameplay
The game's mechanics are simple, with the player having to navigate through the story and make choices that affect the outcome. The game's length is short, but it packs a powerful emotional punch.
5. Reigns: Game of Thrones
The Concept
Reigns: Game of Thrones is a strategy game that follows the player as they make decisions for their chosen character in the world of Westeros.
The Visuals
The game's visuals are simple, with a focus on the characters and their choices. The game's design is reminiscent of a card game, with each decision having a consequence that affects the story. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the game's overall atmosphere.
The Gameplay
The game's mechanics are simple, with the player having to swipe left or right to make decisions. The game's difficulty increases as the player progresses, with new challenges and obstacles added to the game.
Overall, these five games are some of the best iPhone games that I've played so far. Each game has a unique concept, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. As a graphic designer, I appreciate the attention to detail in each game's design, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a visually stunning and entertaining gaming experience.
| Game | Concept | Visuals | Gameplay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Valley | Inspired by M.C. Escher, player twists and turns environment to progress story | Minimalistic, vibrant colors, intricate designs | Challenging puzzles, short playtime |
| Alto's Odyssey | Endless runner game with snowboarder traveling through desert, collects coins and performs tricks to progress | Stunning visuals with changing color palette, minimalistic design | Easy mechanics with increasing difficulty, new obstacles and challenges added |
| Gris | Platformer game with young girl trying to cope with painful experience | Breathtaking hand-drawn animations, changing color palette, unique themes and atmosphere for each level | Simple mechanics, increasing difficulty, new obstacles and challenges added |
| Florence | Visual novel following young woman navigating her first love | Stunning hand-drawn animations, changing color palette, intimate and emotional | Simple mechanics with impactful choices, short but powerful |
| Reigns: Game of Thrones | Strategy game where player makes decisions for chosen character in world of Westeros | Simple design with focus on characters and their choices, reminiscent of a card game | Simple mechanics with increasing difficulty, new challenges and obstacles added |