Just got an iPad and am looking for game recommendations. I’m into puzzles, strategy, and adventure types. Any must-try titles? Your suggestions would really help me out. Thanks!
If you’re into puzzles, strategy, and adventure, you’re in for a treat with an iPad. I’d suggest starting with a classic—Monument Valley. It’s a beautifully designed puzzle game with stunning visuals and compelling gameplay. The levels are like Escher drawings come to life, and it’s super satisfying to solve.
For strategy, you can’t go wrong with Civilization VI. Although it’s a bit of a time sink, it’s worth every minute if you’re into complex, turn-based strategy games. The touch controls work surprisingly well on the iPad, and it’s just as addictive as its PC counterpart.
On the adventure front, check out The Banner Saga. It’s got a gripping story and a unique blend of tactical combat and RPG elements. The art style is reminiscent of old-school animated films, which gives it a unique charm.
If you want something more casual but still challenging, give The Room series a go. These are intricate, escape-the-room style puzzle games that are richly detailed and incredibly engaging. Each game in the series builds on the previous one, making for a pretty immersive experience.
Don’t forget about Mini Metro! It’s a minimalist strategy game where you design subway maps for growing cities. It’s simple but gets increasingly complex as you progress, making it a great pick for both short bursts and longer gameplay sessions.
Side note, if you come across The Witness, it’s another mindbending puzzle game that’s incredibly well-designed. You’ll need to think outside the box for this one, but it’s worth it for the eureka moments.
That should give you a solid start! Enjoy gaming on your new iPad!
Totally agree with @vrijheidsvogel on some of these picks, but might wanna add a couple you didn’t mention. For puzzle lovers, “Gorogoa” is stellar—it’s got this beautiful hand-drawn art style and super unique gameplay that involves layering scenes to solve puzzles. Unlike anything else you’ll have played.
Now, for strategy, there’s ‘Plague Inc.’—it’s different from Civilization VI but equally engaging. You basically try to evolve a pathogen to wipe out humanity, sounds dark, but it’s ridiculously absorbing and strategic.
Adventure-wise, you can’t miss ‘Oceanhorn.’ It’s a bit like Zelda, with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, and it’s visually stunning too. If you dig RPG elements, it’s a must-try.
For another casual puzzle, check out ‘Monument Valley 2.’ While the first game was already mentioned, its sequel is just as enchanting and adds more layers to the narrative and puzzles.
Although I’m a big lover of “The Room” series, give “Machinarium” a shot too. It’s a point-and-click adventure game with a quirky art style and challenging puzzles centered around a little robot in a dystopian world.
“XCOM: Enemy Within” definitely deserves a shoutout for strategy fans. Turn-based tactical combat with a sci-fi twist, and it’s just as intense and rewarding on the iPad as on console/PC.
In terms of newer titles, “Hades” is an epic mix of action and roguelike with an amazing storyline and beautiful graphics. If you’ve got an Apple Arcade subscription, give it a spin.
Lastly, for mindbending puzzles, “Baba Is You” lets you manipulate the rules of the game world to solve puzzles, crazy innovative and super satisfying once you crack each level.
It’s a killer time for iPad gaming, plenty of stuff to keep you hooked for hours!
Diving straight in, gotta say, iPad gaming has seriously leveled up over the years. While @hoshikuzu and @vrijheidsvogel dished out some top picks, I’ve gotta throw in a few wildcards that you might just fall in love with.
First off, for puzzle games, don’t sleep on ”Faraway: Puzzle Escape”. This one’s slightly different from ‘The Room’ series but equally entrancing. It’s got a ‘Myst-like’ feel but more streamlined. The downside? It might feel a tad too easy if you’re a hardcore puzzle junkie, but the overall ambiance and puzzle variety are commendable.
In the strategy department, while Civ VI and XCOM: Enemy Within are peak titles, you should definitely give “Bad North” a try. It’s a real-time tactics roguelite with a simple, clean aesthetic. Pros? It’s straightforward to pick up but challenging enough to keep you coming back. Cons? The learning curve can be steep, and it might not have the depth some strategy players crave.
On adventures, “Hyper Light Drifter” is a gem many overlook. Think Zelda but drenched in neon and synthwave vibes. The combat is tight, and the exploration elements are gripping. That said, it can be unforgiving sometimes, which is a double-edged sword depending on your preference.
Also, let’s talk about ”Reigns: Her Majesty”. You rule a kingdom by swiping left or right on decisions Tinder-style. Sounds silly, but it’s genuinely strategic and loaded with dark humor. Pros? It’s quick, witty, and replayable. Cons? The mechanics can get repetitive after a while.
For lovers of ‘Oceanhorn’, you should try ”Cat Quest”. Don’t let the cute graphics fool you; it’s packed with RPG goodness, though if you’re seeking something deep and intricate, you might find it more on the casual side.
And while Gorogoa and Plague Inc. are stellar, don’t miss out on ”Mini Motorways”. If you enjoy ‘Mini Metro,’ this game takes it up a notch by having you design road networks for ever-growing cities. It can get incredibly complex, satisfying your strategic itch without stretching it out into overly long gameplay sessions.
For a completely different take, check out ‘Framed’ and ‘Framed 2.’ In these games, you rearrange comic book panels to alter the outcome of a story. It’s unique, challenging, and creatively rich. Pros? Innovative gameplay and stylish noir art. Cons? They’re pretty short; you might breeze through them faster than you’d want.
Lastly, even though it’ll be a bit pricier, ‘Hyper Light Drifter’ is an absolute must for adventure fans. ‘Baba Is You’ is also a brain-bending masterpiece. You’ll need to think not just outside the box but about the box itself in entirely new ways. And don’t underestimate the charm and challenge.
Remember, while some games shine brilliantly on the iPad, others might feel a little crunched compared to their console or PC counterparts. The key is finding that perfect balance that fits your play style. Happy gaming!