The year isn't over yet, but the folks at Apple have spoken. Following tradition, App Store editors recently unveiled their best picks of 2016 among all applications in the iTunes App Store.
Among the top ten games, six can be downloaded for free (with additional cost for power-ups and the like), while the remaining four can be purchased for as little as $0.99. BusinessInsider enumerates the list:
1. "Clash Royale"
"Clash Royale" bags the title of the best game, garnering stellar reviews not just from Apple, but other experts as well. PocketGamer commends the gameplay for its simplicity and depth, combining elements from collectible card games, tower games, and battle arenas.
2. "Reigns"
Developed by Devolver Digital, "Reigns" gives the player the option to take on the role of a good or evil monarch. Even though it costs $2.99 to download, critics believe it's worth the captivating graphics and superb gameplay.
3. "Plants vs. Zombies: Heroes"
It's garden warfare at its finest with "Plants vs. Zombies: Heroes," a card game developed by PopCap Games for its popular "Plants vs. Zombies" series. Players are treated to jazzy music, superhero comic book animations, and cartoon-like graphics as they attempt to build their team of heroes.
4. "twofold inc."
Hailed as the "puzzle game you have never seen before," Swedish developer Grapefrukt Games created "twofold inc." to be a humble puzzler with very simple mechanics: scroll through the field to open the tiles, then make a path to clear them away. Players shouldn't be fooled by its minimalist visuals and gameplay, though; there are surprising depth and challenges that made this game a hit for critics.
5."Riptide GP: Renegade"
"Riptide GP: Renegade" is an amplified version of the aquatic racing game "Riptide GP." It boasts a number of features such as thrill-ride environments, transforming vehicles, state-of-the-art water racing, and options for players to challenge the best gamers around the world.
6. "FIFA Mobile Soccer"
"EA Sports" brings the soccer experience to gadgets with its "FIFA Mobile Soccer." The developers specifically designed the game for smartphones, as it takes up less than 100 MB of memory. In this mobile version, gamers are given the power to build and manage their own teams with their favorite soccer players.
7. "Rodeo Stampede"
In "Rodeo Stampede," the name of the game is rodeo, rodeo, and more rodeo. The central theme of the game sees players lassoing a series of animals sprinting through a valley and all animals captured are stored in a flying zoo.
8. "klocki"
"klocki" starts out as a very minimalist puzzle game: no tutorials, no menus, no time limits, and no explanations whatsoever. This simplicity contributes to the appeal of the game, and players can solve the puzzles at their own pace.
9. "Steppy Pants"
Developer "Super Entertainment" does not mince words when they provided the tag line of their newest offering, "Steppy Pants": "You'll love this game!" The gameplay of "Steppy Pants" is quite simple: walk forward. Players need to tap to lift a leg, then release to step down. It should be quite easy, except that the sidewalks are covered with numerous cracks - turning this game into a challenging, enjoyable treat.
10. "The Trail"
In "The Trail," players are invited to journey as pioneers across Eden Falls. Critics laud the gorgeous graphics and numerous features, such as modes that feature "Beautiful" and "Relaxing", and gameplays where users can "Make Your Fortune" and "Build Your Community."
It is very intriguing that "Pokemon Go" was missing from this list, but it did get a special award of its own as the "Breakout Hit of 2016." As reported by Jobs & Hire, however, Apple's counterpart in the Google realm - the "Google Play Store" - has named "Pokemon Go" as their best game of 2016.
