The emergence of mobile games has been a thing of surprise. They’ve evolved from casual gaming platforms that don’t pay much attention to coveted consoles. Who saw that coming? It’s safe to say that Sony and Nintendo didn’t. “Mobile gamers (mobile users who play games on their phones at least once per month) will reach 141 million in 2014, largely driven by the rapid increase in smartphone ownership. In 2010, smartphone gamers represented less than half (45.8%) of all mobile gamers; by the end of 2012, they will represent three-quarters of all mobile gamers.
Nearly half (49%) of mobile owners will be using mobile games by 2013. In 2016, eMarketer estimates that more than half (53%) of the general population will be mobile gamers.” (Marissa McNaughton)
From your basic puzzle games, like Sudoku and tic-tac-toe, or card games to rival games like poker, bingo and more, the Android market is overflowing with additional options to suit everyone’s taste. One style of play that has had surprising popularity is the physics-based game. They simulate real life by means of mass, density and gravity, all of which affect the outcome of the game. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular games based on this branch of knowledge:
Paper Throw – One of the earlier games in the new generation, this one requires you to throw a crumpled piece of paper into the trash with a flick of your finger. Sounds simple? Guess again. There are various fan and speed settings to make your aim complicated. Determination will soon get the better of you. This game is perfect for those who have short breaks during work, or just have some time to kill.
Angry birds – The most popular physics game on the market, you have to perfectly tilt your bird-coated catapult to hit those annoying green pigs and collapse the structure they are sitting on to earn more points. There is a trick for the corners. Too low and the bird hits the floor. Too high and flying over the target instead of hitting the structure. Kids and adults alike are hooked on this game. Since Angry Birds was launched several years ago, several versions and variations of this game have been released.
Paper Jets – From the makers of Toss It, Link It, and Smiley Pops, Paper Jet is for those who loved playing with paper jets as kids. The objective of this game is straight and simple; collect all your strength to throw the jet as far as possible. Your mission is to get as many stars as possible which will allow you to buy upgrades and modify your plain paper jet to a superior one.
Apparatus – Apparatus, which retails for $2.99, is another straightforward physics-based game that’s more of a workshop where users use various available materials to build complex structures which in turn help solve puzzles. This game may remind you of the popular 90’s TV show The Quest. The game may require you to line up blocks or hit targets using marbles and can be quite mechanical, making it the perfect game for those who are mechanically inclined.
Cut the rope – This rope game is easily one of the most downloaded physics based games on the Android Market. It’s also one of the smoothest. The game mechanics are quite simple: cut the rope in such a way that the creature can eat and swallow candy. This game may seem simple but a few levels into the game, you will realize that Cut the Rope demands sharp logical thinking and strategy.