Playing a video game for some people has been normal behavior for as long as they can remember. For others, it’s just a random occurrence, something they do to waste a few minutes in a day here and there. And then there are those out there who won’t touch a video game, because they think they’re a waste of time (or any other number of reasons they can think of). At least, that used to be the case. While they might not believe it’s the same thing, playing a game on your smartphone is like playing a game on a home console. it’s still a video game.So I’m wondering what type of games you play on your phone.
We’ve talked about whether or not Apple will be able to completely monopolize the concept of mobile gaming, and there’s no doubt that Apple has indeed put a strong focus on bringing top-of-the-line games to their iOS platform over the last few years. We’ve seen spectacular games released for iPhone and the iPad, and this trend probably won’t stop anytime soon. But, while there are these top-tier games that rake in the attention for mobile gaming, I can’t help but think that smaller, less powerful games are just as popular, if not more so.
The differences between, say, Infinity Blade 2 and Bejeweled Blitz, for example, are pretty obvious. First and foremost, the very nature of the games are different. The point is different. The outcomes are different. The graphics and depth are different. While Infinity Blade 2 may be designed for a mobile device, developer Chair obviously wants you to actually sit down and play it, rather than just pick it up for a minute, slash a few enemies, and then put it down. It’s meant to be experienced, not glanced at.
Bejeweled Blitz, on the other hand, is pretty much the complete opposite. It’s designed entirely for you to pick it up and play it, for one minute, and then get back to whatever it was you were doing. You can play it longer, sure, but each individual game only lasts exactly 60 seconds (unless you add a multiplier to extend your time a few seconds).
These games are so drastically different, and aim to reach a distinct niche market, that I can’t help but wonder which one gets played more.
Personally, I’ve downloaded Infinity Blade 2 a few times onto the iPhone, but it never stays long. While some might argue that the 1GB+ size of the game warrants it not having a permanent place on the phone, I don’t agree with that. I don’t mind that it measures in at more than 1GB, even if it does take up some room for more music. My issue is that I just don’t play games like that on a mobile device anymore.
I used to as a kid, all the time. My GameBoy was always with me. Now, though? Now I only play a game on my phone when I actually think about it, and it usually only lasts for a couple minutes at most. Honestly, I play a lot more Bejeweled Blitz than I have ever played of Infinity Blade 2, or even its predecessor.
I think I’ve realized over time that my mobile gaming habits are completely different than my home console gaming habits. I can sit for an extended period of time playing games like Halo: Reach and Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, but I only want to play on my phone for a brief amount of time. It’s the reason why titles like Rage HD or Batman: Arkham City Lockdown get purchased, downloaded and played a few times, but never manage to find a permanent home on my device.
These games are fun and engaging, and in some cases quite deep, but I find I can get those experiences, yet better, on my home console. My phone’s games are meant to be quick, light and enjoyable. Jetpack Joyride, Mr. Ninja, and even Fruit Ninja are prime examples, which have always found a place within my ‘Arcade’ folder on my phone.
What say you? What kind of gamer are you when it comes to playing them on your phone? Do you explicitly play titles that are larger, more graphically encompassing, and deep? Or do you prefer to pick up a game and only play it for a moment, comparatively? Let me know in the comments below.
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