2017 has been another banner year in the world of mobile applications. That said, there are a few apps and games that have stood out above the rest of the pack. So what better idea than to put together a list of the apps and games we think are simply the bee’s knees. You might find you already use a few of the apps/games listed, or you might find something new that can make your life a little more productive, or a game that takes up all your time. We apologize for nothing!
Google Assistant
- Free
Google Assistant is an app that I came across recently thanks to Google telling me all about it in my Gmail. I figured it was just another Google app, but it’s so much more than that. Google Assistant is like Siri on overload and feels like, well, an actual assistant. If you use a lot of Google services (Gmail, Maps, Photos) then you know how jumping around them all can be a real pain. Google Assistant can handle everything and pull info right from your emails to make your like a litter easier.
Pokémon: Magikarp Jump
- Free (In–app purchases)
Nothing about Magikarp Jump makes any sense on paper, especially as the followup to the massive game Pokemon Go. That said, the game just works because of how simple and charming it is. This “clicker” style game has you tapping the screen as fast as you can to get stuff done. Nothing about the process should be so captivating, but the atheistic and charm the game oozes is hard to resist.
Prisma
- Free
Prisma actually came out back in 2016, but it’s so good that it still makes this list. What you get is a photo filter app that does more than simply tacking on some generic filter over your favorite shots. What makes Prisma special is how detailed the suite of filters actually are, with some letting play with your photos in the style of a famous artist. What’s even better is that a recent update has brought in video filters into the mix for even more fun!
Sky Guide AR
- $2.99
The first app on this list that will cost you a few bucks, Sky Guide AR is so much fun that’s it’s worth the money. The app turns your device into an interactive planetarium. Using AR you can explore the night sky and the app will show you the location of planets, comets and more. You can even tap on the things you find to learn more about them. It’s a gorgeous experience and the first time AR has been used in a useful way.
Comixology
- Free (In–app purchases)
A few years ago we would have told you that you were crazy for using a comic book app like Comixology over buying actual comic books. And while we still say buying actual comics is the best (support local businesses), we’ve been using Comixology more and more. There selection of books is second to none and it’s really easy to find and read you favorite comics, even on a small screen.
LibriVox
- Free (Pro Upgrade $1.99)
Reading full books on your mobile device isn’t a real option, unless you want a serious headache, so going the audiobook route is the best way to go. And what better way to enjoy audio books than when they are free! LibriVox gives users a large library of public-domain audio books from the likes of Mark Twain, Sun Tzu, Dickens and more. Options are available to stream or download your audiobooks to enjoy on your time. The free version works great, but upgrading to the Pro license removes the ads in your audio stream.
Moji Maker
- $1.99
That terrible emoji movie aside, everyone loves using emoji. Chances are you have used a few today while texting with friends and family. If you love using emoji’s, then Moji Maker if the perfect app for you. The app is a construction toolkit that lets you create and share your very own emoji. There are tons of shapes and objects included so you can create your perfect emoji. The app also has a built-in messaging app so you can share creations with friends, or you can save them as images to share in your conversations outside the app.
Downwell
- $2.99
It’s not often that a game works better on a mobile device than it does on a console, but Downwell sure is the case. Like the title suggests, you make your way down and down using your Gunboots to take out enemies of all kinds. Designed for mobile from the ground up, Downwell is presented with intuitive and elegant controls that allow for action-packed gameplay using just three buttons. Add in shops where you can purchase weapons and items and the procedurally generated levels that make every game new, you have something really special. Oh, and if you do get it on consoles it’s just as fantastic!
Duolingo
- Free (Paid subscription)
Learning a new language is not somthing that is ever much fun, but Duolingo does just that. Many of us here have been using the app to learn a new language (I’m learning German -Ed) for fun, or in preparation for a big trip. The app is free and yet manages to offer a number of languages and lessons that make the learning experience incredibly enjoyable. It works so well that you’ll probably be using it more than some of the games you have on your device. And with a recent update that lets you access lessons offline means you can learn whenever you want.
Oceanhorn
- Free 1st Chapter ($5.49 full game)
Oceanhorn doesn’t hide its very Zelda inspired influence, and that’s fine by us. This game might be the most expensive on this list, but it’s one of the best adventures you can take part in on a mobile device. In fact, it’s good enough to be on a normal console! Oceanhorn combines captivating storytelling, breathtaking 3D visuals on a mobile device and some pretty exciting gameplay into one massive action adventure experience you will never forget.
Thundercats
- Paid
Thundercats are once again on the loose thanks to the folks over at William Hill. Slot games have become really big over the past few years, especially with the huge amount of licenses that studios are using. The Thundercats game is a 50-payline slot designed specifically for mobile devices filled with lots of bonus features and touches from the original show. Each Thundercat is here and will pop in to reveal and improve your wins. It’s like a cooler and nerdier version of Vegas in your pocket! Thunder… Thunder…Thunder… Thundercats, Hooooo!
And that’s our list! But don’t think that this is the end as we will have more apps and games for you as we come across them. In the meantime you can visit this page to see all William Hill apps available for your current device!
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