In the realm of gaming, mobile phone games are rarely anything particularly life-changing. Sure, games like Angry Birds, and Doodle Jump are fun ways to time, but there's hardly much depth or grandeur to them.
That being said, there are many exceptions to the rule, and many such games end up with console ports that allow for better ways of play. The Nintendo Switch is a fertile ground for many wonderful ports, but it's remarkable to see just how many mobile games have found new audiences thanks to their appearance in the console's catalog.
Heroes Of Loot
While the top-down fantasy adventure might not look like much in of graphics and design, players who spent countless hours in the arcade will note a distinct and pleasant familiarity. Clearly inspired by the likes of Gauntlet and Wizard Fire/Gate of Doom, the game is a fast-paced dungeon-crawler that's surprisingly addictive.
Though not as deep as something like Diablo, the game does have a hypnotic rhythm that every good arcade title should have. It's not a complex experience, but it's one most RPG lovers can pick up and play with the greatest of ease.
Animus Series
At first glance, the Animus games look like shameless attempts at a Dark Souls clone, but aside from appearances and visuals, that's about where the similarities end. Ranging from boss rushes to more hack-and-slash type adventures, the games feature crunchy combat, intimidating foes, and a dark fantasy that's sure to scratch a few itchy players the right way.
The games improve in quality with each new entry, but there's definitely no questioning their obvious mobile origins. While they might not be as polished as the games that inspired them, the games are a great entry point for those not exactly "prepared to die."
Asphalt 9: Legends
Racing games on mobile are about a dime a dozen, but there's something to be said for Asphalt 9. If players are looking for something a tad less cartoony than Mario Kart, this game will definitely satisfy their need for speed. Though not the most famous racer on the Switch, it definitely has an audience.
Gameloft's innovative racing series began life on Android and IOS, but soon found new life on consoles, with 9 achieving high regards and recommendations. It's an excellent and surprisingly sharp port for a mobile game.
Cat Quest Series
The Switch is stuffed to the brim with Zelda clones and dungeon-crawlers, but there's something undeniably charming and intoxicating about the Cat Quest series. It's a very kid-friendly action RPG with cute and cuddly animal characters, but it manages to have a surprising amount of depth.
An impressively open-world RPG with cute critters, punny writing, and a decent amount of action makes the series stand out both on mobile and on Switch. Simply put, it's a decent adventure that won't break the bank.
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
Final Fantasy XV is one of the biggest and most elaborate adventures in the series, but those without a PS4, Xbox One, or otherwise won't be left out of the fun. While the "Pocket Edition" cuts away most of the more intricate bells and whistles seen in the normal console releases, it does maintain the core story and experience.
Something is usually better than nothing, and while some players might be deterred from the boiled-down gameplay and chibi art style, dedicated fans of the series will find something to enjoy. It's a basic port, but not an awful one.
Oceanhorn
Some games are meant to be clones of better-known titles, but then there are those games that are blatant ripoffs. Oceanhorn is one such example. While it might play out like a traditional top-down Zelda-like, its visuals and clear inspiration are practically torn straight from Wind Waker.
However, just because it's a blatant imitation of a more popular game doesn't mean it isn't good. In fact, the game is a solid adventure that will make any Zelda player happy. It looks great, it plays great, the only thing that's problematic is the game's arguably unoriginal aesthetic choices.
The Banner Saga
Some games truly go the extra mile, even for mobile titles. Similar to games like Fire Emblem, the series tells the Viking-inspired saga of a group of wandering companions sojourning across a Norse landscape.
There are turn-based battles, resource management, and tons of tactical elements that make the game more intricate than most of its kind. That's not typically something seen in the world of mobile gaming.
Monument Valley
They say that perspective makes all the difference, and that's especially true for a game like Monument Valley. This popular puzzle title was a hit on mobile devices, but allowing it to jump to larger screens gives the player a bigger picture to work with, thus aiding in the solving of these architectural brain-teasers.
As Princess Ida, players must navigate their way through optical illusions and mazes in order to reach the goal and proceed. With levels that would make M.C. Escher beam with pride, it's easy to see why a need to bring the twisted landscapes onto consoles was demanded.
Dragon Quest Trilogy
The first three entries in the iconic Dragon Quest series were monumental for the RPG industry, and should definitely be considered classics in of the genre. However, the versions on the Switch ported from the mobile version act as sort of a double-edged sword. While the gameplay is polished and fine for a console like the Switch, the look and graphics are stuck in mobile mode.
The games are great, and they are well worth a player's time if they can get past the weird, flattened visual style. It might not be the 16-bit magic players are fond of, but everything one could expect from a tried-and-true classic RPG is all there ready to be explored.
Implosion
Implosion is by very definition a hidden gem on the Switch. For those looking for more action-focused hack-and-slash titles, this mobile port has everything they're looking for. Despite somewhat dated graphics, the gameplay is loaded with enough swordplay and combat to satisfy players looking to get their fix.
It might not be God of War, but it has enough bosses, enemies, and powerups to fill that need for crunchy action. With giant robots, mutants, and more, there's certainly no shortage of slashing in this mech-suited masterpiece.
