Best Mobile Games Based On AAA Franchises

Key Takeaways

Mobile publishers are creating AAA franchise experiences on mobile devices with unique gameplay experiences.
Lego Star Wars: Castaways
,
Halo: Spartan Strike
, and
Pikmin Bloom
offer engaging experiences on the go.
Star Wars Hunters
,
Valiant Hearts: Coming Home
, and
Call of Duty: Mobile
bring diverse genres to the mobile market.

As someone who grew up with a Game Boy clutched tightly in my hands, I can honestly say that the evolution of gaming has been nothing short of astounding. And while the rise of mobile gaming may have initially filled me with trepidation, it’s become impossible to ignore the sheer impact these pocket-sized powerhouses have had on the industry.

Despite the mobile gaming market being saturated with indie and freemium idle games, certain publishers are capitalizing on the market’s potential by offering mobile users game experiences derived from their popular AAA series.

In AAA series, exclusive sequels for mobiles and adaptations of popular franchises tailored for the mobile platform have resulted in distinctive experiences due to the convenience and wide reach of these portable devices.

8 LEGO Star Wars: Castaways

A Creative, Customizable Star Wars Environment On Apple’s Gaming Ecosystem

Released: November 19, 2021
Developer(s): Gameloft
Platform(s): iOs, macOS, Apple TV, Apple Vision
Genre(s): Action

Approximately two decades have passed since the first video game installment of a beloved Lego-themed spinoff series was released. Today, the joint intellectual property of Star Wars and Lego bricks is still going strong. While games like “Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” are maintaining their ground in console and PC markets, mobile gaming has seen the rise of more innovative, personalized titles such as Gameloft’s “Lego Star Wars: Castaways.

In essence, the game titled “Lego Star Wars: Castaways” is designed primarily for Apple devices, and its gameplay mainly focuses on refining runs through fewer levels compared to other games. However, what sets it apart is its exceptional attention to detail in terms of gameplay and visuals, which significantly enhances the overall gaming experience. Additionally, it offers themed events akin to live-service models, making it a steady choice for those seeking a more relaxed, less demanding Lego Star Wars adventure.

7 Halo: Spartan Strike / Spartan Assault

A Duology Of Top-Down Twin-Stick Shooters Based On Microsoft’s Flagship Franchise

As a diehard fan, I must admit that Microsoft’s Halo series has undeniably set the bar for first-person shooter (FPS) games, revolutionizing the genre in many ways. Yet, it’s fascinating to see how they’ve expanded this beloved sci-fi franchise beyond its origins. They’ve dabbled in real-time strategy (RTS), light-gun titles, and even innovative twin-stick shooters like Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike. These spin-offs allow us fans to experience the thrilling exploits of UNSC super soldiers in new and exciting ways, moving beyond the traditional first-person perspective.

Originally released for mobile devices in 2013, the game “Halo: Spartan Assault” has since been made available on PC and console versions like Xbox. On the other hand, the updated version of “Halo: Spartan Strike”, which continues the top-down approach, is still confined to small screens. These two mobile spin-offs of the “Halo” series share a common style, look, and sound with the rest of the franchise. Although they may not offer the first-person shooter (FPS) experience of mobile “Halo” games that some fans might be seeking, they are still excellent choices for experiencing the world of Xbox’s iconic franchise on the move.

6 Pikmin Bloom

A Mobile Extension Of Pikmin‘s Themes Of Growth, Collaboration, & Outdoor Play

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always admired Nintendo’s Pikmin series, even though it might not be their biggest intellectual property. Over nearly two and a half decades, this Real-Time Strategy (RTS) franchise has proven itself as one of Nintendo’s most enduring creations. The core gameplay elements, which revolve around navigating an outdoor environment and cultivating life outside, make it unique. Now, with Pikmin Bloom, the series is expanding its horizons to mobile devices, thanks to its GPS-oriented design.

In line with Shigeru Miyamoto’s concept that “Pikmin are everywhere,” the game Pikmin Bloom doesn’t merely supplement other Pikmin games like Pikmin 4 because of their shared IP, but because it builds upon a common philosophical foundation. By allowing players to gather fruit, plant flowers, and cultivate more Pikmin as they walk, Pikmin Bloom turns physical activity into a game in a way that few mobile titles have consistently achieved.

5 Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

The In-Universe Card Game Of The Witcher IP Brought To Life On Mobile, Console, & PC

Although you can play the card game within CD Projekt Red’s Gwent: The Witcher Card Game on various platforms, it’s worth noting that the physical interaction of a Trading Card Game (TCG) may be optimized for mobile devices, taking advantage of swipes and taps. Much like popular TCG titles such as Hearthstone, Magic: The Gathering, and Pokemon TCG Pocket, the gameplay of Gwent offers a tactical depth that’s easy to grasp for beginners, while maintaining an intricate and visually appealing experience.

Just as its title implies, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is derived from CD Projekt Red’s highly acclaimed series of RPG games inspired by Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, known as The Witcher. Notably, Gwent extends the rich lore of this universe, for it represents a popular in-universe pastime played either for entertainment or profit across the continent of The Witcher.

Although Gwent continues to offer its intricate gameplay across various platforms, it’s essential to mention that CD Projekt Red has ceased active support for the game, only maintaining it with periodic updates as of this writing.

4 Star Wars: Hunters

A Third-Person Star Wars Hero Shooter Exclusive To Mobile Devices & Nintendo Switch

While it appears that Star Wars: Hunters was primarily designed for mobile devices, it’s important to note that this sci-fi hero shooter can also be played on the Nintendo Switch family of systems. Featuring an eclectic mix of characters, from a lightsaber-wielding droid and Wookie warrior to a group of Jawas in trench coats, and various environments scattered throughout the galaxy, Star Wars: Hunters boasts a playfully absurd sci-fi atmosphere.

In Star Wars: Hunters, the emphasis on offering diverse gameplay experiences carries over into its live-service setup. While the game’s story takes place between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the character lineup reflects the rich history of Star Wars, featuring species like Ewoks, Mandalorians, and KX Imperial Security Droids in the action.

3 Valiant Hearts: Coming Home

The Once Mobile-Exclusive Sequel To One Of Ubisoft’s Most Inspiring New IPs

The unexpected commercial triumph of Ubisoft’s acclaimed game, Valiant Hearts: The Great War, makes the prospect of a sequel in a similar impactful style less surprising. However, since Valiant Hearts: Coming Home was initially promoted as an exclusive title for Netflix’s gaming platform, it has effectively become closely associated with that platform.

Despite its initial success on PC and consoles, “Valiant Hearts: The Great War” was specifically designed to provide an uninterrupted experience on mobile devices due to its slower pace and puzzle mechanics similar to point-and-click games. While there has been a follow-up on PC and consoles, this World War I narrative-based puzzle-adventure game remains equally suitable for the mobile platforms it was primarily associated with for nearly a year.

2 Call Of Duty: Mobile

The Call Of Duty FPS Formula, Copied Almost One-To-One On Mobile Devices

Despite mobile gaming offering a vast array of top-tier games, the hardware constraints of these devices may initially give players the impression of a subpar gaming experience. But with the popular first-person shooter series “Call of Duty” arriving on mobile, boasting nearly as many modes and features as console and PC versions, this belief is something that needs to be reconsidered when it comes to “Call of Duty: Mobile”.

Offering Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone gameplay modes, Call of Duty: Mobile delivers an exceptional first-person shooter (FPS) experience for mobile devices. This level of gaming, unless enjoyed on a portable console like the Steam Deck, represents the best way to engage with the FPS franchise while on the move. With customizable classes and a thriving ESports scene, Call of Duty: Mobile establishes a strong base for the FPS series within the most popular gaming platform.

1 Pokemon GO

A Generation-Defining Social Event, Disguised As A Free-To-Play Pokemon Title

Despite numerous mobile games based on AAA franchises being released after Pokemon GO in 2016, none have achieved the same level of impact that Pokemon GO has had over its nearly decade-long run. Niantic’s adaptation of Game Freak’s pocket monster concept, with a focus on social elements and GPS integration, has proven to be remarkably durable and influential.

Pokemon Go stands out uniquely in the broader Pokemon franchise with its focus on gym challenges, evolution, and combat. Yet, the impact of this app is evident in games like Nintendo Switch’s Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee, which adopt Pokemon Go’s streamlined catching mechanics and mobility concept into their own gameplay structure.

2024-11-09 07:04