If you are still not familiar with Apple Arcade, it is not any new console or any physical gaming widget but a revolutionary digital subscription-based gaming platform created by Apple in 2019. Here what Apple does is remake some amazing indie games or console games that are accessible on touch screens like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products.
You will find various genres like Puzzle, RPG, Soulslike and many more to your liking among Apple Arcade games. Here are some of the most satisfying and incredible Apple Arcade games we have handpicked for you to play in 2024.
10 Best Apple Arcade Games to Play in 2024
We scoured Apple Arcade to find you the best high-quality games. Let’s take a look at each game one by one:
1. Sonic Dream Team
Genre: 3D Platformer
Developer: Sega
Starting with Sonic Dream Team developed by Sega exclusively for Apple Arcade. This 3D platformer brings a fresh spin to the iconic Sonic franchise, featuring six unique characters. Each with distinct abilities and gameplay styles. Players engage in high-speed, momentum-based challenges across 12 main levels and boss stages.
The game’s cartoonish aesthetic and intuitive controls cater to both newcomers and longtime fans, providing accessible yet engaging platforming action. However, the game’s simplicity and repetitive challenges may not satisfy players seeking a deeper, more varied experience. Nonetheless, it is one of the great Apple Arcade games.
2. Dead Cells
Genre: Roguelike
Developer: Motion Twin
The next on our Apple Arcade games list is Dead Cells. The game is celebrated for its dynamic, fluid controls and evolving challenges that ensure each playthrough remains fresh and engaging. It’s tough but fair gameplay makes it a standout title in the roguelike genre, especially since they added their Castlevania DLC, which surprisingly works quite well with touch controls.
The combat system is smooth and gritty, there are a ton of things in the game you can upgrade and unlock, and it is not rare for you to lose for several days within the Dead Cells universe. While incorporating a more prominent storyline and crafting some memorable set pieces could greatly enhance its status as one of the premier platformers of this console generation, Dead Cells persists as one of the must-play Apple Arcade games.
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3. Shantae and the Seven Sirens
Genre: Metroidvania
Developer: WayForward
The next title on Our Apple Arcade games is Shantae and the Seven Sirens — a Metroidvania instalment in the Shantae series — featuring an interconnected world where the protagonist Shantae herself gains transformative powers allowing her to morph into various creatures and unlock new areas.
The game introduces a monster card system, enhancing gameplay with additional abilities. The vibrant graphics and charming character designs contribute to its appeal.
Though some fans may find the changes in the magic system less engaging compared to earlier titles in the series, it is nonetheless a cute, fan-service fun game that’s a must-play for anybody into Metroidvania-style Apple Arcade games on your iPhone and iPad. The graphics look great on the small iPhone screen and the big iPad screen.
4. Sayonara Wild Hearts
Genre: Rhythm Game
Developer: Simogo
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a unique pop album video game where you can immerse yourself in a blend of music and gameplay styles. By combining music, action, and arcade elements in a visually stunning package, players traverse neon-lit landscapes, avoiding obstacles, and collecting items to the rhythm of an electrifying soundtrack. It makes you connect with the pixels, art, and sound in a very unique way.
The game is notable for its creative visuals and engaging soundtrack. Though some players might find the controls a bit floaty, its short length is filled with varied gameplay, providing a visually and audibly rich experience that is best experienced with headphones.
5. Little Orpheus
Genre: Adventure game
Developer: The Chinese Room
The next game is called Little Orpheus. Set in a beautifully crafted world, this cinematic platformer tells the story of Ivan Ivanovich(the protagonist of Little Orpheus. Throughout his extraordinary tales, the game features diverse and surreal landscapes, puzzles, and obstacles inspired by The Adventures of Tintin.
The art direction offers a visually captivating experience that looks beautiful regardless of the iPhone or iPad model you have. Despite its engaging narrative and aesthetic, the game has been criticised for its simplistic gameplay and laggy controls which may detract from the immersive experience. Yet it is truly one of the fun and interesting Apple Arcade games to play in 2024.
6. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Genre: RPG
Developer: Cornfox & Brothers Ltd
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm set a high bar, drawing clear inspiration from Zelda but carving its path. You play as a nameless hero, newly knighted, tasked with defeating the evil Mesmeroth. While the story feels like a mere backdrop, the gameplay evolves to a third-person action style, albeit with lacklustre combat mechanics. Despite its shortcomings, Oceanhorn 2’s visuals and understanding of Zelda mechanics make it worth a play, albeit with reservations.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm is not an original game but an accessible Apple Arcade iPhone Zelda-like game that honestly delivers efficiently on that promise.
7. Fantasian
Genre: RPG
Developer: Mistwalker
Fantasian was created by none other than the original creator mind behind Final Fantasy RPG. It is set in a world crafted from 3D scanned dioramas offering a visually unique experience. The game does come with this challenging strategic combat and demanding boss battles that spike up the difficulty considerably, making it so you are probably going to get caught off guard when you’re destroying every monster in your path and then the boss battle comes around and you realise you need to improve your build and characters.
Its story is filled with heartwarming moments focusing on connections and relationships contrasted with its rigorous gameplay. This game is naturally built organically as a JRPG rather than being infected with in-app purchases.
8. Crashlands+
Genre: ARPG
Developer: Butterscotch Shenanigans Inc
Crashlands+ is an exploration and crafting game set on an alien planet. Players control a character who, along with a robot companion, must survive and thrive in this strange land full of calamities. The game begins with a crash landing, hence the title and players must navigate through various terrains filled with enemies and resources.
The main gameplay loop revolves around gathering materials by defeating enemies and harvesting from the environment, then using these resources to craft tools, weapons, armour, and other items for survival. Crafting plays a crucial role in survival, progression, and customisation.
While the game promises exploration, it falls short of delivering a rewarding experience outside of quest-related areas. The procedurally generated world lacks depth and meaningful discoveries, leading to a lack of motivation for exploration. 3
9. Jetpack Joyride 2
Genre: Shooter Video Game
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Among Apple Arcade games, the next title is Jetpack Joyride 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved mobile game, Jetpack Joyride. After nearly a decade since the original’s release, Halfbrick Studios delivers a fresh take on the iconic gameplay.
The game introduces a revamped art style, transitioning from the classic 16-bit design to a modern 2D aesthetic. Despite some initial nostalgia for the old style, the new visuals bring a fresh and updated feel to the game. Barry’s death animation and various sprites showcase Halfbrick’s attention to detail in this graphical overhaul.
Controls feel smoother, and the pace is faster, offering a more challenging experience than its predecessor. While the sequel stays true to the spirit of the original, it also modernises certain aspects, such as the introduction of an energy system and optional microtransactions.
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10. Sneaky Sasquatch
Genre: Adventure game
Developer: RAC7
The last of Apple Arcade games on our list is Sneaky Sasquatch, a delightful adventure game where you take on the role of a mischievous yet adorable Sasquatch living in a park. The game is filled with humour and colourful characters, making it a joy to explore.
Your main goal will be to sneak around the park, stealing food from coolers and grills while avoiding the watchful eyes of the dreadful Rangers roaming around the park. However, there’s much more to the game than just sneaking around; Players can go fishing, canoeing, race rabbits, golf, and even blow stuff up!
Each chapter brings new challenges and adventures, with a storyline to follow, like saving the park from developers. With simple controls and various activities to enjoy, Sneaky Sasquatch offers endless fun and surprises and is poised to be one of the must-have Apple Arcade games to play.