Our Top 5 Strategy and Puzzle Mobile Games 2016

We've come a long way since the first apps were introduced.

​​I even remember the days, ironically as little as 4 years ago, when as an early adopter of big mobile screens, people stopped me everywhere from stores to elevators to look at my Samsung Note. They were puzzled by its size, curious as to why I had bought it. 

I did because ​I understood that users would spend even more time on their phones in the future: to access the internet, to communicate and be entertained and therefore a big screen was only logic. 
And I was right.  With the number of useful apps, I also have gone through a number of gaming apps, so without further ado, here are my favorite top 5 games that still challenge me and have lasted through the trends:

5. Threes Free - By Sirvo (puzzle)

Threes

​Launched in 2014, a year later the game became free in early 2015, so I gave it ago.

​I enjoy maths and puzzles so seeing the two together it was kinda love at first sight.
When you run out of credits needed to play, you watch ads to get more plays. 
It takes a minute to get the logic behind it, but when you do, it's a fun challenge! 
The free version of Threes is available to download on iOS and Android.

4.  Triple Town - By Spry Fox (puzzle)

Triple Town

Triple down main goal is easy: grow a town. The bigger the town the more points you get. The design is super cute and reminds me of Japanese manga!
You match three game pieces to grow. For example three pieces of grass upgrade to a bush, three bushes upgrade to a tree, three trees make a house and so on.

Seems easy enough, right? Hmm think again! This game is like playing chess, you need to think several steps ahead at all times and think very carefully where you want the upgrade to happen, as it will rise on the cell where you place  the last piece. 

It terminates when there are no more places and you can no longer match pieces.  I find this game to have a zen -like appeal, not only it allow me to focus and get my mind off other stuff, but it also has relaxing properties, seeing that it goes at the pace that you wish it to go.
It is freemium and I played the free version for a long time. When I bought the unlimited version, it was because I wanted to play unlimited also the other maps. When you purchase it, it unlocks 7 different maps and settings. My faves of those are Boom Town (You're on a 2 minutes clock) and Peaceful Valley with no bears. 
Triple Town is available to download on iOS, Android, KindleFire, and Steam

3. Candy Crush Soda - By King (puzzle)

Candy Crush Soda

I prefer this to the original Candy Crush Saga, because it has more interesting things to do with the candy.

​Also I enjoy more the challenges to find the bears, eat the chocolate or the gum, pop the bottles or eat the honey and free the bears 

My only wish is that they had a spin of the wheel here too as there is in the main Candy Crush.

You can play it online, on Facebook or download it to iOS, Android and Amazon .

2. Clash of Clans - By Supercell (strategy)

Clash of Clans

Since launching in 2012, and ranking top places in the highest grossing list of games, Clash of Clans has become a titan.
With its freemium model, it's attracting a variety of players and if you're into combat strategy games (as I am), then this is a fantastic game to play. 
​Clash of Clans is made of two type of players: those who play seriously and those who do leisurely. If you are one or the other make sure you find a clan that suits your style of playing otherwise the clash won't stay only in the battle ground.
Starting out, I must say it can be complicated, not so much on the mechanics, but on the strategy side. Choosing which defenses or troops should you upgrade first can feel daunting.

Mistakes like rushing your Town Hall upgrade may end up costing months in waiting, before you get right again (unless you speed it up with gems, at a cost of course).
​If you are just starting off, I definitely advise you to read the Supercell forum threads for newbies.  ​ It will steer you in the right direction, as well as help you finding a clan.   
You may download it on iOS or Android.

1. StarTrek Timelines - By Disruptor Beam (strategy)

Star Trek Timelines

Until a few days ago Clash of Clans reigned supreme on my list of games, until Star Trek Timelines forced it off the throne!

Let's start by saying, I am a huge Star Trek fan so when I first heard about the game, I immediately was intrigued. Upon downloading, I was presented with an immersive experience: 3D ship battles, the chance to build a dream team filled with characters from all of the series, and tons of things to do.
There are Federation and Faction missions, where you return with stacks of goodies used to upgrade your crew and your ship. There are side missions, and the main missions where you

strategically choose the right crew to complete them. There are also  multiple-choice dialogue scenes that affect the story.
​So, basically it's like entering an episode of Star Trek!!  I also loved the website where you can find a guide on how to play and join the community. I am still in the learning stage, but I have made enough progress to know this game is one to stay on my mobile phone for a long time to come!! 
Star Trek Timelines is available to download on iOS and Android

Are you playing any of the games above? Let me know which are your top five in the comments below!

​Article by M.Joseph