For years, I had Flappy Bird on my phone—and losing the game is one of the biggest regrets I have from updating said phone. I know there are copycat games out there, but nothing will ever compare to the strategic tapping of the original. RIP Flappy.—C.S.
Angry Birds
How angry are these birds? Would an Angry Bird brutally kill Flappy Bird if it had the chance? What are the pigs? Why are the pigs? I have questions. So many questions.
Pokémon GO
“Pokémon Let’s Go to the Polls” was a real thing that happened in a presidential race. I mean, hell, two police officers recently were fired for ignoring their civil duties while catching a Snorlax. Pokémon GO may very well have brought us the last era of peace we’ll see in our lifetimes, back in the summer of 2016. For that, I’ll never forget you.—C.S.
Temple Run
If Angry Birds got a movie, then I refuse to believe that Temple Run never got an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. Only with, you know, more temples. And running.I’ll be here all night.—B.L.
Retro Games
It’s not just Candy Crush and Scrabble on your phone. I know you may think that, but you’re wrong. Tons of classic titles, like Sonic, Golden Axe, the original Final Fantasy games, Pac-Man, and so many more are downloadable for cheap. So there’s really no excuse to fill up your storage with garbage.—C.S.
Retro Bowl
Words With Friends
We goons at the Esquire Gamer Zone will throw Wordle in a ditch if it crosses us. Don’t step on Words With Friends, territory. That’s our first and last warning.—B.L.
Grindstone
Grindstone was a hit when it launched on consoles, but rest assured that this is anything but a cash-grab title. In fact, there are no microtransactions at all. Grindstone‘s mobile edition is a puzzle game that puts you in the middle of a battlefield, chaining enemies while monitoring a health bar. There is literally no way I can explain this to you, if I’m being honest. But if you love Tetris, Bejeweled, Poyo Poyo, or any damn puzzle game, Grindstone is an absolute must-try.—C.S.