Favorite Mobile Games of the Decade

Temple Run

What It Is

“Temple Run,” an endless 3D running game that was created on Aug 4, 2011, is one of the most popular games ever.

Why We Loved It

In “Temple Run,” there are many different characters to choose. There are many different maps to run through as well, all bringing different obstacles.

Whether you forget to swipe or you get roasted by flames, there is always an urge to go further in the course. That’s why this game is so loved.

Does it Hold Up?

“Temple Run” is still there, but sadly the fame has gone away. No game can survive its fame if the creators do not add more to the game, and while there is a “Temple Run 2,” the first game is no longer as popular.

Geometry Dash

What It Is

“Geometry Dash” is a rhythm-based platform game released on Aug 13, 2013. The objective is to reach the end without crashing into obstacles.

Why We Loved It

The game is very addictive and rage inducing with its general levels built by the developer, but it also provides a creative aspect where players can build and upload their own levels for others to play. This creative aspect allows players to come back and always be able to experience new levels.

Does it Hold Up?

“Geometry Dash” is still being updated today, with the developers constantly adding new daily and weekly tasks to the game for players to challenge themselves.

Flappy Bird

What It Is

“Flappy Bird” was a side-scroller where the player controls a bird attempting to fly between green pipes without hitting them, and was released May 24, 2013.

Why We Loved It

The game was a simple concept, but was so addictive for payers because they wanted to get the highest score. The game made many players frustrated but they kept playing because of its addictive nature.

Does it Hold Up?

The game made a sudden rise in popularity in January of 2014, eventually becoming the most downloaded game on the iOS store, but the developer removed the game from all stores on Feb. 10, 2014, due to the guilt he felt for how addictive the game had become. While the game has spawned copy cats since its deletion, none have reached the popularity of the original.

Subway Surfers

What It Is

“Subway Surfers” is an endless 3D running game which takes place in a Metro Subway Station, which was created on May 24, 2012.

Why We Loved It

In “Subway Surfers,” there are several characters to choose from that players can win or buy. The players then use their characters to run through a subway station, running on top of trains, dodging barricades, and moving from lane to lane.

Does it Hold Up?

“Subway Surfers” is still available on the iOS and Google Play stores, and continues to be a popular game on both stores. The game also continues to add new levels and updates.

Jetpack Joyride

What It Is

“Jetpack Joyride” is a side-scrolling video game that came out in 2011. In the game, the player controls Barry Steakfries as he breaks into a laboratory and uses his jetpack to dodge various obstacles.

Why We Loved It

“Jetpack Joyride” is a funny and interesting game. The game’s use of cute nicknames such as “Lil’Stomper” and “Crazy Freaking Teleporter” attracted many young children and kept them playing for hours. The game also allowed the players to change Barry’s costume and jetpack, and unlock cool power ups and gadgets.

Does it Hold Up?

After a solid period of popularity, “Jetpack Joyride’s” hype has run out. The players have grown and matured, leaving the cute game as nothing more than a nostalgic memory.

Fruit Ninja

What It Is

“Fruit Ninja” is a unique game that came out in 2010. In the game, players are ninjas that are tasked to cut as much fruit as possible in a certain amount of time.

Why We Loved It

“Fruit Ninja” was loved due to its competitiveness, and the way it sparked determination to slice as much fruit as possible and avoid the bombs.

Does it Hold Up?

Unfortunately, “Fruit Ninja’s” hype did not travel through the decade, but if you’re ever feeling nostalgic, or find yourself at a Dave and Busters, give it a play!

Hill Climb Racing

What It Is

“Hill Climb Racing” is a physics based racing game, released Sep. 22, 2012, where the player controls a driver across hilly terrains.

Why We Loved It

This game is loved because of the urge to go further and further each time. The further players go, the more coins they get. Coins can players get upgrades to any car, and players can buy better and faster cars along the way.

Does it Hold Up?

“Hill Climb Racing” is still played by some people, but many have moved on to “Hill Climb 2.” The layout is much different from the first one, and there are all new cars and characters to chose from. “Hill Climb” was popular for a long time, but it has ran out of players.

Dumb Ways to Die

What It Is

“Dumb Ways to Die,” released May 6, 2013, is a game where players attempt to avoid the dangers present in various activities. Players try to gain as many points as possible in three lives.

Why We Loved It

With there being so many levels and locations to play, the game can bring new experiences depending on the location chosen. With online leaderboards as well, players can also compete with their friends for the highest score.

Does it Hold Up?

“Dumb Ways to Die” topped the charts when it first released, becoming a hit game over the summer of 2013, but the hype slowly died down. There have since been two sequels, those being “Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games,” and “Dumb Ways to Die 3: World Tour.”