The Best Mobile Games Released in 2021

2021 was rich in mobile games. And while it’s hard to invent something new in racing, Match-3, or platformers, other genres still have a lot to invent and offer. Here come detective stories, JRPG, and mobile ports of iconic multiplayer games, plus narrative-driven titles that feel like a good movie or a book. Choose yours!

Another Eden

JRPG is a genre that attracts millions of fans. Another Eden is a full-scale JRPG on mobiles, with manga-inspired design, a long story with a twisted timeline, fantastic music, and voiced by famous actors. It’s a single-player, so you can play it at your own pace. If you like story-centered games, don’t skip it.

Fantasian

This Apple Arcade exclusive is an RPG created by one of the Final Fantasy series’ founders. And it shows: a long story, spectacular battles, futuristic environments, and rich gameplay – all are here, plus that talent of world-building. It’s difficult, though, so its planned 100 hours may actually turn to 150 or 200. 

Behind the Frame

And if you like it short and impressive, here is Behind the Frame. The protagonist, a young female artist, suddenly meets a man whose identity you have to uncover. Point-and-click games allow for beautiful visuals, and the only drawback is that it’s less fun to replay it. But you may want to, just to resee its imagery.

Tears of Themis

This narrative-driven project by miHoYo retains the visual glitter of Genshin Impact, but the story is now a detective about a young attorney. More than that: Tears of Themis is much about relationships and mystical entities, making it attractive to a wider audience. Its appeal relies on how well it is written and voiced.

Unruly Heroes

A master and his three disciples travel to the West to fight the demons that haunt the land. Loosely based on one of the most famous Chinese novels, this game is as rich as Oriental mythology and arts get, in terms of both story and visuals. 

Rocket League Sideswipe

Yes, it’s the mobile version of that Rocket League that combines soccer and racing. And it is just as bright, fast, colorful, and spectacular as the big version. It supports 1v1 and 2v2 matches, and while any match is short, the game can engage you for hours.

Say No! More

It’s a strange social simulator where your character is a nonconformist in the world of yes-sayers. You will be surprised to learn how much meaning can be put into the same word in Say No! More. The story is elaborate, and the gameplay is tons of fun. You’ve been dreaming of being the No Man, haven’t you?

League of Legends: Wild Rift

The mobile version of LoL, nuff said. It’s still a 5v5 MOBA, with dynamic battles, various situations, and many, many heroes, it’s a successful attempt to bring the original League of Legends to mobiles. And it’s no pay-to-win.

Nauticrawl

So, you have stolen a strange vehicle in your attempt to escape. You have managed to get started, but as it’s moving, you realize you don’t know how to control it, so learn it if you want to survive! The spirit of a XIX century adventure is here.

Five Dates

A dating simulator can be fun with good writing and engaging story. Five Dates has all of it, plus great actors and actresses – including Mandip Gill and Georgia Hirst. The format of video dates allows to include real footage into this decision-making game.

Add Your Eleventh

To form this list, we relied on reviews by critics. But tastes differ, and there may be other games of 2021 that impressed you more than these ten. They may be of other genres and not boast that high marks, but if you chose it, there is a reason for it. So, will you add the eleventh title? If so, drop a name in the comments! And tell us what you liked the most about it.