I first subscribed to Apple Arcade in 2020, but I only spent a little time on the available games. That’s something I want to change in 2023. So, what is Apple Arcade? It’s a game subscription service that has no ads or in-app purchases. Currently, there are over 200 games available from a list of different genres.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve installed several games onto my iPad Pro and paired an Xbox One controller via Bluetooth to play them. Here are some highlights.
Horizon Chase 2 is an arcade-style racer with little to no breaking required.
When timed correctly, you can drift around corners, and by using the boost function, you can race ahead of the pack.
The competition will take you through five countries with a total of 55 tracks. Early races are easy, but the difficulty ramps up. It’s very challenging to win a race positioned in the top three.
There are several cars to choose from, with several more that can be unlocked by finishing races. You can upgrade your car by collecting blue coins during the race and gaining experience points at the end of the race.
Graphics are solid, colourful and detailed with a very smooth frame rate. Environments are dynamic, so certain tracks you can be driving from dawn to dusk. There’s dust on dirt tracks and other weather conditions such as rain.
This is a game that I recommend playing with headphones. It has a fantastic soundtrack by Barry Leitch of Lotus Turbo Challenge fame on the Amiga.
Overall, I like this game. It wouldn’t feel out of place if it was on a console. It has that one more go vibe to it.
Jetpack Joyride 2 is an action-packed endless runner-type game that is exclusive to Apple Arcade.
Equipped with a jetpack, you automatically rush down a hallway-type structure as you jet up and down to collect coins and avoid obstacles. You're also equipped with a gun that automatically starts firing when rockets and flying protagonists appear. At the end of the level is a boss that you must defeat.
Controls are dead easy. A single button is used to guide your hero. Timing is critical to avoid obstacles and later levels can get quite chaotic.
Along the way, health, firepower, vehicle and power-ups can be upgraded. These upgrades are optional but boosting them helps you to progress through the later levels.
I love this game - it is one of my favourites here. The graphics are well drawn and colourful, with a very smooth framerate. Audio, especially with headphones, is a perfect accompaniment. Levels are short enough that you want to keep playing to the next level.
It’s a semi-sequel to Enter the Gungeon released in 2016. An arcade-style bullet hell dungeon climber where you attempt to survive countless waves of enemies and navigation of dangerous elevators.
Levels can be very chaotic as your gun transforms several times every minute. Using your dodge roll is the key to surviving, as when you are airborne, you’re invulnerable to enemy fire.
Using the Xbox joypad, the control is nice and tight, with the mapping of buttons very intuitive.
The pixel-style graphics are fantastic and would not look out of place on a PS4 or Switch. Sound effects are suitably crunchy. Very highly recommended!
Currently, there are over 200 titles available to play, with a small handful released monthly. Like any library available, titles vary in quality, but at around seven dollars a month (if paid yearly), it provides great value.
