Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Apple Arcade just added two excellent mobile games

Apple Arcade just added two new games to its library, both of which are noteworthy. Subscribers can now download Dandara: Trials of Fear+ and Oddmar+ via the App Store.

Dandara Trials of Fear Edition - Launch Trailer

Both of Apple’s new games are hidden gems in their own right. Dandara: Trials of Fear+ is an expanded version of Dandara, a standout Metroidvania-style game from 2018. Originally released on consoles, Dandara is a game where players traverse by sticking to surfaces. The game is based on Brazilian history, drawing inspiration from the real-world Dandara, a woman who fought against slavery during Brazil’s colonial period.

Oddmar battles a screaming enemies in the woods.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Oddmar, another 2018 game, is a Viking platformer originally released on mobile devices. It features gameplay similar to the Rayman series. While the game usually costs $5 on the App Store, Apple Arcade subscribers will be able to download it at no additional charge.

Both games feel perfectly suited for Apple’s growing subscription service and its recent suite of devices. Oddmar’s swipe-controlled platforming is as smooth as butter and the colorful visuals still stand out among mobile games (it’s especially vibrant on an iPhone 13 Pro). Dandara is especially worth checking out for those who missed it in 2018. I played it on a Nintendo Switch originally, but it’s an excellent match for mobile. On a new iPad Mini, it’s easier than ever to jump from surface to surface with the flick of a thumb.

Apple Arcade has gone through a major expansion in 2021, retooling the service. In addition to adding standout games like Fantasian, it’s also brought notable mobile classics to the platform. That includes phone staples like Solitaire and surprising ports like Monster Hunter Stories.

Editors' Recommendations

Giovanni Colantonio
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…
Apple Arcade adds 20 new games today, including 4 originals
A car with legs runs on a track in What The Car?

Apple Arcade is expanding its library of games today with 20 new titles, available now for subscribers. The list includes some brand new titles from popular franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as a selection of "App Store Greats."

Apple's mobile game subscription service has been steadily running since its 2019 launch. In addition to adding new games monthly, Apple has revitalized the service with larger surprises of this scale. In 2021, the service added over 30 games and changed its model to bundle older mobile games into the platform. Today's update isn't quite that big, but it's one of the service's most substantial updates yet.

Read more
Pocket Card Jockey director details the long road to its mobile port
Horses race in Pocket Card Jockey.

You can learn a lot about a person by asking them “What’s the best Nintendo 3DS game of all time?” Someone who largely interacts with mainstream games might confidently respond with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds or Fire Emblem: Awakening. Find someone a little more tuned into the wider landscape and you’ll hear titles like Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward or Bravely Default step into the conversation. But a truly eccentric player might give you a more wildcard answer: Pocket Card Jockey.

Pocket Card Jockey - Launch Trailer: Available Now!

Read more
The best mobile games of 2022: 6 must-download titles from a shockingly great year
A character from Lucky Luna stands in front of text that says 2022 Best Mobile Games.

Mobile games have a bad reputation due to many games on the platform utilizing overwhelming microtransactions and other questionable features meant to squeeze the most play time and money out of players. Despite that, plenty of awesome games still emerge on mobile platforms -- ones that don't use those practices at all. In fact, 2022 was a fantastic year for gaming as companies like Netflix and Apple continued to invest heavily in the space with more traditional video games.

As such, those who write off mobile gaming might have missed some truly great games that came out this year. If you're looking for some new mobile games to play when you're bored or need to kill some time, we recommend giving the following six 2022 standouts a shot.
Marvel Snap (iOS, Android)

Read more