Web apps have come a long way in the last few years, and with the dawn of HTML5 even more complex, self-contained games and tools can be created. Smartphone manufacturers have (on the whole) been quick to ensure compatibility with the new standards, ushering in a new breed of palm-sized entertainment. No app to download means no App Store rules or Market limitations, though don’t expect HTML5 efforts to out-class native applications – at least not for a short while yet. This list will hopefully demonstrate the potential that HTML5 has on a mobile device, all whilst enjoying some satisfying free games.
Each game in this list has been tested and confirmed working on the iPhone, and should work in any HTML5-compliant mobile browser running on Android, Windows Phone 7 and so on. If you’re playing these on the iPhone, hit Safari’s middle button (it looks like a box with an arrow) and choose Add to Home Screen for fullscreen fun.
1. Castle Solitaire
My decision to include Castle Solitaire first on the list is a tactical one. For about a week now I have been hopelessly addicted to this deplorably simple card game and I don’t know why, other than the fact that I’ve got a thing for vanilla solitaire. My hope is to get this section out of the way if I have a hope of finishing this article any time soon.
2. Nano Tanks
If you like Worms, then Nano Tanks might just appeal to you. It’s a simplistic 2D shooter whereby you must take out enemy tanks whilst avoiding obstacles and incoming fire. On the iPhone the game was tough to play in Safari, so I’d recommend adding it to your home screen for better (fullscreen) control.
3. Mafia Wars Atlantic City
There’s no point trying to ignore one of the most popular Facebook games to date, Mafia Wars. Zynga, the highly successful social gaming company, have recreated their much-celebrated (and by some despised) crime ‘em up in nothing but HTML5 and Javascript.
4. Treasure Cube
By now you’ve probably played your fair share of “escape the room” style puzzles, whereby you must decipher clues, collect items and be inventive with your inventory in order to exit the room. That’s exactly what Treasure Cube is, only it works using HTML5 on your smartphone.
5. Lazors
Simple games are often the best, and Lazors certainly couldn’t get much simpler (in principle, at least). Within the 30 levels included you will find tangled lasers, which appear as orange and red. Once a laser has been untangled it will turn green, and once all lasers are untangled the level is complete.
6. Spy Chase
Last but certainly not least there’s Spy Chase, a top-down homage to the racers of days gone by. Here you’re tasked with collecting power-ups, avoiding cars and obstacles and eventually catching up to your target and eliminating them.
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