2017 iMore Awards: Best iPhone and iPad games

This year was pretty huge for iPhone and iPad gaming, as we saw Nintendo put its mobile game strategy to work, amazing sequels to hit games, fantastic ports of older console games, and even the beginning of the AR craze hit our small screens!

It's always hard to pick the cream of the crop when there are so many titles to choose from, but with the help of my fellow iMore writers we narrowed down a giant list and pick one game for each the iPhone and iPad to take the crown.

Honorable Mentions

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Monument Valley 2: Every bit as fun, cute, and brilliant as the first one, Monument Valley 2 also surprised us when it launched at WWDC this year. If you loved the first game or have been looking for a critically acclaimed puzzle game, Monument Valley 2 is worth checking out. $4.99 on the App Store (opens in new tab)

Splitter Critters: Though the game originally launched and was well-reviewed much earlier in the year, Splitter Critters really stepped up its game when it released an update for AR support. The fantastic mechanics of splitting each level into multiple parts to guide cute, tiny aliens across each puzzle is paired fantastically with Apple's ARKit to bring the experience to the next level. $2.99 on the App Store (opens in new tab).

Honorable Mentions

The Elder Scrolls: Legends: Surprising even myself, The Elder Scrolls: Legends is way more fun than it has any right to be. Even though it is a free-to-play game, the progression never feels too strain when you choose not to spend money, and the gameplay and mechanics get better with every update Bethesda puts out! Free on the App Store (opens in new tab).

What games did you play all year?

You've heard from us; now, let's hear from you! Which iPhone or iPad game to you enjoy the most of 2017?

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.