Recap 184: Mobile games news of the week

In this week's recap #184, we take a look at the week's must-have mobile games releases, mobile news and pre-registrations/test phases not to be missed.

Sit back and relax as we bring you the week's mobile games news! On the programme: you can finally try out the puzzle game Monument Valley 3, the start of pre-registration for Delta Force for shooting fans and a whole host of other news.

Mobile games releases of the week

This week has been rich in release announcements, with many games now available on stores:

• Monument Valley 3 is finally available on Play Store and App Store via Netflix subscription. True to its unique style, the game offers fascinating puzzles in dreamlike settings inspired by Escher.
• Civilization VI is available on Netflix via Play Store and App Store, a cult title of strategy and empire management, at no extra cost on Android and iOS.
• Blasphemous, a dark and demanding metroidvania, with all its DLC, is available on Play Store. Controls have been optimised for a smooth mobile experience.
• CarXDrift Racing 3 comes with five campaigns and advanced vehicle customisation. This free-to-play racing game is available on Play Store and App Store.

We continue with The Six application, which allows North American gamers to test their knowledge on a wide variety of topics, directly from the Samsung News App. Meanwhile, the interactive tale Pine: A Story of Loss is available for $5 on Play Store and App Store. Meanwhile, Zen Sort: Match Puzzle offers a more relaxed experience on Play Store.

Finally, Rise of Eros: Desire is available on Play Store and App Store, an RPG for adults featuring realistic graphics and strategic gameplay.

Pre-registrations, announcements, updates and test phases

In addition to the recent releases, we have more test announcements and pre-registrations in stock this week:

• Delta Force: Hawk Ops is launching pre-registrations on Play Store and App Store and promises explosive PvP combat with a variety of vehicles and squad strategies. An ambitious shooter not to be missed.
• Game of Thrones, Kingsroad features in an intriguing trailer, even if its style already seems a little dated. Stay tuned.
• Steel Paws, a game mixing animals and mecha is scheduled for 2025 as a Netflix exclusive.
• Tarasona, a fast-paced animated battle royale, has just been announced by Krafton. Available in early access in India on Play Store, the game promises intense confrontations.

Meanwhile, Com2Us is launching pre-registrations on Play Store and App Store for Gods & Demons, a fantasy gacha RPG in the tradition of Summoners War. Ultimate Myth: Rebirth, a new idle game, goes into beta on Play Store. Also worth noting is A Tiny Wander, coming to mobile in 2025.

The RPG Crazy Ones is opening pre-registration in South-East Asia on Play Store, as is Sniper Elite 4 , coming to the App Store for iPhones 15, 16 and iPad, while fans of Chinese fantasy will be able to explore the open-world Wuxia Where Winds Meet, scheduled for 2025.

Then there's the match-3 SAKAMOTO DAYS , due for release in Japan in April 2025, and Garena Free City , a GTA-inspired soft launch on Play Store in Argentina. Last but not least, the strange text-based RPG Urban Legend Hunters 2 is back on Play Store and App Store this winter, with an immersive atmosphere and original mechanisms.

Other news and events from the mobile games industry

There's more from the mobile JV industry this week:

• The App Store has named AFK Journey as the best iPhone game and Squad Busters as the best iPad game. Balatro+ confirms its success on the Apple Arcade.
• Pokémon TCG Pocket announces its new set for March 2025. The ninth expansion for Scarlet & Violet, Journey Together, will introduce new Pokémon such as Reshiram ex and Zoroark ex.
• Google develops technology to alleviate motion sickness in mobile games, good news for sensitive gamers.
• PUBG Mobile launches a cloud version as a soft launch in the United States and Malaysia, allowing players to play without downloading the full game.

Studio Aardman and Pokémon are working on a cross-media project scheduled for 2027. A series or film is expected. We end this recap with HoYoverse, which has won a legal victory against cheat creators, obtaining compensation of $1.5 million.

See you next week for a recap of mobile games news!