Differences of opinion are what keep us innovative and interesting. Cats vs Dogs, New York pizza vs Chicago pizza, iOS vs Android, everyone has their preference – and in our internet culture, something to say about it. But regardless of where you fall on the love/hate plains of marmite, I think one thing we can all agree on is that 2016 has been a particularly somber year.
Time-wasting comes in many forms; procrastinating away from imminent deadlines, dropping a dollar or two within a slew of mobile bingo apps, killing time on a lengthy journey, or perhaps (in the case of 2016) as a means of escapism. Being able to take your mind off the stresses of day-to-day life with a simple click – even just for a few minutes – is a welcomed side-effect of the smartphone generation.
So here are the top 5 apps to waste time with in 2016.
Clash Royale
This real-time multiplayer game from the makers of Clash of Clans provides the strategic gameplay of a role-playing game, with the addictive collection nature of a card battler. Arrange your deck and duel people from around the world, upgrading and unlocking chests as you go. Guaranteed to bury its hooks in you and get you coming back again and again.
Minecraft
You’ve heard of Minecraft. Everyone has heard of Minecraft. This gaming phenomenon began its reign of world domination back in 2011, and has been on top ever since. The mobile edition has made great strides over the past year, so it’s worth checking out for those who may have initially dismissed it. Explore, fight monsters, and build your own world with limitless possibilities.
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
If the crowns and castles theme of Clash Royale doesn’t peak your interest, and you’ve been imagining yourself wielding a lightsaber or flying an x-wing ever since you were a kid, then Galaxy of Heroes should be at the top of your download list. Collect character cards from Darth Vader to R2D2 through RPG-style battles, raising your guild up the leaderboards in an effort to beat your friends.
Super Hexagon
While not exactly a new game, it’s still one of the very best app stores have to offer. Super Hexagon is a unique and dangerously addictive game that’ll test your reflexes as well as your patience. Upon startup, an advisory message appears, suggesting playing while wearing headphones – advice you should absolutely take. Unforgiving difficulty meets pitch-perfect design in this modern classic.
Pokémon GO
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the majority of 2016, chances are you’ve heard of this final entry. While nothing to write home about from a gameplay point of view, Pokémon GO fever swept the nation due to its original take on augmented reality, infusing it with the brand slogan of Gotta Catch ‘Em All. The novelty of finding digital creatures throughout your town/city is also a great excuse for exercise.
