

Star Wars Castaways is the first online multiplayer game from the Star Wars game universe. In addition, MacBooks and iPads upgraded to the M2 chip.



For example, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max run on the new A16 Bionic chip, which is designed to support more graphic-intense games. And Apple's hardware and software updates over the last year point towards bigger and better things. Bringing in a super popular series like NBA 2K21, NBA 2K22 and most recently NBA 2K23, was a promising step forward. Since launch, a majority of the games now support third-party controllers, which is a relief to touch-and-drag-fatigued fingers.Īt launch, console-style games were few and far between, with notable exceptions like Shinsekai Into the Depths and Sayonara Wild Hearts. Just keep in mind that most of the games and gameplay are still phone- and tablet-centric, so they still play like a lot of the premium iOS games from before Arcade. The bottom line is that there's more than enough to justify the price tag. Fantasian was named Apple Arcade's 2021 Game of the Year. The highly anticipated Arcade original Fantasian from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, The Pathless from Annapurna Interactive, Beyond a Steel Sky and NBA 2K21: Arcade Edition joined the catalog, demonstrating Apple's commitment to entice more types of players, and add larger, more mainstream titles. Annapurna InteractiveĪpple Arcade's April 2021 overhaul marked a turning point. The Pathless was a breathtaking addition to Apple Arcade's catalog. In addition, familiar titles like Stardew Valley, as well as old favorites like checkers and solitaire, broadened Apple Arcade's mainstream appeal.Īll of this is why Apple Arcade remains an CNET Editors' Choice pick for 2022. With an Apple Arcade subscription, the games would be playable without ads or in-app purchases. The service was already marketed as a casual, family-friendly alternative to the merry-go-round of in-app purchases usually found in mobile gaming, and the April update increased this appeal by adding apps already available in the App Store. The service built on its library of genres like action, adventure, racing, RPG and strategy, with new categories like Arcade Originals, App Store Greats and Timeless Classics. The update made it easier to find the perfect game quickly, with minimal scrolling. In April 2021, Apple gave the service a massive refresh that organized the platform's landing page in the App Store and added 32 new games. AppleĪpple Arcade was an easy recommendation to make at launch, and it's only become more attractive. Fantasian, a mobile RPG from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Mistwalker, was a highly anticipated release on Apple Arcade.
