September 8th 2025.
Destiny: Rising – A Late Arrival
The world of video games is currently abuzz with the highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, but the mobile gaming scene continues to churn out new releases. This month, we have some noteworthy additions to the market, including the mobile version of the popular game Destiny and a surprisingly impressive clone of Cuphead.
Destiny: Rising, available on iOS and Android for free, is one of the most successful live service games on consoles and PC, now making its way to mobile. While some fans expressed concern about the involvement of NetEase, previous releases like EVE Echoes have shown that this partnership can produce great results. And indeed, Destiny: Rising delivers where it counts – even without a controller, its movement, aiming, and shooting mechanics feel smooth and satisfying on a touchscreen. Plus, it stays true to the signature Bungie gunplay that fans know and love.
Of course, being a mobile game, Destiny: Rising has incorporated some elements of gacha-driven games, such as a roster of heroes and multiple currencies for upgrades and in-game purchases. But don't let that discourage you – the game is still a blast to play and doesn't feel as grind-heavy as its older brother, Destiny 2. Sure, there are tempting offers to spend real money, but even without doing so, there is plenty of content to explore and a gripping storyline to follow. Overall, I'd give it a solid 8/10 rating.
Acecraft, another free mobile game available on iOS and Android, is a 2D bullet hell shooter with a unique twist. It borrows some gameplay mechanics from popular game Archero, such as the choice-of-three upgrades and merging system. However, its most striking feature is its art style, heavily inspired by the 1930s cartoon aesthetic of Cuphead. Players will enjoy the challenge of shooting down enemies and bosses that look like they came straight out of a vintage cartoon, while also using their finger to collect and fire back pink munitions.
While Acecraft is enjoyable as a free game, its monetization tactics can be quite aggressive. From energy bars that need recharging to constant prompts to buy upgrade packs, it can be off-putting. But beneath all the sales tactics, the gameplay remains entertaining, and the artwork is simply sublime. I'd give it a 6/10.
Next up is Bitmap Bay, a retro strategy game available on iOS and Android for £1.99. In this turn-based rogue-like game, players take on the role of a pirate, navigating the high seas in search of treasure and fame. Each turn presents a new event, whether it's a mermaid sighting or a kraken attack, but most often, it's a rival pirate to plunder. The battles are quick and simple – tap the fire button at the right time to deal maximum damage. And with charming 8-bit graphics, lively accordion music, and real historical references, Bitmap Bay creates a fun pirate atmosphere. However, the difficulty level can be a bit unbalanced, resulting in sudden and frustrating losses. I'd give it a 7/10.
Finally, we have Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition, available on iOS and Android for £6.99. This game, released in 2019, is a clear tribute to the beloved game Advance Wars. It has a similar cartoon style, turn-based tactical gameplay, and a balance between different units, but with a fantasy twist. The sequel offers more of the same, with a massive campaign split into three parts, each focusing on a different faction and their unique units. While it doesn't bring anything new to the table, Wargroove 2 is a solid continuation of the franchise and worth a try for any strategy game fan. I'd give it a 7/10.
It's been a while since the release of Destiny: Rising, and some may say that it's a bit late to the party. But, with a bumper month of new smartphone gaming apps, there's plenty of exciting options to choose from. This month's highlights include a mobile version of the popular game Destiny, a surprisingly good clone of Cuphead, and the highly anticipated Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition.
Destiny: Rising has finally made its way to mobile devices, and it's just as successful as its console and PC counterparts. Despite worries about the involvement of NetEase, previous releases like EVE Echoes have proven that it's not always an issue. The game impresses where it counts, with smooth movement, aiming, and shooting on a touchscreen. And for fans of the signature Bungie gunplay, you won't be disappointed. However, it is a mobile game, so there are gacha-driven heroes and multiple currencies for upgrades and shop purchases. But, with its enticing gameplay and compelling plot, it's still worth your time.
Looking for a challenge? Look no further than Acecraft, a 2D bullet hell shooter that will put your skills to the test. It takes inspiration from popular games like Archero and Cuphead, with its hand-drawn art style and choice-of-three upgrades. But, its most unique feature is the ability to hoover up incoming munitions and automatically fire them back at enemies. While the game is free to play, its monetisation can be aggressive, with recharging energy and repeated prompts to buy upgrade packs. But, even with all the sales tactics, the gameplay is still enjoyable and the artwork is stunning.
If you've ever dreamed of being a pirate, then Bitmap Bay is the game for you. In this turn-based roguelike buccaneer simulator, you'll choose your pirate and set sail in search of gold and infamy. Each turn presents a new event, whether it's a mermaid sighting or a kraken attack. But, the real excitement comes from encountering other ships to plunder. A quick comparison of their ship's strength and your own will determine how easy of a target they are. And in battles, timing is everything. Tap the fire button at just the right moment to do maximum damage. With its charming 8-bit graphics and catchy accordion music, Bitmap Bay is a fun and addictive game, perfect for a quick play in between tasks.
Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular Wargroove, which was released in 2019. It's a turn-based tactical game that pays homage to Advance Wars, with its cartoon styling and strategic gameplay. The sequel doesn't stray too far from its predecessor, but instead offers more of the same beloved gameplay. The campaign is split into three parts, each focusing on a different faction and their unique units. With its massive amount of content, Wargroove 2: Pocket Edition is a must-have for fans of the series.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
