Entertainment
Candy Crush Maker Files IPO: The 7 Most Addictive Smartphone Games
King Digital Entertainment, the creator of insanely popular game Candy Crush, announced a $1.9 billion-a-year revenue at its IPO offering Tuesday. With over 500 million downloads, it's pretty clear that millions of us are hooked on those imaginary little candies. Click on to find out which other smartphone games are most addictive.
Candy Crush
Let’s begin with the obvious. After all, what would a slideshow about smartphone games be without Candy Crush? Over 128 million people around the world each day are inexplicably delighted and frustrated by the cascades of brightly colored candies. Maybe now that the developer has so much cash, they can start giving out those damn sprinkle bombs a little more freely?
Image via Getty Images
Fruit Ninja
Fruit Ninja is the perfect game for when you’re frustrated and feel like destroying a LOT of produce. (Like you do.) There isn’t a lot of strategy involved in swiping your finger across the screen at the right time — but it’s not as easy as you think. This game is awesome because you don’t have to keep paying in order to keep leveling up (or I just haven’t gotten that far yet).
Image via iTunes App Store
Flappy Bird
You might not be able to download Flappy Bird from the App Store anymore, but you could buy an iPhone on eBay that has it installed for a mere $1,000. Apparently, the developer couldn’t handle the stress of being such a high-profile developer (or wanted to sit back and collect ad royalties while he chills in Vietnam).
This game was so frustrating that I deleted it within hours of downloading, but then again, I’m terrible at games.
Image: Getty Images
4 Pics 1 Word
There’s nothing like a game that simultaneously makes you feel like an idiot and gives you an addiction akin to heroin. As a writer, I feel like I should OBVIOUSLY be able to figure these puzzles out … but that’s a nice dream. I recommend drinking wine to deal with abject failure at 4 Pics 1 Word.
Image via iTunes App Store
SongPop
Showing off all that musical knowledge you’re so proud of is easy with SongPop. Plus you learn so much about yourself! For example, when I played the game, I discovered that I have an embarrassingly comprehensive knowledge of crappy ’90s songs and terrible country music.
Image via iTunes App Store
QuizUp
If your music knowledge isn’t so great, prove your intellectual superiority. QuizUp has lots of random quizzes on everything from science to pop culture, so it’s the perfect place for a true geek to show off. If you’re really a nerd, these quizzes will prove much too easy for you, and you’ll have to go back to studying for the MENSA exam.
Image via iTunes App Store
Dots
If simplicity is your thing, download Dots. When I first downloaded this twee little game, I thought I would quickly grow bored. Little did I know it would become my go-to when I’m stuck in a long line or waiting room. I never thought that connect-the-dots was a game we really needed to adapt for smartphone usage, but Dots rules.
Image via iTunes App Store
