What I’m Playing This Week – Gaming on the Small Screen

I’m a gamer.  Kinda goes with being a NERD really.  Give me an afternoon or evening with nothing to do and I’m either gonna be in front of the TV or (well I will still be in front of the TV, but more specifically) in front of a game console.  My preference – the XBOX 360, as it has been for the last few years.

Here’s the problem – when do I get an afternoon or evening in front of the TV? Between a full-time job, a business and obligations to see my spouse at least every now and then, there isn’t much time left in the day. So, in the time I do have, in between meetings, on the bus ride to/from work, while watching a TV show that doesn’t have my interest, etc. I turn to mobile gaming.

Click Gamers Are a Thing

I’m not alone here. In my own independent poll (me looking around) I have seen mobile gaming explode over the last two years. A quick scan of my fellow commuters on the bus each day or a simple glance around a conference room minutes before the meeting starts suggests that people from all backgrounds and generations are addicted to games on their smart phone and/or tablet.

The games are cheap. You can play a game in two minutes or spend an hour playing. You already have the gaming system in your pocket or purse. It’s just easy and it allows those of us who need a gaming fix to get just that.

What’s Hot Right Now

For me, there are just a handful of games that I turn to in those precious few minutes.  Here’s a breakdown of what I’m playing this week:

Candy Crush Saga – I know, I know. The game looks like it was developed for a 12 year-old girl, but have you tried this yet? Honestly, don’t!! It is THE most addictive game I have touched in years.  I have spent countless hours trying to get to the top of the list (against my Facebook friends) and every time I max out on levels, they add more to keep me coming back. BTW – it’s lonely up here at level 357.

Description – “Switch and match your way through more than 300 levels in this delicious and addictive puzzle adventure. Ain’t it the sweetest game ever?”

Cost – FREE (so long as you don’t fall for the in-game purchases)

Dots – Here’s a game I was introduced to by TechCrunch of all places. I think it was some sort of paid promotion they did, but the screenshots intrigued me to I gave it a try.  Instantly addictive and just a beautiful game all around.  The only thing it lacks (in my opinion) is an online multiplayer game-type of some sort, like a head-to-head match where you can wager dots.

Description – Dots is a game about connecting.

Cost – FREE

Temple Run – Sure, it’s not a new game, and I know that there is a Temple Run 2 out there, but I’ve heard lot of people talk about this, so I thought it was about time I jump in.  That was about two months ago and here I am, still playing.

Description – “In pretty much every treasure hunting adventure movie there’s one specific scene in which the plucky hero finally gets his hands on the treasure but then has to navigate a maze of booby traps in order to get out alive. Temple Run is this scene and nothing else. And it’s amazing.” – SlideToPlay.com

Cost – FREE