Lara Croft debuts in a turn-based strategy game with puzzles similar to Hitman Go. There's also an RPG very much like the early Diablo games and a hilarious graphic adventure. The main courses come from Final Fantasy IV and The Cave. Excellent!

This Week's Mobile Games (02/09/15)
Lara Croft Go

Darkstone (Free Game)

There's no doubt that converting PC and console games to mobile devices is no easy task, but adapting a game like this one and making it turn out well is even more complicated. With Darkstone, Anuman Interactive managed to make a very good remake of a true classic from years ago. This title is very similar to games in the Diablo line, bringing together many of the most typical elements of any RPG adventure, but with the main difference that the action unfolds in a more dynamic, arcade-like way. Combat has been simplified considerably, making it accessible to a wider range of players. Developed by Anuman Interactive, Darkstone is available on iOS and Android.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/OgeZm5Enb6E

Final Fantasy IV

For many, Final Fantasy IV marked a before and after in the history of console RPGs, thanks to a story that was truly complex and adult for its time (the original version came out for the SNES in 1991), full of moral dilemmas and well-defined characters who had to face their own conflicts. Based on the Nintendo DS version, this remaster features three-dimensional designs and gameplay that stays intact and faithful to the source, but with some additions compared to the original title. This is the definitive version of a game that was already glorious, with a memorable cast, an excellent story, and impeccable gameplay that no fan of the genre should miss. And remember, the fantasy continues with the official sequel titled Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. Developed by Square Enix, Final Fantasy IV is available on iOS, Android, and Amazon.

Lara Croft Go

Based on the success of the acclaimed Hitman Go, Square Enix Montréal presents a new entry in the same style starring the most famous archaeologist in video games: Lara Croft Go. The game expands the turn-based strategy genre with puzzles, as Lara must travel through a forgotten world, exploring the ruins of an ancient civilization, discovering hidden secrets, and facing deadly challenges to uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom. With elements of Monument Valley and an animated, colorful design, don't hesitate to play this new Lara Croft adventure. Developed by Square Enix Montréal, Lara Croft Go is available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle

It's clear that the two strongest points of a graphic adventure are the plot and the puzzles. In the case of Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle, the continuation of Runaway: A Road Adventure, both aspects were resolved magnificently at first. But little by little the story declined until it bordered on absurdity toward the end. Something similar happened with its predecessor, but not so markedly. Despite the plot deteriorating noticeably, the game has some details that motivate you to keep going: from the supporting characters, who have strong personalities and many of them are extremely funny, to the constant nods to the great classics of the genre. All in all, it's a nice adventure if you enjoyed the first game. Developed by Numeric Pipeline, Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle is available exclusively on iOS (Part 1 and Part 2).

The Cave

The Cave sees seven characters descend into the depths of the Cave to seek what each of them desires most intensely. A Knight, a Farmer, a Time Traveler, a Scientist, an Adventurer, an adorable pair of Twins, and a Monk are the protagonists of The Cave. Three of them will venture out to discover the mysteries of the Cave, an entity with a personality (it can speak), in a game that blends platforming and graphic adventure. Each character has a special ability that is essential to reach the specific sections that develop the individual stories of the protagonists. In addition, the enormous variety of scenarios hidden in the depths are decorated with hundreds of small humorous details bearing the stamp of Ron Gilbert. Developed by Double Fine Productions, The Cave is available on iOS and Android.