BackShoot to kill: the best shooter games for your phone
First-person shooter games are very popular on PCs and consoles. But developers are now trying to replicate the experience on a smartphone screen
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Traditionally, first-person shooter games (FPS) are best enjoyed on big-screen computer monitors and TVs attached to gaming consoles. But there are some very good games that have been adapted quite well for the smartphone, while retaining almost console-like graphics. And within the genre, there are games which offer a variety of gameplay and experience. There are franchises like Brothers In Arms and Modern Combat for die-hard FPS fans and games like Frontline Commando which cater to the casual gamer.
Brothers In Arms 3: Sons Of War
Android, iOS and Windows Phone (free with in-app purchases)
The third edition of Brothers In Arms (by Gameloft) looks very similar to the Call Of Duty game (by Activision) designed for Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox consoles. Brothers In Arms 3 not only tests how quickly you can manoeuvre on a small screen with crammed controls—getting used to the controls takes some time, because they aren’t laid out comfortably for the small screen—but also appeals to the strategist in you. For example, if you have the right weapons and are careful with the health kit, finishing a mission becomes easier.
The game was updated in April and a North African campaign with missions based in new locations was added. So were some new weapons, including an anti-tank rifle, two new commandos on your side and two on the enemy’s side.
The game also allows for in-app purchases, which can speed up gameplay. However, they don’t come cheap. The basic health kit boost is priced at ₹ 61; a pack of coins that makes progress easier can cost as much as ₹ 6,000. Someone with an avid interest in first-person shooters will like the game for its graphics and comprehensive gameplay.
Dead Trigger 2
Android, iOS and Windows Phone (free with in-app purchases)
Modern Combat 5: Blackout
Android, iOS (free with in-app purchases); and for Windows Phone ( ₹ 252)
The free-to-download tag allows more users to try the game, which earlier cost $6.99 (around ₹ 445) on Android and iOS. The update also makes the game compatible with mobile game controllers, such as the Moga Pro.
However, the update hasn’t solved two issues—the touch buttons are too small and somewhat inconsistent in terms of response. This can spoil progress if you are unlucky. Second, the game will not run without a seamless Internet connection. During our tests, we noticed that the game didn’t load on 3G networks. The install size is about 1 GB, and that could be a stumbling block for some users who have phones with limited internal storage space—an investment in a memory card becomes a must. The game’s in-app expenses start from ₹ 62 and go up to ₹ 6,200.
Frontline Commando: WW2
Android, iOS (free with in-app purchases)
However, the game makes up for the lack of graphics by offering simple yet challenging single-player missions. Most of these missions are short and do not take too much of your time—the average time spent is not more than 3-4 minutes. It is a perfect time-killer for someone with a passing interest in the genre.
The game was launched in April and has in-app purchases, ranging in price from ₹ 61-6,189—surprisingly high for a simple game like this.
Overkill 3
Android, iOS, Windows Phone (free with in-app purchases)
The game was launched on iOS and Android in February and on Windows Phone in the last week of April.
Compared with the other games, its in-app purchases are less expensive. The cheapest pack of coins costs about ₹ 61 and the most expensive, ₹ 5,486.
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