Bad mobile games can be divided into two categories: terrible, irredeemable games with no positive qualities, and games that have potential but just tried to do too much. Games in the first section are pretty much just cash grabs, and are often licensed properties. Games in the second section are more admirable, but still aren’t any fun to play, because they either tried to do too much graphically or didn’t think about the control/scope limitations on a mobile phone.
Good mobile games, on the other hand, are most often simply the games that realize they’re on a mobile platform, and design around those limitations. This could be by having low graphical needs, by having simplified controls, or just by having a limited scope that works on a smartphone. One game that does these three things better than just about any other smartphone game I’ve played is Linear Quest.
Linear Quest: The Best One-Handed RPG
Linear Quest is a free mobile RPG you can play with one hand, for gaming sessions as long or short as you want. This is because Linear Quest has zero limitations on how much you can play or how long you can play for, and despite being a legitimate, deep RPG, will never require more than one hand at a time to play. The reason it works so well on a smartphone is because it’s a really simple game.
Back and Forth
In Linear Quest, you can only move to the right (forwards) and to the left (backwards), or you can choose to stand still. That’s it. This is one of those design decisions that makes for a perfect mobile gaming experience. The combat itself is near idle-game levels of automated, with auto-engaging of enemies and even an auto-walk button. Don’t think that Linear Quest is an idle game, though, as it is very much a real RPG.
While the movement mechanics are limited, you have a full inventory and skill system, and you can use hotkeys for skills/potions. It’s distinct from an idle game, though, in that you can control where you go (rather than just going forward). The game also does not progress without you playing it.
Perfectly Designed Online Features
Linear Quest is also the perfect mobile game because it has smart online features, but can also be played completely offline. By default, the game is offline and played without any player interaction, though you can watch ads to earn premium currency. If you want, though, you can go online (without changing your in-game location or status at all) and chat/team up with other players. When you get sick of that, you can easily go back offline whenever you want.
These smartly-implemented online features (and particularly their optional nature) take Linear Quest to the next level. Since you can play offline all you want, it’s basically the perfect mobile RPG. Considering it’s also a 2D portrait RPG you can play with one hand, it’s basically a must-download for Android users. If you don’t have an Android, try Postknight, which has a similar UI to Linear Quest and is more polished but is a shallower game. Slayin’ is another game of the same type you might like.
If you want an extra challenge, you can play Linear Quest Hardcore, which turns Linear Quest into either a roguelike where your character dies permanently, or an even more intense roguelike where your character dies every time you stop playing the game.
Download Linear Quest for Android
Download Linear Quest Hardcore for Android