The 2022 App Store Award winners are in – with 16 apps and games that stood out amongst the crowd. Let’s focus on the gaming half for now and talk about which games had the honor of receiving a 2022 App Store Award!
Inscryption
Inscyption is a strange and spooky roguelike deck-builder game that will probably have you pretty shaken up. You see, on top of the inky black art style and the roguelike elements lie puzzles and psychological horror, with “secrets inscrybed upon the cards.” Inscryption is mind-melting and off-putting, but in the best possible way for a game like this. I’ll let the developer describe the experience themselves:
Inscryption deserves its praise and has proven so time and time again. It’s also a game better played than explained, so get on it and get ready to slowly lose your mind…
Apex Legends Mobile
Starting off we have Apex Legends Mobile which hit the app store back in May and has since brought the fast-paced battle royale action to iOS devices everywhere. Apex Legends Mobile brings with it all the same enjoyable game elements that PC and console players know, with a few added mobile-only touches. From exclusive Legends and skins to full-fledged weapon stat pages, Apex mobile has cemented itself as a worthwhile experience on mobile.
Moncage
Moncage is a unique puzzle adventure game from developer Optillusion that sees the player explore a strange and captivating world trapped inside a peculiar cube. This is a game that plays with perspective – and your brain. Each face of the cube displays a unique scene that players have to leverage in order to find the hidden links and solve the puzzle. With its own narrative to explore and dreamlike experiences to have, Moncage is definitely worth the download.
Wylde Flowers
Wylde Flowers is a game all about living the cozy life – except that you’re also a witch. In this heartfelt journey from Studio Drydock, players will live out the cottagecore dreams while bonding with their coven. “Farm by day, and cast spells by night,” while you explore the island of Fairhaven and forge relationships with its inhabitants. Wylde Flowers features all the rural farming lifestyle simulator staples you’ve come to expect from games like Stardew Valley – with an added magical twist.
El Hijo
Honig Studios’ El Hijo is a spaghetti western stealth game that sees you guide the titular “El Hijo” on a quest to find his mother after being attacked by bandits. Being a child, El Hijo’s options are limited when it comes to conflict and challenges. This means it’s up to the player to help him sneak, plan, and hide as he journeys off in search of his mother. Along the way, El Hijo will have to use his cunning and stature to help him across sprawling deserts, shadowy monasteries, and more. El Hijo’s hide-and-seek pacifist gameplay and gorgeous visuals make for a worthwhile experience – regardless of the platform.
Inua – A Story in Ice and Time
Inua – A Story in Ice and Time is an engaging and mystical narrative time-travelling adventure that has players explore Inuit traditions, folklore, and tales through historical events. Three protagonists roam the same areas in the far north, eras apart. Discover and explore each era, gather information, influence decisions, and navigate through time to discover what links them together. Gorgeous visuals and a story inspired by Inuit tales and legends await!
League of Legends Esports Manager
Last up we have League of Legends Esports Manager – a fairly straightforward title from Tencent where you, well, manage a League of Legends esports team. In this esports strategy simulation, players become professional esports managers, recruiting the best players to craft their own international team. Command your team’s gameplay, plan, execute and live out the life of a true esports manager.
The App Store Awards span more than just games of course. The App Store and Apple Arcade have exciting new releases all the time that you can read about here, and stay tuned to SQUAD for more on the newest mobile titles!
