BEST MOBILE
Editor’s Note: There are no previous winners listed since this was not a category we voted on in previous years.
This year we at oprainfall are introducing a new category for our awards, one that highlights the best games released specifically for mobile devices. Mobile games are great to play on the go when you don’t have access to your usual consoles, or when you only have time to play for a couple minutes. This category was not only contested by games released in 2021, but also by titles released in the past that continued to impress us with their continued updates and support. Lately, mobile games have impressed with their great characters and designs, music, stories, and sometimes, their addicting gameplay. Without further ado, these are our nominees for Best Mobile Game of 2021.
Princess Connect! Re:Dive
NA Release Date: January 19, 2021
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Publisher: Crunchyroll Games
Ever since its anime adaptation aired in 2020, I was really hoping Princess Connect! Re:Dive would release in English in the future. Well that wish came true, and I was not disappointed after playing it. While the gameplay is simple, the characters, music, and story are anything but. This colorful cast of characters are bolstered by beautiful designs and adorable chibi character sprites. All of the main and event stories so far are fully voiced, which is amazing, and not something many mobile games do. Another lovely aspect is that each event story is accompanied by an original ending song, sung by some of the game’s voice actresses. Priconne is an absolute treat, and clearly it impressed our staff enough for it to make the short list of nominees. Were these lovely girls able to bring home the crown of Best Mobile Game?
NieR Re[in]carnation
![NieR Re[in]carnation | Environment](https://i0.wp.com/operationrainfall.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nier-reincarnation-environment.jpg?ssl=1)
NA Release Date: July 28, 2021
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Publisher: Square Enix
This game will probably be the one most recognizable to our readers, specifically because it carries the title of a beloved series, NieR. Out of our three nominees, NieR Re[in]carnation probably has the best graphics with nice 3D models. In addition, the main story scenes are told with a unique, storybook aesthetic. You’d have to play it to really understand what I’m talking about, but trust me, it looks pretty cool. NieR games don’t normally have the happiest story, and Re[in]carnation is no exception. There is enough tragedy here for fans to get their fix. Of course, what’s a NieR game without incredible music. Like its predecessors, Re[in]carnation music is outstanding. I personally love the song that plays during the opening credits. Did Yoko Taro and crew do enough to bring home the title of Best Mobile Game?
Fate/Grand Order
NA Release Date: June 25, 2017
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Publisher: Aniplex USA
Fate/Grand Order is the oldest of the three nominees, originally releasing in Japan in 2015. As the years have progressed, FGO has gotten many QOL updates as well as a multitude of new characters. The stellar main story isn’t completed yet, and part 2 is still being updated with new chapters, so fans still have that to look forward to. The character designs are, of course, fantastic, and the sprites of newer characters and their NP animations are great to look at. Older characters aren’t left out either, as even their sprites and animations are getting much needed facelifts. The music is still great and has held up over the years. With a consistent release of new and rerun events, and updates to the main story, FGO was able to impress our staff enough to make the top 3 nominees. Was this veteran title able to overcome the young guns to take home the Best Mobile Game award?
And our first ever Best Mobile award goes to…
Princess Connect! Re:Dive!
Princess Connect! Re:Dive was able to edge out the other heavyweight hitters on this list. We fell in love with the colorful cast of characters, lovely stories, and the adorable chibi graphics. This is a well-deserved win for such a great series. Congrats to the Gourmet Guild and the rest of the Priconne girls for becoming our first Best Mobile Game winner!
