Going on holiday is fun and exciting but there are parts of the process that aren’t so much – waiting at the airport, the flight, the transfer. These are the time when you and the kids can get a bit bored, a bit impatient and tempers can flare. That’s when the smartphone comes to the rescue with a range of fun, free apps to keep you busy during the lull times. Here are four to try on your next vacation.
1010
We all know and love Tetris, but it did get a bit old (actually, it is a bit old now) so 1010 is a good successor. It is based on the same principles called tetrominoes that the designer of Tetris Alexey Pajitnov used and rather than varying dropping blocks, you have a canvas. Make a line across it and the blocks vanish. Sounds simple but the more blocks you get, the more complicated it gets, and it actually takes planning to win.
Bejeweled Blitz
If in doubt, go with a classic and Bejeweled Blitz has become one of the classics of the mobile gaming world. Okay, it doesn’t have the excitement or potential big wins of mobile casinos and apps or the thrills of a top racing game with amazing graphics but if you want a game to keep you occupied during the flight and maybe even leave you ready to sleep for a bit, this is the one. But be warned, it is more addicting that you could believe – think Candy Crush with sparkles, lightning and cool music!
Alphabear
Perfect to play with the kids, this is a word game that features bears – instant hit. Create a word and spaces the letters used are replaced by bears. Letters change color as they have been around too long and can turn into rocks, blocking the spread of bears. The aim is obviously to turn all of the letters into bears and there are treasure events to spur players on.
Crashlands
Crashlands is a 2016 release that has quickly moved to be one of the best ever Android games. The plot is that you play as an intergalactic trucker who has crashed landed on an alien world and needs to build a base, collect items and also save the world. It has a great combination of character development, collecting and crafting things and there are no in-app purchases, so it is safe to leave the kids playing it.