Apple made a huge push for its gaming service on Friday, launching 11 original games. These cover a range of genres, from NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition to Star Trek: Legends. And Fantasian from the creator of the Final Fantasy series also launched in Apple Arcade. Plus many, many more.
They debut on the same day Apple added nearly two dozen classic games and App Store greats to the service.
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition
2K Games promises that NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition offers “the most feature-rich basketball simulation game.” It’s intended to let players experience the thrill of stepping into the shoes of their favorite NBA stars. There’s a variety of game modes, including Arena and Blacktop Quick Matches, Online Multiplayer with friends and unique MyCAREER storylines.
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition is available to download now from the App Store.
Star Trek: Legends
Another new exclusive Arcade Original is Star Trek: Legends. Players take command of the U.S.S. Artemis as it explores the Nexus where they’ll find 40 characters from the various Star Trek series, and recruit them for their crew. You can take Kirk, Burnham and Odo on a single mission.
Read more about the new game from StarTrek.com. Or download Star Trek: Legends from the App Store.
Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker
Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker sends players on an adventure, with enemies and puzzles to overcome. They’ll need to traverse (alone or with a party of friends) beautiful screen-sized dioramas, each one unique.
But that’s just part of the fun — players can make and share their own adventures with friends and family with Creator mode.
Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker is on the App Store now.
World of Demons
Screenshot: PlatinumGames
Battle your way through a stylish world full of fearsome yokai in World of Demons. It’s the latest creation of PlatinumGames, perhaps best know for the hit Bayonetta series.
Players assume the role of a samurai leading an army of minions as they embark on a mission against evil. The game is set in environment inspired by traditional Japanese artwork.
Draw your sword and enter the World of Demons on the App Store.
Fantasian
Hironobu Sakaguchi, who made the classic Final Fantasy series, developed Fantasian for Apple Arcade. Players take on the role of Leo who must fight enemies as he solves the mystery of his own lost memories. Part of the draw is the unique look of the game, which mixes computer-generated characters with handmade sets.
Read more about Fantasian in a separate Cult of Mac article. Or go ahead and download it now from the App Store.
The Oregon Trail
A classic game gets new life from Gameloft. The fresh version of The Oregon Trail once again sends pioneers across the frontier, with players picking their traveling party, stocking the wagon with supplies, and embarking on an adventure filled with tough choices, new dangers and unexpected situations.
Challenges range from historically accurate to the completely wild. But at least the graphics are a lot better than they were in 1971.
Saddle up and download The Oregon Trail today from the App Store.
Cut the Rope Remastered
Om Nom is back in a 3D remaster of the Cut the Rope physics puzzle game. Players cut ropes, avoid obstacles and use boosters to deliver candy to a little green monster that loves sweets. The remastered edition includes the most popular levels across the series, as well as plenty of new ones.
Start playing Cut the Rope Remastered now on the App Store.
SongPop Party
Step up and prove your musical knowledge with fast-paced, competitive trivia in SongPop Party from Gameloft. The game pits players’ song knowledge against opponents’ online in the Arena mode, matching them up based on their skill levels and music preferences. Or players can jump into the new local and online multiplayer Party mode to compete with friends and family.
Start the music with SongPop Party on the App Store.
Simon’s Cat: Story Time
Simon’s Cat: Story Time is a match-three game surrounded by a story starring the popular feisty feline. Players solve puzzles to help the community rebuild their gardens and save the neighborhood from a big construction site.
Simon’s Cat: Story Time is now on the App Store, ready for Apple Arcade subscribers to play.
Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat
A traditional Japanese drumming rhythm game makes the jump onto Apple Arcade with Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat. Bandai Namco promises its latest offering will have you tapping along to a wide variety of anime, game, and classical music to prove your status as a drum (or thumb) master. Play alone or challenge friends online.
Enjoy Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat today on Apple Arcade.
Clap Hanz Golf
Spring is here and it’s time play sole golf. And Apple Arcade subscribers can enjoy the just-released Clap Hanz Golf. It gives players a wide variety of characters to choose from with various strengths, and there are a variety of course around the world to play.
Grab your clubs and download Clap Hanz Golf from the App Store now.
All on Apple Arcade
These games are now part of the 180 titles available on Apple Arcade. This costs $4.99 per month. but there are no ads or in-app purchases. And one subscription works for up to six family members. A subscription to one of the money-saving Apple One bundles brings access to all Apple Arcade games.
There’s a one-month free trial. And customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.
