As we speed through November, it’s getting to that point in 2016 when we’ll start to see lists and recaps of what the year had to offer. Time Magazine already made some headlines by capping off October with a look back at the 50 best apps of the year—and we can rest assured that was just the first of many such articles to come.
Where gaming is concerned, Time pointed to some of the obvious highlights of the year. Pokémon Go, for instance, figures to top a lot of conversations about the year’s best mobile games, and may be so far out in front that few other games even merit discussion. But out of nowhere last week, Kongregate released a brand new app called The Trail – A Frontier Journey, and it may have an argument as the best mobile gaming experience of 2016. Let’s get into why that is.
Captivating Graphics
We’ll start with the visual quality of this game, because it’s what jumps out at you before you even download it. The game has a very unique artistic stylen and it’s fair to say that it will join the likes of Monument Valley and The Sailor’s Dream as a thoroughly beautiful mobile game. Featuring bright colors, angular drawings, and a depth that almost resembles the the PS4 game No Man’s Sky, the game blends simplicity with detail to stunning effect.
We Yearn For Simple Exploration Games
The concept of this game is that you control a pioneer moving across unknown lands in search of the town of Eden Falls. On the way you’ll make discoveries, trade with other explorers, and look to settle your own new frontier town. If that makes you think of a certain popular PC game, you’re almost certainly not alone. In many ways, this is a modern Oregon Trail that is perfectly designed for the mobile gaming community. And as old as Oregon Trail is, that’s something we’ve been missing. Many have long wondered why such a game doesn’t exist on mobile.
There have been very few examples in this kind of exploration genre. Arguably, the most recognizable exploration-themed game might be Gonzo’s Quest, an animated slot/adventure game that can be found online. Lottoland describes it as a chance to team up with a legendary slot scoundrel in search of riches and the golden city of El Dorado, and there’s definitely a spirit of exploration present. But in the end it’s more about slot reels than strategy. Elsewhere, games like 80 Days and a few Oregon Trail knock-offs have brought deeper exploration themes to mobile gaming, but never in a way that seems to have a lasting impact. The Trail – A Frontier Journey helps to fill the void.
Ease Of Play
A lot of games that do involve strategy, whether in an exploration context or something else entirely, are simply too complicated. They often start off fun and engaging, but as your options increase the menus become dizzying, the gameplay becomes confusing, and the overall experience becomes something of a hassle. It’s an all too familiar pattern.
But this game is different. Pocket Gamer nailed it when, in a review of The Trail, it called the game “relaxing.” This is not always a word we think of with regard to elaborate strategy experiences, but it’s perfectly applicable to this example. From easily swiping along to move your character down the trail, to gathering supplies, and putting them to use, everything works smoothly.
Most is a downright fun app to try out. Whether or not it can garner any sort of game of the year attention remains to be seen, but it definitely belongs in the conversation.