Why You Can Trust CNET Katamari and 5 More Games Roll Onto Apple Arcade in April
Subscribers can also play Space Invaders next month.
- Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents
More than 20 years after the release of the award-winning game Katamari Damacy, Apple is bringing the series to Apple Arcade on April 3, along with five other games.
Apple Arcade is filled with familiar and classic games, alongside exclusive titles, that you can play for $7 per month (£7, AU$10). You can find many of these games in the App Store, but they have paywalls and ads that might hinder your gaming experience. With an Apple Arcade subscription, you can play each game without paywalls and ads, a feature usually denoted by "Plus" in the game's name.
Here are all the games Apple Arcade subscribers can play on April 3. You can also check out the games Apple added to the service in March.
Katamari Damacy Rolling Live
Developer: Bandai Namco
After Katamari Damacy's release in 2004, the game launched a series of sequels and ports to other consoles, VR headsets and other devices. This Katamari game is the newest addition to the series, and it's launching exclusively on Apple Arcade.
In this game you're still rolling objects scattered across Earth to create stars, but this time your adventure is being streamed by the King of All Cosmos, who gives you challenges as your star grows. Plus, as you complete challenges and grow your fanbase, you'll unlock new dynamic stages.
Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve
Developer: Taito Corporation
Space Invaders is another classic game series, and Apple is bringing the latest entry to Apple Arcade. The game begins with the same mechanics as the classic 2D shooter many people know and love, but evolves into a fast paced shooter. You'll unlock more powerful ships and weapons as you advance through the game, but you'll need good reflexes to keep your ships flying and take down invaders.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic Plus
Developer: Atari
This version of RollerCoaster Tycoon combines the original game and the sequel, as well as three expansion packs to help you build the amusement park of your dreams. You'll construct new rides piece by piece on your own or with premade designs, expand your park and balance the needs and desires of your park customers. Or you can see how high you can shoot a coaster full of patrons into the air -- we won't judge.
Puffies
Developer: Lykke Studios
This puzzle game reimagines classic jigsaws with puffy, 3D-looking stickers. There's no overarching image to view in these puzzles, but every puzzle features a pack of stickers that fits together on one sheet of paper. Play the game every day to unlock daily challenges and grow your sticker collection.
The Game of Life 2 Plus
Developer: Marmalade Game Studio
Subscribers can play this award-winning game and experience the board game in a whole new way. This version features different choices and paths than the original Life. You'll still move around the board via a spinner, but in this version you can pick a career as a dolphin trainer, customize your character piece and explore space in the Lunar Age expansion. The choice is yours.
Sesame Street Mecha Builders Plus
Developer: StoryToys
Join Mecha Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby in this STEM-focused learning adventure. This game combines mini-games and other activities with science, math and creativity. You'll embark on exciting missions where you'll practice coding, create music and mix colors in a fun environment.
I was admittedly very disappointed when I learned this game was not Big Bird and the gang building giant mechs to defend Sesame Street. Maybe one day.
You can access these games on Apple Arcade on April 3 for $7 per month or $50 annually, and you can access other games on the service now for the same price. You can also try Apple Arcade for free for one month with your first sign-up, or you can get a three-month free trial when you buy a new Apple device. To access Apple Arcade, open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the joystick in the menu bar.