Stress Relief Game Apps 2018 - Part 3 - Challenging Cross Platform

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 - iOS Exclusives
Part 2 - Android Exclusives
Part 4 -  Cross Platform (Calming)

Introduction

Here are an assortment of cross-platform game apps that are available for both iOS iPhones & iPads as well as Android devices. All apps are free or have low prices of $2 or less. Most of the free apps contain ads, so the premium versions are recommended for those who may feel further stressed or distracted by pop-ups during play.
 
The focus this time are on apps that have a bit more challenging game play to maintain the player's focus, provide a bit of distraction from other worries, or allow the user to vent a bit of frustration in their interactions with the games. While the atmosphere of these games are still overall calming, they can be based on matching rhythms & beats, included timed segments or other challenges, have puzzles that are more mentally stimulating, or require a bit of specifically timed interaction.

Cross Platform Apps

Smash Hit

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Smash your way through 50 different surreal & abstractly beautiful 3-D locations with musically synchronized gameplay, realistic physics, and glass-breaking mechanics. Includes an option to upgrade to a premium version for $1.99 with iCloud synchronization, stats, extra game modes (such as Zen Mode), and check point continuations.

Piano Tiles 1 & 2

• iOS [1, 2] | Android [1, 2] (Free with ads & in-app purchases)
• A rhythm based game that uses simple touch & tap gestures on piano tiles to match the tunes of a variety of piano based music pieces. Includes a wide range of music styles (classical being suggested for more relaxing gaming sessions) and different game modes (including zen). The ability to remove ads & buy power-ups is available through in-app purchases.

Polyforge

• iOS | Android | Website
• Create colorful geometric crystal shapes by tapping in time to a serenely atmospheric sound track. Includes soothing visuals, multiple levels, and a hypnotically simple game play. Endless Mode is recommended for an even more relaxing gaming session. Includes the option to a pay a one time fee of $0.99 to remove all ads.

Orbia: Tap and Relax

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in app purchases)
• An easy-to-play game based on screen tapping that can be picked up or put down when a bit of distraction is needed. Guide your ball shaped hero through hundreds of levels with increasing complexity through many different colorful worlds. Watch ads for free power-ups or items or pay a one time upgrade free of $5 for a premium ad-free version of the game. More heroes with different abilities can also be bought through in-app purchases.

Osmos

• iOS | Android | Website ($0.99)
• Make your way through 72 levels through 8 different beautiful floating worlds ro the sound of a hypnotic & relaxing electronic ambient soundtrack. Movement is made through touch controls such as swiping, tapping, and pinching. Absorb smaller motes to grow, scoot away from larger predators by ejecting your own mass & shrinking smaller in single player or multi-player mode.

Auralux: Constellations

• iOS | Android | Website
• A real time strategy game for both single & multiplayer based on the movement of the cosmos. Gameplay is relaxing  yet challenging with easy to learn mechanics. Colorful & eyecatching minimalistic graphics set to a soothing ambient soundtrack. Includes in-app options to purchase more constellations ($0.99 - $1.99 per constellation or $9.99 for the whole set) for further game play.

Linelight

• iOS | Android | Website ($1.99)
• In a softly colored line-based universe, solve over 200 puzzles throughout 6 different worlds while making friends with other bars of light. Minimalist puzzles, a soothing soundtrack, and simple game play make Linelight a relaxing experience to play though.

Blendoku 1 & 2 (Free with ads & in-app purchases)

• iOS [1, 2] | Android [1, 2] | Website
• A puzzle game based on matching & rearranging colors through hundreds of levels of varying difficulties is a relaxing way to challenge both your mind & eyes. Multiple tracked stats, challenges, and scoreboards are available for the more competitive. Multiplayer, new puzzle types and modes (such as the zen painting mode) have been added to the sequel. Extra levels and the ability to remove all ads can be bought through in-app purchases of $1.99 - $2.99.