Ward off cabin fever with these Pinoy-made mobile games that involve puppies, zombies, and evil tomatoes

How are we all holding up in this quarantine? If all you need to worry about is how to ward off cabin fever, consider yourself lucky — and luckier, as we have three highly-entertaining Pinoy-made mobile games that should help you pass the time.

From dogs and cats going on high-octane adventures, to blasting your way through the zombie-infested ruins of civilization, to cowboys shooting down hordes of murderous giant tomatoes, there is something for everyone

1. Jump Squad 2

Here is a 2D auto-running vertical platformer from DHS Games. Jump Squad 2 has tons of unlockable pets, simple one-tap controls, and a pet simulator mode.

“Players need to jump, knock enemies, avoid hazards, and collect coins in randomly generated levels while trying to escape the rising flood,” said Osias Bantug a.k.a. pixlwalkr, the game's main programmer and artist.

“Timing the jumps is crucial since [players] will have no control over the horizontal direction of their character. Hazards and enemies become harder as players reach higher levels. Power-ups can also sometimes appear randomly.”

Pets come with various stats such as health, stamina, hygiene, experience, and level. They can be equipped with items that grant them beneficial effects.

“The pets can get exhausted and dirty after a while; their health will be reduced and the screen becomes dirty too, which can make the gameplay more difficult,” said Bantug. “But these debuffs can be removed by feeding and grooming the pets.”

This brings us to “Jump Squad 2’s” pet simulator, which is similar to Tamagotchi, wherein you can feed the pets, clean their poop, and watch them wander around the house or in the backyard.

“Jump Squad 2” recently won Game On 2019’s Best Mobile & Handheld Award (Professional Track).

It is published by Singaporean-based DHS Games and developed by Filipinos Osias Bantug (main programmer, artist), Kristoffer Lirazan (programmer), and Arwyn Silva (audio omposer).

Google Play Store. Facebook.   

2. Pixel Mercenary

Developed by Butuan City-based Pantoy Games, “Pixel Mercenary” is a 2D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up platformer featuring charming retro graphics.

You play as a mercenary on a mission to destroy the forces of evil. It means gunning down zombies, robots, assassins, and more in various post-apocalyptic worlds.

You’ll have to avoid spike traps, dodge explosives, gather coins, rescue hostages, unlock and upgrade multiple weapons and grenades, and collect stat-boosting costumes.

Furthermore, every fourth stage in “Pixel Mercenary’s” worlds features a unique challenge, such as a boss chase or a segment that lets you pilot a chopper “Flappy Bird”-style. The fifth stage is the boss battle.

“Pixel Mercenary” developer Joshua Karlo Arban was working as a Unity developer for a Cebu-based game development company when he decided to make his own games.

“Knowing that my elder brother [Jokar Lamel Arban] can draw, I resigned and formed a team with him as my artist,” said Joshua Karlo.

The brothers grew up playing classic platformers and shoot ‘em ups like “Super Contra” and “Metal Slug,” which inspired “Pixel Mercenary.” Joshua Karlo’s wife also suggested that he make a run-and-gun platformer after she saw him playing “Broforce.”

Pantoy Games plans to add more worlds and extra features such as multiplayer coop to the game.

“Pixel Mercenary” was developed by Joshua Karlo Arban (Unity Developer), Jokar Lamel Arban (Graphic Artist), Marc Pardico (Freelance Sound Artist), and Marc Solis (Level Designer for first two levels).

Google Play Store. Facebook. 

3. Geero – the Wild Wild West Adventure Shooter

Developed by Richard Glenn Santos under his game development outfit Marhaikal Studio, “Geero – the Wild Wild West Adventure Shooter” is a challenging top-down shooter set in a 3D world overrun by weird yet loveable monsters.

In “Geero,” you play as the eponymous gunslinger, who’s on a mission to save a small town from rampaging food items.

Success depends on your mastery of 10 diverse unlockable weapons and armors, and the unique skills they give you access to. Killing monsters also awards you experience points required for leveling up, allowing you to raise your health and the damage you deal.

“Geero” comes with 25 Wild West-themed levels featuring a range of special gimmicks, hidden treasures, and oodles of collectibles. You’ll also face legions of enemies and 5 tough bosses.

Santos also recently released the mobile action title “TKO Kings – Royal Battle Royale.”

Google Play Store. Facebook. Itch.io. 

— LA, GMA News