The Most Basic Games Apps

May 20, 2022 8:04 PM

I've been charged with picking apps for iPads that are being set up for the use of the general resident population at the LTC facility where I work. So, I'm looking for the most bare-bones, no bells and whistles, no daily achievements, no user accounts, play-as-much-as-you want versions of, like, sudoku, solitaire, jigsaw puzzles, 3-in-a-row games, that kind of thing. This has been remarkably hard to search for and I don't really want to download 20 versions of each app trying to find one that's not shitty.
posted by DebetEsse to Technology (7 answers total)

I got temporarily addicted to Gamesnacks, which has web versions of all those games.
posted by Snijglau at 8:21 PM on May 20, 2022 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I've had the Card Shark Collection of solitaire games installed for years and can vouch for its non-shittiness. There's a free version too—I'm not sure what the difference is.
posted by panic at 8:35 PM on May 20, 2022 [2 favorites]

Simon Tatham’s puzzles has a barebones UI, but is packed with solid gameplay.
posted by enfa at 8:44 PM on May 20, 2022 [4 favorites]

Looks like CardGames.io has an Apple version of their app which is basically an offline version of their website. I've only used the Android version but that one doesn't have ads and doesn't need an internet connection unless you want to play other people, etc. Good basic card game app with tons of games in it.
posted by mochi_cat at 12:06 AM on May 21, 2022

Best answer: Mobilityware does several solitaire games. Once downloaded, there are no ads if played offline.
I highly recommend Puzzlecats. Excellent for everyone from age 4 and up.
posted by Enid Lareg at 9:35 AM on May 21, 2022 [1 favorite]

If you have the budget for Apple Arcade, there’s some games in there that fit your needs, with no ads or pop-ups.
posted by quadrilaterals at 11:55 AM on May 21, 2022

The Apple version of cardgames.io has ads.
posted by Pronoiac at 1:08 AM on May 22, 2022