6 best time-killer gaming apps for iOS and Android

The iPhone 4S// Photo courtesy of MattsMacintosh

For a college student, there is often a bunch of downtime throughout the daily bump and grind where boredom strikes immediately.

Waiting for that next class to start, waiting for friends to meet up with in the Union or just waiting for the boring 8 a.m. lecture to end are just some of the instances where a solution is needed to kill time on campus.

Usually, the primary way is to awkwardly shuffle through apps and things, send a text, or check Facebook and Twitter.

But, when the five minute wait seems to take way too long, many can resort to their phone’s game applications to kill time. This is usually the most sure fire way to distract yourself completely from everything, and forget about how slow time must be going.

Here are some of the best time-killing games to make time fly by:
 

Reckless Getaway- $.99 (iOS)/$1.99 (Android)

This chaotic, automotive survival game can definitely get your frustration of waiting out in a virtual violent arena.

With the primary purpose of smashing and thrashing through traffic after escaping a bank robbery, this app is the perfect way to just mindlessly run cops over and knock slow cars out of the way, without actually doing it in real life.
 

Bejeweled- $.99/ Bejeweled Blitz- free (iOS) 

These two apps, which go hand and hand with each other, bring the classic switch-and-match game to the palm of your hand in your most desperate time of need.

With the Bejeweled app, there are four different modes to choose from, Classic, Diamond Mine, Zen and a link to the other mode which is an app in itself, Blitz.

Playing in classic mode is in itself, a classic way to play. But the Diamond Mine (where matched gems cause the area below to crumble), Zen (a never ending mode with the intention of calming the user), and Blitz (trying to score the most points in one minute of play) modes have definitely revamped the idea of the well-known game and can easily pass time in class.
 

Line Birds – $0.99 (iOS)/Free (Android)

Requiring a little more concentration and skill, Line Birds is an app with a simple premise, but an addicting and frustrating one at that.

The object of the app is to navigate a bird through a series of lines. Seems easy, but gets more complex and faster as the game progresses.

However, progression and patience yields new birds, each with their own special abilities, to maybe try and curb the challenge and get an even higher score.
 

iRunner – Free (Android)

A basic, but very fun game, iRunner takes the running game genre to a new level. Taking on a character known as Mr. I, the object is to avoid obstacles while collecting as many batteries as you can.

Simple, but distracting and addicting, iRunner could suffice as a Temple Run placebo for some Android users.
 

Paper Toss 2 – Free (iOS)

The ironic part about this game is just how relatable the main character is. He’s a bored guy sitting at work, just like you.

The point of the game is to toss a ball of paper into a trash bin in the character’s office. To the right, a coffee mug taunts you with the fact that it is near impossible to make. To the left sits a funner alternative: a coworker resembling Dwight from the office gives you the evil eye whenever he gets hit.

The point is to make as many consecutive shots into the bin as possible. Throwing alternative objects keeps the game interesting; think grenades, staplers and bananas.
 

Jetpack Joyride –Free (iOS) / Free (Android)

The first thing I noticed about this game when I began playing was that it reminded me of the underwater Mario levels I loved on GameBoy as a child.

The gameplay revolves around a man with a (surprise!) jetpack as he runs through corridors filled with dangerous obstacles trying to complete random missions.

You must float around electric charges and dodge rockets that come flying from some nameless source.

The real fun of the game comes from the power ups, which include a jumping metal suit, a mechanical bird to be steered and others.

There is also an endless amount of opportunities to customize your player. If you feel you can fight the good fight more effectively with a zombie body and a tophat, that’s how you shall fight.
 

Crystal Defenders- $7.99 (iOS)

By the makers of the Final Fantasy series, Crystal Defenders is turn-based strategy at its best.

Contrary to some of the other games on this list, Crystal Defenders will likely have you playing for hours at a time.

What makes Crystal Defenders stand out from other turn-based strategy games is its replay-ability.

With six levels each with advance couter parts, there are almost infinite ways to play the game. And achieving certain objectives with the game’s diverse character variety are very rewarding.

The success of the cell phone game led to the release of Crystal Defenders on Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare and Playstation Store.

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