3 games that improved on the 2048 concept

First there was Threes. Then came the hundreds and thousands of clones. The first successful one was 2048. However, game devs are now starting to realize that they can’t just clone games. Clones rarely work, even if they are executed with panache. But there’s still that game idea – that tried and tested game concept – that you absolutely want to build your game around. What do you do?

You improve on it.

Here are a few examples.

Everybody Loves Monster

Everybody Loves Monster is 2048 with monsters. That evolve. Where 2048 had you combining numbered tiles so the sums grew larger, here you’ll be combining monster tiles to evolve them into bigger and badder nasties.

While its techno-laced introduction video is a bit jarring in comparison to the rest of the game and its English translations lacking somewhat, Everybody Loves Monster is mostly polished and well done. Monsters can branch off into red or blue types as they evolve, and each new monster you unlock is considered an achievement.

The game – developed in Indonesia by Simpleton Games – is given new depth with the introduction of hunters who destroy every monster tile you happen to slide them onto. Fortunately, the big monsters can eat the hunters up with a satisfying crunch. This also keeps your board from getting too full, too fast.

Everybody Loves Monster is available for Android and Windows phones.

Monster Munch

Monsters again! In Monster Munch you combine food blocks (or sometimes other monster blocks) to create a snack – or lunch or dinner – for your hungry monster customer at the top of the screen.

Not just your average 2048 remake, Monster Munch has a variety of board sizes and different rules governing each board, too. What does remain true is your ultimate aim to cook and feed your hungry guest. It’s cute and frenetic.

Monster Munch comes from South Korean indie developer TouchTouch and has been published by the US-based publisher established by SK Group, Skyzone Entertainment.

It’s available on Google Play.

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