6 Games Like Ingress
Our games like Ingress list covers mobile (iOS and Android) titles that use GPS location, augmented reality and other phone features as a core game mechanic.
Ingress (Ingress Prime) is the original augmented reality multiple player experience with the mechanics later used by Niantic for a number of pop culture themed adventures. Relying primarily on your GPS location from your phone to participate in Ingress players visit real world locations to claim a piece of the virtual world for themselves. Available for both Android and iOS devices Ingress uses a science fiction back story based around a force known as Exotic Matter (XM) and the discovery of the Shapers alien race that results in a split of the human population into the two factions of Enlightened and Resistance.
These factions fight over portals located at areas of public interest and landmarks in the real world which can be linked together to create control fields for your faction. Competing for these portals players earn action points (AP) or medals for their activity that are central to advancing your player account. With the teamwork focus players are also encouraged to make friends in the real world and co-ordinate their activities in the local area to dominate the portals.
The games like Ingress below use similar mechanics for gameplay with GPS location, augmented reality or other phone hardware central to your iOS or Android adventure.
Walkr – Galaxy Adventure in Your Pocket
Put a galaxy into your pocket and improve your fitness while doing it as every step you takes recharges your own spaceship to explore the galaxy in Walkr – Galaxy Adventure in Your Pocket for your mobile device (Android and iOS). Designed to encourage you to exercise more this fitness app gamifies the exercise process as you are rewarded for every step that you take with social options allowing you to compete against others or friends with the Walkr app. The premise of Walkr – Galaxy...[Read Review]
Pokemon GO
The exciting world of Pokemon enters the real world with its mobile release of Pokemon GO, the much awaited game combines augmented reality with location based mechanics to encourage players to explore the real world in the hunt for their favourite Pokemon. Pokemon GO offers basic character customisation after establishing an account, after which you’ll be transported into the real world at your current location with the three starter Pokemon of Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle waiting t...[Read Review]
Landlord Idle Tycoon Business
Lay claim to real life properties in this real estate tycoon game that lets you own a piece of popular locations in your location and surrounding area as you build up your own empire of virtual property. With its sandbox design Landlord Idle Tycoon Business allows players to set your own objective although will primarily revolve around growing your wealth and stock of property. Available for iOS and Android devices players can join in on the property fun as either a guest or link their account t...[Read Review]
Zombies, Run!
Zombies, Run! combines your exercise routine with a zombie themed game that encourages you to keep fit by delivering a gripping story as you run in the real world (while running for your life in the virtual world). Additionally players can help their town survive the zombie apocalypse by collecting various items while out in the wild to give you some extra purpose to your exercise routine. Funded through a Kickstarter campaign Zombies, Run is available for iOS and Android platforms, launching in...[Read Review]
PulzAR
PulzAR was an early adopter of augmented reality, bringing a missile defence game to the PS Vita in 2012 making it years ahead of the competition in the AR gaming market. Relying on the use of AR Play Cards this title has players attempting to divert a laser beam to power a missile launch and destroy the incoming asteroid attack in the process by utilising the augmented reality capabilities of the PS Vita. PulzAR starts up after a number of unsuccessful attempts at diverting a large number of as...[Read Review]
The Denpa Men 2: Beyond Waves
The Denpa Men 2: Beyond Waves is available through the Nintendo 3DS eShop and builds on the original released in 2012 which featured similar mechanics. Building on this original though this sequel brings with it a number of gameplay improvements, additional content and even allows players to transfer their character over from the original game. For those unfamiliar with the world of The Denpa Men they are small strange creatures that live on the radio waves of the real world. Unable to be seen b...[Read Review]