I delved into the depths of Apple Arcade last week, and oh boy, was I in for a surprise. As a devoted gamer on Xbox, PS4, and PC, mobile games never really caught my eye. The lack of quality and the endless waiting just didn’t appeal to me. But Apple Arcade seemed like it could offer something different, and let me tell you, it definitely did not disappoint.

Opting for the Apple One subscription, I gained access to a treasure trove of more than 200 ad-free games, along with Apple Music, Apple TV, and expanded cloud storage. Sure, the £18.95 per month price tag is a bit steep, but the value it offers is undeniable. Many of the games were familiar, and they were elevated versions of what’s available on the main App Store. It’s not just about better games, it’s about an entirely enhanced experience.

I was a tad sceptical about how well these games would run on my iPhone 12, but to my amazement, it handled the latest games with ease. The graphics and frame rates were solid, but the on-screen controls could be a bit of a downer for some games. Simple touch-controlled games work fine, but for more intricate games, a mobile game controller is definitely needed for an optimal experience.

Now, let’s talk about the games themselves. From Sonic Dream Team to Shovel Knight Dig and Turmoil+, I found myself immersed in the addictive fun they offered. However, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls left much to be desired. But with such a vast array of games, everyone’s bound to find something that tickles their fancy.

After my adventures in Apple Arcade, I must confess that I don’t think I’d fork out for it as a standalone service. But if you’re interested in a bundle with Apple TV+ and other perks, then it’s absolutely worth a whirl. As for me, I may not continue the subscription once my trial period comes to an end. However, if Apple continues to build upon this captivating foundation, who’s to say my opinion won’t take a 180-degree turn?