The 5 prettiest mobile games for iPhone and iPad

Looks aren't everything. We all know that particularly when it comes to games. Something can be fantastic without all the flashy bells and whistles that high production values bring. And yet, if you've just got a brand new phone with all the processing power under the sun, you want to see what it's capable of, right?

And for that, you need excess in terms of graphical fidelity or something with such a beautiful art style that the more powerful your device is, the more stunning it looks. So, for those shallow moments that exist within all of us, I've put together this list of the prettiest mobile games.

1. Alto's Odyssey

Alto's Odyssey is a sequel to the super hit Alto's Adventure. Not only is it one of the prettiest games in the store, but it also has an excellent atmosphere and gameplay. You have to skate your way through mountains and valleys to keep gaining points and coins, which you can use to unlock more characters.

If you hadn't already guessed from that description, it's an endless runner. That means you can enjoy the beautiful backdrops and vistas perpetually, right up until you trip over or fall off your skateboard from getting overly confident doing flips and tricks anyway.

Download Alto's Odyssey from Google Play and the App Store.

2. Infinity Nikki

Much like Genshin Impact, Infinity Nikki is also a lovely-looking open-world experience that's only growing in popularity with each passing day. Part of that is down to the visuals, which are absolutely superb, and not only from a graphical perspective. It genuinely feels like a living, breathing place to spend time.

As for the gameplay, Infinity Nikki is a more laid-back experience, with a large part of the appeal falling in the dress-up aspect the series is known for. Beyond that, however, you can expect to solve puzzles, enjoy a spot of platforming and indulge in the odd minigame. It's a world full of 'stuff', essentially, and it all looks fantastic.

Download Infinity Nikki from Google Play and the App Store.

3. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact cannot be missed if we are speaking about visual beauty, as it is undeniably one of the prettiest games even after all these years. It's an open-world RPG, which makes its lovely visuals all the more impressive.

But it's more than just a looker. Genshin Impact boasts excellent gameplay that focuses on unleashing combos by combining various elemental attacks. There are also plenty of characters to choose from, each bringing different skills and abilities to the battlefield.

Download Genshin Impact from Google Play and the App Store.

4. Sky: Children of the Light

Not every game needs to be about murder, explosions or general bombast. Sometimes, it's nice to chill out and enjoy something more emotive. If that's your vibe, you'll want to check out Sky: Children of the Light, which is as beautiful to look at as it is relaxing to play.

From thatgamecompany, the creators of Journey, Sky sees you embarking on an adventure with other players in a wonderfully realised multiplayer system. You interact with your newly-found pals using gestures or by sharing candles to increase your bond. Aside from making new friends, you'll engage in a spot of platforming that's never overly difficult, but that's not the point here. Sky is all peaceful atmosphere and serene style.

Download Sky: Children of the Light from Google Play and the App Store.

5. Grid Autosport

Racers have a deserved reputation for being some of the prettiest games, and Grid Autosport on mobile is no different. With incredibly detailed car models, if burning rubber and looking great while doing it appeals to you, you should give it a try.

It's also an entirely customisable experience, depending on what you're after. If arcade-style racing is more your bag, you can tweak the difficulty settings to suit that. Similarly, you can opt for simulator-level realism if you prefer. Controls-wise, you can choose between touch, tilt or a gamepad, giving you plenty of ways to play.

Download Grid Autosport from Google Play and the App Store.