Image via Complex Original
At one time, having a video game was enough to get by. But as the years went by and gaming matured, having a broader experience became just as important as the title itself. Playing became a lifestyle and with that came the desire to keep track of stats on how you played, how your friends played and non-stop updates on the progression of in-game characters.
As our world becomes even more connected through mobile phones and social media, video game companies began to extend the console experience far past living rooms with companion apps. These are small but powerful additions to already released games that help us cater to the obsessive compulsive parts of our gaming lifestyle. Since every app market out there is flooded with great to lame companion apps, we've sifted through the bunch to find these 12 Video Game Companion Apps You Should Have On Your Mobile Phone.
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12. NHL 13 Companion App
Platform: iOS
Developer: 2K Sports
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes
As more of a management app, the NHL 13 Companion App lets you organize your teams negotiate the signing of players, keep up with scores, schedules and player injuries. There's also a messenger function to check in with other NHL 13 players in case you need to pick up on an old or new rivalry.
11. Hitman ICA
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Square Enix
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android
Keep Agent 47 on the move with the help of the Hitman ICA app. It allows players to track achievements, player stats and career progression. As a bonus, you can upgrade the safe house from the app to aid you in-game. The ICA database will also help you keep up with fellow assassins on the grid. You'll learn a lot more about targets, locations and the bald, barcoded man himself.
10. Xbox Smartglass
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Developer: Microsoft
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android, Windows Phone
While not a companion to one game specifically, the Smartglass allows gamers to control their Xbox via numerous handheld devices. Smartglass alleviates the need for a controller keyboard by allowing for device typing and it aids in managing additional Xbox services (e.g. video playback, Xbox live navigation.)
9. World of Warcraft Mobile Armory
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android
The World of Warcraft auction house is just at your fingertips with WoW's mobile armory. You can accesses your character's stats, achievements and more. You can also put items up for auction, bid on special weapons and manage your gold. The app also supports guild development and chat.
8. Call of Duty Elite
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Developer: Activision
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android, Windows Phone
A soldier has to be able to communicate. With CoD: Elite, you can look into career summaries, check on your clan, apply to other clans and edit your customized classes. Any changes you make can be sent over to your account and be waiting for you in-game.
7. Battlefield 3 Battlelog
Platform: iOS
Developer: EA
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes
With the social platform Battlelog.battlefield as its foundation, this companion app helps players keep in touch with other gamers. You can see their performance stats from the game, review your own record and find out what new weapons become available. It's like Facebook but with tanks.
6. Diablo 3 Mobile Companion
Platform: iOS
Developer: Modus Create
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes
Access your character, their information, armor and additional stats. If you're not by your computer to jump into Blizzard's record-breaking RPG, this companion piece will let you look, feel and show off your hard work against evil.
5. My NBA2K
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: 2K Games
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android
Using this app will allow players to expand their career beyond the fast breaks and dunks of NBA 2K13. You can earn virtual currency to purchase new moves, swag and gain attributes for players. There are also app based games which players, both with the game and without, can enjoy.
4. Far Cry Outpost
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Ubisoft
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Android
Use this app for decoding encrypted data found in the game. Analyze and alter your loadouts for more effective combat in the jungle. Track your stats and, if you're into maps, track the ones you've created in Map Editor. Outpost gives another level to the famed first person shooter.
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us
Platform: iOS
Developer: Warner Bros.
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes
Hot on the heels of the hailed DC Comics fighter, this app takes the epic brawler to collectible card form where you can build a roster of characters, moves and powers which you can use to unlock special items on the console.
2. Halo Waypoint
Platform: iOS, Windows Phone
Developer: Microsoft
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes, Windows Phone
The universe of Spartans and the Covenant opens wide in this app. Players can read more about Microsoft's legendary hit, review their online Spartan's progress and stay up on news and events.
1. Mass Effect Datapad
Platform: iOS
Developer: EA
Price: Free
Get It Here: iTunes
This is hands-down, one of the best companion apps available. If players cannot get enough of Commander Shepard's universe on the console, they can read about all the alien races, ships, events and more via this application. Free and full of Mass Effect lore, the datapad makes you feel like they're part of the Normandy crew for real.
