Five of our favorite io battle games

Battle Royale-style games have been elevated to a new level by the likes of Fortnite. The immense popularity has opened the door to more investment dollars, and the next generation of games to hit the shelves will be more realistic and immersive than anything we have seen before.

That’s great for most gamers, but it brings to mind a quote from the late great Michael Flanders, way back in the 1950s. Speaking of the latest music system, he remarked: It’s like having an orchestra actually playing in your living room. Although frankly, I can’t think of anything I’d like less than to have an orchestra actually playing in my living room.

60 odd years, later, we likewise sometimes yearn for a gaming experience that is just a game. It doesn’t have to be realistic, in fact the simpler the better. But it does have to be fun. That’s why io games, despite looking like a throwback to the 1980s, are as popular today as they have ever been. Here are five worth checking out.

Agar.io

First up, the game that arguably started the craze. Agar is the ultimate game of survival, taking its inspiration from the way microbes behave under a microscope on a petri dish. You start small, keeping to yourself and eating to gain size, till you are ready to engage with other player cells, trying to lure them into your trap while avoiding those who are eyeing you up for their next meal. Agar is the ideal introduction to the world of io battle games.

Snowball.io

The tagline invites you to join in the world’s biggest snowball fight. Who could refuse an offer like that? With a name like Snowball.io, you can guess what to expect. Send snowballs raining down on all and sundry or gather a particularly large one to send a specific opponent crying home to his parents – the choice is yours, and like all the best io games, this is one you’ll struggle to drag yourself away from.

Bois.io

Here’s one that brings a genuine Battle Royale vibe to the io landscape. You are deposited in a strange land with only your wits to guide you. Don’t hang around, you’ll need weapons, supplies and ideally a set of wheels to cover distances more quickly (and destroy any unfortunate opponents traveling on foot in the same direction!).

Brutal.io

Another game with a name that leaves you in no doubt as to what you should expect. Each player starts out with a small satellite spinning around him. Gather food and you will grow it into what the game describes as a “spinning ball of death.” Can you grow your deathball faster than the rest and throw it with sufficient accuracy to destroy all comers?

Zombs.io

Last but not least, we can’t leave you without a little zombie survival action. If you need a break from Zombie Army, here’s the perfect io for you. The zombies here are nocturnal, so you’ll need to make the most of the daylight hours to gather supplies and energy, ready to fight off the hordes after sunset!