10 Great Knock-offs of Popular Video Games

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. If that's true, then the games we have to present today are rabid fangirls building shrines in their bedrooms to their favorite triple-A releases. Now, perhaps that's not fair to say. Clones have a place in modern gaming, especially when you consider their influence on popular titles. We wouldn't have half the excellent journeys we've seen over the past couple of years alone if someone didn't try to emulate the greats.

Mobile gaming is an arena in which we see this quite often, as well, especially among developers like Gameloft and Zynga. Their greatest hits may be carbon copies of the biggest hits of the year, but they know what they're doing. We're still buying and playing them, because we know we'll probably never see a mobile Halo or StarCraft. We play them because, despite our reservations, they're great games. If you've not yet delved into the world of clones, we strongly urge you to. Here are ten of the best to get you started, though be forewarned: this is an addiction that won't be easy to kick.

Eternal Legacy

Inspired By: Final Fantasy
Get it here: iTunes ($5)

Anyone can make an RPG. It takes a special kind of person to craft something that looks impeccably like a modern Final Fantasy though, especially for mobile platforms. Gameloft's Eternal Legacy even shares a similar-sounding name, but its narrative and mechanics are tight on their own merits. In between waiting for the next big JRPG (Japanese Role Playing Game) release, download Eternal Legacy. You might be surprised at what it can offer.

Dungeon Hunter 2

Inspired By: Diablo
Get it here: iTunes ($7), Android (free)

Diablo clones are all over the place, but only a select few are really worth the time. Luckily for fans, most on the App Store and Google Play Store are engaging, massive endeavors that really scratch that tap, loot, and tap some more itch. Dungeon Hunter 4 is a stunning example of how to do a dungeon-crawler right and knowing your audience. Gameloft definitely hit it out of the park with this one.

Heroes of Order and Chaos

Inspired By: World of Warcraft, League of Legends
Get it here: iTunes (free), Android (free)

Gamers who play World of Warcraft or League of Legends, will be pleased to see a mobile equivalent in Dungeon Hunter 2, an exciting iOS adaptation that culls many of the same ideas (and aesthetic) from those wildly popular games. A card game was even spawned from this sprawling world, much like Blizzard's plan for World of Warcraft. If you prefer your multiplayer role playing on the go, then you'll want to check into Heroes of Order and Chaos.

Gangstar: Miami Vindication

Inspired By: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Get it here: iTunes ($7)

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the highest on so many "personal favorite" lists for a reason—it's excellent. You may not be able to relive the '80s, but you can pick up Gangstar: Miami Vindication to act as an awesome callback to everything great about Vice City, with a much cooler protagonist. Just don't expect a wide range of new wave and pop hits from the '80s to accompany you on motorcycle treks through the game.

Shadow Guardian

Inspired By: Uncharted
Get it here: iTunes ($6)

Nathan Drake has explored several exotic locations, but never iOS or Android devices. He likely never will, as long as Sony has the PS Vita. That's why we have Shadow Guardian, a decent option to quench that thirst for adventure and treasure-hunting. Embark on a visually stunning quest for the Emerald Tablet that will instantly recall some of Nathan's most memorable moments for much less money than one of the console installments or Uncharted's Vita adaptation.

StarFront: Collision

Inspired By: StarCraft
Get it here: iTunes ($5)

It goes without saying that we'll probably never see StarCraft coming to mobile devices anytime soon (bummer!) but that doesn't mean we can't get our Zerg fix in other games. StarFront: Collision is a viable alternative that combines strategy with slick graphics and ideas culled straight from your favorite Blizzard game. Not to mention how smoothly it runs on iPad. This is one game you'll want to add to your collection, especially if you're looking for something a little different for your commutes.

Veggie Samurai

Inspired By: Fruit Ninja
Get it here: iTunes ($1), Android (free)

The naming may be a bit heavy-handed, but Veggie Samurai is a capable and hilarious alternative to Fruit Ninja, just in case you're sick and tired of slicing through defenseless fruits. It plays out in the same way, but the name, visuals, and bonuses are different. It's a shameless clone, but at least it's just as much fun as the original, if not better in some ways.

Dead Trigger 2

Inspired By: Call of Duty Zombies.
Get it here: iTunes (free), Android (free)

If you dig zombie shooters or the Call of Duty zombie spinoffs in each game, Dead Trigger should be right up your alley. With several missions available, cash and gold to earn to better prepare yourself for the oncoming zombie threat, and in-game purchases to make things easier for you, it covers all bases. Madfinger Games knew exactly how to speak to potential audiences by emulating the same thrill that comes from fortifing your defenses against the undead from Call of Duty's stable, and it truly shows with Dead Trigger.

Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour

Inspired By: Call of Duty
Get it here: iTunes ($7), Android ($1)

Gameloft has taken advantage of the latest iOS developments to bring the latest installment of their popular smartphone nod to Modern Warfare and the Call of Duty series, Modern Combat 4. It's the closest thing you're going to see to a Call of Duty adventure on the platform, and even though it's not perfect, it certainly looks the part. As the spiritual successor to Call of Duty: Black Ops II (in an alternate universe, of course) Corporal Joel Blake is taken on a heart-stopping thrill ride o stop a secret organization who plan to "restart" the human race. It wouldn't be out of place in Activision's popular series, and that's what makes it so great.

N.O.V.A. 3

Inspired By: Halo
Get it here: iTunes ($7), Android ($1)

N.O.V.A. 3 (Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance) is the third release to the first-person shooter that graced our mobile devices a few years ago, and it's excellent in many ways. It bears a strong resemblance to Halo, yes, but it also paves its own way as an action-adventure title that looks and feels great on the iPhone or iPad, no matter how you choose to play. Captain Kal Wardin's intergalactic tale is an addictive one, supporting Gameloft Live multiplayer and a campaign to rival that of some of the best console shooters at a fraction of the cost. If you're going to purchase a mobile shooter, this should be your first choice.