"Flappy Bird Returns: Now on Epic Games Store for Mobile"

In the annals of mobile gaming, few releases are as popular, or as controversial, as Flappy Bird. An instant sensation when it was released back in 2013, it was regarded as one of the most addictive games of all time. So, it's little surprise that its highly anticipated return to mobile via the Epic Games Storefront is generating significant buzz.

Flappy Bird for Android now offers a host of new content to distinguish it from the original release. Of course, you can still try to beat your high score in the original, endless Classic Mode, or you can explore new worlds and levels in Quest mode with regular updates and new additions promised.

This new release is also set to avoid any Web3 elements that previously proved controversial in another contentious rerelease, and will be monetized exclusively via ads and in-app purchases for helmets (extra lives).

FlappingNowadays, more than a decade after its initial release, Flappy Bird can almost seem quaint in comparison to the sort of mobile hits we have now. Indeed, it's hard to imagine how this was the game that caused rumors of murder over broken high scores to flourish.

At the same time, there are many players with a nostalgic appreciation for the simplicity and straightforward nature of Flappy Bird. With that in mind, it could be seen as quite the coup for the Epic Games Store on mobile. And if the appeal of free games weekly doesn't sway new players, then it's quite possible Flappy Bird is what will really put them on the map for a mobile audience.

But while Flappy Bird is certainly a great release, there's plenty more out there that deserve the spotlight. Take a gander at our regular feature Off the AppStore, if you want to give some love to top releases not available on regular storefronts.