I've done 1 month out of 3 for my trial period of both AA and ATV+. My plan is to cancel both when they're up. However, I'm willing to extend either or both if I need more time to wrap things up (it's only $5 a month for each, so no biggie). I'm the opposite of you... I can see myself extending AA over ATV+. I'm more likely to be able to get through most of what I'd need to on ATV+ than AA (and even if not, I am eager to get back to Disney+, Hulu, or try out Netflix. I can always come back to ATV+ at a later time).
What's been posted in this thread and the general internet seem to agree with you. For me, I can see why it's only $5 a month... it ain't too shabby, but for some, there are better options. Through other subscription services, or a la carte, those open up new platforms and choice of games.
A big one is if you have kids, it's a nice option for them. As you may already be aware, 5 things of AA include but not limited to:
1) No ads
2) No IAP
AFAIK, for games that were on (regular) iOS or other platforms (e.g. Android, console, Steam), they don't have to include IAP content, but some do anyways (e.g.
Monument Valley 2+ includes the expansion that would've required IAP)
3) No games rated more mature than Apple-9+
In
Castlevania:Grimoire Of Souls, there's a mummy skin/cosmetic for a female character. I thought she'd be covered head-to-toe like a traditional mummy, but she's actually a bit scantily clad. May be a bit taboo for a 9yo, but definitely does NOT warrant a mature rating.
4) Must support touch interface and work on MacOS
Some support physical controllers, and also play on Apple TV (the hardware), but for the latter, I hear that's slim pickings.
5) Must be playable offline
Ofc., stuff that requires you to be online (comparing leaderboard stats, online content, etc.) are an exception to this rule
Some have touted it as an end to grinding and many of the awful parts of "free-to-play" gaming that mobile has turned into, but it's not all that. They can easily still make you grind without IAP and ads. Case in point is
Galaga Wars+ requires in-game coins to upgrade your ships. On top of the costs doubling from one level to another, they
still make you wait out a time meter after each upgrade! Or, pay with coins to bypass those 4 minutes. Buying new ships requires something called "purple credits", but these are only available, one per stage, and refresh every 5 hours. Na-ope!
.
Amongst titles I do like include but not limitied to...
Lumen - Puzzler with beams of light and reflecting mirrors at orthogonal angles. I've put this on hold (and may not get back to it anytime soon, if at all) since I want to focus on other titles for the time being
Spire Blast - Puzzler where you shoot colored blocks at towers to bring it down. 360 degree view! Also put this on hold for same reasons above
Monument Valley 2+ - Really enjoyed the first one. Ditto with this one.
CV: Grimoire of Souls - This game is kinda grindy, but am prepared to put this down if it gets bad.
At least it's been tolerable thus far, as I've picked up since I picked up some tricks and workarounds. I do like the game play. A lot of story for a mobile/tablet game, and Castlevania game
Rayman Mini - I like autorunners with levels that end. This one reminded me of Rayman Jungle Run and Rayman Fiesta Run (both no longer available
), and Rayman Adventures (I have this on Android, but moving on to random levels and lack of structure yanked my interest).
Cat Quest II - Recommended by a friend. ARPG that's simple enough to play, not a lot of leveling up required, and full of cat/dog/animal puns!
