Those irritating mobile game ads are everywhere on the internet, especially on social media. They showcase videos of simple puzzles gone wrong, like melting gold or making math blunders. Despite being annoying, these ads continue to pop up because they're effective.

If you've ever downloaded these games, you'd know they're plagued with pop-up ads and constant micro-transactions or could be an entirely different game aimed at making money. What if you could play the original bait games without the frustration? Imagine a developer who gets the joke and offers a straightforward, one-time fee for a better gaming experience.

Fake Ads Prevalent to Lure Players

Mobile games often lure players with deceptive ads showcasing a compelling game concept only to deliver a different experience.

Podcast "Reply All" explores this issue, where users like Alex get drawn into games like "Homescapes" or "Matchington Mansions" due to misleading ads. Research reveals that these fake ads target "power players" likelier to engage long-term and spend money.

Creating attractive ads is quicker than developing a new game. Despite the unethical practice, the phenomenon persists, leaving players perplexed and questioning why game developers don't deliver the promised content.

Mobile games often feature fail ads that, while not as disliked as fake game ads, still irk many players. These ads, showcasing illogical, deceptive, or absurd scenarios, become meme material as players find humor in their shortcomings. The repetitive nature of failed ads has made players wary, diminishing their effectiveness.

While not as egregious as fake ads, failed ads contribute to an opposing player experience, fostering a collective skepticism within the gaming community.

From Mobile Ads to Consoles: Monkeycraft Releases 'Those Games' Collection on PlayStation

The gaming world has a new player, and they go by "Those Games." This collection, created by Monkeycraft, the developers behind the popular "Katamari Damacy Reroll" titles, challenges players with puzzles inspired by the infamous mobile game ads.

Initially available on Nintendo Switch and Windows on Steam, the games have now landed on PlayStation, priced at $10 across all platforms.

For some, the price is a steal, offering a chance to showcase their puzzle-solving skills against the annoying challenges featured in mobile ads. While others might wait for a sale, the games deliver authentic, well-designed challenges beyond the first few levels.

The collection includes Pin Pull, Number Tower, Color Lab, Parking Lot, and Cash Run.

"Those Games" cleverly intertwines a fun premise with challenging puzzles, earning players star ratings based on completion speed. Achievements unlock coins and "IQ," providing in-game currency for the "Gotcha" prize gamble and customizable "Nameplate" looks. The familiar interface and rewards system resemble free-to-play mobile games, but the actual puzzles offer engaging and entertaining experiences.

Pin Pull, Number Tower, and Color Lab present progressively challenging puzzles, while Parking Lot introduces a fun element when approached with strategic thinking. With its quirky narrative and gameplay, Cash Run stands out, adding an ironic twist to the gaming experience.

"Those Games" successfully transforms the potential of fake marketing funnel mini-games into genuinely enjoyable challenges, turning the industry's dark corners into a source of meta-fun.