[Itaxpica]

Ok, here's 5 non-freemium iOS games that I would put up with every game you listed (and this is speaking as someone who loves a lot of the old gameboy games):

Threes, Year Walk, Device 6, Monument Valley, You Must Build A Boat

I could name a handful more, and that's not counting games that are iOS ports of games on other platforms, or games which are freemium but in ways that aren't intrusive or obnoxious. And I'd put up any of these games against the best games on any other platform, bar none.

Give a few of them a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised!

[rictic]

Of those I've only played Threes. I do not question your self report, but it's likely that there's a big difference in how we enjoy games, because for me there's an immense chasm between the quality and the experience of any Metroid game and a game like Threes. From my perspective it would be like someone comparing a home cooked meal to a tic-tac.

That said, You Must Build a Boat looks pretty neat, I grabbed a copy and will check it out.

[Aleman360]

I don't know, right now there's not a single mobile game I'd rather play over Rocket League, Stardew Valley, or Civ V.

[Retric]

Monument Valley takes 2-3 hours. Interesting sure, but many people would consider that a huge waste at say 20$. People used to complain when free demos where that short.

[Itaxpica]

I definitely agree, but Monument Valley only costs $4. The DLC is another $2. I'm totally OK with the length considering how inexpensive it is.