Angry Birds may have marked itself as “king” in the mobile-game app industry since its début in 2010, but it’s not the only game app that can help cure boredom. In fact, there are a few “classic” building games that may have gotten lost in the Angry Bird mayhem but are still equally was fun and entertaining. That said, for days when you get tired of sling-shooting birds, you might want to check out some of these Apple and Android games to pass the time — they require a lot more creativity and cognitive thinking anyway.

The Sims

One of the most addictive life re-enactment games in the early 2000s is now offered for free as an app. Players are responsible for creating their own characters and then must dictate how those characters “live”. Players can choose everything to what their character’s home looks like to how many children they have to even what career and how much they earn each year. The more Sims you create the more opportunities you get to create entire towns and cities. It can definitely be all-consuming but super exciting game every step of the way. The free version of course only offers a limited amount of scenarios.

CityVille Hometown

CityVille took Facebook by storm a few years ago but this game is a completely different and original game than its Facebook counterpart however — it does not connect to your web city if you’ve created an account through Facebook either. Like the name suggests, CityVille Hometown is a game that requires players to build a town from the ground up. You’re responsible for putting up new buildings, deciding what those businesses are and how they’ll make income, as well as how you’ll attract business owners to purchase the stores as and residents to live in the homes. Aspiring architects and construction managers will really get a kick out of this game.

My Country

Last but not least is My Country, which is more or less designed like CityVille Hometown except this game is on steroids. Players can build international cities as well as develop transportation infrastructure, develop entire industries, and can even control energy use and get rid of ecological threats. Once you get the hang of things, eventually you can even create an entire country with a unique landscape and stellar skyscrapers. Since players are required to sign imaginary contracts and make imaginary deals with business men, this game can really be useful do those who are interested in business, law, or finance. The game is free for android users.

Kristie Lewis is a freelance blogger for Construction Management Degree, a website designed to help guide those interested in pursuing a career in construction. You can email her here.