Looking at it as a conventional game, in other words, it's not terribly impressive – short, simple and perfectly linear. But as an interactive story, or perhaps more accurately a poem, it is superb.

Punch Quest is what an endless runner would look like if you threw it into a time machine, spat it out in the early 1990s, and put it on an SNES cartridge. This goes well beyond the (masterful) 16-bit graphics to the ethos of the game itself.

Fans of interactive novels should pick up One Button Travel without a second thought, but be warned: The novel is told in real-time.

As hard as it may be to believe that an RTS can work with touch controls, it's 100% true. Amoebattle does pretty much everything right. The only complaint that I can possibly muster about the game is that there is only a campaign mode.

Before playing Eclipse I believed that what it set out to achieve was nigh impossible. The board game offers many things that seem mutually incompatible. The app squeezes a game needing acres of table into an iPad screen. You’ll need dedication to experience this marvel: the rules are complex, the strategy makes your head hurt and the app isn’t as good as it should be at making the game accessible. But if you’re up to the challenge, the effort you put into this game will be rewarded a hundredfold in terms of entertainment.

Things like the game's staggering variety of levels (endless wave, time challenge, maze-making), total lack of in-app payments, massive scope, and sense of whimsy... you'll experience all of that when you pick up the game.

It’s hard to really express through words or through visuals what Papa Sangre II does with the manipulation of sound, but believe me when I say that it is unbelievably unique, and just all sorts of incredible.

There's nothing bad I can say about Nightfall. It's Playdek's finest game to date, and people that might've been a bit bored by the solitary nature of Ascension will find a ton to like here. For me, there's an evolving level of strategy to the game, and I know it's going to be front and center on my iPad for quite some time.

Numerity is a fantastic game. The only negative thing that can be said about it is that fifty levels just aren't enough.

Blendoku 2 is free to download, and with 500 free levels plus multiplayer, you will get so much fantastic entertainment without hitting a paywall

With the constantly rotating and random list of card to buy, Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer is a game that plays very differently each time you boot it up. Sometimes the deck looks monster heavy, so military cards are a good choice. Other times buying lots of draw cards so you can churn through the deck over and over is the right way to go.

As removed from arbitrary goals and expectations as the original game, and perhaps more so, Forgotten Shores is a guided tour of unfettered imagination. There is challenge to be found, certainly, but not in the lifeless, measurable sense.

There’s barely anything we can say against Tetris Effect: Connected. It’s a fantastically fresh take on a puzzler that refuses to age. This Switch iteration is the definitive way to play the game thanks to the handheld element too.

Playing straight through, Frost would likely take a day to finish, though with no hints or skips if you get stuck, certain levels might extend that timeline depending on how patient you are. Frost is a premium game with a higher price at launch than many other options in the App Store, and that might cause some to be wary of the purchase. However, the intense beauty and satisfying problem solving of Frost exemplifies why we play mobile games. The game is absolutely worth the investment and I hope to see much more of Frost and more from its creators in the future.

If you have any kind of interest at all in fantasy fiction or role-playing games, you simply must play Steve Jackson's Sorcery! It really is just that good.

Atmosphere plays a huge role in Spider, and the beautifully hand drawn artwork pairs nicely with the hip soundtrack to evoke and intensify the sense of mystery that's so crucial to the game. Tiger Style's innovative iPhone debut is easily worth putting at the top your must-have game app list, and at $2.99, you simply can't go wrong.

To make a musical analogy, your run of the mill first person shooter game is like a stupid radio pop song, and King of Dragon Pass is Miles Davis playing live jazz in some hole in the wall Paris club. Sure it's easier to enjoy the stupid radio pop song, but the people that take the time to appreciate the jazz come away with a richer experience.

I think my love for Potion Permit comes down to the stunning world design, weird villagers and homely, whimsical charm. That and I’m not immune to being a witch doctor. Echoing what I said at the start of this review, you need to try this game! Potion Permit is stacked with a great storyline, freedom of choice but a linear progression, lovely visuals and a huge sense of accomplishment as you build relations between the characters.

Moment for moment, this is simply World of Warcraft with a different world to explore, perfectly optimized for the touch screen, and a few elements left on the cutting room floor. As a Warcraft fan, I can honestly say that this lack of originality is more than appreciated. If you're going to steal, steal from the best.

The App Store might be cluttered with near hits and near misses, clones, copycats, and one-week wonders, but every now and then a game like Pair Solitaire comes along and reminds us that the mobile marketplace can be a place where simple genius can shine. Threes! was one great example of that this year, and Pair Solitaire is another.

Glowfish is aquatic exploration nirvana. It's got absolutely everything going for it. It plays like a dream, looks and sounds like a dream, and fills you with a real sense of wonder. There's no other word for the whole package other than "magical." Glowfish is a must have for every single iPad owner.

Exquisite. Offering quick sessions, intuitive gameplay, and fast-paced, challenging fun, it's the epitome of what a mobile game should be. And better yet, it's free.

Clash Royale is one of those rare games that not only gets everything right, but does so while trailblazing a new formula for mobile games.

Combine all that with infectious classic gameplay and I'm sure you'll agree that 1-Bit Ninja is, well, brilliant.

The finale holds the series’ humor as strongly as ever, and good god, Loader Bot and Gortys might be two of the cutest video game characters ever created.

Overall, we’re not sure exactly what more we can say about Crossy Road Castles. It’s one of, if not the, best Apple Arcade games yet, with a wide variety of inventive levels, beautiful visuals, and loads of unlockables. The real star of the show is the intense multiplayer, which is as addictive and chaotic as anything Nintendo has come up with.

To say Love You To Bits is a charming game is an understatement. This is a game with a Pixar-like touch. It’s a special game that I certainly will not forget anytime soon.

It’s difficult, but never frustrating.

Heart’s Medicine: Time to Heal hits all the right marks for casual gaming perfection.

The game provides a genuine Dead Space experience while simultaneously raising the bar for triple A titles on the iPhone.

Full of nuance, depth, and innovation, this is easily the year's first must-play title. Fitting I suppose, that it also earns a hearty 100%.

At this point, I have no problem saying that developer TheCodingMonkeys has me hook, line and sinker.

All in all, there is literally nothing to complain about with Zombie Parkour Runner. The gameplay is tremendously gratifying despite its general control simplicity, and the overall presentation and animations are phenomenal. A game that seems like it will initially be like any other automatic side-scroller, Zombie Parkour Runner is one heck of a pleasant surprise.

It’s just in a completely different class than anything else out there.

Overall, we can’t recommend Total Party Kill enough. It’s one of those perfect mobile games that can keep you busy for a few minutes or hours, depending on how much time you have on your hands. You might not be able to make it to the end, but you sure as heck will try.

The console-quality handheld debate is likely to continue for a while, but N.O.V.A 3 is the first title I've seen that pushes the quality of a handheld release this far.

It’s every loot-gathering dungeon-crawling, card-collecting fan’s next transit addiction.

Overall, those who love GWENT already should absolutely grab it on mobile – particularly if you’re a PC player, as you can just pick up where you left off and play the same account on the go. Newcomers should also check it out, as mobile is the best platform for it – particularly if you have an iPad and can take advantage of the larger screen.

An experience caught perpetually somewhere between hypnotic and infuriating, which teaches you to appreciate all the "little wins" that occur as you game.

Combined with a interesting story and a poignant social message, TouchTone manages to be three things at once, and it does all of them exceedingly well.

No gimmicks here. Just addictive and intuitive gameplay. At a cost of zero dollars, A Monster Ate My Homework will likely leave you so impressed, you'll feel guilty for not paying more.

If you’re a fan of strategy games – even if your experience with them begins and ends with Civilization – consider Sid Meier’s Starships an absolute must buy.

Even if voluptuous-but-mutilated robotettes aren't your bag, d-capitatrix is a quirky puzzle game that promises sexy fun for all gamers.

In the end, though, I can honestly say I’ve had a lot of fun with Valkyrie Crusade.

Worms Crazy Golf is, literally, a blast. It's a great spin (pun intended) on both artillery and golf titles, blending both genres together to create something that's new and different.

Letterpress manages to make a new and addicting game with elements of some familiar titles. Its extremely stripped-down look puts focus on the game, and there's a whole lot to love there. Prepare yourself before diving into this title, because you're probably not going to put it down after picking it up.

Even before the added bonus of unlocking and mastering all the different remedies’ changes and effects, Remedy Rush was already a satisfyingly deep puzzle-runner with a lot of little details and clever strategies—like bumping back into aggressive germs—that are a treat to uncover and employ. It’s a game that’s as much fun to learn as it is to master, and we’ve far from mastered it. We’re looking forward to many, many more sick days to come.

Despite its lack of realism, fans of flight will want to sample it-as will anyone else who's just in the mood for a whimsical iOS game.

An utterly adorable iOS app. The game is approachable, offers plenty of bang for your buck, and the enjoyment you'll get out of playing through its many levels is priceless. I do wish earned stars were currency I could do more with, but for the asking price, Early Bird is about as good as mobile gaming gets.

If you're looking for a tough dungeon-crawler to eat up your time and spit it back out as XP, grit and fun, Legends of Loot is well worth a bash, especially if it's a free experience you're after.

This is a great looking arcade experience that plays like a dream, and will likely spend a good long while on the home page of your device.

I suppose that’s the hallmark of a real solitaire game: despite its digital debut, Sage Solitaire has the potential to grow well beyond the borders of a touch screen.

The game definitely doesn’t cheap out when it comes to its aesthetic. From the in-between-shows videos, the graphics and the collectibles, it’s obvious that this isn’t a hollow cash-in – it’s been made with real reverence. Sure, if you hate Queen this isn’t going to change your mind, and it lacks the communal nature of the very best rhythm games. But as a brilliant, well put-together traditional solo rhythm experience, it’s hard to beat.

While some might be a little dismayed by the somewhat sexist approach to female characters and the clothes they wear, this is mostly a fighting game that rarely misses a beat. Finally, fighting game fans have the ideal game to take on their daily commute.

The gameplay is a tried-and-true obstacle runner, but it’s the almost-impossible difficulty, well-designed levels, and the treat of getting to watch the audio and video work together to deliver a surprisingly energetic performance that really kept me hitting the replay button.

Just like the original, Badland 2 is an easy recommendation. It’s stylish, sleek, challenging, and most importantly: it’s fun.

Overall, I really do love Super Mario Bros Wonder. It brings in classic elements of past games but sprinkles in a ton of new features to create something new. I love the variety of characters you can play as, and the variety of new items and power-ups. I’m a big fan of the badges and think they are really useful! Some levels and boss fights are easy compared to past games. I think they could have squeezed in a few more levels in each world too. It is a magical and vibrant experience for all ages! Not to mention, it has a super catchy soundtrack (Piranha Plants On Parade is a true masterpiece)

It is a grand feat of compelling interactive storytelling that will keep you thinking long after all the clips have been uncovered and watched.

Opening up new highways beyond the initial country road is admittedly expensive (though you can grab them through an in-app purchase), but honestly, careening down the free highway provided should keep you engaged for hours anyway.

While Glu Mobile doesn’t stray too far from what made the first Gun Bros. so great, there’s still a part of me that would have liked to see the game take a few more risks, and really introduce some things we’ve never seen before. But that’s still a really minor complaint, as this is still a Gun Bros. game we’re talking about here, and as such, it’s a complete blast to play through.

Assuming additional episodes maintain the same quality of this first entry, The Silent Age will continue to be a must-play series well into the future.

There are numerous interesting puzzles that unfold because of the game’s unusual mechanics and set up, and it would be almost unfair to ruin any of them for you here. We’d therefore recommend trying out A Space For The Unbound if you’re looking for something that’s clearly been made with love and passion – it’s hard not to be whisked away by its charms.

Manages to get a lot of things right, like the story, style, and basic gameplay mechanics, though the game's high amount of difficulty will probably turn off some players. Now that Red Wasp Design has released an update, this is arguably one of the best turn-based strategy titles on the App Store. Fans of horror and turn-based strategy alike, consider this one a must buy.

If just one of Frozen Synapse’s many game modes was available on iPad, it would be one of the most original and rewarding tactical experiences on the platform. With everything else on offer, itmay just be the One.

Kingdom Rush deserves a lot of goodwill, simply because it's able to make tower defense gameplay feel fresh and fun. In addition to the deep, challenging gameplay, the game's production values are simply outstanding. This is easily one of the best tower defense games currently in the App Store.

I would be remiss if I didn't take at least a moment to talk about the game's visuals, because they are stunning. The way Chaos Rings II depicts a world without time is breathtaking, with droplets from frozen waterfalls hanging suspended in space and time and cherry blossom leaves hanging in midair, their voyage to the ground interrupted. This is the sort of game that makes you wonder just how impressive games can look on an iPhone, and if we're just scratching the surface of what the device can truly do.

Ultimately, Sticky Business has perfected the art of relaxation whenever you need to take a break from the hustle bustle of reality.

The game isn't quite perfect, but it still comes really close. Now we just need to cross our fingers and hope Super C(ontra) receives the same treatment.

Swipe Me Out is a simple game with simple rules, simple IAP options, and is, simply, very fun.

Seal Force is simply a joy to play. The gameplay is incredibly well-done, but it's the overall feel here that makes this such a winning title. It's just almost impossible not to find yourself grinning while you play it, which is pretty much the only appropriate reaction when it comes to watching commando seals take on armies of mutant shellfish.

Easily the crowning jewel, though, is the way that form mirrors function in this evocative outing.

Maybe the repetition inherent in Fastlane could work against it as well, but you’ll likely find yourself more motivated by ways of beating your longest run and caught up in everything else it has to offer. This is one of those mobile games you didn’t realize you really wanted, and more of those are always welcome.

This is truly a must-have game for the iPhone.

Just about perfect as a tactical game on the iPhone. It's beautiful, it's engaging, and it's a lot of fun to play. The only problem that it has -aside from the somewhat steep learning curve- is this title isn't universal for iOS devices, so folks trying to enjoy this on the iPad won't get a great-looking game if they play it in its full-screen mode. Other than that? It's rare to find something as excellent (and epic) as this.

If you’ve got the time and the storage to spare and love card battlers, or if for some reason it took The Elder Scrolls to finally drag you into this genre, you’re going to want to give this game a try and very well might find it your newest mobile addiction. Let’s hear it for iteration.

This oddball mix of roguelike and rhythm game is a ton of fun. It’s definitely earned all the praise, and it feels right at home on a touch screen.

The bottom line here is that you're just not going to find many top-down dungeon crawlers better than this one. Warhammer Quest is an outstanding example of the genre, and proof that you don't always need a new trick to impress the crowd if you can perform your old trick really, really well.

Doodle Jump 2 captures delight and squishes it down, with finesse and care, into a small parcel that fits so well in the palm of your hand that when you put it down, for a few seconds at least, you’ll feel bereft. It is the very, very best at what it does, and what it does is bounce and make you smile.

Coin Drop may seem pretty simple at first, but it's a blast and will keep most players entertained for quite some time.

It's a must-download for anyone who enjoys games that require fast reflexes and quick thinking, or just wants to have a blast while making sure humanity sticks around for a while.

King Oddball is a nearly perfect gameplay experience, with just the right level of strange to remain memorable. I would call it the new Angry Birds, but it's more than that: it's the new King Oddball.

Totem Runner, at its core, is another side-scrolling runner, which isn't exactly the most complex genre on the planet. While it may not bring revolutionary new depth to iOS gaming, though, it deserves attention because it's such an impressive artistic achievement.

While it certainly took it’s time getting released, Tales From The Borderlands – Episode 2: Atlas Mugged retains the charm and adventure that made the first episode such a memorable experience.

With so many uninspired clones and copycats on the App Store, Telepaint is a puzzler that stands apart from the pack in quality.

Fetch is a game that oozes personality, thanks in no small part to its gorgeous visuals, lively world, and less-is-more approach to storytelling. If you’ve been in search of a solid point-and-click adventure game —and you’re not a dyed in the wool cat person—you won’t regret picking this one up.

I had refused to believe a game like this could succeed on mobile, but Afterpulse has proved me wrong.

As Martha Stewart might say if she was into D&D in her younger days, that's a good thing dungeon master.

Mikey Hooks' only real hiccup is that the controls aren't perfect. I know, I know, I said that they are some of the best platforming controls I've had the pleasure to play on a touch-screen - but they're still not spot-on. The sliding in particular feels irksome at times, especially on the later levels which require far more precision thanks to the plethora of spikes and traps scattered about the place.

In a pinch, it's great for a quick Star Fox fix. Beyond that, it's an amazing arcade shooter that's easy to lose yourself in. I'm heading back in; all aircraft report.

In a world where puzzlers are content to remain cut from the same cloth, twofold inc. breaks the mold, and you’ll definitely be thankful for it.

Mario Kart Tour isn’t perfect, but it is Nintendo’s best offering on mobile yet, and one that manages to completely avoid pay to win in the freemium space. That’s pretty commendable stuff.

It's hard to find fault with a game like Tasty Tadpoles. Everything it does it does well, and it doesn't try to add unnecessary elements like mini-games, in-app purchases, or other gimmicks. This, combined with its friendly artwork and simple layout, makes it a fantastic game for adults and children alike. Tasty Tadpoles is easy to play and impossible not to enjoy!

Its simplicity allows players to focus on the big picture aspects of building, directing, and growth, while its puzzle-like room construction adds a layer of complexity that encourages different approaches each playthrough.

Deeply addictive, wonderfully presented and filled with non-violent goodness, it's almost a crime to not get Air Penguin. I'd say more but the only thing that is crossing my mind in regards to my opinion of the game is the word 'Perfect'.

All told, Asphalt 9: Legends offers a lot to like both for devoted fans of the series — of which there are undoubtedly many, given its longevity — and for people simply looking for a new free-to-play game with outstanding production values. While we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves or put any pressure on Gameloft after they just released this one, you get the impression that this franchise will definitely see its tenth game, and probably many more beyond that too.

If you like cosy fantasy games, but with a hint of action, then Elrentros Wanderings comes highly recommended – as long as you’re okay with things getting a little repetitive at times.

The Journey Down: Chapter Two is hard to put down, and is absolutely worth your time, regardless of if you play point-and-click adventures, though definitely check out chapter one first if possible.

Its speedy combat and inbuilt adversity make it a great candidate for the app treatment. A skilled app designer and an experienced author have collaborated and managed the rare feat of creating something greater than the sum of their individual talents.