Oh Death Road to Canada, how I’ve waited for this moment. How I’ve longed for getting digital facsimiles of myself and my friends killed as I clumsily try to make my way through your particular brand of zombie apocalypse. So you have a few flaws. I have several myself. What truly matters is that we can finally be together — and I can’t ever imagine a day where that won’t be the case again.

But for the attentive explorer, for the player who takes the game at their own pace and stops to smell the drum sticks, Adventures of Poco Eco will be a rare treat.

The annoying puzzles in Act 2 don’t negate this. And while we sometimes felt Act 2 was just a lightly modified Act 1, if you enjoyed the first half, there’s only more to love here. Unlike Shay, we don’t want to get off this ship. But, like Vella, we wouldn’t mind a few more explosions.

HoPiKo’s repetition is what helps you learn the ins and outs of every segment and level. That doesn’t mean things don’t get a little frustrating, though. But having to “Play it again, Sam” barely makes a dent on HoPiKo’s crimson finish. Try playing it at the start of your day. It’s like electric coffee.

Each day you survive brings with it new challenges, both in gameplay and narrative.

In the end, your Hackycat experience is entirely what you make it: whether you only have 10 minutes to kill, or several hours to spend building up your attributes and adopting every cat.

Rather than trying to make game experiences more cinematic, Telltale is trying to make cinematic experiences more like a game.

At launch, the promised network multiplayer mode was a no-show, and selecting that mode confusingly sends you back to the App Store to download the latest version of the game. There’s also no difference between the campaigns for each country, so buying them is really a matter of whether you want the different planes to fly.

To anyone bemoaning the empty tapping of today’s mobile games, Lifeline 2 offers a rich narrative experience sure to satisfy lovers of the written word.

A must-have for any fan of the new cartoon, save for those who might hate endless runners. Even then, we'd urge you to give this one a chance, as it just may sway your opinion. Michael Bay news/rumors aside, Nickelodeon has otherwise done a stellar job managing the franchise since acquiring it, and this game continues that trend.

Not many video games, let alone mobile games, are challenging, thought-provoking and dripping with high production values, but République manages to pull off that hat trick again.

It is simple, poignant, and horrifying. Be warned, the story is one of psychological torture and manipulative terrorizing. But it is a privilege to experience. Enjoy your stay.

Get it, play it, enjoy it – just don’t let the powers that be know how much fun you’re having throwing a monkey wrench into the machine of authority.

It’s the kind of indie puzzle delight that should stick in your memory for a while to come. It’ll easily remind you of just what can be accomplished when a developer pays attention to what works so well on a mobile format. The only thing you’ll be wishing for is the addition of more levels.

With lots of incentives to keep playing, a fun-loving presentation, and smooth and speedy gameplay mechanics manning the helm, I think I’ll choose the simple arcade game over the big, fancy production any day.

Elf Defense is a really great game. Between the addictive gameplay, the stunning visuals, and the clever (but not necessary) in-app purchase system, developer Jellyoasis has managed to really knock this out of the park.

Those are very minor qualms that shouldn’t stop you from playing Battleheart Legacy if you’re into the genre at all. The search for a really rewarding mobile-first RPG can almost be like an epic quest of its own, but even without a big flashing arrow to guide you, rest assured that it leads to this game.

Spider-Fans and endless runners alike shouldn’t miss this one.

The game not only delivers a (relatively) smooth hack-and-slash experience, but the gameplay difficulty is very well balanced.

It's really hard to convey just how strange and wonderful a game Pizza vs. Skeletons truly is.

Rodeo Stampede is a lot of fun.

Simply put, the original Motorsport Manager was great and somehow this just made everything even better. It’s an essential purchase.

All in all this is the sort of game that’s great to spend a few hours with. It stretches you in the right directions, tickling your grey matter in ways that other experiences don’t. Along with making you think about what you’re doing, this is a story that will really make you think. And that’s exactly the sort of thing we need more of.

As an Angry Birds game, it's great. As a Star Wars tie-in, it's great. Overall, Angry Birds Star Wars is everything you were hoping for, and it handily proves skeptics wrong.

Royal Detective: Queen of Shadows builds a solid gameplay base with an equal balance of exploration, item-based puzzle solving, hidden object scenes, and mini-games. Wrapped around that is a stunning audio-visual package that draws you in from the very beginning. It’s a high quality adventure game with enough twists to keep you engaged all evening.

Guns, fungus, sweat, and desperate word-making: Moldicide has it all.

The only real complaint to be had with Groove Coaster is that there isn't more of it.

Drop Wizard is an easy to play, charming one-screen platformer that plays excellently. If you’re looking for accessible old school fun, give this one a play.

There really isn’t much bad to say about Ridge Racer Slipstream, and it stands to reason, as Namco Bandai have been producing installments for almost every platform imaginable for so long, they seem to more or less have it down to a science.

If your favorite part of the winter finally giving way to warmer weather is the thought that the boys of summer will soon be back in action, this is the game you’ll want on your phone or tablet ASAP.

Of all the battle royale games available on mobile this ranks amongst the most polished, the most well-balanced and the most entertaining. It’s a big, complex, AAA experience that’s going to leave you with a massive grin on your face. Apex Legends Mobile is well worth checking out.

Taken together, though, the two Spider games create an amazing gaming event that’s not to be missed. The disturbing narrative that spans both titles is best experienced via playing through each, the two threads of a dark and consuming web.

Even if FakePup reneges on their promise for an extra mode, it wouldn't be that big of a travesty because what is currently on offer is so great. The smooth controls, fantastic pacing and the thrill of beating you and your friend's high score make this a game that you simply should not pass up.

Bug Heroes 2 succeeds at practically everything it sets out to do. Its graphics are great (check out the detail on the bumble bee soldier's fuzzy coat), the fighters' bug-like voices are adorable, if a little hard to understand, and there's enough content to keep you busy for a while.

It may have lost a little bit of its personal touch, but for better or worse, Casey's Contraptions is Amazing Alex now. And with the same great gameplay, a dauntingly endless set of custom levels, and a company behind that has the resources to churn out tons of free content? I'd say that's better. Amazing, even.

Proof that these brands should have been on mobile all along. Took you long enough, Nintendo, but here’s hoping you stick around for a while.

Boss battles are somewhat lacklustre, never quite fulfilling their potential. That’s a fairly small issue, however, in an otherwise great game. While you never knew that you needed this mash up in your life, it’ll be hard to forget about for a while to come. Arkanoid vs Space Invaders is a well pitched and highly enjoyable title. You’ll soon remember why the two respective games were so addictive back in the day.

It's a fun and challenging game, though not especially deep, and it felt like we were almost nitpicking to come up with any flaws for it. It does what it sets out to do very well, and features additional modes such as Tournament and Time Attack to provide a little more variety. It might prove a little too simplistic for some gamers who don't fancy the old-school style, but for those looking to embrace a new style of arcade challenge, you can't go wrong with CandyMeleon.

It can’t be easy making mobile games with an educational bent, as they have to compete with more mindless fare for both mind share and precious space on people’s mobile devices. The best way to win that battle is to be fun enough for kids to want to play them and smart enough for parents to want them around, and The Counting Kingdom succeeds on both fronts.

A refreshing blast from the past, an endless shooter that gives you a gun and a simple task, survive as long as you can. No frills, no tricks, and pure fun.

Twilight Struggle is both a less demanding entry into the game for first time players and a perfect way for more seasoned gamers to take their addiction with them on the go. It won’t be for everyone, but the people who like it will absolutely love it.

While I'll admit Fruit Ninja is a little slicker in its presentation, I've enjoyed playing Ninja Fishing far more, and at the end, isn't that really what matters?

This is one long quest, but it will never drag on.

Hammer Bomb is pretty darn fun, all things considered. It’s simple, sure, but it also has some nuance to it – and you always feel like you’re getting somewhere. PAC-MAN would never survive a maze quite like this.

It’s all fairly lightweight stuff, but that’s what works so well for Flipping Legend. It’s ideal for frantic but brief gaming sessions, and is sure to stick around on your phone for a while to come.

Teeny Titans is a brilliant mash-up of RPG ideas, all gelled together by a top notch presentation and a clear passion for the source material.

If you have even the slightest fondness for Dragon Quest, or RPGs in general, Dragon Quest VIII will be a worthy addition to your mobile games library.

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration serves to teach – and remind – us of a time in gaming that was very different to the one we live in now. One that was perhaps a little more exciting and imaginative. If you go in with an open and inquisitive mind there’s almost endless entertainment to be found here. Trust us.

While different versions of RollerCoaster Tycoon has been available for mobile for quite a while now, it’s never been as good as it is with RollerCoaster Tycoon Touch, the first iteration of the game that fully takes advantage of the capabilities of today’s mobile devices.

Despite the game’s familiar nature (especially for Infinity Blade fans), there’s no getting around it: Stormblades is one of the best games we’ve played this year.

Fantasy Life has something for everyone and feels like an expansive, multi-layered adventure.

It’s cute, highly accessible, and offers a fair challenge.

Synesthetic is a game any music lover should pick up. When I played my first round, all I could do was smile. It looks good, it feels good. It's a trip. This game won't be leaving my iPad anytime soon.

Cat Quest combines epic world-building with endearing and self-aware humor into a package that should not be missed. Fur real.

It’s the kind of game you can easily find yourself getting lost in for hours at a time even when you aren’t making progress toward the end of the story. That’s good value, especially when you consider that it’s only a few bucks for iOS or Android. We may get too sidetracked along the way to ever jump through every portal, but we’re definitely anticipating having a lot of fun regardless.

While the strength of the game is variety, it's also its downfall. With only one map at launch, it can get boring to play the same landscape over and over. Not to mention some people discover their favorite spots and refuse to leave. When more content comes out, the game will be that much better. But when the biggest complaint one can file is "I want more!" then the game is doing something right.

So for everyone who’s always wanted a hardcore gaming experience on a mobile device, while still maintaining that simplicity of design and addictive short bursts of gameplay, then Dungeonism is most definitely the dungeon crawler for you. And if anything, it can always teach you a thing or two about making it out alive.

Dead Trigger 2 provides enough options to suit just about any playing style, and the sheer level of content is jaw-dropping.

Variety is Sea of Lies’ strongest point. The story is told in chapters, with each one unveiling a clever little twist once you complete it. You’ve also got a handy little kit you’ll use to dust objects for fingerprints, seeing as how you’re a detective and all. Those two features alone keep you guessing as to what to do next, but throw in the clever hidden object scenes and gold hunting mini-game and you’ve got an excuse to keep playing all the way to the end.

It’s a fun little Peggle-like game that rewards skill rather than simply having the player rely on luck, and as a result, brings something truly fresh to an already well-worn genre.

The highest compliment I can pay to Catch-22 is that it feels like it was ripped right from the universe of the Rand and Robyn Miller's Myst.

If you loved the original Oxenfree game, you’ll adore this follow-up title. It retains the familiar qualities of the first entry but offers more than enough new elements alongside this to feel fresh. You can definitely play Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals without playing the first game too, but doing so will provide you with a little more context as to what exactly is going on.

Magic Flute by Mozart is a well put together puzzle game that will keep you entertained in its entirety making it well worth picking up.

The price is fair considering these games in physical form will set you back a pretty penny nowadays, meaning this is a collection that’s worth investigating for those who are curious about a cult classic handheld – or are just looking for a blast of sweet nostalgia.

Tiny Troopers heads into the trenches and emerges victorious, as this is one war you won't want to pull your troops out of.

The simple to understand game mechanic of delays and time kept leading me down more and more paths of strategy the longer I played. This is definitely one of those "minute to learn, lifetime to master" games. You can burst out of the gate as a beginner and feel like you understand the game and do pretty well, but the longer you play the more the game reveals itself to you – and that's the mark of a great experience.

So after firing off what must have been thousands of arrows and electrocuting every armor-wearing skeleton this side of the crypts, I can easily say that Skull Legends is one of the most refreshing takes on a mobile tower defense game that I’ve played in quite a while.

It may come at a premium price, but if you’re looking for a premium RPG experience, this is it. Don’t worry if you haven’t played the past games in the series. Chaos Rings III is new-player friendly, and I’m living proof.

It's a rewarding and satisfying puzzle game whose cute look and increasingly hard solutions make it a good fit for casual and hardcore puzzle game fans alike.

Linelight is the sort of game I never get tired of stumbling upon. It’s an unexpected gem — slightly imperfect, but far too interesting and charming in its ambition for me to care. Not that it’s hurting for accolades, but if you haven’t tried Linelight, yet you definitely should.

FlipShip manages to take elements of a few terrific games and combine them into something fresh and new, proving once again that the whole can sometimes be greater than the sum of its parts. We would've liked to see a few more modes thrown into the mix, but overall, FlipShip is a terrific little high score chaser that nigh impossible to put down. Consider this one a must buy.

When Time Surfer does require your input, it's one of the most rewarding experiences you'll find in an "endless" game to date. Even after playing the first 500 meters over and over again, and only seeing the back 3,000 thanks to serious sympathy from the game, I cannot put it down.

There's so much to do in the game and, more importantly, those things are all fun. Plus, you can finally take out your anger on that darn McDonal...opps, we mean McJoint.

2-Bit Cowboy is both accessible and fun, but the level of challenge offered by each level’s multiple goals means you’ll want to explore, and the more you explore the more chances you have to encounter death.

Unless you play MAMC strictly for Endless Mode, Super Monsters Ate My Condo is absolutely the superior game and what the original should have been, even if we didn't realize it at the time. It retains all of the ridiculous charm and ingenuity from its predecessor, sandwiched between more, more, more: more content, more hooks, and more fun. That's a combo any monster would salivate over.

In a sense, Bike Baron lacks originality. But when it comes to the outstanding level design, high visual polish, and uniqueness in being the only great game of its kind on the App Store, it's hard to criticize the developers for being influenced by some great games and wanting to perfect that formula for a different platform.

This is the kind of game that reminds you that good design and fun mechanics can make even relatively simple concepts shine, and it certainly falls into the “easy to learn, hard to master” category that was the developer’s intended goal.

Tiny Games is not really a game. It’s an enabler of play. And I mean play in the loosest sense: whoever you are, wherever you are, whoever you’re with, there will probably be something here that entertains and delights you, and probably several things that will irritate and embarrass you, too.

Dorfromanik succeed in nearly all it sets out to do – delivering a fun, relaxing and addictive gameplay loop that’s perfectly suited for the Switch. If you want a game that’s easy to pick up and play in and play in between this holiday’s bigger release, Dorfromanik is just the ticket.

This is a brilliant jumping on place for Noodlecake’s ridiculous golfing franchise, and if you’ve ever glanced at the other games and wondered if they were for you, then this should be the title that finally pushes you to take the plunge. It’s the sort of experience that will leave you with a smile on your face, and sometimes that’s all you can ask for.

Bit City is a solid, and highly addictive game that is as close to as perfect a blend of clicker and city builder as you’re likely to find anywhere. It might not make a lot of game of the year lists, but it’s one that’s unlikely to be forgotten quickly.

Overall, Might & Magic: Elemental Guardians isn’t a particularly unique experience, but what it lacks in innovation, it more than makes up for with polish. The animations, visuals, and overall feel just oozes quality, and that alone just might make this the hero collector RPG for you.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your arcade library, or you fancy seeing just how fiendish and addictive mobile gaming can be, then this is a great shout. It’s fast, it’s frenetic, it’s a bunch of other things that start with F, and it deserves to be played by as many people as possible.

Full of variety, truly innovative, and uncompromisingly willing to mix things up, The World Ends With You: Solo Remix is a game every iOS RPG fan should have, and one every fan of the series should have all over again.

The game is tough, but simple to play and charming.

Overall, Return to Grisly Manor is a gratifying experience filled with smart ways of interacting with space and the objects in that space. Immersive and inventive, the thoughtfulness of the game’s creators can be felt with each new door that opens and each new tool that twists and turns. It’s a treat to play and will entertain anyone who craves a little mystery in their lives.

Taking to the stage is an absolute blast, and there’s something to be said for the unique MTV-style approach of GHTV. The new guitar is tougher to use, but maybe a new challenge is exactly what old pros need.

Its quick pace, combined with the simple fun of line-drawing, makes it a must-play, particularly for people that need to waste small bursts of time during a commute.

TwinGo! is an experience which is simple, yet challenging (and very accommodating), and full of charm -- the happy Natsu and surly Fuyo are hard to dislike, with their different animations and demeanors, but don't go so overboard with it as to be thought of as "cutesy," which is a fine and difficult line to walk.

There are a ridiculous amount of gameplay quirks and twists to keep you engaged from start to finish.

Asphalt 8: Airborne's numerous features and modes, including multiplayer, help round out this package. It's an easy recommendation for anyone who likes their racers a little more realistic than a cartoon kart racer, but with a healthy dose of over-the-top arcade action.

Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is a full-featured, often hilarious tycoon adventure that places you at the forefront of theme park and roller coaster construction, and if you’ve got a few bucks to throw down on it, it’s highly recommended that you do — especially if you come from a Roller Coaster Tycoon pedigree from your youth as I did.

Assuming Nintendo adds new animal campers, furniture, and clothing; allows for more expansions to your RV and (hopefully) the Campsite; opens up additional islands; and introduces holiday events to go along with the changing seasons, Pocket Camp will be a fantastic Animal Crossing game for years to come. The current iteration is already an exceptional transition of the series to mobile, complete with a large cast of animals with tons of adorable interactions and charming dialogue options (these animals are unapologetic coffee snobs); plenty of things to do, collect, and decorate; and the relaxing, open-ended gameplay we know and love coupled with more specific goals to work toward. The opportunity for regular future updates could make Pocket Camp the best Animal Crossing entry yet, but like every other real-time event in this series: we’ll have to wait and see.

In all honesty, I’d probably have been okay with something that was just Warhammer 40K Battle Chess (and the Classic Mode skirmish option is exactly that). Chances are I’d have been left wanting more, but overall it would’ve been okay. Instead, Warhammer 40K: Regicide provides something unexpected and, dare I say, refreshing.

Nimblebit has once again dropped you in the middle of a universe that feels like it was built just for you, and filled it with a deeper, more compelling mission. If you love strategizing, organizing, building something, and watching it grow, you'll love this game. Oh, and fun. If you love fun.

Whether you're a fan of the franchise or simply love a good endless mobile game, Skylanders Cloud Patrol is an absolute must buy. The fast-paced finger-drawing, variety of enemies and formations, and plenty of upgrades to unlock will keep you coming back again and again.

The game is barely a week old, and like Fruit Ninja, is ripe for more modes (and terrible puns, evidently). With a price of entry that can't be beat, and a rare je ne sais quoi, 8bit Ninja comes highly recommended. You might just find it sneaking up and becoming your new iOS addiction.

One of those games that sounds like it might be stupid but winds up being stupidly fun. It's adorable and strange and just violent enough to be goofily awesome.