Even lacking the punch of the opening act, From The Ashes is a solid follow up that has left me wanting more. In shifting down gears for a slower paced story with less “shocking” moments, the foundation has been laid for more explosive future episodes.

In this 2¼D world, Not a Hero is largely successful in imitating the frenetic action of Devolver’s other gore-fest Hotline Miami. It also plays very similarly to the aforementioned Broforce, letting you have your twisted, violent fun in the first few levels as you blast your way through the enemies with as little restraint as you desire.

There’s loads of unlockables and a nice little nod to Canabalt (look out for the birds), ensuring Bill Killem remains a fine quick fix experience for those gamers who view Duke Nukem as a class act. [Episode 5, June 2014]

Despite many of the ideas on display in developer Gibs & Gore’s anatomical platformer aren’t exactly original, it remains a well-made experience, benefiting from a unique visual style and extremely good controls. That said, the ruthless difficulty ensures its place as one of gaming’s great masochists. [Episode 5, June 2014]

It’s not a new concept by any stretch, but much like NimbleBit’s Tiny Death Star, Assault Team feels like an authentic Star Wars experience. Hearing Chewbacca’s roar, R2D2’s squeaks and Han’s cynical quips gave me a great sense of satisfaction. Plus I found myself pushing on and playing for just that little while longer for the simple joy of seeing which of the series’ many classic characters I’d pick up next. [Episode 4, April 2014]

I can’t see Dudeski setting the iOS world on fire, but it does provide enough warmth to make it worth stopping by for a pleasant downhill session every now and then. [Episode 4, April 2014]

The beauty of Shapist rests in its simplicity, with the interface stripped back to its barest essentials. There are no time limits or scores: not even any words or a tutorial. I found it incredibly cathartic to just sit back and solve a bunch of puzzles without any expectations placed on me. [Episode 4, April 2014]

A few additional environments and more meaningful collectibles would add some needed depth. That being said, digiKhel’s first iOS game is worth its weight in gold, especially considering it is a one-man effort. I am very excited to see what his future efforts will yield.

CLARC shapes up as a great foundation for first-time iOS developer Golden Tricycle. Its core concept is simple, but when coupled with striking visuals, odd characters and wonderfully crafted puzzles, CLARC positions itself as a great base to build a library of memorable iOS titles around. [Episode 6, July 2014]

Too often my victories felt like strokes of luck instead of skilled management. Yet there is an obvious heart to Armstrong’s David that carries it over the line, delivering a beautifully depicted and high-concept arcade experience that you can enjoy for free. [Episode 6, July 2014]

An impressive debut from developer Flat Earth Games, TownCraft is a robust package that will have you happily sinking countless hours into building your own world without ever realising it.

Hyperfocal Designs should be commended for creating a title that can be at times a warm, calming meander through space, yet at others a cruel and punishing challenge from the pits of hell, reminding you that you can never take a second for granted. If you're feeling stressed, grab a beverage, your favourite pair of headphones and pick up a copy of Unknown Orbit.

When you can and can't swipe isn't really explained either. I learnt purely through some frustrating trial and error that you can swipe horizontally during a vertical dash, but not vertically mid-horizontal dash. Asides from these minor issues, Duke Dashington is a pithy if busy puzzler that will leave you wanting more. I finished the four temples in just over an hour, which for a game where each level lasts no more than ten seconds, means a whole lot of gameplay in such a tiny package.

Super Secret Service’s impressive visuals and catchy melodies set the stage for a simple and increasingly frenetic passion project that harkens back to the simpler days of gaming.

I’ve had a great time playing Back to Bed, just don't play before bedtime, all this talk of sleeping and not sleeping can keep you awake for hours.

Formula Legend is already a fun experience, but more importantly, it’s also a solid foundation from which BeerMogul Games can build a truly comprehensive and great F1 management sim. [Issue 0, January 2014]

With an intuitive interface, a thoughtful premise and engaging gameplay, Magnetized is about as close to iOS perfection as you can get. [Issue 1, February 2014]

There are some interesting ideas here, such as being able to control individual parts of your vehicle that have differing functions, and some imaginative level design, but I would be remiss if I didn't point out how heavily it borrows from Bad Piggies, minus that game's extra layer of polish.

Electric Mammoth aren't trying to change the world with this addictive tap ‘n’ swipe arcade fix, but it's clear that a lot of fun was had making this game. It's totally worth a play.

Yet I remain super impressed with Blowfish Meets Meteor. The instantly likeable visuals and unique presentation are evidence of a game given lots of love. Furthermore, there is a true sense of satisfaction at beating some of the trickier levels and bosses.

The game’s total length of twelve levels feels like a fair proposition for the money you’ll spend, and there is not an IAP in sight. Had the game gone on for longer, I would have really needed more variety to hold my interest - as it stands, Ammo Pigs only just outstays its welcome.

Admittedly, .PXL does not boast much staying power and you’ll probably delete it off you iPad after a few weeks. Nonetheless, for a free game (if you can stand the intrusive ads), it’s a good time waster. Just be mindful that you probably will lose your temper more than once.

Yes, I have had some issues with Ronin, but I’ve still had fun. Enjoyable and frustrating this game may be, when all is said and done, there isn’t anything quite as satisfying as surprise tossing a thug out of a tenth story window and watching him sail into the darkness.

Playing more like snooker on acid than soccer, it’s a fun little distraction, albeit a non-essential one. It really does feel like something brainstormed at a Game Jam, polished for a week or so and (kind of) thrown onto the App Store. [Episode 5, June 2014]

While it isn’t the most polished way to relive some of platform gaming’s finest moments, Retro Runner: Princess Power makes an earnest attempt at fulfilling its premise and does take a fond look back at some of the characters, art and tropes that have made the genre such a classic. [Episode 5, June 2014]

I’m not sure if Instantion was already well into development when The Swapper came out or not, but its interesting premise is weakened by the fact the idea has already been done, and more effectively (albeit on other platforms), too. It makes Instantion a hard sell. It delivers on enough of what it sets out to do to provide some mild entertainment, but if I did have an army of clones at my dispersal, I might choose to cook dinner and hand Instantion over to one of them.

Isle of Bxnes is unrepentant in its brutality and challenge, and its inaccessibility will be a turn off for many people. But if you’re willing to dig in and master the fiddly controls, you will unearth the bones of a very solid roguelike.

Despite occasional frustrations, Castle of Illusion is a fun and visually impressive rework of a true classic. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d played this experience in too many different guises over the years to fully enjoy it.