For a mobile title the visuals are quite stunning, on par with some console and PC games that I’ve come across. Each dungeon is intricately detailed with macabre little items, like blood splatter, skeletons twisted in agony and grotesque monsters. It makes me all the more sadder that we may never see more of this twisted universe given that Techland has shelved plans for the console experience.

SMG Studio knows how to craft a game that digs its claws into you and refuses to let go. Although One More Dash isn’t drastically different from One More Line, it does enough to feel fresh and still manages to retain that compulsive feeling that will have you screaming ‘just one more dash!'

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.

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.

I enjoyed the game enough to warrant the purchase of a few booster packs (thankfully I managed to keep it at a few). I’m sure that if you spent enough money, your people could live like royalty in a safeguarded oasis, away from all the ghouls, raiders and rad-roaches. But, then what? It becomes a base-building sim just like any other.

Crescent Moon Games and Cinopt Studios have delivered a game that is frustrating, glitchy and pretty dull in spite of its genuinely beautiful pixel-style graphics and pleasing ambient soundtrack. Bambi was lambasted for almost half a decade before being recognised as a cinematic masterpiece, so there is a chance that in years (and patches) to come my opinion of The Deer God may change – but probably not.

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.

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.

More than any other version of Magic, Origins welcomes newcomers with open arms. But this is still the game that die hard veterans have come to know and love, offering strategic depth that will please for a long time to come. Truly, Origins is the definitive digital version of magic to own.

Mad Fellows has completely knocked this one out of the park. Even though I’m not a massive fan of the electronic genre, I was still sucked in by the (mostly) solid tracks and tight gameplay. Without a doubt, Norris and Horbury have leveraged their considerable experience to deliver an incredibly solid music rhythm game on mobile devices that has the potential to entertain for years to come.

For a first outing, Satellina is an incredibly solid effort from developer Moon Kid. It’s a game that has the potential to appeal to a wide audience and one that could easily eat up a large portion of your time if you do get sucked into competing with other people via the leaderboards.

Industrial Toys has achieved what it set out to do. It's created a mobile FPS that not only works, but one that offers an enjoyable challenge, a fleshed out comic book infused sci-fi universe, and enough player rivalry to keep you coming back for more. And although this fantastic shooter will be tarnished with the unattractive elements that the free-to-play model brings with it, I’ll undoubtedly be plugging away on the leaderboards with my standard issue arsenal for some time to come.

Rival Games has kicked off The Detail with an unforgettable first episode, setting a very high bar for itself. With so many different story threads started, the challenge will be to weave those threads together into a rich and satisfying tapestry that involves the player. And this is all while seeking to recapture that explosive opening where the player is pushed to look within themselves without necessarily finding a “right” answer.

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.

Aside from a few minor frustrations, White Night as a whole should be considered a success. The narrative answers just about every question you could possibly have about the story - even the ones you may not have considered, such as "why are there so many matches lying around this forsaken mansion?" And, though the game’s graphical merits may not sell copies, it is for me, as good a reason as any to jump in and experience this Hitchcockian adventure.

Lastronaut won’t gain points for originality, but the end package has all its disparate influences tied together so charmingly, it's a compliment to this auto-running love-letter, and Henein and Leroux should be proud of their accomplishment.

Tormentum - Dark Sorrow is a light in the darkness - or is that the other way around? You'll be hard pressed to find a game as stunningly dark as this. If you think you can deal with the incredibly dark themes and art style, you'll be well rewarded with an intriguing story set in a surreal word even H.R. Giger would be proud to call his own.

Hot Tin Roof: The Cat That Wore a Fedora gives you a comical world to explore, interesting characters and enough collectibles to keep you plugging away. And, although many of its greatest qualities are dulled by odd design choices, it’s still a worthy addition to the Steam store that should satisfy gamers with a penchant for discovery.

It's evident that Gameloft has in its ranks the talent necessary to craft an epic, rich action-RPG - and I'd dearly like to see the development team do just that - but DH5 is not that game. There's certainly excellent examples of those on iOS, and players after such adventures would do well to grab Iesabel or Battleheart Legacy and forget this title.

Although a brief foray into one of Telltale's most exhilarating series, is an addition that manages to amplify the comedy while also doing justice to each character’s arc. And although its combat scenes never quite live up to the grand spectacles of the first episode, there is still plenty to love about our second outing with the hapless vault hunters.

The puzzles and detective legwork required by Rosa and Joey are outstanding, sitting head and shoulders above the other two games in the series. In true detective fashion, answers to puzzles are subtly and surreptitiously dangled in front of the player. You’ll actually have to sit back and think about the solution, but never to the point where the answer is infuriatingly obscure.

Unbound introduces a new mechanic, which allows players to take control of both Joey and Lauren. Joey can’t physically interact with real objects, although he can touch other spirits, make a breeze and interfere with electronic equipment. This is a great step forward for the series, opening up a whole new spectrum of plot ideas and puzzles.

Legacy is heavily influenced by classic point-and-click adventure games from developers like Sierra and LucasArts. Technically, Legacy captures the look of these classic adventures spot on, but it’s missing what can only be described as that “spark” which made games like Space Quest or Leisure Suit Larry so memorable.

Even if it does rely a little on what’s proven to be popular amongst fans (name a franchise that isn’t guilty of that), there is still so much that is fresh and unconventional for both Telltale and the Borderlands universe, it helps Tales From The Borderlands stand on its own two feet as a thrilling and chuckle inducing experience.

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.

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.

One crazy trip through the cosmos with Cubus Games was enough to sell me on this magnificent gamebook adventure and Heavy Metal Thunder will satisfy sci-fi and RPG fans alike.

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.

So two weeks into my Godus adventure I took stock of what I was doing and realised it was nothing more than checking into the game a couple of times a day to click on various things and collect my resources with a view to having enough currency - termed Belief - to knock down a mountain that was in my way. It turns out God can move mountains, but man is it expensive.

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.

Max Gentlemen probably won't be in the running for game of the year or even be a game you're still playing in six months. But not only do I have a far greater appreciation for the humble hat, I have added a large number of gentlemanly insults to my repertoire. Now go grab the game you foppish cad.

There are some nice touches in the design - the smears of previous cubes on the arena floor, the cries of anguish as the cube is squashed to a cerulean goo - but any charm that they generate is killed by the full screen ads that pop up every now and again, with no option to turn them off by paying the developers for their efforts.

Lex is still a wonderful mobile game, with sound and art design tailored perfectly to the gameplay. There’s no need to have a dictionary for a brain to succeed and it is incredibly easy to just keep on playing. Your game can be a thirty second failure or a three minute display of genius, but no matter the speed of your fingers and the reflexes of your brain, your eyes will be glued to the screen.

A core philosophy of Tin Man Games is to give nostalgic readers of choose-your-own adventure novels something new and fresh, and to bring an exciting experience to those unfamiliar with the genre. On all fronts, Tin Man Games has knocked this one out of the park.

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.

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.

Pouring skill points into upgrading a bigger and badder ship completes a tightly controlled and fresh take on one of the oldest genres gaming has to offer. Get blasting in Super Crossfighter as fast as you can. [Episode 7, September 2014]

This main mechanic alone results in some wonderful gameplay, but it’s packaged with such highly polished production values and gorgeous cartoony visuals, that it would be a shame if Mighty Adventure flew under the radar. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Alphabeats throws down a serious challenge, but remains accessible. Even on the easiest difficulty, I was grinding my teeth in determination, but still enjoying myself. Crank up the spelling mode to “Spellfire” with a song difficulty level called “Febrile,” and it’s another story altogether. [Episode 7, September 2014]

The game is endearing in its simplicity, and despite the limited gameplay it fits snugly into that folder of games that can be relied on to eat up idle minutes at any time. It won’t be for everyone, but those who tend to get enchanted by good things in small packages will adore it. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Revolution 60 is a difficult title to recommend if you’re after tight and interesting gameplay. Although the idea behind the game is fantastic, unfortunately the execution leaves a lot to be desired. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Battleheart Legacy is a grind tempered by a world that’s a pleasure to inhabit, and combat and progression systems that gradually reveal layers of strategy and possibility. Even though I disagree with some of its design decisions, I will keep playing it for some time to come. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Known for its short and sweet bite-sized gems, Donut Games has reinvented itself. This perfect blend of Metroidvania exploration and Indiana Jones like action makes for the ultimate long black: perhaps we’ve seen the last of Donut’s expressos. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Fates Forever is the fully-fledged MOBA experience we’ve come to love, but mobile. If you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into, it’s a heck of a lot deeper than the typical pick-up-put-down experiences that litter the App Store. [Episode 7, September 2014]

The Heart Of Gold is an incredibly gorgeous hidden object game, with a fantastic variety of mostly fun puzzle minigames to work though. However, erratic spikes in puzzle difficulty and one of the weirdest stories ever keep it from being a truly excellent game. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Modern Combat 5 has the chops to go toe-to-toe with any big budget FPS. Well implemented touch control assists, deep customisation and heart-pumping action set Modern Combat 5 into the elite company of the best first-person shooters on iPad. [Episode 7, September 2014]

Even in the relative infancy of the digital gamebook/choose-your-own adventure genre, 80 Days stands out as a pleasant oddity. I never would have imagined that a classic novel such as Around The World in 80 Days would be turned into an interactive experience. But I'm glad inkle did and the studio deserves high praise for creating an accessible and, ultimately, fun way for people to experience Verne’s classic work.

With some tweaked level design and some re-balancing of the currency system, Flow Spark Studios’ cheery game has the potential to be a promising physics puzzler. As it stands, it’s still worth a look to see if you want to persevere at the timer. [Episode 6, July 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.

When I had finished with Thomas was Alone, I wanted more. I wanted the story to go on forever. I’m sure, even as a baby, I have never cared as much for a set of blocks as I did here. It’s a case study on how grand ideas and important themes can be carried by even the simplest of designs when its heart is in the right place.

First Strike is an exceptionally well-presented real-time strategy game only marred by a weak tutorial and a tendency for over micromanagement. I enjoyed the surprising depth in its gameplay and its message for humankind, which will linger with you well after you’ve fired off your last missile. [Episode 6, July 2014]

Prime World: Defenders is one of the most well-rounded and fun tower defence titles available on the App Store. Not only has Nival nailed the basics of what we have come to expect from the genre’s best, but it goes a step further by introducing new, meaningful and fun mechanics. [Episode 6, July 2014]

It’s not without room for improvement, but this is a genuine iteration of the digital Magic: The Gathering experience. The effort that has gone into bringing the game closer to the beloved real-world duelling pays-off, delivering far greater strategic depth and universe engagement. [Episode 6, July 2014]

Biosis is a challenging platformer and one that will connect with your emotions, delivering a heart-warming adventure that unfolds in a beautiful, yet frightening alien world. Charming if just a tad frustrating, it is definitely worth adding to your video game collection. [Episode 6, July 2014]

Broken Age is yet another piece of evidence that the vibrant screens and touch interfaces of the iPad were made to showcase the point-and-click genre. Tim Schafer’s return to the genre he once commanded is well worth playing, as long as you can cop the break between acts. [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]

There is so much potential fun to be had here with daily challenges, cool power-ups and cosmetic features to unlock, that I feel it would actually benefit from sacrificing some of its difficulty to allow players a little more time to enjoy what’s on offer. [Episode 6, July 2014]

The only thing holding Bubble Inferno back is that it takes a little too long to get interesting. It’s only after bobbing along for three slow minutes that the game starts coming into its own and begins to offer up a genuine challenge. A hardcore mode in a future update definitely wouldn’t go astray. [Episode 6, July 2014]

MiniMega’s delightful head-scratcher stands out from the pack thanks to its intuitive use of the touchscreen and its simplistic presentation which accentuates its fun gameplay gimmick. [Episode 6, July 2014]

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]

Oscura’s return to touchscreens is a success thanks to its challenging platforming, dark gothic aesthetic and controls, which can’t be blamed for your deaths and instead allow you to game with confidence. Oscura: Second Shadow should jag platforming fans on its tough, pointy edges. [Episode 6, July 2014]

Hitman GO is a really great example of what a seasoned developer like Square Enix can do to reinvent an established franchise for a new platform. Rather than shoe-horn some clumsy 3D world onto a screen the size of a deck of cards, Square Enix took the clever route and crafted a unique Hitman experience built on the strengths of iOS.

Whatever angle you might be coming from, you’re likely to enjoy your time with Wastelands. Both Linkin Park and Kuuluu Interactive Entertainment have shown the utmost respect to their fans, meaning that this is a game you can get behind with confidence, rather than being a cheap cash grab.

Doggins is one of those games that should be loaded onto every iPad. It is a wonderfully charming, humorous and casual adventure that is unfortunately cut short in its prime. You won't regret your time with it all the same, and I sure hope Brain & Brain rewards fans with another chapter or three.

While elements of Adventure To Fate are enjoyable, the frustrating and repetitive combat sucked most of the fun out of it for me. Still I wouldn’t be surprised to discover there’s hardcore JRPG fans out there that have an absolute blast with this game.

A worthwhile look for the retro-curious keen to scratch a Doom itch they didn’t know they had while dusting down a transitional fossil in the evolution of our industry. Just check your expectations at the door though: for the big smile it will give you when you hear those SFX, the frustrations of frequent freezes and fiddlesome controls will test your patience.

Blazin’ Aces is an incredibly fun and worthy love letter to the classic dogfighter. Undoubtedly, if you’re after a quick fix on the go, then Blazin’ Aces will likely scratch that itch. Just don’t expect it to provide unlimited hours of constant entertainment.

Wayward Souls blend of action and mystery is a compelling mix that instils a sense of determined curiosity every time I pick it up for another round of dungeon crawling. Players that enjoy RPGs and action games will find the challenge, tactical depth and intrigue-laden plot and characters highly rewarding, however a measure of patience is recommended.

Adding light RPG mechanics and a medieval setting to Ravenous Games’ tight control scheme and penchant for retro visuals makes for a great gaming experience.

Nostalgia and modern technology collide to create a fine example of iOS platforming. Tight controls, classic Game Boy visuals and plenty of collectible treats give gamers plenty of bang for their buck, and without getting a single saddle sore. Giddy-up! [Episode 5, June 2014]

By mixing plenty of laughs into its RTS, RPG and tower defence hybrid of gameplay, SMG Studio has created a polished strategy gem. It’s well and truly worth its reasonable price and is only let down by some minor issues regarding framerate and player control options. [Episode 5, June 2014]

There may be two Acts remaining, but Lone Wolf: Blood on the Snow is already one of the best gamebook adventures on the market. Forge Reply has achieved the perfect balance of an old-school gamebook feel while breathing new-life into an otherwise aging genre. [Episode 5, June 2014]

This magical take on a miniscule ecosystem will draw out even the most hidden inner child. Amanita Design and band DVA have collaborated to create a masterpiece of sound and light that speaks to the player in a language of playful, yet deeply meaningful symbology. [Episode 5, June 2014]

Developer SomaSim has admirably balanced fun and strategy in this great city builder set against the rich backdrop of the Old West. It’s a shame that the cities feel so similar to each other and the surrounding environments so bland, as otherwise it’s immensely enjoyable. [Episode 5, June 2014]

Stick through the early levels and the game’s variety and complexity really opens up thanks to its colourful environments and puzzles. Injecting just enough of its own unique twists to genre conventions, Leo’s Fortune is a finely-tuned and thoughtfully crafted platformer. [Episode 5, June 2014]

Table Touch Tennis mixes sports-sim realism with arcade escapism and stunning visuals to create a near-perfect storm of challenge and fun. Yakuto’s love for the sport is obvious and it results in an accessible yet deep game that even has a sense of humour. [Episode 5, June 2014]

Unpossible is a fantastic piece of bite-sized puzzle action that will have you glued to your screen fighting the need to blink. It could have more levels, but you’re not likely to get through the half a dozen or so on offer anytime soon. [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]

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]

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]

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]

Glowforth has kept things tight and focused in this delightful, atmospheric platformer and it works to the game’s strengths. A super polished journey into an Inuit folktale that plays as good as it looks and sounds even better. Highly recommended. [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.

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]

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]

This cheerfully harmless platforming shooter is so much fun it actually hurts your sides. [Episode 4, April 2014]

The iOS space feels enveloped in a storm of hidden object puzzle adventure games at present, but with its beautiful visuals, compelling story and immersive gameplay, Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren’s Call will never find itself lost at sea. [Episode 4, April 2014]

The core experience of delicately balancing your rider’s weight alongside bursts of the throttle is as finely-tuned here as it is with a controller, far exceeding my expectations for simple touch-based inputs. [Episode 4, April 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]

Bardbarian is one of the most cheerful and engaging games I’ve played in a while. Even after dying repeatedly, it didn’t blunt my enthusiasm and desire to master the game. Its merging of tower defence strategy with RPG-like elements is a fun combination. [Episode 4, April 2014]

Philipp Stollenmayer has something he’d like to discuss with you and thankfully, he has done so in the form of an easily accessible video game. While it could have done more with its gameplay, it remains an intelligent, creative puzzle platformer well worth a try. [Episode 4, April 2014]

The love for the source material and attention to the finest of details makes Ascent a natural extension to the Game of Thrones universe. I wasn’t happy with the IAP structure, but remain thankful for the chance to forge my own path through Westeros. [Episode 4, April 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.

The touchscreen feels like the perfect home for Kahuna, but developer USM definitely needs to address the cracks in its foundations before it’s too late and the walls come crumbling down.

Hoplite proudly flies its roguelike colours. Permadeath, turn-based combat and punishing difficulty await those game enough to plunder the dungeons’ depths in search of the Golden Fleece. The punishing, and often frustrating, difficulty of Hoplite is balanced by short, quick levels and an addictiveness that only comes from a desire to not let the game get the best of you.

The glimpses of potential that occasionally shine into In Fear I Trust's darkness make the end result even more disappointing. An intriguing start is let down by a nonsensical story, frustrating puzzles and fiddly controls.

Cloudbreakers is fun. The artwork is endearing, the soundscape unobtrusive and the gameplay fits nicely into those five minute coffee breaks that help you escape and clear your mind. [Episode 3, April 2014]

Touch Force isn’t particularly long; you’ll be able to finish it in around 15 minutes. The baddies don’t pose too much of a challenge, and there is little to encourage replayability. In that respect, it is almost a proof of concept, but thanks to the unique controls and chaotic fun, these 15 minutes do feel like time well spent and will leave you hungry for a sequel. [Episode 3, April 2014]