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]

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]

Soon we will no longer be amazed that games can offer us this sort of deeper, artful experience. They will just be there and will not require preamble. Continue?9876543210 is another glimmering beacon guiding us towards that future. [Issue 1, February 2014]

I can guarantee you that once you’ve played through Icycle: On Thin Ice, you’ll be jumping at the opportunity to share your experience with friends. It’s a must-play video game that’s worth every single one of its 99 cents. [Issue 1, February 2014]

As an exercise in getting a big console game working on a touchscreen, République is a stunning success that delivers on story and gameplay. I was left desperately wanting more, which can only be a good thing for this episodic venture. [Issue 1, February 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]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

Toast Time is a charming, imaginative, challenging slice of retro action. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Force of Habit’s iOS debut become a cult favourite.

A unique down-scroller that experiments with the humble platform genre and succeeds on charm and challenge. Freedom Fall might be a brief tale, but it’s one well worth checking out.

A truly beautiful gaming experience perfectly suited to touchscreens. I love how its level design constantly rewards you, letting you in on illusion’s secrets. I just wish it didn’t have to end so soon – a criticism one only cares acknowledge on a quality game. [Episode 3, April 2014]

A game so enchanting you’ll curse the fact it has to end. I thought the best way to sum up Tengami is via a haiku poem: Journey through paper; Origami zen garden; A brief distraction. [Episode 3, April 2014]