Touch Arcade

Instead, the game shines because of the way it does the core mechanics so well, and invigorates a stale genre that has been copied and churned out so many times since iOS gaming began in 2008.

In that respect, it might be the perfect gateway to an otherwise niche genre, one that is well-worth dipping into. This is one of my favorite iOS games of 2016 so far, and I strongly recommend giving it your attention, regardless of whether you're an old hand at the genre or a newcomer. Just make sure you play it through to the true ending, because if you don't, you'll never truly get ahead in your studies at this strange school.

Most board game apps really don't lend themselves to solo play very well, but I am happy to say this is not the case here. If you like the idea of building castles, goofy or otherwise, and like a little bit of economics simulation, this game is tailor made for you.

If you've enjoyed any of Brough's other works, or simply want an easy to pick up, moderately deep strategy game, Imbroglio is an easy recommendation. I'm not sure if I like it better than 868-HACK, but it's more than worthy enough to sit beside it.

A lot of passion went into this "pay what you want" project, and I highly suggest checking it out. Mekorama might not wow you from minute-one with incredible visuals, but once you start getting addicted to the QR creation aspect, you may not be able to put it down or a while. I would absolutely be up for a sequel with new mechanics and the same focus on sharing levels with the community.

With no need to spend any money, Leap Day is the perfect pickup for people who want to find a new platformer to warn them by the fire. Some levels are randomly better than others, but tomorrow is always another day.

If you loved all of the previous games in this series, you'll probably enjoy Lifeline: Whiteout as well, but it's harder to make a case for the game if you fall outside of that particular category.

Genre fans will likely get a kick out of it initially, but I have to believe that only the hardest of the hardcore will stick around once the grind sets in.

I have to give Goo Saga a solid recommendation, ironically enough. I have my qualms with the upgrade system, but the core game here is more than strong enough to recommend on its own. And the progression issues may not matter as much if you are particularly skilled, or if completionism is not a factor for you at all. But if you want a platformer with a fun premise and great production values, do check out Goo Saga.

In spite of the technical issues and the lack of a multiplayer component, Titan Quest nevertheless manages to be the best game in this genre we've seen on iOS yet. Taken for what it is, this is an impressive single-player action RPG that should be in the library of any iOS RPG fan.