Ocean Keeper: Dome Survival
Available on iOS and Android for £2.99, Ocean Keeper: Dome Survival by RetroStyle Games immerses players in an undersea adventure where they pilot a four-legged mech. The objective is to fend off an endless stream of attackers in this roguelite twin-stick shooter. Between waves, players have approximately 90 seconds to explore undersea caves and gather loot.
The pillaging mechanics are reminiscent of classic games like Dig Dug or Mr. Driller, where players use a diver’s drill to mine for valuable resources. These resources can be used to upgrade the mech’s weapons and skills, as well as earn meta-currency for permanent upgrades between runs. However, players must be cautious not to linger too long, as their mech will be vulnerable to attacks in their absence.
The game is well-designed and features an addictive upgrade path. The touchscreen controls are effective in the slow-moving sub-aquatic environment, making for a smooth gaming experience.
Score: 8/10
Monolith
Available on iOS and Android for £6.99, Monolith by Animation Arts places players in the shoes of Tessa Carter, an expedition leader for the Intergalactic Mining Corporation. After a crash landing on a barren alien world, Tessa must use anything she can find in the wreckage to figure out what happened and escape.
The game features traditional point-and-click adventuring, where players search rooms and lockers, combine items in their inventory, and try various solutions until something works. While Tessa’s verbosity can be overwhelming, players can tap to skip dialogue if needed. The game boasts a compelling story, original music, and pleasing sci-fi artwork.
Score: 7/10
Towerful Defence: A Rogue TD
Towerful Defence: A Rogue TD, available on iOS and Android for free with an option to remove ads for £9.99, is a tower defense game by Mini Fun Games that brings innovation to the genre. Players control a single turret and must fend off enemies approaching from all sides using guns, mines, and a melee-style rotating sword powered by buffs and extra powers.
Despite its inventive spirit, the game’s reliance on luck and poorly explained power-ups can be frustrating. However, the game has received multiple updates that have improved the experience.
Score: 6/10
Phantolex
Phantolex, available for free on iOS from Green Tea Gaming, is a clever word game where players compete against a computer-controlled ghost. Players take turns adding letters to form words, with the goal of forcing the ghost to spell a real word first.
If a player suspects their opponent is adding letters that can't form a real word, they can challenge them to spell out the word they were thinking of. If the challenge fails, the opponent loses a point. The game introduces new rules as players progress, offering brain-teasing challenges and vocabulary surprises.
Score: 8/10
Bogey Royale
Bogey Royale, available for free on iOS and Android from 93bases, offers a simple and appealing top-down view with a pared-back interface. Players aim, curve, and take their shots with one finger or thumb, focusing on getting the ball onto the green while the game handles putting.
The game is designed for quick play sessions, allowing players to enjoy 18 holes during short breaks. While it is free-to-play with regular attempts to sell in-game items, there is no necessity to spend money to enjoy the game.
Score: 7/10