Space Agency (Android, iOS)
In Space Agency, you build and fly rockets and in the process discover the power and subtle control needed to leave Earth. This puts the “fun” into fundamentals of gravitation.
Nooleus, 69p
Plundernauts (iOS)
You’re a cosmic pirate, pillaging starsystems for their gold and liberating handy bits of space junk to craft new components and weapons for your starship. But like a Pirates Of The Caribbean film, it’s fun for a while but far too repetitive to sustain long-term interest. Backflip Studios, free
OTTTD (iOS)
Over The Top Tower Defence blends the usual base-protecting schtick with enemies that explode into clumps of flesh and skeletal matter. Sounds fun, right? But it’s scant recompense for a stodgy game.
SMG Studio, £1.99
This Means War! (iOS)
The App Store gets an almost daily delivery of Clash Of Clans rip-offs, but This Means WAR! is more competent than most. Its modern warfare theme gives access to a wider range of units that includes an airforce, and battles involve a compelling level of strategy.
TapZen, free
Star Wars Scene Maker (iPad)
Not a game, but a tool for creating your own scenes using characters and backdrops from the franchise. It’s a shame it continually crashes and the paywalls act as joy-destroying Sith lords. Disney, free
Castlestorm (Android, iOS)
Winning at CastleStorm involves upgrading your castle and units, sending the right troops into battle, and carefully selecting which ordnance to fling at your enemy’s buildings and minions. As with many free-to-play games, its solid mechanics suffer from being spread over way too many levels.
Zen Studios, free
Disco Zoo (Android, iOS)
You “rescue” animals and once in your zoo, the little blighters earn money while awake. Annoyingly, they fall asleep every few hours, so you need to get rousing disco party going to wake them up. It’s weirdly mesmerising if hugely morally flawed.
Nimblebit, free
Tiny Prehistoric Adventure (Android, iOS)
In the style of Tiny Thief, but with none of its wit or panache, Tiny Prehistoric Adventure is a voyage back in time controlled with solitary stabs of your index finger, tapping goofy-looking creatures that pop up while helping your astronaut escape its frustrating and poorly designed levels.
Alexandre Minard, free
Bridge Constructor Medieval (Android, iOS)
The original Bridge Constructor wanted you to design the cheapest possible bridge to support cars and lorries across increasingly wide ravines. Its sequel also gets you to build a roof to defend against enemy attack, but despite this addition and new play modes, it’s a much less interesting game.
Headup Games, £1.49
