Kingdoms of Tideborn

Kingdoms of Tideborn is a patient game. You plan harbours, balance resources, and expand along a coastline while weather and rival ports keep you honest. It rewards thinking ahead rather than tapping fast.

The interface is dense but it never felt cramped, and the developers clearly spent time making menus readable on a phone. Pinch-to-zoom on the map is smooth and you can set the simulation speed to suit your mood.

Because so much happens in menus rather than flashy animation, it's gentle on battery, which makes it a solid travel companion for a long trip.

What we liked

• Readable menus despite the depth
• Smooth map zoom and panning
• Easy on the battery for long trips