What does your app library look like? Regardless of whether you prefer getting things done or leveling up, we deliver two top-tier recommendations to your device every week. Here is what made the cut!
This week, we see yet another title that was originally released for the PC but has made its way to the mobile format. Dungeon of the Endless will definitely test your patience (which might not be endless at all!), although the satisfaction from beating each level is hard to pin a finger on. As for Miniature LAND 3, those who love beautiful-looking games will appreciate the amount of hard work that went into this title. It is the polar opposite of Dungeon of the Endless, where you take a relaxed approach when playing it.
Are you wondering what apps and games we recommended last week? Check out our previous edition. Otherwise, here are this week’s top picks—where both of them are games—that are available now for both iOS and Android platforms.
Dungeon of the Endless
Fancy some frantic tower defense action with the “just one more run” addiction of a roguelike? Well, this title fits the bill perfectly. After spending some time with it, I kind of grew on this game. The premise was cool, boasting a pixelated art style. I happen to control a group of survivors from a crashed prison ship, stuck in a massive, ever-shifting underground facility. Our only ticket out? Lugging a glowing power crystal from the start of each floor to the exit, while evading waves of alien horrors who try to tear us apart.
I liked the atmospheric, dark, and weirdly charming sci-fi vibe that made opening every new door feel like a genuine gamble. As a mobile game, I found the controls to be a mixed bag. The developers clearly put effort into revamping the menus for touchscreens, using taps and long presses to manage my team and power up rooms. However, as the game was originally designed for PC, everything felt incredibly small. Playing on a phone, the text was tiny enough that I occasionally found myself squinting. Micro-managing four different heroes during a massive enemy rush is no easy task, either. I’d say it works better on a tablet.
On the plus side, the depth is insane. Managing resources like “Industry” to build turrets and “Food” to level up my heroes required some serious strategic thinking. The Apogee edition also includes all the DLC, which means I get a whole lot of bang for my buck right out of the gate. Unfortunately, there is a rather steep learning curve attached to this game. Going through the tutorial will help, but it most probably took a dozen deaths before I understood why certain things happened, like losing power in my rooms. Of course, it can get frustrating at times where one wrong move at the end meant undoing half an hour of good work.
I agree to external content being loaded. Personal data may be transferred to third-party platforms. Further information can be found in the Privacy Policy.
I would say this is a brilliant, high-stakes strategy game that just happens to have a slightly cramped mobile port. Definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for a casual “click-and-win” experience. Rather, you pay to enjoy deep mechanics and a gritty sci-fi atmosphere. There is no feeling quite like finally reaching the surface after a brutal run. I would highly recommend playing this on a tablet or a large-screen phone for maximum enjoyment.
Escape Game: Miniature LAND 3
You can tell by its title that this is the third entry in a series that focuses on “real-life” handmade miniatures. Basically, I found myself in a series of incredibly detailed dioramas from the start. The premise was soothing, as I do not go around clicking on flat images. Rather, I explore a tactile, rainy world where every object looks like it was painstakingly crafted by hand before being photographed for the game. It’s an “escape game” by genre, but the vibe is much more “cozy afternoon” than “trapped in a room.”
The user interface was impressively minimalist, staying out of the way of the gorgeous visuals. Navigating the world felt intuitive, using a “focusing system” that allowed me to zoom in on specific areas to find hidden items or solve puzzles. I loved how the game uses subtle visual cues, like ripples on the screen whenever I tap, to show me where I can interact without cluttering the scene with bright buttons.
I agree to external content being loaded. Personal data may be transferred to third-party platforms. Further information can be found in the Privacy Policy.
I’d say the biggest win was undoubtedly the aesthetics. The combination of high-resolution photography and the calming sound of falling rain created an incredible sense of presence. The puzzles were logical and leaned toward the “relaxed” side, making it a great choice whenever I wanted to unwind. However, the game is quite short, with only about five stages to work through. Any seasoned escape room pro will most probably breeze through the whole thing in under an hour.
This is a bite-sized masterpiece of style and atmosphere. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, and while I definitely wish there were more levels to explore, the quality of what’s included is top-notch. It’s the kind of game that reminded me of how much personality indie developers can pack into a simple mobile app. Anyone looking for a zen-like puzzle experience would do well to check this title out.
