Emberfall Chronicles

Emberfall Chronicles is the kind of RPG that respects your time and your storage. Once installed it never asks for the internet again, and you get a full campaign with branching dialogue and a party of characters who actually have personalities.

Combat is turn-based with a stamina twist: overreach on attacks and your fighters get winded, forcing you to plan around recovery turns. It keeps fights from becoming button mashing. The map opens up gradually, and side quests are worth doing because they usually tie back to the main story.

The pixel art is gorgeous on a phone screen and the soundtrack is one you'll want to leave the sound on for. This is our top pick if you want something meaty for a long trip.

What we liked

• Full offline campaign with real choices
• Stamina-based combat that rewards planning
• Beautiful art and memorable score