#mobile-gaming

Overwhelmed by the App Store? Think Google Play’s too clunky? With so many mobile games being released every month, finding the ones that are worth downloading can be daunting. Sure, you can stick to the top-grossing charts, but you’ll miss out on some great stuff if you don’t dig deeper.

Rather than have you do the digging, though, we’re more than happy to handle the shovel. Here are the 10 best mobile games released in August 2015 — and be sure to check out last month’s picks, in case you missed them.

Lara Croft Go

Square-Enix pulled an ace out of their sleeve with last year’s tremendous Hitman Go. It turns out they were just getting started. This Tomb Raider take stars the intrepid Lara Croft, but changes the pace with turn-based puzzle-platforming and smart, streamlined gameplay. Gorgeous and fun, it’s Lara’s best mobile adventure yet. ($4.99 | iOS, Android)

Pac-Man 256

The minds behind the hit Crossy Road made a mint reimagining the classic Frogger. Now they’ve set their sights on Pac-Man, transforming the ghost-gobbling arcade game into an endless chomper. Based on Pac-Man’s infamous “kill screen” glitch, it’s simple and addictive. And like Crossy Road, you can play Pac-Man 256 just fine without spending any money. But you probably will. (Free | iOS, Android)

Sage Solitaire

When indie designer Zach Gage (Spelltower, Ridiculous Fishing) releases an iOS game, we perk up. When it turns out to be a clever twist on solitaire, we download it immediately. Sage Solitaire breathes life into the old card game by adding some poker flavor and turning it into a high-score hunt. Unlike regular solitaire, it’s a game we can’t stop playing. (Free | iOS)

Spider: Rite of the Shrouded Moon

It only takes a few weeks for spider eggs to hatch, but it took six long years for developer Tiger Style to birth the sequel to the fantastic Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor. Like that 2009 smash, Rite of the Shrouded Moon lets you spin webs and eats bugs as the titular arachnid, but upgraded visuals, deeper gameplay, and a poetic narrative give it legs. Eight of them. ($4.99 | iOS, Android)

Loot & Legends

If the words “The Keep on the Borderlands” make you grab for a dice bag, congratulations, you’re an old-school RPG geek. And congratulations, because you get to play Loot & Legends. This iPad version of the spectacular PC game Card Hunter blends miniature-moving strategy and a collectible card game, but what makes it truly stand out is its classic Dungeons & Dragons flavor. Just order up some gross pizza from 1982 and it’s like you’re back in the old dungeon again. Note: This one really needs a newish iPad to work well. (Free | iPad)

Framed

A noir puzzle game? That’s the gist of the superstylish Framed. Already a hit on iOS devices, it made the move to Android in August, and it’s as buttery smooth as ever. Shift comic book panels around to keep your secret agent one step ahead of the law. ($.99 | Android)

Fallout Shelter

Having squatted near the top of the iOS App Store since its release in June, this postapocalyptic people sim has finally turned its nukes on Android devices. Rule a vault of survivors by training them, feeding them, giving them jobs, sending them into the wasteland, and encouraging them to make baby survivors. For the sake of humanity! (Free | Android)

The Walking Dead: Road to Survival

Fans of the show will dig this Clash of Clans-like take on The Walking Dead, but fans of Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels will dig it even more. Weaving in and out of the main plot of the books, this slick, polished strategy game lets you fortify a base, train civilians, blast some brains in turn-based combat, and wait for the various timers to refill so you can do it again. After all, that’s the price you pay for a free game. (Free | iOS, Android)

Final Fantasy VII

It’s one of the most beloved role-playing games of all time. And now it fits in your pocket. This port of the great Final Fantasy VII isn’t quite perfect — the touch controls are a little fidgety — but it’s the whole glorious game, intact and just as ridiculously awesome as ever. Still a shame about Aerith, though. ($15.99 | iOS)

Ski Safari 2

One of the year’s best mobile games, Alto’s Adventure isn’t the only ski-down-the-mountain-and-try-not-to-die apps out there. Ski Safari did a similar trick back in 2013, and its sequel goes even bigger with new characters, a new snowboard option, and a new multiplayer mode. Currently it’s only on iOS: Android owners will have to wait until later in September. ($.99 | iOS)