What actually makes a mobile game good

We've played a lot of mobile games by now, and the good ones share a few quiet traits. None of them are flashy. They're about respect for the player's time and attention.

First, they load fast and get to the point. Second, controls fit a touchscreen instead of fighting it. Third, they let you leave and come back without guilt or lost progress.

Notice that none of those are about graphics. Pretty helps, but a gorgeous game with clumsy controls gets uninstalled fast. Feel beats looks every time on a phone.

When you're trying something new, ask yourself after ten minutes: did I want to keep going, or did I feel nagged? That gut check tells you more than any score we could print.