Hollow Lantern

Hollow Lantern is quiet and a little haunting, and I mean that as a compliment. You wander through a dark, ruined world holding a lantern, and the light reveals platforms, doors and the occasional unsettling shape. It leans on atmosphere over combat, and it works. Controls are minimal, mostly a movement stick and a light toggle, so there's very little to fumble. It runs beautifully and stays cool, which matters because you'll want long uninterrupted sessions to soak in the mood. Headphones are basically required; the sound design carries half the game. There are a few puzzles that stumped me for a bit, but nothing unfair. This is the kind of game I'd point to when someone says mobile can't do atmosphere.

What we liked

• Gorgeous, moody light-and-shadow design
• Simple controls that stay out of the way
• Runs cool through long sessions