Downwell

Downwell builds its entire game around a single idea – the hero keeps falling deeper down a well, and his boots, fitted with guns, shoot downward at enemies while also slowing the fall, so movement and attack merge into a single, elegantly simple mechanic controlled with just a couple of buttons. Touchscreen controls handle movement direction and shooting via virtual buttons, and despite being a port from PC and consoles, it works surprisingly well on mobile thanks to how minimalist the whole game is designed and how little precision the touch controls actually require. Roguelike elements – randomly generated levels, permanent death, and the gradual unlocking of new weapon combinations and upgrades – ensure that no descent down the well plays out the same as the last.

Studio Moppin released the game in 2015, and it quickly earned a reputation as one of the most polished indie games of its year thanks to how few elements it needs to create intense, well-readable chaos on screen, where the player must constantly choose between attacking, collecting ammo, and landing safely. Black-and-white pixel art with striking color accents and pulsing electronic music together create an atmosphere that lingers in memory longer than most mobile titles, and a short play session fits easily into a tram ride.

Unlike the vast majority of mobile games in this selection, Downwell is a one-time paid game with no ads and no microtransactions, which means a clean experience with no pressure to spend extra.

Why play it: For players who want an intense, well-designed roguelike for shorter play sessions and appreciate a one-time price with no ads or microtransactions.