Iron Tide Command

Iron Tide Command drops you into skirmishes where you build a fleet, manage supply lines, and try to outmaneuver another commander in real time. It's tense in a good way — one bad positioning call and your whole flank folds. The tutorial is patient, which matters because there's a lot to hold in your head.

On a phone the interface does a smart thing: it lets you group units and issue orders with a long-press radial menu, so you're not fumbling. On a tablet it's even better. Battery hits are moderate; a fifteen-minute match cost me about four percent.

My one gripe is the pace of unlocks early on. It takes a while before you get the interesting units, and the first few hours feel a little flat. Push through and it opens up nicely.

What we liked

• Radial command menu that works on touch
• Matches short enough for real life
• Real tactical depth once it opens up