Ember of the Last Keep

Ember of the Last Keep is a proper handheld RPG with a world that actually wants you to explore it. You build a party of four, and each character has a skill tree that branches enough to make your choices feel like yours. The writing is better than most mobile RPGs — a few of the side quests surprised us.

Combat is turn-based with a timing element on attacks, which keeps battles from feeling automatic. Positioning matters too, so you can't just mash the strongest move every turn.

Our main tip: don't spread your upgrade materials thin. Pick two frontline characters to invest in early and the mid-game bosses stop being walls.

What we liked

• Deep but readable skill trees
• Writing that respects the player
• Timing-based combat keeps you awake