Embersteel Saga

Embersteel Saga is the kind of RPG that respects the fact you're on a phone. Battles are turn-based, so nothing punishes you for a dropped signal or a sudden interruption. You build a party of four, mix skills, and slowly unlock a branching skill tree that actually changes how fights play out.

The writing carried us further than we expected. The main quest deals with a fading kingdom and a rebellion, and the side characters have their own little arcs. Voice acting is limited to key scenes, which is fine — the text is well edited and doesn't drag.

Progression is generous. You can grind if you like, but you don't have to. We reached the midpoint in around eight hours without feeling gated. If you miss classic console RPGs, this scratches that itch on a commute.

What we liked

• Genuinely good writing and characters
• Turn-based combat that suits touch play
• No harsh grind walls