Tideborn Command

Tideborn Command asks you to think ahead. You build fleets, plan routes across a map, and commit to decisions that play out over minutes rather than seconds. It rewards patience, and the satisfaction comes from a plan clicking together.

The touch interface is where strategy games usually stumble, but this one mostly gets it right. Pinch to zoom is smooth and unit selection is forgiving. I did wish the smallest icons were a touch bigger on a phone screen, though a tablet solves that entirely.

Because so much happens on a persistent map, the game is fairly kind to your battery when you're just planning, and only spikes during battle animations. A solid pick for anyone who wants something thoughtful on the go.

What we liked

• Deep planning without twitch reflexes
• Smooth zoom and forgiving selection
• Gentle battery use outside of combat