Fire Emblem Heroes

Japanese role-playing games are taking the app stores by storm, proving that complex RPGs and mobile devices are a surprisingly good fit. This series in particular effortlessly transitions to the tablet with beautiful graphics and elegant tap-swipe controls. The 2D anime-style characters are stunning (though some of the female heroes wear revealing costumes and say flirty things), and collecting them all quickly becomes a compulsion. Better still, their substance easily matches their style.

Heroes come with a wide range of complementary skills that both beginners and RPG veterans can appreciate. Want to put your team builds to the test? Multiple game modes (Story, Training Tower, and Arena, where you take on other players' teams) provide ample opportunity to try out strategies and earn the orbs you need to unlock more heroes. On the down side, the story takes forever to get rolling and feels padded with lots of the same objectives. Also, players unused to the JRPG formula might not enjoy the hefty helping of repetition built into the game. Success depends on having a wide selection of heroes raised to a certain level, and doing that means hours of replaying battles with different team members. But replayed levels mean less experience. Of course, some of the tedium can be avoided if you have money to spend. The good news, though, is if you're patient, purchases are totally optional. Hero unlocks can all be earned, and you're given enough Stamina to play longer than you probably should. That, plus great graphics, a fun collection mechanic, and fun strategy gameplay make Fire Emblem Heroes a good entry point for role-playing newbies and a total gimme for JRPG fans.