Tide Baron

Tide Baron is all about planning shipping routes and out-thinking rival traders. There's no combat to speak of; you win by reading the market and moving goods before anyone else. It's a slower, more thoughtful strategy game.

The interface is clean and the tutorial does a good job of easing you into the economy without dumping numbers on you. Once things click, the little dopamine hit of a perfectly timed sale is real.

It's not for everyone. If you want action you'll bounce off it fast. But if spreadsheets in disguise sound fun, this is a great one.

What we liked

• Smart route planning
• Clean, readable interface
• Rewarding market timing