Big Bass Bonanza

Big Bass Bonanza is one of those games you open expecting a quick five minutes and then look up twenty minutes later. The whole thing is built around a cheerful underwater theme, with fish, tackle and the occasional grinning fisherman sliding across the screen. It's bright, it's loud in a friendly way, and it never tries to be more complicated than it needs to be.

Controls are about as simple as it gets. One tap sets things in motion, and you mostly sit back and watch the little sea scenes play out. What kept me coming back was the pacing — there's a nice back-and-forth rhythm to it, and the animation of the fish and the reels has a satisfying bounce. It's the kind of game that feels good in short bursts while you're waiting for a kettle to boil.

I wouldn't call it deep, and it doesn't pretend to be. But as a casual time-filler with a warm sense of humour, it does its job. The sound design in particular is charming, all splashes and jaunty little tunes. Good one for a commute.

What we liked

• One-tap controls anyone can pick up instantly
• Bright, playful underwater art and animation
• Perfect for short breaks and commutes