Recs.
Updated
Hoplite is a turn-based roguelike strategy game that focuses on tactical grid-based movement, all on small single screen sized maps.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Deep gameplay that harkens back to chess or other grid based games, where planning and strategy take a front seat
You must plan your movements and attacks, paying attention to all enemy positions and their attacks. This makes for a game that the player can pore over their options, for as long as they like, which can be pretty enveloping.
Pro Easy to understand the rules as any pertinent info is relayed before a move decision is needed
Someone called it "Chess, the roguelike". You have all the information before you move, every time. Enemies follow a simple ruleset, with no variation. There is almost no randomness. You know that you will die the turn before you do, and you will die because you painted yourself into a corner.
Pro Extended gameplay when you finish the title, with the fun but difficult game+ gameplay mode
Starting on level 16, the altars get replaced by a portal. The player has the choice to "win" the game by exiting through the portal, or to ignore the portal on that level and venture deeper, aiming for higher scores on progressively more difficult floors. This is great for those that enjoy more challenge and extra content past the regular ending.
Pro Well-balanced
Other, more popular, mobile roguelikes are far too random. A lot of people associate roguelikes with randomness, but a lot of effort goes into making sure that they provide consistently winnable games. When you lose a game it should be because you did something dumb, not because the RNG didn't deign it today. Hoplite nails this.
Pro Large assortment of enemies keeps the gameplay and strategies required fresh
There is a wide array of enemies to encounter and fight, which keeps encounters fresh as well as the strategies needed.
Cons
Con Short game
Hoplite does not take that long to complete as it can be finished in an average playthrough in around an hour.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Simple but good strategy RPG
The gameplay is simple enough for anyone to understand but it does not detract from how good the strategy elements of the game are.
Pro Solid longevity
Each level in the game is randomly generated, making for a different experience every time it is played. This makes for a game that can be played endlessly with many variations in design of levels.