Strategy games belong on phones too

There's an old assumption that strategy games need a mouse and keyboard. I understand where it comes from, but I think it's outdated now. Some of the most engaging strategy I've played this year has been on a phone.

Tideline Command is the game that convinced me. Managing fleets, supply lines and a shifting tide sounds like a lot for a small screen, but pinch-zoom and a well-built radial menu make it work. I've played whole matches on a lunch break.

The key is that mobile strategy has to embrace slower, thoughtful pacing rather than aping fast-clicking desktop games. Turn-based and pausable real-time both shine here. You get time to think, which is exactly what the genre is about.

I'd love to see more studios take the leap. The audience is clearly there — people want something to chew on, not just tap.

If you've never tried strategy on your phone, this is a good year to start.