

Supernauts was the first game from hotly-tipped Finnish publisher Grand Cru. Escher, it’s a collection of impossible-architecture puzzles, which you twist to explore. Monument Valley really is beautiful though, almost as much an artwork as it is a game. The word “beautiful” is hugely overused in connection with apps: usually it means “has nice menus”. It's accessible, but a very deep rabbit-hole to go down once you get into its intricacies.

It's a card-battling game where you build a deck of characters and spells, then lay waste (in theory) to other players around the world. This official spin-off from World of Warcraft started on desktop and crossed to iPad, where it appears to have found its perfect medium.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft (Free + IAP) One final note: if Android's more your bag, read the separate 40 best Android games of 2014 (so far) feature. Although please, before posting "Why have you left Game X out?" check that Game X didn't come out before 2014. Do contribute your own recommendations for games that should have been included (or left out) in the comments section.
WARTUNE HALL OF HEROES GAMEPLAY FULL
IAP means a game includes in-app purchases of some kind: from virtual items and currency being sold through to single-purchase unlocks for full games. Prices are correct at the time of writing (9 July) but bear in mind they may have changed if you're reading it even a few days later. With July already underway, it's time for a recap of some of the best iOS games to have been released in the first half of the year. Every week, The Guardian's Best iOS Apps column tracks new releases on the App Store, including games.
