Alto’s Odyssey

Alto’s Odyssey is one of those games that feels like it was made for one-handed iPhone gaming. Even the Apple TV version is played with nothing more than the Siri Remote. The only catch is that it runs in landscape mode, which could make it an exception to the “one-handed” rule for those with larger iPhones and smaller hands.

Still, even if you find one-handed play tricky, Alto’s Odyssey is a delightful and relaxing game that’s worth checking out. In it, you guide Alto and friends across endless desert dunes, bouncing off rocks, grinding along vines, and flipping over chasms, all with a simple tap-and-hold system. The controls are so straightforward that your other hand can stay firmly wrapped around a coffee or a book. 

What makes this game special isn’t just the controls, though. The game is ridiculously pretty, with changing scenery, a fantastic soundtrack, and day–night cycles that make a quick run feel like a relaxing moment with yourself. There’s also a Zen Mode that strips out the objectives and lets you glide along — perfect when you want something more soothing.