Lanterns of the Hollow

Lanterns of the Hollow is the game I recommend when someone wants to feel something on their phone. It's a slow, atmospheric adventure where you explore a foggy village, light lanterns, and slowly uncover what happened to the people who lived there. The mood is the star — the soundtrack alone carries whole scenes.

Interaction is mostly tap-to-explore with occasional light puzzles that never get frustrating. The puzzles serve the story rather than block it, which I appreciated. You're guided just enough that you rarely feel lost, but not so much that discoveries feel handed to you.

It's short — I finished it in a few sittings — and it doesn't try to be more than it is. For a quiet evening with headphones on, though, it's close to perfect.

What we liked

• Beautiful, moody atmosphere
• Puzzles that never block the story
• A tight, memorable playthrough