Ashen Vigil

Ashen Vigil is a proper role-playing game that respects your time more than most. You lead a small band of survivors across a broken kingdom, recruiting companions whose quirks genuinely change your tactics. The turn-based combat is readable and quick, and you can speed up animations once you know what you're doing.

The writing surprised us. Side quests actually have payoffs, and a couple of the companion stories stuck with us long after we closed the app. Progression never felt grindy — levels come at a steady pace, and gear choices matter without drowning you in menus.

If you like deciding who to bring into a fight and watching those choices play out, this is an easy recommendation. Just know the first two hours are a slow burn before the party really opens up.

What we liked

• Companions that reshape your strategy
• Side quests with real payoffs
• Combat you can speed up once mastered