Hollow Lantern

Hollow Lantern is the game I recommend when someone wants something atmospheric to play in bed. It's a quiet adventure about exploring a derelict lighthouse, tapping to examine objects, and piecing together what happened to the people who lived there. The mood does most of the talking.

Puzzles are hand-crafted rather than randomized, and most of them respect your intelligence without becoming cruel. There's a gentle hint system tucked in the menu if you get stuck, which I used exactly twice without shame.

It's short — maybe four hours — and that's the right length. It never overstays its welcome, and it looks gorgeous even on an older screen.

What we liked

• Gorgeous, moody hand-drawn art
• Fair, well-designed puzzles
• Perfect length, no padding