The sky’s the limit in Tensei. Take control of a freewheeling sphere and navigate ever upward through peaceful hovering gardens. Transform into a rabbit, a bird or a fish with each gentle leap – you’ve got three jumps to reach another floating island or you’ll plummet back to Earth.

What we love: The heady mix of satisfying action and tranquil exploration. Just barely reaching the next flying island is exhilarating, while taking a breather to roll through a stream feels supremely soothing. Go at your own pace and watch the seasons change as you ascend to 10,000 metres – and beyond – to achieve enlightenment.

Quick tip: If you’re about to fall, touch and hold the hover button to get your bearings. Hovering negates downward momentum and can give you a chance to inch your way over to the next floating rock.

Meet the creator: Osaka–based Neuron Age has worked with some of Japan’s biggest game companies, including Nintendo, Square Enix and Capcom. Their indie division, Project Pegasus, originally used the rolling sphere as a placeholder object during the development of Tensei, but they became so attached to the black ball that they kept it in the game.