January 2026 has arrived, bringing with it the post-Christmas slump, grim weather, and the return to work. Yet, for mobile gamers, this month offers a surprisingly bright spot with a slew of major console titles making their way to iOS and Android devices.
A Month of Major Ports and Surprising Gems
The release schedule is notably packed with high-profile ports, providing a console-quality experience on the go. Leading the charge is Rockstar Games' seminal western epic, Red Dead Redemption, available now. Recent hits like the Wuxia-inspired Where Winds Meet and the charming side-scroller Planet Of Lana also make the jump. For those seeking smartphone-exclusive experiences, titles like Under Guild: Offence and the remarkably generous free app Game Nest – Offline Games ensure there's something for everyone, marking a strong start to the year for mobile gaming.
In-Depth Reviews: What's Worth Your Time and Money?
Planet Of Lana (iOS & Android, £7.99): This visually stunning 2D puzzle-adventure sees you guiding a character through a serene world invaded by robots. The touchscreen controls are perfectly implemented, though the initial puzzles are slow to challenge. While the mechanics can feel repetitive, the game's atmosphere is captivating. Be warned: a game-breaking bug was encountered at around the 70% story mark during testing, so a patch may be wise before purchase. Score: 6/10
Red Dead Redemption (iOS & Android, £39.99 or free for Netflix subscribers): John Marston's iconic story arrives intact in a brilliant port. The narrative strength and voice acting shine, though the complex control scheme on a touchscreen can lead to accidental chaos. Using a controller is highly recommended. The £39.99 price tag gives pause, but Rockstar's support record is solid, and Netflix subscribers get a fantastic freebie. Score: 8/10
Cult Of The Lamb (iOS, included with Apple Arcade): This darkly humorous blend of cult management and roguelite dungeon crawling plays excellently on iOS, including all post-launch content. The premise is hilarious, but the gameplay loop can reveal itself as shallow and repetitive over time. A great addition to Apple Arcade that leaves you eager for a more fleshed-out sequel. Score: 6/10
Maneater (iOS & Android, £8.49): This gory, self-aware shark RPG lets you unleash aquatic terror. The concept is fun, but the execution falters with basic combat, unreliable touch controls, and a lack of depth. It overstays its welcome despite the chaotic fun of leaping to snack on hunters. Score: 3/10
Game Nest – Offline Games (iOS & Android, free): A rare and wonderful act of digital altruism. This app bundles classics like Snake, Solitaire, and Sudoku with useful tools, completely free of ads and in-app purchases. It's a perfectly executed, clean package that provides genuine value, making it a must-download. Score: 8/10
Where Winds Meet (iOS & Android, free): Ambitious in scope with breathtaking visuals, this free-to-play action RPG mixes exploration with MMO elements. Combat is graceful and varied, but the experience is hampered by bugs, convoluted menus, and underdeveloped systems competing for attention. Score: 6/10
Under Guild: Offence (iOS & Android, free): A compelling hybrid of hero control and autonomous troop management. As you progress, unlocking new mercenaries and powers becomes key to tackling varied enemy waves and tough bosses. It borrows smartly from existing genres to create a cute, steadily evolving challenge. Score: 7/10
A Robust Start to the Mobile Gaming Year
January 2026 proves to be a surprisingly robust month for mobile releases. From premium AAA experiences like Red Dead Redemption to the sheer generosity of Game Nest, there is a wide spectrum of quality for players to explore. While some ports come with expected control compromises or bugs, the overall strength of the line-up provides a perfect antidote to the winter blues, setting a high bar for the rest of the year in mobile gaming.
