Spyder

Apple Arcade games don't come much prettier than this one. Spyder's lush 3D environments are loaded with detailed period-specific furniture, technology, and knickknacks that Agent 8 gets up close and personal with as he moves about, investigates, and interacts with the world. The visual presentation is nearly on par with that of many big-budget console adventures. But if you're playing using touch controls, you'll likely find it a little more frustrating than something like Super Mario 3D World. The camera automatically repositions itself to keep up with Agent 8's movement as he climbs over obstacles and up walls, but not always the way you'd expect, which can result in an inability to anticipate nearby dangers. It's annoying, and it verges on aggravating at times.

Outside of the controls and camera, there's a lot to like about Spyder. Exploring the world can be a blast as you learn to think of nearly all surfaces -- below, beside, and above you -- as places to which you can easily climb. And using Agent 8's tiny but surprisingly powerful legs to manipulate levers, keys, and buttons makes for some satisfying interactions. The designers have clearly thought long and hard about what it would be like for a spider to control, say, a scrolling mouse ball, using its legs to spin it and delicately maneuver a pointer into position on a screen. Again, though, the controls can be a bit finicky. Feel free to give Spyder a shot using the basic touch interface, but you'll likely experience a lot more fun and less aggravation if you happen to have a Bluetooth gamepad you can connect for improved control.