There's an app for everything these days - whether it's online shopping, banking, social media, music or gaming, it doesn't matter; we're spending an increasing amount of time on our phones. As the winter months draw in and we're forced to spend more time inside, it's time to start looking into things we can do on our phones aside from instagramming our photos of fun in the sun. With this in mind, we've collated the top 5 gaming apps that are easy to dip in and out of while the TV adverts are on, or on that early morning commute in the dark.

Alto's Adventure

Developed by Toronto's Snowman studios, Alto's Adventure is one of those games that is actually good for the soul. It has a wonderful flat graphic aesthetic and only costs £1.49, a bargain thanks to the lack of in-app purchases which other developers would jump to cash in on. The gameplay itself has an 'endless runner' element to it where the player must avoid obstacles and bring Alto's flock of llamas to safety. The game's elegant interface and well matched soundtrack prove that there is a hunger for premium mobile gaming apps.

Colorfy

Although not technically a 'game' as such, it is one of the most satisfying apps out there, not to mention extremely calming. For those times where you can't whip out your colouring book, the app consists of sketchbook sections containing intricate colouring patterns where you can select colour schemes for your picture. As a completely free app, and available on both android and IOS, this is definitely one to download for the morning commute.

Heavenstrike Rivals

Heavenstrike Rivals (http://www.heavenstrikerivals.com/) is a mobile RPG (role-playing game) that involves working your way through several multi-tiered battles. It's addictive, that's for sure, as you pick and assign units with the touch screen and earn XP, gold and crystals. In an interview commissioned by The Smartphone Company (http://www.smartphonecompany.co.uk/), Production Director James Dobrowski at Mediatonic spoke about the game's success, "It's an original IP developed in collaboration with Square Enix, Japan. We've been climbing the charts in Asia as well as our usual markets, and we are currently adding new content multiple times per week, which is keeping us very busy indeed!". We're glad they are too, because this is one that's hard to put down.

Monument Valley

A truly stunning game, Monument Valley from indie studio Ustow is one of those rare games that combines challenge and experience. Playing as the silent Princess, you must navigate your way through optical illusions stages where each new stage is even more impossibly gorgeous than the next. It really is a delight to the senses, mysterious and vague but with enough beauty to keep you hooked. Although the game isn't a free one it will only cost you £2.99, which in our opinion is worth every penny for the unique gameplay involved.

Kim Kardashian: Hollywood

Many will turn their nose up to an app created by Kim Kardashian, with Kim Kardashian in mind and for Kim Kardashian fans, but we bet you would be lying if you said you weren't the least bit curious about what this app has to offer. The game is actually cleverly thought out; players are guided on a journey to stardom starting off in a clothes store and working their way up the celebrity ladder, much like Kim's own career. It's one of those strangely addictive games and with 245,000 reviews on Android's Google Play store as well as a five star rating on Apple's US store from nearly 200,000 reviews, there are some impressive figures on its popularity. That many thousands of people can't be wrong, right?

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