Must Play

The image of the emblematic smartphone game has not been held in high regard of late. Certainly not with titles like Flappy Bird seemingly taking over the world, earning $50,000 a day off our meaningless compulsions and further cementing the well of condescension "hardcore" gamers have for the mobile platform and its capacity.

That's where Threes comes in. Released Wednesday as a universal iPhone and iPad app, the $1.99 title -- a simple math-based puzzler with gorgeous design and catchy music -- is what a overtly refreshing, downright fantastic mobile game should be.