Remember 2048, the 2014 viral sensation that the Washington Post dubbed “nerdy, minimalist, [and] frustrating?” Meet Threes, the game’s better-designed predecessor.
In Threes (as in 2048) you swipe tiles up, down and side to side to match tiles of the same number and try to reach the highest possible number without filling up the board. But in almost every way, Threes is better than 2048. It has no ads. It’s easier to control, as the tiles move one space at a time, and a preview bar at the top lets you know what type of tile is coming up so you can better think about your runs. It’s just adorable too, with little faces adorning some of the tiles you slide around in the 4 by 4 playground.
If you like puzzle games that you can play in short sessions, Threes is perfect.