Kingdoms: Merge & Build

Shovelful of Cash is the ultimate 'scratch that itch' game. There is something fundamentally rewarding about watching a grid of dirt disappear to reveal a shiny gold coin or a fossil. The progression curve is well-tuned; you never feel truly stuck, as there is always a smaller upgrade within reach that makes the next five minutes of digging more efficient.

While the core gameplay is simple, the variety of biomes keeps it from feeling stale too quickly. The sound design—specifically the 'clink' of hitting metal—is top-notch. It lacks a bit of the complexity found in deeper management sims, but as a casual time-waster, it hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of game you play while listening to a podcast, and suddenly an hour has passed.