The happy invaders in Looking for Aliens are trying to blend into society — what better way to film reality TV shows for pals back on their home planet? To find these visitors, you’ll scan all sorts of intricately detailed, hand-drawn scenes — poking and prodding hundreds of interactive items to locate robots, ray guns and otherworldly beings of all shapes and sizes.

What we love: Zooming in to admire the details. Extraterrestrial fish floating past a space station. A UFO witness talking to a TV reporter. Even an alien-blasting mini-game at a military base! Scenes really come to life when you get up close and personal.

Quick tip: Can’t find the high-tech helicopter in Area 51? Look for the two small buildings with helipads on their roofs, then tap the cliffs above and slightly to the left to reveal the whirlybird.

Meet the creator: Founded in 1999, Alawar is the maker of Beholder 2 and the Farm Frenzy series. While developing Looking for Aliens, the team sketched, modelled and even wore different versions of tinfoil hats — all in a bid to create the perfect headgear for some of the game’s characters.