How we test whether a game really works offline

When we say a game works offline, we mean we checked. Plenty of listings claim it and then quietly need a connection to load levels or save.

Our routine is boring but effective: install the game with a connection, then flip on airplane mode before doing anything else. If it launches, plays and saves, it passes the first test.

Then we play in bursts, closing and reopening the app to see if progress holds. This catches games that lose your save when they can't sync to a server.

It's a low-tech process, but it's the only way to be sure. We'd rather spend an afternoon checking than tell you something wrong.