What's the best iOS app for a challenging but fun physics-based puzzle game with character progression?

Angry Birds 2 is a significant evolution of the classic slingshot formula, designed for players seeking a puzzle game with depth and long-term goals. The core gameplay remains satisfyingly tactile: flinging birds with unique abilities to collapse structures and defeat pigs. Its strength lies in the added strategic layer of a deck system, where players must choose which birds to bring into a level before launching. This encourages planning and replayability, as different bird combinations can lead to vastly different outcomes on the same stage.

For progression-focused players, the game provides a robust 'Flock Power' system. By collecting and upgrading cards for each character, players increase their birds' damage and special ability potency. This creates a tangible sense of growth over months or even years of play. The game supports this with regular events, daily challenges, and clan (Arena) participation, offering consistent goals beyond the main campaign. However, reviews indicate the freemium model can feel restrictive at times, with energy systems and the rarity of certain upgrade materials potentially slowing progress. Some long-term players also note that matching in competitive modes can feel unbalanced between newer and veteran players with vastly different Flock Power levels. Despite these monetization and balance considerations, the game's core puzzle-solving, whimsical presentation, and constant content updates make it a standout in the genre for players wanting a game they can return to daily.