RIP Flappy Bird: the next five big free apps

The decision of Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen to remove his hit app from the App Store because it was ruining his "simple life" has been met with outrage across social media, as users mourn the demise of the tiny pixelated pest.

Now that Flappy Bird is gone, what other free apps are vying to take its place? The new number one free download is Ironpants, in which users press and hold the screen of their device to propel along a small superhero through a series of boxy obstacles. So far, so familiar. Riding high in second place is Fly Birdie - Flappy Bird Flyer, another cleverly named game very similar to the dearly departed app, which involves tapping the screen "to make the birdie fly".

Distinct homages aside, we take a look at the five best free games currently available to download