Poking a bear. Using a leaking gas grill. Dumb Ways to Die’s mini-games are whimsical reminders of situations we should avoid – and how to handle them if we can’t. Want to play through dozens of other bite-size lessons? Dodge those claws and plug that damaged hose before time runs out!

What we love: The cartoonish humour. Adorable characters and animations make serious scenarios – such as watching your step while boarding a train – surprisingly amusing. And the more over-the-top mini-games are even funnier. Don’t swim near piranha – and never push a big red button!

Quick tip: Spinning puzzles are trickier than they look. To prevent the skateboarder from crashing and the dryer from injuring its occupant, keep holding down and rotating even after the wheels and drum seem to have stopped. You haven’t won till you see the victory animation!

Meet the creator: The original Dumb Ways to Die – developed by Metro Trains Melbourne in 2013 and currently published by PlaySide Studios – kicked off a blockbuster franchise that includes multiple sequels and spin-offs. It’s also responsible for the viral “Dumb Ways to Die” song and video, which was released in 2012 to promote rail safety.