Since Android was introduced to developers in late September 2008, it has slowly become the world's leading mobile platform, which means developers are rushing to launch Android games and apps on the Android Market. As more and more titles are added, it's getting increasingly difficult to sort the good from the bad. But fear not: we've compiled a list of the best and most unique Android games available for your Android device.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Many of these Android games offer free, lite versions, so we encourage you to give many of them a try before you commit the cash. Also, since Android is a platform fragmented by so many different devices, not every Android game is guaranteed to work on your Android phone. All of these games were played and tested on a Motorola Droid X, using version 2.2 of the Android software. Some Android games also have an estimated price (denoted by the tilde) which represents a rounded up dollar amount to compensate for games which come from another region.
Abduction 2
While there are three entires in the Abduction series-it's very similar to the iOS hit Doodle Jump-Abduction 2 is arguably the best of the bunch. Aliens invade earth and the bouncy cow you control using the phone's accelerometer must jump from platform to platform collecting gifts and saving animals along the way to a space ship high in the sky. Other animals and props are unlockable and customizable as well, making the replay value on this nifty little gem soar to great heights. It's worth noting that the first Abduction title is free, so get your toes wet there if you're not jumping at this game.
~$2.17
Action Potato
Using three cute pots to catch potatoes that fly onto the screen might not sound complex, but it is incredibly fun and addictive. Fresh potatoes add to your score, rotten ones cost you a "life," and hearts give you a life back. Best of all, this high stakes came of catch is free, so even if you hate it, it won't cost you anything to try it out, but chances are, it'll stay on your Android device for a long time to come.
Free
Alchemy Premium
Alchemy is an addictive time waster that requires you to mix the four basic elements-fire, water, air, and earth-to discover hundreds of different combinations. Players drag one "element" onto another to create a new element, which snowballs into other possibilities. It's far more fun than it sounds, and half the fun is in intuitively figuring out how the elements will react. Mixing a "life" element with a "mushroom" equals a 1UP, for example.
$4.95
Angry Birds
This is the same game that has stolen the hearts of millions of iOS device users across the globe, and now it's aiming its sights on Android owners. Sending adorable birds flying into green pigs shouldn't be this fun, but it is. One thing to note: this version ad supported, so expect frequent and occasionally intrusive ads to break up the action, but the game is so good, it's worth suffering through.
Free (Ads supported)
Backbreaker Football
NaturalMotion's Android version of the console title plays less like a simulation and more like a racing game. You control your players by tilting the device from side to side, aiming for special score-boosting spaces on route to the end zone. It comes complete with online leaderboards, multiple difficulty levels, unlockable trophies and helmets, and an opposition ready to deliver big hits on your running back. It's one of the most unique sports games on the platform.
$2.99
Caligo Chaser
Caligo Chaser may not present the most gripping story, but everything else about this title is impressive. The bright rich visuals, the deep leveling system, and most importantly, the intuitive on-screen controls work make this one of the better Android titles around, especially if you have a large enough screen to accommodate the button layout. At its heart, it is a beat-em-up with traditional RPG aspects drizzled on top, but the blend is tasty enough to warrant a download from Android owners.
$2.99
$2.99
Drop7
Puzzle games are a perfect fit for mobile platforms, though it's rare to find one as unique and addicting as Drop7. A mixture of "falling block" and number/Sudoku style games, Drop7 presents players with discs they must drop into a grid. The number on the disc, anywhere from one to seven, is the number of discs in a column or row that it must find itself in for the disc to disappear. Drop7 is the perfect blend of simplicity and strategy for both fully-engaged and casual mobile games player.
$2.99
$2.99
Everlands HD
While light on features, Everlands is a refreshing strategy game where players place hexagonal tiles with animals on them on a board with the goal of having the most remaining tiles belonging to them at the end of the game. The game's story, like its presentation, is cute and clean, and the strategy is surprisingly complex. The only drawback is a lack of online multiplayer, which would work so well with this title.
~$2.41
~$2.41
Fruit Ninja
Fruit gets tossed in the air, and you swipe your finger to cut them in pieces. Bombs get thrown in the mix, which you are to avoid cutting. It might sound simple but it's incredibly addictve and polished. As with many games on this list, it has online leaderboards using OpenFeint, and a few modes to change up the slicing. Halfbrick studios did a wonderful job of making Fruit Ninja slick and more delightful than chopping fruit in your own kitchen.
$1.19
$1.19
Galcon
Billed as a "high-paced multi-player galactic action-strategy game," Galcon lets you control planets of varying sizes, drawing lines between them to send a percentage of their fleet to another one in an attempt to take that planet over. By controlling larger planets, their fleet may grow faster, and become a larger threat to the opponent. You can engage in online battles as well, which offer players an engaging experience in easy to digest chunks.
$2.99
$2.99
Game Dev Story
This simple, charming game places players at the head of a growing game studio and charges them with finding and managing talent to produce hit titles.The retro-inspired design adds to the nostalgia, and plenty of in-jokes will keep gamers chuckling for long stretches as they try to cobble together the next triple-A blockbuster.
~$4.80
~$4.80
Jewel Rotation
Bejeweled clones are a dime a dozen, but Jewel Rotation manages to rise above the fray thanks to its unique twist on the gem matching formual. The game board is divided into four squared rings, the smallest containing eight gems in the center of the board, and the largest containing the outer 32 gems. Players rotate the rings to line up four gems at a time before the timer runs out. It may have very few modes and it's restricted to local leaderboards, but it will quickly become your go-to jewel-flipping game for its uniqueness alone.
Free
Free
Kongregate Arcade
If there's one app that shows off the advantage Android has over the iOS platform, it's Kongregate Arcade. Unlike current iDevices, Android supports flash-based games, and this app brings plenty of them to your handheld. Boasting over 300 games like Ink Ball, Screw the Nut Mobile, and Fingerless, this free collection of games is one of the first things an Android owner should download.
Free
Free
MX Moto
Those familiar with Trials will be familiar with MX Moto: Using a combinatino of the accelerometer and two touchscreen buttons, players guide a motorcyclist through a series of side-scrolling courses. Steep hills, jumps, loops, and different obstacles challenge players to be precise with every movement, all while aiming to top record times on the leaderboards. Normal, bomb (where bombs are strewn about the courses), and rally modes keep the same levels fresh and challenging.
$1.99
$1.99
Nintaii
Nintaii is a serene puzzle game where players roll a long block through narrow mazes. The relaxing music and mild design of the game fits its simplicity well, and could be described as "zen-like." Nintaii's isometric 3D plane gives the game a little extra depth, and swiping to move the block feels accurate and natural. This makes the game's polish and presentation a core factor in why it finds a place on this list.
$2.99
$2.99
Pac-Man Championship Edition
Pac-Man never gets old, but Championship Edition injects a healthy dose of new ideas and concepts to the classic arcade vibe. The colorful, wavy, neon-like effects are great as are the online Facebook-connected leaderboards and achievements. It's a terrific update to the pill eating classic we all know and love.
$4.99
$4.99
Pocket God
Ngmoco has players acting out their more sinister instincts as a "god" of small primitive islanders called pygmies in their toy-like game Pocket God. The game is centered around sacrificing and striking fear into the hearts of your worshippers. The cute cartoon atmosphere and the powers at your disposal make this a humorous addition to your library. A recent update even added a beautiful double rainbow which you can draw across the sky for the pygmies to behold.
$0.99
$0.99
Pocket Legends
Pocket Legends is a free 3D MMO in the same fashion as World of Warcraft, except with a more cute and accessible approach. Considering a single server can house a number of players on iOS, PC, and Android devices at once, the general performance and lack of constant frame dropping is a surprising accomplishment for developer Spacetime Studios. Players pick from three classes: Warriors (bears), Enchantresses (elves), and Archers (eagles) then embark on a variety of missions to save the land of Alterra. It's a great MMO experience that's worth the price of admission-even if it is free.
Free
Free
Pocket Racing
Top-down racers don't typically get the attention a traditional tilt-based game gets on mobile devices, but Pocket Racing stands with the best the genre has to offer. OpenFeint online leaderboards and the ability to download ghosts of others' best times to race adds to the fun as well.
~$3.04
~$3.04
Prism 3D
Prism 3D is a hybrid of 3D pong and the traditional labyrinth marble game. Players use their phone's tilt sensors to move a constantly bouncing ball from the foreground to the background. Throughout each level are a variety of bonus tiles that (for better or worse) affect the player's score and ease of play in the level. It's a simple concept that is carried out well, as missing a tile always feels like it's "your fault;" which to us is an indicator of sound mechanics.
~$1.00
~$1.00
Radiant HD
The second Hexage game in this lineup (the first being Everlands HD), Radiant HD is a bright, arcade-style retro shooter heavily inspired by games like Galaga and Space Invaders. With an upgradeable weapons system, charming story, and basic touch controls, Radiant HD is perfect for fans of old-school pixel-shooting fun.
~$2.41
~$2.41
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