Pokémon Go
Best Android Games
Less a game, more a cultural phenomena, Pokémon Go broke new ground and showed the world what a mobile game could be. If you’ve been living under a Geodude for the last few years, Pokémon Go uses AR technology to place the titular monsters into the world around you. You must walk out to meet them, capture them and then train them. Niantic has done a fantastic job of continuing support for the game, holding regular seasonal events and exclusive opportunities to catch legendary Pokémon.
The real genius of the game is how it encourages its players to go outside and interact with others. Who could forget the first month it was released, where you’d constantly see would-be trainers awkwardly greeting each other in parks, bars and restaurants. The game is free to play but does offer the opportunity to save time through the use of microtransactions. Pokémon Go is different to every other game on this list because of its inherent social aspect, a quality which makes it stand out as one of the best games you can play on Android today.
Monument Valley 2
Best Android Games
Mobile gaming has had a really rough time over the last few years. Crowded storefronts and money grabbing ports often drown out some of the artistic gems which the platform has to offer. One of the first of said gems to prove that mobile gaming could be worth your time was Monument Valley, whose successor Monument Valley 2 improves on it in every way imaginable. The Monument Valley games are Escher-esque puzzle games which offer up perspective-based riddles set against a gorgeous artistic style.
The sequel adds in a new playable character and new puzzle elements, but the same sense of wonder and catharsis remains. The game never rushes you along, begging you to enjoy the its collection of story-book levels in your own time. Monument Valley 2 is perfectly suited to mobile devices and is proof that there is plenty of good on the platform.
The Room Series
Best Android Games
Now four games strong, The Room series features puzzles presented as tactile, mechanical boxes. Each one is similar to a Himitsu Bako Japanese puzzle box in that certain mechanisms must be triggered, in order, to solve them. The thing that elevates The Room above other puzzle games of its type is its wonderfully rich, spooky atmosphere. The player can pick up story beats via notes and letters scattered around the world giving context to the proceedings.
The tactile interface of Android devices is a perfect fit for the games puzzle boxes, showing a deep understanding of the platform by developer Fireproof Games. Honestly, you’re safe with any of The Room games but the most recent release, The Room: Old Sins is a great entry into the series. They’re pretty inexpensive too, meaning there’s no reason why you shouldn’t just play all of them.
Lara Croft Go
Best Android Games
The Go series is great at taking franchises you know and love, like Hitman and Tomb Raider, and turning them into complex, expertly crafted puzzle experiences. Lara Croft Go is the best example of this, placing Lara onto a series of isometric puzzle boards and tasking the player with maneuvering her to the exit. There are a variety of enemy types which move, attack and act in different ways so staying several steps ahead is key here.
The game features a ton of content and replayability, with multiple degrees of completion available for each stage meaning you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck. Lara Croft Go boils elements from the Tomb Raider series into smart simple mechanics which are easy to pick up but difficult to master.
Framed
Best Android Games
Framed takes the simple premise of a crook on the run and weaves in a seriously clever puzzle game. In Framed, you must rearrange individual panels to create animated comics of sorts, allowing the character to progress to the next stage. What starts off as simple A to B puzzles quickly becomes intricately designed mazes and riddles. You can switch panels to dodge bullets, evade guards and escape. The brilliant core design of each puzzle is enough to make Framed a contender for one of the best games on Android.
Framed also features a great noir-tinged aesthetic with briefcases, cigarettes and trench coats all making an appearance. There’s an element of Hitchcock to it all, proving once again that simplistic design is king when it comes to puzzle games.
Plague Inc.
Best Android Games
Plague Inc. is built around one seriously messed up premise. You’re goal is to infect as much of the world as possible using different pathogens, viruses and delivery methods. There have been quite a few of these pandemic simulators, but Plague Inc. is undoubtedly the best. The more matches you play, the more deadly tools at your disposal allowing you to inch closer to the ultimate goal of cleansing planet Earth of all life.
The true joy of playing Plague Inc. is in seeing how each small decision you make impacts the world at large. It’s possible to kill off everyone too quickly, preventing the virus from spreading farther, you can also choose which countries you will introduce each pathogen into, changing the outcome of the game. Achieving total annihilation also feels earned and is incredibly rewarding. Seeing the red spread steadily across the map becomes addictive as all hell, ensuring you stay invested right up until the very end.
Minecraft: Pocket Edition
Best Android Games
It’s Minecraft, on your phone, what more could you want? Squeezing the crafting/survival game onto mobile devices has gone surprisingly well, with Minecraft: Pocket Edition managing to capture the key elements of what makes the game great. Players are able to use Survival mode, Creative mode, Multiplayer, all on the go, an impressive feat considering the scope of the game.
The joy of adventuring and collecting is all present as well as many of the iconic enemies. The worlds are procedurally generated, allowing for endless experimentation and longevity. There are several design choices which make Minecraft: Pocket Edition perfect for mobile devices including an auto-jump feature and intuitive touch controls. There’s a little less on offer than in the full experience but the sheer versatility and availability of Minecraft: Pocket Edition elevates the series to new heights.
Broken Age
Best Android Games
Broken Age starts its story by seeing its main protagonist being offered up as a sacrifice to giant Gods, and it gets weirder from there. The game is classic adventure through and through, utilizing point and click controls with whimsical puzzles and a genuinely touching narrative. The visuals are absolutely stunning, making the most of high-end Android screens with its vibrant colours and zany art direction.
The game comes courtesy of Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions who are experts in this genre. Broken Age tells the story of two connected individuals, allowing the player to switch between the two throughout the game. It features voice acting from Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Massaya Moyo. There are murderous robots, spaceships, giant Gods and an eclectic cast of unique characters on offer here, all within the confines of your Android device.
Battle of Polytopia
Best Android Games
Here’s one for you Civ heads out there. Battle of Polytopia presents players with a world filled with rich strategic potential. Starting with a single fighter, players will slowly expand their resources out into the unknown surroundings. There are enemies waiting to kick your butt but also allies to encounter. Battle of Polytopia is incredibly deep and appropriately versatile on Android devices, offering a full-fat simulation experience in your pocket.
The game is a great example of how technical limitations often breed incredible results. The game is not as dense as say, Civ, but is designed that way, making it easier to play in bite-sized chunks on the go. There’s a streamlined skill tree to contend with too, meaning you can personalise your growing forces to your heart’s desire.
Hearthstone
Best Android Games
Hearthstone is the hit free to play collectable card game developed by Blizzard. It makes use of turn-based card combat to present an addictive and seriously deep experience. The great thing about Hearthstone on Android is that it supports cross-platform play, meaning you can face-off against your buddies regardless of what platform they are on.
The rules are easy to understand and there’s a huge library of free content available. The game continues to receive support from developers and has one of the largest active player bases of any video game. It uses the same lore, characters and relics of the World of Warcraft series making it instantly iconic and recognizable. Beware though, as this game is likely to suck away all of your free time as you finish your 1000th game and head into the next.
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