Top Android Game: Grow
Grow is a fast-paced, agility-demanding Android app where the goal is to survive, grow, and evolve.
- Version: 1.02
- Size: 5.04MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: $1.99
You will begin “Adventure” mode as a tadpole-like fish in a clear jar with the necessity of getting bigger to survive. The basic premise is that you can only eat other fish that are of the same size or smaller than you. Run into a larger fish and you will quickly be devoured. Every time you eat another fish, the “fish bar” at the top of the screen will fill in (more for larger fish and vice versa). Completely fill it to complete the level. Plus, coins will spill from each fish you consume (reminiscent of rings from the original Sega Sonic the Hedgehog). Do your best to collect these before the fade away because they can be used to purchase items from the shop like speed bonuses and extra power-ups.
At first, this Android game seems rather easy, but that quickly changes with the introduction of defensive fish and aggressive predators. Beware of the orange blowfish, which will puff up if you get too close. Also be weary of the blue anglerfish, which will attempt to pull you in and turn you into a quick meal. When these dangerous fish are highlighted in red they cannot be touched or eaten. However, if you grow large enough or catch them at an opportune moment, you can chomp them down.
Luckily, you also have some tricks up your sleeve (or scales?). For instance, the “hook” and “stun” power-ups help you attract and slow down fish respectively. Don’t forget to purchase bonus items/abilities from the store to improve your chances for survival.
Pros:
- 64 increasingly challenging levels
- Variety of menacing predators and sophisticated defensive fish
- Appealing graphics enhance gameplay
- Sensitive on-screen joystick controls and multitouch support
Areas for improvement:
- Consider adding more power-ups/bonuses (and even leverage the new in-app payment as an option for players who are stuck/impatient)
Conclusion: Use your speed, agility, and strategy to devour your way to the top of the food chain in this aquatic adventure Android game.
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Top Android Game: Pocket Soccer
Pocket Soccer lets you play button “football” against the computer or your friends.
- Version: 1.4
- Size: 6.21MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
To start, choose either 1 or 2 player mode (2 player best suited for an Android tablet because of the large screen real-estate). Then, choose which of the over 60 countries you’d like to represent (e.g. Brazil, England, or the USA). For fans of some of the smaller countries in the World Cup, you’ll enjoy the fact that you’ll find them on the list (e.g. Angola, Cameroon, or Trinidad and Tobego).
The gameplay itself is extremely simple and relatively similar to the Glow Hockey Android Game, with its bouncing walls and crazy angled shots. Each team has three players or “buttons” represented by the country’s flag. Flick your players toward the ball to ricochet it and shoot or send them backwards to defend your goal. The game itself is turn-based, meaning you have a maximum of five seconds to decide what you want to do and move a player. Once you move or the five seconds has expired, it will be your opponent’s turn. The first team to score 10 goals is the winner. As you win you’ll unlock new fields, different balls, and various crowds to spice up the game.
Pros:
- An addicting hybrid of soccer and air hockey
- 60+ countries to choose from
- 1 and 2 player modes
Areas of improvement:
- Online multiplayer mode is a must!
Conclusion: A fast-paced, simple, entertaining virtual soccer Android game.
Top Android Game: RetroCosmos
RetroCosmos is an arcade-style space invaders-like Android game.
- Version: 1.0
- Size: 1.16MB (no apps2SD)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
The mission throughout this Android game is to destroy the alien invaders before they destroy you! The 30 individual levels are complemented by retro 80’s graphics, vintage sound effects, and an entertaining “electro soundtrack.”
Controls require just one finger to move left/right and forward/back and your spaceship is positioned right above your finger for clear viewing and better maneuverability. Additionally, the spaceship will automatically fire whenever your finger is on the screen, so you don’t have to worry about steering and shooting simultaneously. Note that each shot is fired only after the previous one hits a target or exits the top of the screen, so the closer you are when you engage enemy spacecraft the more rapid your shots will become. However, this does require more skill in avoiding enemy movements and weapons.
The graphics are very reminiscent of 80’s arcade-style shooters, with bright, retro colors and pixelated figures. Overall, the look and feel of this Android game really adds to its playability and might even make you feel a little nostalgic.
Pros:
- 30 levels of retro, space invader-like gameplay
- Vintage sound effects and music adds to the gaming experience
- Smooth controls allow precision maneuvering (and avoids frustration)
Areas for improvement:
- Ability to pause the game (without putting phone to sleep)
- Option to save progress through each of the three stages
- Additional levels!
Conclusion: Become a space vigilante and protect the solar system from invading aliens in this retro-inspired, addicting Android game.
Top Android Game: 9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011
9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011 brings you the best full-featured, classic arcade-style Android baseball game with real MLB rosters.
- Version: 1.0.3
- Size: 8.79MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011 features three different modes of play; exhibition, league, and homerun derby. The exhibition mode lets you play a quick 9 innings without worrying about your roster, player stats, etc. During homerun derby mode, you’ll get 5 “outs” to hit as many homeruns as possible (anything but a ball or a homerun is an out). You’ll earn points based on how far each ball goes and extra points for back-to-back homeruns. Each round has a points goal you’ll have to accrue in order to qualify for the next, more challenging round. Finally, in league mode you act as the owner and manager of your chosen team. Create lineups, adjust the starting rotation, and check up on your team’s record, ranking, and achievements.
As you play, you’ll find yourself earning points for many achievements e.g. a 4 batter hit streak or bunting to advance a runner. These points can then be spent to acquire new players, upgrade current players, etc. There are currently over 700+ MLB player profiles to choose from. Each player has their own card (just like collectible trading cards) with their image and detailed stats. Plus, with the points you earn, you can even buy “booster packs” to pull random player cards.
In terms of gameplay, the controls are quite simple to use. When you’re batting, just tap the screen to swing. Depending on the pitch, it might take you a little while to get the timing down. There are also graphics/buttons for bunting if you so choose. When the ball is in play, two on-screen buttons will appear allowing you to control the baserunners. When pitching, select the type of pitch to throw and then drag the ball to the specific location you’d like it to go. When the ball is in play, use the glove graphics over home-plate and first, second, and third base to direct your players’ throws.
Pros:
- Three playing modes: exhibition, league, and homerun derby
- 700+ real MLB player profiles and full team rosters
- Straightforward on-screen controls
Areas for improvement:
- Some rosters aren’t up-to-date for the 2011 season
- Improve/smooth out graphics to enhance playability
Conclusion: A competitive, multi-feature baseball Android game reminiscent of 1990s style baseball video games.
Top Android Game: 2 Player Reactor
2 Player Reactor lets you face off against your friends in a battle of quick thinking and lightning-fast reaction times.
- Version: 1.6
- Size: 1.02MB (apps2SD enabled)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free (4 player version ~$2.44)
This Android game tests not only your reflexes but also your much of your basic knowledge. It’s perfect as a “bar game, ice breaker, or [a way] to decide who has to do the dishes!”
The game’s concept is simple. On each end of the screen, each player has their own “response button” which lets them “ring in” when they think the correct answer is shown. In the middle of the screen is where all of the attention must be focused because that’s where the questions/images are shown. There is a lengthy list of min-games that can be played including:
- 5 different shapes
- Mouse in maze
- Countdown hits zero
- Sad smiley
- React when white
- Country and capital
- ABCs
- Find pairs
For example, the “mouse in maze” mini-game will display different screens in succession where paths are erratically drawn between a mouse and the cheese. When the screen is displayed with the correct path drawn, hit the “response button” before your opponent to score a point.
A useful feature incorporated into this Android game is the option to choose whether you want to play a “Quick Game” (great for impromptu challenges) or a “Custom Game” where you manually pick and choose the mini-games you’d like to play. In the current version, there are 14 different mini-games to choose from.
Pros:
- Customizable playing modes (quick vs. custom game)
- Fully compatible with all screen sizes including Android tables
- Long list of mini-games to keep you entertained over and over again
- Available in 18+ languages
Areas for improvement:
- Enhanced graphics would take this Android game to the next level
- Additional mini-games always a plus
Conclusion: An innovative Android game pitting two players against one another in real-time to determine who has the quickest reflexes and the sharpest wit.
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