Fallout 4 The Commonwealth needs you
It has been one of the biggest hype-trains in recent history; when Fallout 4 was announced just before E3 2015, people went nuts. And publishers Bethesda played on that, allowing their own promotion engine to be fuelled by the enthusiasm of fans the world over. So when Fallout 4 finally arrived, it is little wonder that a number of people were disappointed by what they got.
Even after all this time, when people should be well aware of how hype often gets out of hand, and when they should know that no game is perfect, they still managed to make themselves believe that Fallout 4 would, somehow, be a game that offered no problems. But by its very nature, Fallout 4 was almost guaranteed to be imperfect; any game as ambitious as this one is bound to have issues to some degree, and Fallout 4 is no different.
People the world over started identifying things that they didn’t like: graphics that were a bit poorer than ere expected, bugs that occasionally lead to hooking up on geometry or seeing odd things like models in strange places, that kind of thing. But it would serve one well, when approaching a game like Fallout 4, that (in the first instance) some truly great games have also had bugs and, most importantly, highlighting individual elements that may leave something to be desired in only truly relevant if these elements ruin the entire experience.
And, quite honestly, in the case of Fallout 4, they do not. You can bitch all you like about the little things that annoy you, but when the game is considered macroscopically (as it should be) there are very few things that might hamper the overall experience, and certainly none that will ruin it. The game begins with the player’s chosen character (created with a robust set of character editing tools) being rushed to Vault 111 in the face of total atomic annihilation. We’re not going into detail here, because spoilers suck… suffice to say that when the character awakens, you find yourself in a very different world, a long time after the bombs fell. After a few short “mandatory” missions that get you into the swing of things, Fallout 4 sort of stands back and says “It’s a great, big world out there… have fun with it”. And so the player begins a massive journey of discovery, in which the central plot plays only a small part. Fallout 4 isn’t about getting from A to B in a narrative; it is about living in a post-apocalyptic world.
To this end, Fallout 4 gives the player every tool it can muster in making the experience as engrossing and complete as possible. From the basic stuff, like character modification through skills and visual elements, and gear modification and improvement, right through to the establishment of settlements, Fallout 4 offers the player an absolute ton of things to do. I found myself spending long sessions tweaking my guns and armour, or fasttravelling between my settlements to make sure that they were properly defended and offered the growing number of residents what they required. I would spend hours constructing buildings in the game’s settlement editor, or hunting through random piles of scrap to find the elusive materials I needed for a particular weapon part. And then I would spend other long sessions exploring the Commonwealth (once called the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the vast setting for this game) and completing missions. Between crafting, tweaking and combat, Fallout 4 has consumed many hours for me, and I still have a ton that I want to get to.
It’s the kind of game that you can spend a good long time playing, with short sessions great for tweaking and crafting, and longer sessions ideal for finding new places, trading and, of course, shooting stuff. And, thanks to the fully open nature of the world, you’ll be spending some of that time running away from enemies you cannot handle just yet, licking your wounds and levelling up before going back to exact a bit of revenge.
While Fallout 4 does give you every tool you need to survive in this world, it doesn’t hold your hand. It doesn’t guide you in any particular direction (the quests feel more like suggestions that compulsions) and it simply lets you get on with doing your thing within the game world.
And that world is massive. While fast-travelling is an option, this place has been created to be explored on foot, either solo or with a trusty companion (although the dog, for example, becomes more of an annoyance before long, so companions are only suggested for the most patient of players). It is a world that is full of surprises and oddity that you’ll never find if you bounce between fast-travel points, and this convenient method of traversing the map is only suggested for completing tedious tasks, like hauling junk back to your base of operations. There are amazing uncharted places and experiences here, and missing out on them would be a crime. Besides, walking is good for you.
None of it ever really seems overwhelming, either. Junk is automatically stripped down to needed parts by settlement workshops, for example. Traders are relatively plentiful (although you won’t find them fast travelling) and can even be set up in your settlements. The skill tree is simple yet expansive, but the lack of level cap means that you’ll more than likely never have to worry about getting to any particular ability at the expense of others. Combat can be daunting at times, but the game gets you feeling like a bad-ass pretty quickly, complete with customisable power armour and a massive arsenal of weapons that you can trim to suit your play style. It feels like the developers made a world for you to live in, on your own terms, rather than giving you a controlled experience. In truth, the only thing that is really overwhelming in Fallout 4 is the sheer scope of what you can do with it… and that’s a good kind of intimidation.
So, yes, the graphics may not be the best we’ve ever seen. The world may have bugs that aren’t mutated mosquitoes, flies and roaches. The companion AI does leave a lot to be desired. But the truth is that these things can be avoided or, at worst, ignored. And when everything is put together, all of these issues, whether in isolation or combined, do very little to hamper an excellent gaming experience. You may find yourself getting annoyed, even to a high degree, at times, but you will keep coming back. Like with Skyrim, Bethesda have managed to create an experience that is so wonderfully immersive with Fallout 4 that you’ll constantly keep coming back to it, bugs and all. It’s single-player only, which may make some people wonder about the longevity of the game, but with the amount that it offers to do, you’ll probably still be playing it long after you’ve set aside the latest cut-and-paste multiplayer FPS title. It’s not a massive step forward for the franchise, but it doesn’t need to be.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Best free apps for Google Chromecast
Best free apps for Google Chromecast
Google's not doing a great job alerting users to Chromecast-compatible apps. Here's our pick
We all know Google's Chomecast supports a handful of great apps, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Vevo, Plex, Rdio and BT Sport, and that you can enjoy movies and music bought through Google or stored on your device or network via the streaming dongle. But what about the apps you don't know about? More than 250 apps support Chromecast streaming; here's our pick of some great free Chromecast apps for Android on which you're most likely missing out.
Cast Store for Chromecast
Tap the Discover Apps tab in Google's own Chromecast app and you'd be forgiven for thinking only 11 apps are supported. That's way off . One way to find great new apps for Chromecast is to simply run a 'Chromecast' search within Google Play or the App Store; another is to download an app dedicated to the very task at which Google is failing miserably – drawing attention to great new Chromecast apps. Cast Store for Chromecast is a free aggregator of Chromecast Android apps. It lets you quickly filter those available by News, Apps and Games, highlights an app of the week, lets you check those highest rated by other users, and it lists all new releases since your last visit. It is by far the easiest way to find new Chromecast apps worth installing on your Android smartphone or tablet. Just click to install an app and Cast Store will take you straight to the Google Play store, alleviating any worries you might have had over downloading content from unknown sources.
Doodlecast for Chromecast
Doodlecast in essence turns the TV in your living room into a digital platform on which you can play Pictionary, with no need to find a scrap of paper or a working pen (who uses those anymore anyway?). It's a bit like that one-time app phenomenon Draw Something, allowing you to compete with other Android users as you each take it in turn to either draw something or guess what is that something, but it puts your artwork on the big screen for all the family to admire/ridicule/guess what is that peculiar object that really isn't as rude as it looks. Doodlecast requires two or more Android devices, with one as the drawing pad and the other used to best-guess the answer. With a smartphone and a tablet to hand we managed to have a great game even without multiple players – and we won every time. If you just want to draw pretty pictures on your TV, try Castpad for Chromecast. Alternatively, if you're loving the whole big-screen family entertainment concept, also have a look at Trivia Cast.
CameraCast for Chromecast
We like Google's Photowall for Android and iOS, which lets anyone connected to your home Wi-Fi network send to your TV screen photos taken on their phone, tablet or PC. The resulting interactive wall of photos can even be saved to a video file. But CameraCast for Chromecast offers a slightly different take on the slideshow concept for those with Android devices.
It, too, lets you instantly beam the photos taken by your device's camera to your TV screen, and it supports the feeds of multiple devices. But in unlocking the app CameraCast becomes far more useful, allowing you to trigger an auto-shutter that captures and sends to your TV pictures taken at set intervals (this will drain the battery, though, so you'll want to keep your device plugged in). We don't know of many home CCTV systems that cost just ?1.21 (okay, plus the cost of your tablet/smartphone, TV and Chromecast dongle, but you already have those).
Up Down Fish
If you like Flappy Bird, you'll love Up Down Fish, which is also available for iOS. This clone follows a similar concept, with you tapping a large onscreen Swim button on your phone or tablet to manoeuvre a fish through tiny gaps in large pillars. Except those tiny gaps appear much larger on your TV screen – even if half the screen is consumed by the game's leaderboard. Performance isn't exactly what consoles might have led you to expect from gaming on the big screen, but the jagged graphics and jerky frames take
little away from Up Down Fish's appeal. Truth be told, the most diffcult task was trying to capture the above photo on a 10in tablet while playing Up Down Fish on a smartphone. (You can probably tell.) If you enjoy playing games on your TV via Chromecast, be sure to also check out GamingCast (85p gets you Snake, Pong and other classics), TicTacToe (aka Naughts and Crosses, free) and Hangman (also free). All the Chromecast games we've seen so far support multiplayer modes, which makes them ideal for playing in the living room.
EduKids for Chromecast
EduKids for Chromecast is the app to which you should turn when your child has not only run off with your Android tablet, but begun eyeing up that tiny black gadget sticking out the TV's HDMI port. It's still in beta, but you can be pretty sure your child will understand the implications of this – is there anything they don't know?
Just to make sure, EduKids is here to educate them on several of life's most important lessons, one of which is the noises animals make when they're pissed at you and about to rip off your head. (Just joking.) The TV plays a sound, and the child must then tap the relevant animal image from the selection shown onscreen. And that's not always as easy as it sounds, especially when you're shown, for example, four pictures of birds and must decide which one goes 'squawk'. If only EduKids would also tell you what that animal is called we might be on to something here. Let's hope the kids don't come asking the nearest adult for the answer.
Other lessons include pointing out which image in a pair represents a given term, such as 'square' or 'white' or 'curved' or 'straight'. Sometimes EduKids tries to catch you out by showing you the same pair of images but changing the term. And it works.
What other apps can I download?
Other free Chromecast apps you might like to try include Chrome Beta (or full Google Chrome on a desktop), which mirrors your browser window on the TV, plus BubbleUPnP, which lets you stream to and access multimedia on various other devices, including DLNA TVs, consoles, hifi systems and, of course, Chromecast. More are appearing every day.
Google's not doing a great job alerting users to Chromecast-compatible apps. Here's our pick
We all know Google's Chomecast supports a handful of great apps, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Vevo, Plex, Rdio and BT Sport, and that you can enjoy movies and music bought through Google or stored on your device or network via the streaming dongle. But what about the apps you don't know about? More than 250 apps support Chromecast streaming; here's our pick of some great free Chromecast apps for Android on which you're most likely missing out.
Cast Store for Chromecast
Tap the Discover Apps tab in Google's own Chromecast app and you'd be forgiven for thinking only 11 apps are supported. That's way off . One way to find great new apps for Chromecast is to simply run a 'Chromecast' search within Google Play or the App Store; another is to download an app dedicated to the very task at which Google is failing miserably – drawing attention to great new Chromecast apps. Cast Store for Chromecast is a free aggregator of Chromecast Android apps. It lets you quickly filter those available by News, Apps and Games, highlights an app of the week, lets you check those highest rated by other users, and it lists all new releases since your last visit. It is by far the easiest way to find new Chromecast apps worth installing on your Android smartphone or tablet. Just click to install an app and Cast Store will take you straight to the Google Play store, alleviating any worries you might have had over downloading content from unknown sources.
Doodlecast for Chromecast
Doodlecast in essence turns the TV in your living room into a digital platform on which you can play Pictionary, with no need to find a scrap of paper or a working pen (who uses those anymore anyway?). It's a bit like that one-time app phenomenon Draw Something, allowing you to compete with other Android users as you each take it in turn to either draw something or guess what is that something, but it puts your artwork on the big screen for all the family to admire/ridicule/guess what is that peculiar object that really isn't as rude as it looks. Doodlecast requires two or more Android devices, with one as the drawing pad and the other used to best-guess the answer. With a smartphone and a tablet to hand we managed to have a great game even without multiple players – and we won every time. If you just want to draw pretty pictures on your TV, try Castpad for Chromecast. Alternatively, if you're loving the whole big-screen family entertainment concept, also have a look at Trivia Cast.
CameraCast for Chromecast
We like Google's Photowall for Android and iOS, which lets anyone connected to your home Wi-Fi network send to your TV screen photos taken on their phone, tablet or PC. The resulting interactive wall of photos can even be saved to a video file. But CameraCast for Chromecast offers a slightly different take on the slideshow concept for those with Android devices.
It, too, lets you instantly beam the photos taken by your device's camera to your TV screen, and it supports the feeds of multiple devices. But in unlocking the app CameraCast becomes far more useful, allowing you to trigger an auto-shutter that captures and sends to your TV pictures taken at set intervals (this will drain the battery, though, so you'll want to keep your device plugged in). We don't know of many home CCTV systems that cost just ?1.21 (okay, plus the cost of your tablet/smartphone, TV and Chromecast dongle, but you already have those).
Up Down Fish
If you like Flappy Bird, you'll love Up Down Fish, which is also available for iOS. This clone follows a similar concept, with you tapping a large onscreen Swim button on your phone or tablet to manoeuvre a fish through tiny gaps in large pillars. Except those tiny gaps appear much larger on your TV screen – even if half the screen is consumed by the game's leaderboard. Performance isn't exactly what consoles might have led you to expect from gaming on the big screen, but the jagged graphics and jerky frames take
little away from Up Down Fish's appeal. Truth be told, the most diffcult task was trying to capture the above photo on a 10in tablet while playing Up Down Fish on a smartphone. (You can probably tell.) If you enjoy playing games on your TV via Chromecast, be sure to also check out GamingCast (85p gets you Snake, Pong and other classics), TicTacToe (aka Naughts and Crosses, free) and Hangman (also free). All the Chromecast games we've seen so far support multiplayer modes, which makes them ideal for playing in the living room.
EduKids for Chromecast
EduKids for Chromecast is the app to which you should turn when your child has not only run off with your Android tablet, but begun eyeing up that tiny black gadget sticking out the TV's HDMI port. It's still in beta, but you can be pretty sure your child will understand the implications of this – is there anything they don't know?
Just to make sure, EduKids is here to educate them on several of life's most important lessons, one of which is the noises animals make when they're pissed at you and about to rip off your head. (Just joking.) The TV plays a sound, and the child must then tap the relevant animal image from the selection shown onscreen. And that's not always as easy as it sounds, especially when you're shown, for example, four pictures of birds and must decide which one goes 'squawk'. If only EduKids would also tell you what that animal is called we might be on to something here. Let's hope the kids don't come asking the nearest adult for the answer.
Other lessons include pointing out which image in a pair represents a given term, such as 'square' or 'white' or 'curved' or 'straight'. Sometimes EduKids tries to catch you out by showing you the same pair of images but changing the term. And it works.
What other apps can I download?
Other free Chromecast apps you might like to try include Chrome Beta (or full Google Chrome on a desktop), which mirrors your browser window on the TV, plus BubbleUPnP, which lets you stream to and access multimedia on various other devices, including DLNA TVs, consoles, hifi systems and, of course, Chromecast. More are appearing every day.
Best new Android games of 2016
Best new Android games of 2016
Lewis Painter showcases the best upcoming games of 2016
Rush Rally 2
Rush Rally 2 is an upcoming racing game for not only Android, but iOS and Apple TV too – and it boasts some impressive features. First of all, the developers claim that the game will run at 60 frames per second and will feature over 72 tracks across a number of game modes including Rally cross and Rally Championship. There are eight cars available at launch with a plan to add more over time, all featuring realistic physics gathered from “real car telemetry data”. The iOS/Apple TV variants even feature MFi controller support, allowing you to use a gaming controller to play.
The good news is that the developers claim the game is completed, and it’s just a matter of deciding on a launch date. The developers hope that’ll be some time in May, but nothing is confirmed just yet.
Hackers
Hackers, as you’ve probably guessed already, is a game about hacking – don’t worry, you won’t get into trouble with the NSA for this kind of hacking, though. The idea is that you build up your hacking network and then hack your friends and other online players. Though details about gameplay are scarce, the idea is that you have a network, and you have to build up your defences and resources in such a way that you make the core of your network impenetrable to hackers. The game is currently in beta testing, which you can sign up for at tinyurl.com/h85vaac, with a plan to release for Android in the coming months.
The Elder Scrolls: Legends
The Elder Scrolls: Legends was first announced at E3 2015, and while there still isn’t a solid release date in sight, it looks promising. It’s a collectable card game, with gamers collecting cards with stats including agility and strength to be used in battles, although there isn’t much else to go on as Bethesda is being tight?lipped about the whole situation.
Bethesda has recently announced a beta test which should be starting soon, and those interested can sign up at tinyurl.com/hcynze8. The game is set to be available for both PC and Mobile and while we assume this means both iOS and Android, there is no platform confirmation so far. The release date is still unknown, but with E3 2016 fast approaching, we imagine it’ll get some kind of mention then.
Leap of Fate
Leap of Fate is an interesting game already available for PC, but is due to be released on mobile ‘soon’. The game is best known for being hardcore. It may have something to do with the fact that you have one life to survive a journey across a futuristic, slightly cyberpunk looking New York. There’s no health regeneration either, so you’ll probably die quickly and have to start all over again. You can play as one of four characters, all technomages (using science to create the illusion of magic), and there are over one hundred upgrades available over four categories: Mobility, Passive, Attack Skills and Equippable Glyphs. You can find out more about Leap of Fate on its official website at tinyurl.com/j8ghja4. There’s no word on the release date for the mobile companion just yet, but we’ll update this when we know more.
Samurai Rising
Square Enix recently posted a teaser for something called Project: Rising with promises that we’d hear more soon. Well, it turns out that the “more” it was referring to was yet another trailer, although this one included a few more details – the only issue is that it’s in Japanese. A Japanese?speaking writer over at Touch Arcade translated the trailer, and gave us the following insight: “…it’s another free to play social action RPG from the same artist responsible for Bravely Default. The game centralizes around four player co?op, with players taking the role of various Final Fantasy?ish classes.” The video specifically mentions the Dragoon, White Mage and Black Mage classes, so it’s safe to assume that other Final Fantasy?esque jobs will make an appearance in the full game. Samurai Rising looks to be a Japan exclusive game at launch, but we’re holding our breath that it’ll come to UK shores sooner rather than later.
Lewis Painter showcases the best upcoming games of 2016
Rush Rally 2
Rush Rally 2 is an upcoming racing game for not only Android, but iOS and Apple TV too – and it boasts some impressive features. First of all, the developers claim that the game will run at 60 frames per second and will feature over 72 tracks across a number of game modes including Rally cross and Rally Championship. There are eight cars available at launch with a plan to add more over time, all featuring realistic physics gathered from “real car telemetry data”. The iOS/Apple TV variants even feature MFi controller support, allowing you to use a gaming controller to play.
The good news is that the developers claim the game is completed, and it’s just a matter of deciding on a launch date. The developers hope that’ll be some time in May, but nothing is confirmed just yet.
Hackers
Hackers, as you’ve probably guessed already, is a game about hacking – don’t worry, you won’t get into trouble with the NSA for this kind of hacking, though. The idea is that you build up your hacking network and then hack your friends and other online players. Though details about gameplay are scarce, the idea is that you have a network, and you have to build up your defences and resources in such a way that you make the core of your network impenetrable to hackers. The game is currently in beta testing, which you can sign up for at tinyurl.com/h85vaac, with a plan to release for Android in the coming months.
The Elder Scrolls: Legends
The Elder Scrolls: Legends was first announced at E3 2015, and while there still isn’t a solid release date in sight, it looks promising. It’s a collectable card game, with gamers collecting cards with stats including agility and strength to be used in battles, although there isn’t much else to go on as Bethesda is being tight?lipped about the whole situation.
Bethesda has recently announced a beta test which should be starting soon, and those interested can sign up at tinyurl.com/hcynze8. The game is set to be available for both PC and Mobile and while we assume this means both iOS and Android, there is no platform confirmation so far. The release date is still unknown, but with E3 2016 fast approaching, we imagine it’ll get some kind of mention then.
Leap of Fate
Leap of Fate is an interesting game already available for PC, but is due to be released on mobile ‘soon’. The game is best known for being hardcore. It may have something to do with the fact that you have one life to survive a journey across a futuristic, slightly cyberpunk looking New York. There’s no health regeneration either, so you’ll probably die quickly and have to start all over again. You can play as one of four characters, all technomages (using science to create the illusion of magic), and there are over one hundred upgrades available over four categories: Mobility, Passive, Attack Skills and Equippable Glyphs. You can find out more about Leap of Fate on its official website at tinyurl.com/j8ghja4. There’s no word on the release date for the mobile companion just yet, but we’ll update this when we know more.
Samurai Rising
Square Enix recently posted a teaser for something called Project: Rising with promises that we’d hear more soon. Well, it turns out that the “more” it was referring to was yet another trailer, although this one included a few more details – the only issue is that it’s in Japanese. A Japanese?speaking writer over at Touch Arcade translated the trailer, and gave us the following insight: “…it’s another free to play social action RPG from the same artist responsible for Bravely Default. The game centralizes around four player co?op, with players taking the role of various Final Fantasy?ish classes.” The video specifically mentions the Dragoon, White Mage and Black Mage classes, so it’s safe to assume that other Final Fantasy?esque jobs will make an appearance in the full game. Samurai Rising looks to be a Japan exclusive game at launch, but we’re holding our breath that it’ll come to UK shores sooner rather than later.
Best iOS games of 2014
Best iOS games of 2014
Lou Hattersley reveals the best games of 2014 If you got a new iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for Christmas, then you’ll want to know what the best games on the App Store are. This guide to the best games for iPad and iPhone has all the entertainment you need.
Last year was a bumper year for iOS gaming. It saw iOS gaming move up a gear and iPad and iPhone owners have a range of high quality games to choose from. In recent years iOS gaming has been mostly puzzle and indie games designed for the touchscreen, or console classics using on screen buttons and controls. Some of these have been amazing games, but in the last year we’ve seen superb games with high production values and impressive graphics designed specifi cally for the iPad and iPhone. These games are even better than those costing 10 times as much on other consoles.
Republique
Price ?2.99
Republique has only just been released on the App Store, but is such a good game we had to sneak it. This is a great example of a world-leading game that has been designed from the ground up for iOS. This Metal-Gear Solid-esque stealth game sees you viewing a complex through the CCTV cameras, and guiding a mysterious girl as she escapes. You guide her through the levels, tapping to tell her where to hide while tapping to control and hack the security systems. It has world-class visuals and a control scheme custom built for the iPad and iPhone’s touchscreen interface.
XCom: Enemy Unknown
Price: ?6.99
This tactical war game sees you controlling a squad of soldiers hunting, capturing and fighting aliens. It’s an almost perfect recreation of the console classic, and its controls work just as well on the iPad as on the big screen. In-between battles you can research and develop new weapons, armour and upgrade your squad. Decisions are all permanent too, so if you lose a member of your team in battle they’re gone forever. It’s a visual feast and the perfect game for armchair generals. One of the best games to arrive in 2013.
The Room Two
Price: ?2.99
The Room is a fantastic 3D puzzle game where you can pick up, examine and manipulate objects in a room. All with a view to escaping. It’s a good looking game but it’s the tactile nature of the experience that makes it special. You really get the feel that you can pick up and use the items in the room. The Room Two is a truly immersive game that tests your mental and spatial abilities.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Price: ?2.99
BioWare creates some of the most amazing roleplaying games in existence. Its Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the best that it’s ever made, and also one of the best Star Wars games. It’s set in the Star Wars universe, but you don’t play Luke or Han or any of the usual characters. The storyline is fantastic, you get a real sense that you choices have consequences, and the combat is surprisingly in-depth.
Deus Ex: The Fall
Price: 99p
Deus Ex is another console classic that has become a great iOS game in its own right. With huge environments this fi rst-person sci-fi shooter blends action with role-playing gameplay. While it features console controls translated to iOS it manages to do so with a level of quality beyond most other conversions (and even most games on any platform). More than anything this is an amazing game for the price. Well worth downloading.
Stealth Inc.
Price: ?2.99
Most of the our favourite games from 2013 are bombastic console classics with high quality visuals. But Stealth Inc is an indie classic developed for both the iPad, iphone and console machines at the same time. It’s a platform game, but has detailed stealth gameplay with you jumping around 80 levels. It’s sublimely easy to start out, but soon becomes devilishly challenging. It lacks the visual aplomb of other games here (apart from Papa Sangre, of course) but we love the cutesy visuals and fastpaced gameplay on display here.
Lou Hattersley reveals the best games of 2014 If you got a new iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for Christmas, then you’ll want to know what the best games on the App Store are. This guide to the best games for iPad and iPhone has all the entertainment you need.
Last year was a bumper year for iOS gaming. It saw iOS gaming move up a gear and iPad and iPhone owners have a range of high quality games to choose from. In recent years iOS gaming has been mostly puzzle and indie games designed for the touchscreen, or console classics using on screen buttons and controls. Some of these have been amazing games, but in the last year we’ve seen superb games with high production values and impressive graphics designed specifi cally for the iPad and iPhone. These games are even better than those costing 10 times as much on other consoles.
Republique
Price ?2.99
Republique has only just been released on the App Store, but is such a good game we had to sneak it. This is a great example of a world-leading game that has been designed from the ground up for iOS. This Metal-Gear Solid-esque stealth game sees you viewing a complex through the CCTV cameras, and guiding a mysterious girl as she escapes. You guide her through the levels, tapping to tell her where to hide while tapping to control and hack the security systems. It has world-class visuals and a control scheme custom built for the iPad and iPhone’s touchscreen interface.
XCom: Enemy Unknown
Price: ?6.99
This tactical war game sees you controlling a squad of soldiers hunting, capturing and fighting aliens. It’s an almost perfect recreation of the console classic, and its controls work just as well on the iPad as on the big screen. In-between battles you can research and develop new weapons, armour and upgrade your squad. Decisions are all permanent too, so if you lose a member of your team in battle they’re gone forever. It’s a visual feast and the perfect game for armchair generals. One of the best games to arrive in 2013.
The Room Two
Price: ?2.99
The Room is a fantastic 3D puzzle game where you can pick up, examine and manipulate objects in a room. All with a view to escaping. It’s a good looking game but it’s the tactile nature of the experience that makes it special. You really get the feel that you can pick up and use the items in the room. The Room Two is a truly immersive game that tests your mental and spatial abilities.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Price: ?2.99
BioWare creates some of the most amazing roleplaying games in existence. Its Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the best that it’s ever made, and also one of the best Star Wars games. It’s set in the Star Wars universe, but you don’t play Luke or Han or any of the usual characters. The storyline is fantastic, you get a real sense that you choices have consequences, and the combat is surprisingly in-depth.
Deus Ex: The Fall
Price: 99p
Deus Ex is another console classic that has become a great iOS game in its own right. With huge environments this fi rst-person sci-fi shooter blends action with role-playing gameplay. While it features console controls translated to iOS it manages to do so with a level of quality beyond most other conversions (and even most games on any platform). More than anything this is an amazing game for the price. Well worth downloading.
Stealth Inc.
Price: ?2.99
Most of the our favourite games from 2013 are bombastic console classics with high quality visuals. But Stealth Inc is an indie classic developed for both the iPad, iphone and console machines at the same time. It’s a platform game, but has detailed stealth gameplay with you jumping around 80 levels. It’s sublimely easy to start out, but soon becomes devilishly challenging. It lacks the visual aplomb of other games here (apart from Papa Sangre, of course) but we love the cutesy visuals and fastpaced gameplay on display here.
Best Android games
Best Android games
MARIE BLACK rounds up our favourite titles of all time
There are loads of round-ups of the best Android games on the web, so what makes ours different? Well, for a start, we’ve included not only the most recent trending titles, but also our favourite games of all time – the ones we routinely go back to, despite them being released several years ago. These games never get old.
We also recognize that sometimes you have to put your hand in your pocket if you want something truly special, so while the majority of the Android games in our list are free, there are a couple of paid-for games, too. On the subject of payment, you should be aware that even free games usually contain paid-for elements – extra coins or customization options, for example. If anyone other than you – perhaps a child – is going to be playing games on your phone then it’s worth checking they won’t be able to purchase any of these extras without your permission.
Launch the Google Play app and tap the three vertical lines at the top left of the window. Choose Settings, then scroll down to Require authentication for purchases and ensure this is set to ‘For all purchases through Google Play on this device’. Also in this Settings menu you’ll find an option to Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only, because some games are huge and can kill your data allowance. When downloading a large game from the Play store you should get a notification warning you and recommending that you turn on Wi-Fi. Anyway, on to the fun stuff.
Pok?mon Go
No best Android games list is complete without the phenomenon that is Pok?mon Go. True, it has lost some of its popularity since it debuted in summer 2016, but there are still some die-hard players out there, and thanks to continuous updates Niantic and The Pok?mon Company have managed to keep things fairly fresh.
This is an augmented-reality game, loved by anyone who has ever loved Pok?mon or anyone who is likely to get sucked into the hype of the latest trend. It will also appeal to competitive types, who can attempt to find the most, best and most powerful Pok?mon, then compete to win gyms (found at real-world places such as shopping centres and train stations).
Pok?mon are caught by throwing Pok?Balls at them, which can be collected from Pok?Stops in the nearby area. Pok?mon Go really encourages kids to get up and walk about – more so if they want to hatch their eggs – and some of the places they find Pok?mon can be fascinating. Pikachu sitting on the bathroom toilet? Quite possible.
A new batch of Pok?mon was recently released into the wild, which gave some respite to long-time Pok?mon Go players who had already ‘caught them all’. And now legendaries are coming, too. Other labels will still sync unless you turn them off. Thus, the messages will be available when you open the app. If some of your labels are of particular importance, you can also set them to notify on every new message instead of just once per label.
Minecraft Pocket Edition
Another Android game that will appeal to small- and big kids alike is Minecraft Pocket Edition, the mobile version of the Minecraft game played on PCs, laptops and consoles. It’s not free, but ?2.99 is a fair trade for the hours it will keep you or the kids entertained. If you’ve never heard of Minecraft, crawl out from under whichever rock you’re hiding. Minecraft is a construction sim with endless possibilities – if you can think of something you can build it. So it’s not just fun, it’s also creative and educational. Awesome.
Super Mario Run
If you’re into gaming then you have to try Super Mario Run. It’s the first Super Mario game for mobile ever released by Nintendo, and has now made its way to Android after being an App Store exclusive since December 2016. Super Mario Run is, as the name suggests, a runner game. There’s one-touch gameplay and simple mechanics, but if you’ve ever played Super Mario before you’ll know exactly what you’re doing. You need to jump over gaps and obstacles, collect coins and avoid enemies as you attempt to make your way to the end of the level.
There are three modes, with World Tour the one you’re most likely to recognize. Each world is split into three conventional levels and then a Bowzer’s Castle boss level. Toad Rally is a second mode in which you try to beat the performance of other players, while Kingdom Builder lets you spend your ill-gotten gains from the other two modes on creating your kingdom. You can add buildings and decorative elements, and basically anything that will impress the toads enough to have them move in. The more toads you have, the more stuff you can unlock.
The SIMs
The SIMs Mobile is coming soon to Android, and it is going to be AMAZING, much closer to the PC and Mac game than we’ve ever seen before.
(It’s worth pointing out that there is a way to get The SIMs Mobile now, but we’d recommend waiting for the final release in the UK.) Until it arrives you do have a few SIMs options. They’re not half as good as what we’re expecting from The SIMs Mobile, but they will allow you to get your SIMs fix. In the meantime we’d recommend The SIMs Freeplay, since if nothing else it won’t cost you a penny.
If you’ve never played The SIMs before, in essence you get to play God. You build and decorate homes, customize characters and experience every stage of their lives and everything that goes with that. You make the story whatever you want it to be.
Football Manager Mobile 2017
Of all the footie games available for Android right now, Football Manager Mobile is the most popular.
You can manage any club in 15 countries, taking charge of everything from who plays each game to tactics and transfers. New for the 2017 game are the ability to control leagues in Poland and Turkey, an improved user interface, the ability to search for and hire your own talent scouts, new transfer options and enhanced squad control.
Slither.io
If you’re an Android fan you’ll be more than aware of Nokia’s recent comeback to the market. But more exciting than its new Android phones was the return of its 17-year-old Nokia 3310, upgraded somewhat for life in 2017. It’s a cheap, virtually unbreakable phone, but what really got people excited was the return of Snake. If you’d rather keep your decent Android phone but really want to play Snake, know that Slither.io is a bit like Snake but so much better. It works in much the same way, but instead of walls you dodge other players’ snakes as your own snake becomes longer and longer.
Crossy Road
Here’s another one that’s popular partly because it harks back to our youth. Crossy Road is just like Frogger, except you’re not a frog. In fact you’re pretty much anything but a frog. The concept is the same: you have to get across the road unscathed, with cars, trucks, boats, animals, dinosaurs and anything else that could basically end your life doing their best to mow you down. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s one of the most addictive games we’ve played – you will get across the road if it’s the last thing you do.
Layton’s Mystery Journey
By far the most expensive Android game on our list, but Layton’s Mystery Journey will be a surefire hit with fans of the Nintendo 3DS Professor Layton puzzle game series. The Professor doesn’t star here, but you play his daughter Katrielle Layton in her search to find him in central London. As you’d expect there is a huge number of puzzles to complete, with additional minigames and daily puzzles too.
Jetpack Joyride
Jetpack Joyride is one of our all-time favourite Android games, on phone or tablet. You play Barry
Steakfries, and you ride your jetpack through an endless world collecting coins (with which you can buy new jetpacks, clothing and other bonuses), dodging missiles and zappers, and riding vehicles to see how far you can get. You can ride on the back of a dragon or a bird, defy gravity in a special suit, teleport across the screen, zoom off on a motorbike or crush nearby scientists with Lil Stomper. Achievements and challenges keep things interesting, whether they involve high-fiving a number of scientists, travelling a certain distance without touching the ceiling or floor, or dicing with death ducking in and out of the path of oncoming missiles.
Words with Friends
Words With Friends is Scrabble but with a social element, allowing you to play against your friends, random players or the computer. It’s largely targeted at the competitive among you, offering all manner of stats on why you’re a wordsmith legend that you can flash about. The need to wait for your opponent to make their move makes Words With Friends tedious at times for impatient types, and not something you can easily pick up and play whenever you have a spare five minutes. But finding that killer seven-letter word on a triple-word score makes it worth the wait. Words With Friends is one of those games people just know how to play, so little explanation is necessary. And it gives the grey matter a workout, so it gets our vote.
Plants vs Zombies 2
A tower-defence game loved by all, there are a few versions of Plants vs Zombies to download but all will keep you equally entertained. You play multiple levels in multiple worlds, each concluding with a boss level and each a slight variation on the same basic theme but with new zombies to attack and new plants at your disposal. In essence you must build an army of plants, with various types offering a different attack mechanism, whether that’s shooting peas or exploding in the face of the baddies, or just doing their best to stop them getting through. If you make it to the end of the level with no zombies passing you by, you move on to the next.
Dumb Ways To Die 2
The Dumb Ways to Die series is simple and addictive, with great artwork and fun characters that look a bit like Mr Men. Each has a propensity to dicing with death, and it’s your job to keep them alive.
As you might guess from the title, some of the ways these characters nearly meet their maker is pretty dumb. For each live you save you get 100 points and move on to the next mini-game, with an everincreasing level of difficulty.
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
This is console gaming for your smartphone (or tablet), and it’s surprisingly easy to play on a touchscreen. The San Andreas mobile game is full of all the fun things you get to do in the console titles – and not just jacking cars. You can shoot guns, fly planes, recruit gang members, pretty much anything that constitutes being up to no good. San Andreas is based on the story of Carl Johnson, living in a city rife with gangs, drugs and corruption.
His family and friends have hit rock bottom, with his mother murdered, his family in pieces, and his friends following totally the wrong path. Framed for homicide, Johnson is forced to take control. There’s more than 70 hours of gameplay here, which should just about make up for the fiver you have to pay out to download it.
Last Day on Earth: Survival
If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead you’re probably going to love this (although to be fair there are actual Walking Dead games from Telltale as well). A free MMORPG zombie shoot ‘em up, Last Day on Earth is set in 2027 and sees you doing your best to survive as long as possible in a world filled with enemies following a deadly plague virus pandemic. You can hone your strategy and survival skills, and create ever deadlier weapons as you traipse through abandoned military bases and survivor camps searching for new resources. Team up with other players, but be careful who you trust.
Asphalt 8: Airborne
No Android games round-up is complete without a proper racer, and Asphalt 8 is one of the better
known titles. You can drive some seriously sexy cars around 40 tracks covering everything from the Nevada Desert to Tokyo, and pull off some amazing stunts from barrel rolls to 360-degree jumps.
There are more than 190 cars to race, including the Lamborghini Veneno, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 911.
Hill Climb Racing 2
It’s another driving game, but a wee bit different to Asphalt. Hill Climb Racing involves you driving your 4x4 up hills, across bridges, down hills and then up more hills. Along the way you collect coins to upgrade your vehicle and fuel, with extra vehicles to unlock. Drive too slowly and you’ll run out of petrol; drive too quickly and you’ll inevitably flip over the vehicle and snap the poor hillbilly’s neck. At that point it’s game over and you start over again. Endless fun.
War Wings
If you’ve had your fill of puzzle games, endless runners, shoot ‘em ups and racing games, how about a spot of dogfighting, old chap? War Wings from MiniClip lets you compete against players worldwide as you take to the skies to bring down your enemies or simply mess around performing
stunts. It’s an awful lot of fun.
Super Stickman Golf 3
Now in its third edition, Super Stickman Golf is better than ever and a must for golf fans with loads of achievements to be won. There are new courses, new power-ups, new game modes, and a new spin mode. With 20 courses to play alone or with your friends, Super Stickman Golf 3 really lets you get your swing on. Set up your shot angle and power and do your best to get a hole in one. You’ll keep playing until it comes naturally.
Bejeweled Blitz!
It’s my list and I’m sticking Bejeweled Blitz! on it, okay? Bejeweled is a classic match-three puzzler, but with daily challenges, leader boards, boost items, special gems and more. You get 60 seconds to remove as many gems as possible from the board, with extra bonuses given for doing so at speed or matching more than three gems.
It’s easy to pick up and play whenever you get a spare minute, and its simplicity makes it an incredibly addictive time-waster. Integration with Facebook means you can compete against your friends, too.
Candy Crush Saga
You’d be forgiven for thinking people had forgotten about Candy Crush, which has to be one of the biggest and most popular mobile games of all time. Introduced by King in 2012, the developer reportedly made $493m in a three-month period, with more than 93 million players. But even today, it remains the second-highest grossing app on Google Play. Candy Crush Saga is a match-three puzzler, very similar to Bejeweled Blitz in our list before it. The difference here is you play through hundreds of levels rather than standalone one-minute games, each more complicated than the first. Some are timed, others require you to hit a minimum score, and Candy Crush Saga keeps mixing things up to keep you entertained. The ability to view where on the level map your Facebook friends sit is a major push, spurring you on to do better and get ahead.
Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is another oldie that has stood the test of time. In essence you need to build a village that includes all the things required by your warring tribe, such as a town hall, a gold mine and an army camp. You keep on upgrading your village and unlocking more building types, which eventually allows you to take over the Clan Castle, upgrade your barracks and forge allegiances with other players. That’s when you can start to think about entering battle, but while the first few fights are easy the difficulty quickly ramps up. If you’re to survive you’re going to have to continually evolve your attack and defence, and carefully consider your decisions.
Bad Piggies
Bad Piggies is a spin-off from Angry Birds – another all-time classic Android game, or should we say franchise of games. Rather than focusing on the birds, this game is all about the pigs. Oink. Specifically, it’s an addictive and challenging puzzle game, in which you are given a range of materials and asked to build a contraption that will get your pig to the end of the level.
As you might expect there are loads of obstacles to counter, and different types of terrain to master. Which means it’s nowhere near as easy as it sounds, and some of the levels are downright difficult. As a result, you’ll never put it down.
MARIE BLACK rounds up our favourite titles of all time
There are loads of round-ups of the best Android games on the web, so what makes ours different? Well, for a start, we’ve included not only the most recent trending titles, but also our favourite games of all time – the ones we routinely go back to, despite them being released several years ago. These games never get old.
We also recognize that sometimes you have to put your hand in your pocket if you want something truly special, so while the majority of the Android games in our list are free, there are a couple of paid-for games, too. On the subject of payment, you should be aware that even free games usually contain paid-for elements – extra coins or customization options, for example. If anyone other than you – perhaps a child – is going to be playing games on your phone then it’s worth checking they won’t be able to purchase any of these extras without your permission.
Launch the Google Play app and tap the three vertical lines at the top left of the window. Choose Settings, then scroll down to Require authentication for purchases and ensure this is set to ‘For all purchases through Google Play on this device’. Also in this Settings menu you’ll find an option to Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only, because some games are huge and can kill your data allowance. When downloading a large game from the Play store you should get a notification warning you and recommending that you turn on Wi-Fi. Anyway, on to the fun stuff.
Pok?mon Go
No best Android games list is complete without the phenomenon that is Pok?mon Go. True, it has lost some of its popularity since it debuted in summer 2016, but there are still some die-hard players out there, and thanks to continuous updates Niantic and The Pok?mon Company have managed to keep things fairly fresh.
This is an augmented-reality game, loved by anyone who has ever loved Pok?mon or anyone who is likely to get sucked into the hype of the latest trend. It will also appeal to competitive types, who can attempt to find the most, best and most powerful Pok?mon, then compete to win gyms (found at real-world places such as shopping centres and train stations).
Pok?mon are caught by throwing Pok?Balls at them, which can be collected from Pok?Stops in the nearby area. Pok?mon Go really encourages kids to get up and walk about – more so if they want to hatch their eggs – and some of the places they find Pok?mon can be fascinating. Pikachu sitting on the bathroom toilet? Quite possible.
A new batch of Pok?mon was recently released into the wild, which gave some respite to long-time Pok?mon Go players who had already ‘caught them all’. And now legendaries are coming, too. Other labels will still sync unless you turn them off. Thus, the messages will be available when you open the app. If some of your labels are of particular importance, you can also set them to notify on every new message instead of just once per label.
Minecraft Pocket Edition
Another Android game that will appeal to small- and big kids alike is Minecraft Pocket Edition, the mobile version of the Minecraft game played on PCs, laptops and consoles. It’s not free, but ?2.99 is a fair trade for the hours it will keep you or the kids entertained. If you’ve never heard of Minecraft, crawl out from under whichever rock you’re hiding. Minecraft is a construction sim with endless possibilities – if you can think of something you can build it. So it’s not just fun, it’s also creative and educational. Awesome.
Super Mario Run
If you’re into gaming then you have to try Super Mario Run. It’s the first Super Mario game for mobile ever released by Nintendo, and has now made its way to Android after being an App Store exclusive since December 2016. Super Mario Run is, as the name suggests, a runner game. There’s one-touch gameplay and simple mechanics, but if you’ve ever played Super Mario before you’ll know exactly what you’re doing. You need to jump over gaps and obstacles, collect coins and avoid enemies as you attempt to make your way to the end of the level.
There are three modes, with World Tour the one you’re most likely to recognize. Each world is split into three conventional levels and then a Bowzer’s Castle boss level. Toad Rally is a second mode in which you try to beat the performance of other players, while Kingdom Builder lets you spend your ill-gotten gains from the other two modes on creating your kingdom. You can add buildings and decorative elements, and basically anything that will impress the toads enough to have them move in. The more toads you have, the more stuff you can unlock.
The SIMs
The SIMs Mobile is coming soon to Android, and it is going to be AMAZING, much closer to the PC and Mac game than we’ve ever seen before.
(It’s worth pointing out that there is a way to get The SIMs Mobile now, but we’d recommend waiting for the final release in the UK.) Until it arrives you do have a few SIMs options. They’re not half as good as what we’re expecting from The SIMs Mobile, but they will allow you to get your SIMs fix. In the meantime we’d recommend The SIMs Freeplay, since if nothing else it won’t cost you a penny.
If you’ve never played The SIMs before, in essence you get to play God. You build and decorate homes, customize characters and experience every stage of their lives and everything that goes with that. You make the story whatever you want it to be.
Football Manager Mobile 2017
Of all the footie games available for Android right now, Football Manager Mobile is the most popular.
You can manage any club in 15 countries, taking charge of everything from who plays each game to tactics and transfers. New for the 2017 game are the ability to control leagues in Poland and Turkey, an improved user interface, the ability to search for and hire your own talent scouts, new transfer options and enhanced squad control.
Slither.io
If you’re an Android fan you’ll be more than aware of Nokia’s recent comeback to the market. But more exciting than its new Android phones was the return of its 17-year-old Nokia 3310, upgraded somewhat for life in 2017. It’s a cheap, virtually unbreakable phone, but what really got people excited was the return of Snake. If you’d rather keep your decent Android phone but really want to play Snake, know that Slither.io is a bit like Snake but so much better. It works in much the same way, but instead of walls you dodge other players’ snakes as your own snake becomes longer and longer.
Crossy Road
Here’s another one that’s popular partly because it harks back to our youth. Crossy Road is just like Frogger, except you’re not a frog. In fact you’re pretty much anything but a frog. The concept is the same: you have to get across the road unscathed, with cars, trucks, boats, animals, dinosaurs and anything else that could basically end your life doing their best to mow you down. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s one of the most addictive games we’ve played – you will get across the road if it’s the last thing you do.
Layton’s Mystery Journey
By far the most expensive Android game on our list, but Layton’s Mystery Journey will be a surefire hit with fans of the Nintendo 3DS Professor Layton puzzle game series. The Professor doesn’t star here, but you play his daughter Katrielle Layton in her search to find him in central London. As you’d expect there is a huge number of puzzles to complete, with additional minigames and daily puzzles too.
Jetpack Joyride
Jetpack Joyride is one of our all-time favourite Android games, on phone or tablet. You play Barry
Steakfries, and you ride your jetpack through an endless world collecting coins (with which you can buy new jetpacks, clothing and other bonuses), dodging missiles and zappers, and riding vehicles to see how far you can get. You can ride on the back of a dragon or a bird, defy gravity in a special suit, teleport across the screen, zoom off on a motorbike or crush nearby scientists with Lil Stomper. Achievements and challenges keep things interesting, whether they involve high-fiving a number of scientists, travelling a certain distance without touching the ceiling or floor, or dicing with death ducking in and out of the path of oncoming missiles.
Words with Friends
Words With Friends is Scrabble but with a social element, allowing you to play against your friends, random players or the computer. It’s largely targeted at the competitive among you, offering all manner of stats on why you’re a wordsmith legend that you can flash about. The need to wait for your opponent to make their move makes Words With Friends tedious at times for impatient types, and not something you can easily pick up and play whenever you have a spare five minutes. But finding that killer seven-letter word on a triple-word score makes it worth the wait. Words With Friends is one of those games people just know how to play, so little explanation is necessary. And it gives the grey matter a workout, so it gets our vote.
Plants vs Zombies 2
A tower-defence game loved by all, there are a few versions of Plants vs Zombies to download but all will keep you equally entertained. You play multiple levels in multiple worlds, each concluding with a boss level and each a slight variation on the same basic theme but with new zombies to attack and new plants at your disposal. In essence you must build an army of plants, with various types offering a different attack mechanism, whether that’s shooting peas or exploding in the face of the baddies, or just doing their best to stop them getting through. If you make it to the end of the level with no zombies passing you by, you move on to the next.
Dumb Ways To Die 2
The Dumb Ways to Die series is simple and addictive, with great artwork and fun characters that look a bit like Mr Men. Each has a propensity to dicing with death, and it’s your job to keep them alive.
As you might guess from the title, some of the ways these characters nearly meet their maker is pretty dumb. For each live you save you get 100 points and move on to the next mini-game, with an everincreasing level of difficulty.
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
This is console gaming for your smartphone (or tablet), and it’s surprisingly easy to play on a touchscreen. The San Andreas mobile game is full of all the fun things you get to do in the console titles – and not just jacking cars. You can shoot guns, fly planes, recruit gang members, pretty much anything that constitutes being up to no good. San Andreas is based on the story of Carl Johnson, living in a city rife with gangs, drugs and corruption.
His family and friends have hit rock bottom, with his mother murdered, his family in pieces, and his friends following totally the wrong path. Framed for homicide, Johnson is forced to take control. There’s more than 70 hours of gameplay here, which should just about make up for the fiver you have to pay out to download it.
Last Day on Earth: Survival
If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead you’re probably going to love this (although to be fair there are actual Walking Dead games from Telltale as well). A free MMORPG zombie shoot ‘em up, Last Day on Earth is set in 2027 and sees you doing your best to survive as long as possible in a world filled with enemies following a deadly plague virus pandemic. You can hone your strategy and survival skills, and create ever deadlier weapons as you traipse through abandoned military bases and survivor camps searching for new resources. Team up with other players, but be careful who you trust.
Asphalt 8: Airborne
No Android games round-up is complete without a proper racer, and Asphalt 8 is one of the better
known titles. You can drive some seriously sexy cars around 40 tracks covering everything from the Nevada Desert to Tokyo, and pull off some amazing stunts from barrel rolls to 360-degree jumps.
There are more than 190 cars to race, including the Lamborghini Veneno, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 911.
Hill Climb Racing 2
It’s another driving game, but a wee bit different to Asphalt. Hill Climb Racing involves you driving your 4x4 up hills, across bridges, down hills and then up more hills. Along the way you collect coins to upgrade your vehicle and fuel, with extra vehicles to unlock. Drive too slowly and you’ll run out of petrol; drive too quickly and you’ll inevitably flip over the vehicle and snap the poor hillbilly’s neck. At that point it’s game over and you start over again. Endless fun.
War Wings
If you’ve had your fill of puzzle games, endless runners, shoot ‘em ups and racing games, how about a spot of dogfighting, old chap? War Wings from MiniClip lets you compete against players worldwide as you take to the skies to bring down your enemies or simply mess around performing
stunts. It’s an awful lot of fun.
Super Stickman Golf 3
Now in its third edition, Super Stickman Golf is better than ever and a must for golf fans with loads of achievements to be won. There are new courses, new power-ups, new game modes, and a new spin mode. With 20 courses to play alone or with your friends, Super Stickman Golf 3 really lets you get your swing on. Set up your shot angle and power and do your best to get a hole in one. You’ll keep playing until it comes naturally.
Bejeweled Blitz!
It’s my list and I’m sticking Bejeweled Blitz! on it, okay? Bejeweled is a classic match-three puzzler, but with daily challenges, leader boards, boost items, special gems and more. You get 60 seconds to remove as many gems as possible from the board, with extra bonuses given for doing so at speed or matching more than three gems.
It’s easy to pick up and play whenever you get a spare minute, and its simplicity makes it an incredibly addictive time-waster. Integration with Facebook means you can compete against your friends, too.
Candy Crush Saga
You’d be forgiven for thinking people had forgotten about Candy Crush, which has to be one of the biggest and most popular mobile games of all time. Introduced by King in 2012, the developer reportedly made $493m in a three-month period, with more than 93 million players. But even today, it remains the second-highest grossing app on Google Play. Candy Crush Saga is a match-three puzzler, very similar to Bejeweled Blitz in our list before it. The difference here is you play through hundreds of levels rather than standalone one-minute games, each more complicated than the first. Some are timed, others require you to hit a minimum score, and Candy Crush Saga keeps mixing things up to keep you entertained. The ability to view where on the level map your Facebook friends sit is a major push, spurring you on to do better and get ahead.
Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is another oldie that has stood the test of time. In essence you need to build a village that includes all the things required by your warring tribe, such as a town hall, a gold mine and an army camp. You keep on upgrading your village and unlocking more building types, which eventually allows you to take over the Clan Castle, upgrade your barracks and forge allegiances with other players. That’s when you can start to think about entering battle, but while the first few fights are easy the difficulty quickly ramps up. If you’re to survive you’re going to have to continually evolve your attack and defence, and carefully consider your decisions.
Bad Piggies
Bad Piggies is a spin-off from Angry Birds – another all-time classic Android game, or should we say franchise of games. Rather than focusing on the birds, this game is all about the pigs. Oink. Specifically, it’s an addictive and challenging puzzle game, in which you are given a range of materials and asked to build a contraption that will get your pig to the end of the level.
As you might expect there are loads of obstacles to counter, and different types of terrain to master. Which means it’s nowhere near as easy as it sounds, and some of the levels are downright difficult. As a result, you’ll never put it down.
20 BEST SPACE GAME ON PC
20 BEST SPACE GAME ON PC
Leave boring old Earth behind and travel to the farthest reaches of the universe—and beyond in these, the PC’s greatest space games.
The Dig
Year 1995 |Developer LucasArts
The LucasArts point-and-click adventure that everyone forgets about. A mission to divert an asteroid heading for Earth goes awry, sending a group of astronauts to a distant, seemingly abandoned, world. Some of the puzzles are maddeningly obtuse, even for a LucasArts game, but its colorful, strange planet feels genuinely alien. Great voice acting too, with X-Files and Terminator star Robert Patrick playing the lead.
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Year 2015 |Developer Relic/Gearbox Software
One of the best singleplayer RTS campaigns ever, beautifully remastered by Gearbox. The sight of thousands of your ships streaking across the game’s vividly colorful space-scapes is majestic. Its battles are tense and tactical, featuring many types of ship to command, including some colossal battleships. The Remastered Collection looks great on modern PCs and comes with the original Homeworld and its sequel.
Lunar Flight
Year 2012 |Developer Shovsoft
This modern take on classic arcade game Lunar Lander is a unique, challenging low-gravity flight simulator. It’s not as deep as some sims, but wrestling with its physics to deliver cargo and make landings on alien worlds is an enjoyable process. It’s also one of the best games to play with a VR headset, if you’re lucky enough to have one.
Space Engineers
Year 2013 |Developer Keen Software House
Minecraft in space, basically. Harvest asteroids for building materials then craft them into floating bases and flyable spaceships. You can hover around with a jetpack or build a gravity generator to walk on the surface of bigger asteroids. One of the best co-op build-’em-ups on PC, and new features are being added regularly.
EVE Online
Year 2003 |Developer CCP Games
Live another life—in space! There’s nothing else like EVE Online, the massively multiplayer RPG where everything is controlled by players. It’s a living, breathing galaxy in which thousands of capsuleers fight, trade, mine, and explore together. Break away from the relative safety of your policepatrolled starting system and you’ll find a ruthless, cosmic Wild West, where piracy, espionage and scamming are rife. Whether you’re fighting in a massive space war, where thousands of real-world dollars hang in the balance, or just exploring New Eden on your own, EVE is unforgettable.
Elite: Dangerous
Year 2014 |Developer Frontier Developments
An entire galaxy is your playground in this massive, beautiful space sim. Starting with a basic ship and a handful of credits, it’s up to you to shape your own destiny. Do you become a fearsome pirate? A master trader? An explorer? The beauty of Elite: Dangerous is being able to play in a way that suits you. From thrilling dogfights to gentle exploration, there’s something for everyone. Its ships are a dream to fly, from nimble fighters to heavy cargo haulers, especially with a flight stick.
Star Wars: TIE Fighter
Year 1994 |Developer Totally Games
A rare opportunity to be the bad guy in George Lucas’s space opera. With a variety of Empire-themed missions—dogfights, escorts, attacking capital ships—and a story to follow, it’s one of LucasArts’s best Star Wars games. Replace this entry with Star Wars: X-Wing if you’d prefer to play as the boring old Rebel Alliance. The best thing about this entire crop of Star Wars space sims is that they’ve all resurfaced to buy on GOG.com, compatible with modern systems.
FTL: Faster Than Light
Year 2012 |Developer Subset Games
FTL mixes turn-based and real-time strategy together to capture the experience of captaining a Star Trek-style spacecraft. It’s a strong roguelike, too, with the backdrop of a familiar yet fun sci-fi universe that comes with its own semi-humorous lore and a neat set of narrative beats that make the journey to its finale exciting every time. Being able to name your ship and crew makes it all the more heartbreaking when they die together in enemy space.
Wing Commander:Privateer
Year 1993 |Developer Origin Systems
Fans of the series will argue endlessly about which Wing Commander is the best, but we love Privateer’s darker feel. It’s a rich sandbox in which you can be a mercenary, a pirate, a merchant, or a mix of all three. You jump between systems looking for bounties to hunt and ships to rob, and the first-person dogfights are a thrill. There’s a linear story, but the real joy lies in doing your own thing.
Kerbal Space Program
Year 2015 |Developer Squad
W restle with gravity and the laws of physics as you build your own spacecraft and attempt to explore the cosmos. A robust, compelling sandbox of possibilities that’s as funny as it is clever. Escaping Kerbin’s atmosphere and landing on the Mun for the first time with a ship you’ve built is about as satisfying as PC gaming gets.
Take On Mars
Year 2013 |Developer Bohemia Interactive
If you like your space games a little more grounded, try Arma developer Bohemia’s Take On Mars. It’s a space exploration simulator based on real astro-science. You can build a Curiositystyle rover and explore the surface of the red planet or construct your own moonbase. A game for people who want the sci without the fi.
Sins of a Solar Empire
Year 2008 |Developer Ironclad Games
Mixing real-time strategy with 4X elements, Sins is a game of galactic conquest. Choose a faction, gather resources and become a mighty space-lord. Commanding its real-time wars is a thrill, but combat isn’t always the answer: you can use diplomacy to conquer systems too. A refreshingly slow-paced RTS with some truly massive space battles.
Universe Sandbox
Year 2011 |Developer Giant Army
This space simulator lets you play god and manipulate replicas of real galaxies and solar systems, and witness the (often catastrophic) results of your cosmic meddling. Increase the mass of Jupiter and you’ll see the rest of our solar system being sucked into it, or delete the Sun and watch Earth and the other planets drift away confused. A sequel, Universe Sandbox 2, recently arrived on Steam Early Access.
Galactic Civilizations II
Year 2006 |Developer Stardock
Conquer space with an army of customizable ships. Thanks to its smart, creative AI, a full-size game can take many exciting weeks to complete. You have to balance economic, technological, diplomatic, cultural and military power to forge alliances, engage in battles, and dominate the galaxy. Similar to the Civilization series, certainly, but on a much grander scale.
Artemis: Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Year 2013 |Developer Thom Robertson
You’ll need a group of three to six friends to get the most out of this one. Each player controls a different station of a starship—engineering, weapons, helm and so on—and must work together to destroy enemies, with a captain giving orders. It’s basically like staging a Kobayashi Maru test in your living room, and it’s amazing.
Flotilla
Year 2010 |Developer Blendo Games
This turn-based strategy game by prolific indie studio Blendo (Thirty Flights of Loving, Gravity Bone) plays out in 30-second bursts. Queue up your orders, then watch the action unfold until one side is completely obliterated. With a relaxing classical score, including Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude, and a stylish, curiously colorful art style, it’s one of the more offbeat games on our list. Flotilla also features psychic advisor dogs—there’s a strong sense of humor at work here.
Starbound
Year 2013 |Developer Chucklefish Games
Basically Terraria in space. Hop between randomly generated planets on a starship, hunt alien creatures for food, build colonies and underground bases, and try not to die. A brilliant sci-fi sandbox with a charming art style. Playable races include robots, beings made of solar energy, ape-like creatures, and wingless birds.
SpaceEngine
Year 2010 |Developer Vladimir Romanyuk
Do you like feeling small and insignificant? Do you enjoy having existential crises? Then play SpaceEngine, which features the entire universe. Or at least the bit we know about. Focus on Earth, then pull back at top speed, and you realize you’re on a tiny speck of dust hurtling through an endless void. The tech is remarkable, enabling you to travel effortlessly between galaxies and land on planets, even if there’s not a lot else to do.
FreeSpace 2
Year 1999 |Developer Volition, Inc.
While most space simulators use aircraft-like physics, FreeSpace attempts something more realistic, resulting in responsive, weightless controls. Battles play out like zero-gravity World War II dogfights, and it’s one of the best space combat games on PC. You’ll never forget your first combat encounter inside a colorful nebula.
Mass Effect 2
Year 2010 |Developer BioWare
If you’ve ever fantasized about being Captain Kirk, in command of your own starship, exploring the galaxy, meeting weird aliens, being confronted with cosmic dilemmas, Mass Effect 2 is that in game form. It’s part Star Wars space opera, part brilliant Star Trek episode, and one of the best sci-fi games on PC. It doesn’t have the freedom of Elite and is largely a linear experience, but it takes you on an unforgettable journey around the galaxy, visiting bizarre planets and getting involved in the lives of the people who live on them. We love the whole series, but Mass Effect 2 is our favorite.
Leave boring old Earth behind and travel to the farthest reaches of the universe—and beyond in these, the PC’s greatest space games.
The Dig
Year 1995 |Developer LucasArts
The LucasArts point-and-click adventure that everyone forgets about. A mission to divert an asteroid heading for Earth goes awry, sending a group of astronauts to a distant, seemingly abandoned, world. Some of the puzzles are maddeningly obtuse, even for a LucasArts game, but its colorful, strange planet feels genuinely alien. Great voice acting too, with X-Files and Terminator star Robert Patrick playing the lead.
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Year 2015 |Developer Relic/Gearbox Software
One of the best singleplayer RTS campaigns ever, beautifully remastered by Gearbox. The sight of thousands of your ships streaking across the game’s vividly colorful space-scapes is majestic. Its battles are tense and tactical, featuring many types of ship to command, including some colossal battleships. The Remastered Collection looks great on modern PCs and comes with the original Homeworld and its sequel.
Lunar Flight
Year 2012 |Developer Shovsoft
This modern take on classic arcade game Lunar Lander is a unique, challenging low-gravity flight simulator. It’s not as deep as some sims, but wrestling with its physics to deliver cargo and make landings on alien worlds is an enjoyable process. It’s also one of the best games to play with a VR headset, if you’re lucky enough to have one.
Space Engineers
Year 2013 |Developer Keen Software House
Minecraft in space, basically. Harvest asteroids for building materials then craft them into floating bases and flyable spaceships. You can hover around with a jetpack or build a gravity generator to walk on the surface of bigger asteroids. One of the best co-op build-’em-ups on PC, and new features are being added regularly.
EVE Online
Year 2003 |Developer CCP Games
Live another life—in space! There’s nothing else like EVE Online, the massively multiplayer RPG where everything is controlled by players. It’s a living, breathing galaxy in which thousands of capsuleers fight, trade, mine, and explore together. Break away from the relative safety of your policepatrolled starting system and you’ll find a ruthless, cosmic Wild West, where piracy, espionage and scamming are rife. Whether you’re fighting in a massive space war, where thousands of real-world dollars hang in the balance, or just exploring New Eden on your own, EVE is unforgettable.
Elite: Dangerous
Year 2014 |Developer Frontier Developments
An entire galaxy is your playground in this massive, beautiful space sim. Starting with a basic ship and a handful of credits, it’s up to you to shape your own destiny. Do you become a fearsome pirate? A master trader? An explorer? The beauty of Elite: Dangerous is being able to play in a way that suits you. From thrilling dogfights to gentle exploration, there’s something for everyone. Its ships are a dream to fly, from nimble fighters to heavy cargo haulers, especially with a flight stick.
Star Wars: TIE Fighter
Year 1994 |Developer Totally Games
A rare opportunity to be the bad guy in George Lucas’s space opera. With a variety of Empire-themed missions—dogfights, escorts, attacking capital ships—and a story to follow, it’s one of LucasArts’s best Star Wars games. Replace this entry with Star Wars: X-Wing if you’d prefer to play as the boring old Rebel Alliance. The best thing about this entire crop of Star Wars space sims is that they’ve all resurfaced to buy on GOG.com, compatible with modern systems.
FTL: Faster Than Light
Year 2012 |Developer Subset Games
FTL mixes turn-based and real-time strategy together to capture the experience of captaining a Star Trek-style spacecraft. It’s a strong roguelike, too, with the backdrop of a familiar yet fun sci-fi universe that comes with its own semi-humorous lore and a neat set of narrative beats that make the journey to its finale exciting every time. Being able to name your ship and crew makes it all the more heartbreaking when they die together in enemy space.
Wing Commander:Privateer
Year 1993 |Developer Origin Systems
Fans of the series will argue endlessly about which Wing Commander is the best, but we love Privateer’s darker feel. It’s a rich sandbox in which you can be a mercenary, a pirate, a merchant, or a mix of all three. You jump between systems looking for bounties to hunt and ships to rob, and the first-person dogfights are a thrill. There’s a linear story, but the real joy lies in doing your own thing.
Kerbal Space Program
Year 2015 |Developer Squad
W restle with gravity and the laws of physics as you build your own spacecraft and attempt to explore the cosmos. A robust, compelling sandbox of possibilities that’s as funny as it is clever. Escaping Kerbin’s atmosphere and landing on the Mun for the first time with a ship you’ve built is about as satisfying as PC gaming gets.
Take On Mars
Year 2013 |Developer Bohemia Interactive
If you like your space games a little more grounded, try Arma developer Bohemia’s Take On Mars. It’s a space exploration simulator based on real astro-science. You can build a Curiositystyle rover and explore the surface of the red planet or construct your own moonbase. A game for people who want the sci without the fi.
Sins of a Solar Empire
Year 2008 |Developer Ironclad Games
Mixing real-time strategy with 4X elements, Sins is a game of galactic conquest. Choose a faction, gather resources and become a mighty space-lord. Commanding its real-time wars is a thrill, but combat isn’t always the answer: you can use diplomacy to conquer systems too. A refreshingly slow-paced RTS with some truly massive space battles.
Universe Sandbox
Year 2011 |Developer Giant Army
This space simulator lets you play god and manipulate replicas of real galaxies and solar systems, and witness the (often catastrophic) results of your cosmic meddling. Increase the mass of Jupiter and you’ll see the rest of our solar system being sucked into it, or delete the Sun and watch Earth and the other planets drift away confused. A sequel, Universe Sandbox 2, recently arrived on Steam Early Access.
Galactic Civilizations II
Year 2006 |Developer Stardock
Conquer space with an army of customizable ships. Thanks to its smart, creative AI, a full-size game can take many exciting weeks to complete. You have to balance economic, technological, diplomatic, cultural and military power to forge alliances, engage in battles, and dominate the galaxy. Similar to the Civilization series, certainly, but on a much grander scale.
Artemis: Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Year 2013 |Developer Thom Robertson
You’ll need a group of three to six friends to get the most out of this one. Each player controls a different station of a starship—engineering, weapons, helm and so on—and must work together to destroy enemies, with a captain giving orders. It’s basically like staging a Kobayashi Maru test in your living room, and it’s amazing.
Flotilla
Year 2010 |Developer Blendo Games
This turn-based strategy game by prolific indie studio Blendo (Thirty Flights of Loving, Gravity Bone) plays out in 30-second bursts. Queue up your orders, then watch the action unfold until one side is completely obliterated. With a relaxing classical score, including Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude, and a stylish, curiously colorful art style, it’s one of the more offbeat games on our list. Flotilla also features psychic advisor dogs—there’s a strong sense of humor at work here.
Starbound
Year 2013 |Developer Chucklefish Games
Basically Terraria in space. Hop between randomly generated planets on a starship, hunt alien creatures for food, build colonies and underground bases, and try not to die. A brilliant sci-fi sandbox with a charming art style. Playable races include robots, beings made of solar energy, ape-like creatures, and wingless birds.
SpaceEngine
Year 2010 |Developer Vladimir Romanyuk
Do you like feeling small and insignificant? Do you enjoy having existential crises? Then play SpaceEngine, which features the entire universe. Or at least the bit we know about. Focus on Earth, then pull back at top speed, and you realize you’re on a tiny speck of dust hurtling through an endless void. The tech is remarkable, enabling you to travel effortlessly between galaxies and land on planets, even if there’s not a lot else to do.
FreeSpace 2
Year 1999 |Developer Volition, Inc.
While most space simulators use aircraft-like physics, FreeSpace attempts something more realistic, resulting in responsive, weightless controls. Battles play out like zero-gravity World War II dogfights, and it’s one of the best space combat games on PC. You’ll never forget your first combat encounter inside a colorful nebula.
Mass Effect 2
Year 2010 |Developer BioWare
If you’ve ever fantasized about being Captain Kirk, in command of your own starship, exploring the galaxy, meeting weird aliens, being confronted with cosmic dilemmas, Mass Effect 2 is that in game form. It’s part Star Wars space opera, part brilliant Star Trek episode, and one of the best sci-fi games on PC. It doesn’t have the freedom of Elite and is largely a linear experience, but it takes you on an unforgettable journey around the galaxy, visiting bizarre planets and getting involved in the lives of the people who live on them. We love the whole series, but Mass Effect 2 is our favorite.
10 TECHNOLOGIES INSPIRED BY VIDEO GAMES
10 TECHNOLOGIES INSPIRED BY VIDEO GAMES
10. AUTO-AIM
American technology company TrackingPoint has developed a rifle with the ability to automatically aim at a target. In numerous games, from Mario Kart to World of Tanks, weapons lock onto particular targets, making it much harder to miss. TrackingPoint’s XS1 rifle includes a real-life tracking button that marks a target and follows it as it moves, ready to automatically fire at the optimum moment. It even accounts for wind speed and elevation to make it as accurate as possible. The rifle currently costs approximately $17,000.
9. CHARACTER CONTROL
One of the most definitive aspects of any video game is the ability to control the characters, determine where they go, and what decisions they make. Scientists at North Carolina State University’s iBionicS Lab have created technology that means remote-controlling real, living creatures may be possible. They have inserted wires into the brains of several cockroaches, which can be precisely steered using a computer. This technology can be adapted so the creatures could be used as first responders, reaching difficult locations during a disaster and identifying the locations of survivors.
8. PROGRAMMABLE GRENADES
The common hand grenade generally detonates on impact, but video game Gears of War offers players the option to control a grenade and explode it earlier. This game influenced the real-life creation of the XM25, a rocket launcher with programmable grenades. These grenades can be pre-set to explode at a specific point. They can even detonate mid-air, spraying shrapnel down on a target. The XM25 is already being used by a number of US Special Forces, and the army is considering wider usage. Sources: Army.mil, Ground Report, US News, Now Gamer.
7. VEHICLE ARMOR
Heavily-armored tanks are much more resilient than other vehicles. However, technology inspired by the Battlefield series has the potential to make them indestructible. In the game Battlefield 3, it is extremely difficult to destroy a tank, as they can survive multiple hits from a rocket launcher. In order to recreate this in reality, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is developing a vehicle armor system, know as the Iron Curtain. Using sensors around the tank to identify incoming threats, the Iron Curtain system creates an electric field around the tank, which is able to detonate the explosives before they can come into contact with the vehicle.
6. EXOSKELETONS
Exoskeletons are powered armor suits that offer an in-game character increased strength, protection, and endurance. They are a popular feature in games like Fallout. Fallout characters can wear exoskeletons that give them almost complete protection against ballistic weapons. Amazingly, recent scientific advancements mean that real-life exo-suits could be right around the corner. Exo-suits could have multiple useful functions, such as helping soldiers carry heavy loads, or allowing rescue workers to access dangerous environments. Technology companies Lockheed Martin and Sarcos have both developed working prototypes of powered exoskeletons for military purposes, but none have yet been deployed in the field.
5. HEAD-UP DISPLAY
In the majority of video games, such as Metroid Prime, the screen displays various nuggets of useful information, including a character’s health, score, or a map of the arena. This is not dissimilar to the technology of Google Glass, a headset that allows wearers to view text and images while going about their daily lives. The $1,500 device is internet-enabled, voice-activated, and can take photos. Researchers at South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have also developed a smart contact lens with similar capabilities.
4. EXTRA LIVES
From classic arcade games like Pinball to PlayStation favorites like Crash Bandicoot, extra lives have been a staple of video gaming since it began. Remarkably, the technology is being developed to make extra lives a reality for humans. Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov has plans to build an android body by the year 2045, which could be installed with an individual’s personality and memories. This could mean that a person could get a second chance to live after death. Itskov claims that the necessary technologies for this project already exist and is confident that his life extension initiative will work.
3. INVISIBILITY CLOAK
In Crysis, gamers can utilize ‘Cloak’ mode, which renders the game’s character, Nomad, invisible. Scientists at the University of Central Florida are now on the verge of creating a real-life equivalent of this invisibility cloak. The real-life invisibility cloak is covered with nano antennas. These stop light bouncing off it and bend the light around whatever the cloak is covering, preventing eyes from seeing it. At the moment, the cloak only works on minuscule objects. However, experiments are underway to extend its use, potentially making a cloak big enough to hide a human.
2. POWER-UPS
From the power pellets in Pac-Man to the Super Mushroom in Super Mario Bros., nearly all video games include power-ups that give characters extra abilities. The closest the real world can get to such items is with drugs. The drug Modafinil, originally developed as a treatment for narcolepsy, is a strong potential candidate. It can help an individual stay awake for 40 hours, while retaining mental capacities. It is currently being studied by the US Air Force to help fighter pilots who regularly need to stay alert for long stretches of time.
1. MEDPACS
Emergency medical care in the video game universe is much more instant than in real life. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, an injured character can be treated with even a basic medpac, which will immediately heal their non-fatal wounds. And we may be surprisingly close to real-world medpacs. American inventor and biomedical engineer Joe Landolina invented Vetigel, a gel that can be used to instantly stop bleeding when squirted onto a wound. It works by rapidly binding cells together and encouraging the body’s natural clotting ability.
10. AUTO-AIM
American technology company TrackingPoint has developed a rifle with the ability to automatically aim at a target. In numerous games, from Mario Kart to World of Tanks, weapons lock onto particular targets, making it much harder to miss. TrackingPoint’s XS1 rifle includes a real-life tracking button that marks a target and follows it as it moves, ready to automatically fire at the optimum moment. It even accounts for wind speed and elevation to make it as accurate as possible. The rifle currently costs approximately $17,000.
9. CHARACTER CONTROL
One of the most definitive aspects of any video game is the ability to control the characters, determine where they go, and what decisions they make. Scientists at North Carolina State University’s iBionicS Lab have created technology that means remote-controlling real, living creatures may be possible. They have inserted wires into the brains of several cockroaches, which can be precisely steered using a computer. This technology can be adapted so the creatures could be used as first responders, reaching difficult locations during a disaster and identifying the locations of survivors.
8. PROGRAMMABLE GRENADES
The common hand grenade generally detonates on impact, but video game Gears of War offers players the option to control a grenade and explode it earlier. This game influenced the real-life creation of the XM25, a rocket launcher with programmable grenades. These grenades can be pre-set to explode at a specific point. They can even detonate mid-air, spraying shrapnel down on a target. The XM25 is already being used by a number of US Special Forces, and the army is considering wider usage. Sources: Army.mil, Ground Report, US News, Now Gamer.
7. VEHICLE ARMOR
Heavily-armored tanks are much more resilient than other vehicles. However, technology inspired by the Battlefield series has the potential to make them indestructible. In the game Battlefield 3, it is extremely difficult to destroy a tank, as they can survive multiple hits from a rocket launcher. In order to recreate this in reality, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is developing a vehicle armor system, know as the Iron Curtain. Using sensors around the tank to identify incoming threats, the Iron Curtain system creates an electric field around the tank, which is able to detonate the explosives before they can come into contact with the vehicle.
6. EXOSKELETONS
Exoskeletons are powered armor suits that offer an in-game character increased strength, protection, and endurance. They are a popular feature in games like Fallout. Fallout characters can wear exoskeletons that give them almost complete protection against ballistic weapons. Amazingly, recent scientific advancements mean that real-life exo-suits could be right around the corner. Exo-suits could have multiple useful functions, such as helping soldiers carry heavy loads, or allowing rescue workers to access dangerous environments. Technology companies Lockheed Martin and Sarcos have both developed working prototypes of powered exoskeletons for military purposes, but none have yet been deployed in the field.
5. HEAD-UP DISPLAY
In the majority of video games, such as Metroid Prime, the screen displays various nuggets of useful information, including a character’s health, score, or a map of the arena. This is not dissimilar to the technology of Google Glass, a headset that allows wearers to view text and images while going about their daily lives. The $1,500 device is internet-enabled, voice-activated, and can take photos. Researchers at South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have also developed a smart contact lens with similar capabilities.
4. EXTRA LIVES
From classic arcade games like Pinball to PlayStation favorites like Crash Bandicoot, extra lives have been a staple of video gaming since it began. Remarkably, the technology is being developed to make extra lives a reality for humans. Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov has plans to build an android body by the year 2045, which could be installed with an individual’s personality and memories. This could mean that a person could get a second chance to live after death. Itskov claims that the necessary technologies for this project already exist and is confident that his life extension initiative will work.
3. INVISIBILITY CLOAK
In Crysis, gamers can utilize ‘Cloak’ mode, which renders the game’s character, Nomad, invisible. Scientists at the University of Central Florida are now on the verge of creating a real-life equivalent of this invisibility cloak. The real-life invisibility cloak is covered with nano antennas. These stop light bouncing off it and bend the light around whatever the cloak is covering, preventing eyes from seeing it. At the moment, the cloak only works on minuscule objects. However, experiments are underway to extend its use, potentially making a cloak big enough to hide a human.
2. POWER-UPS
From the power pellets in Pac-Man to the Super Mushroom in Super Mario Bros., nearly all video games include power-ups that give characters extra abilities. The closest the real world can get to such items is with drugs. The drug Modafinil, originally developed as a treatment for narcolepsy, is a strong potential candidate. It can help an individual stay awake for 40 hours, while retaining mental capacities. It is currently being studied by the US Air Force to help fighter pilots who regularly need to stay alert for long stretches of time.
1. MEDPACS
Emergency medical care in the video game universe is much more instant than in real life. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, an injured character can be treated with even a basic medpac, which will immediately heal their non-fatal wounds. And we may be surprisingly close to real-world medpacs. American inventor and biomedical engineer Joe Landolina invented Vetigel, a gel that can be used to instantly stop bleeding when squirted onto a wound. It works by rapidly binding cells together and encouraging the body’s natural clotting ability.
10 CREEPY VIDEO GAME URBAN LEGENDS
10 CREEPY VIDEO GAME URBAN LEGENDS
10 Lovender Town syndrome
In February 1996 Pokemon Red and Green for the Nintendo Gameboy was released in japan to wide acclaim, however not everything about its release was so positive. Allegedly around the same time as the game’ s release, there was a noticeable rise in children committing suicide or falling ill. The legend states that this was caused by the music played in the game when the protagonist reaches Lavender Town. The Lavender Town theme is believed to have featured extremely high frequencies which were only detectable by younger gamers. These frequencies caused headaches, self harm and mental illness in those who played the game, ultimately leading to an estimated 200 children killing themselves. The story concludes by saying that due to the scandal the Lavender Town theme was later changed by developers Nintendo to a lower tone, and in the Western version, the music was changed completely.
9. Squall is dead
Final Fantasy 8 is considered a classic in the long running Japanese franchise, however the plotline is not without rumor. At the end of the first disc, protagonist Squall squared up to the evil Sorceress Edea on a parade float. So far, so Final Fantasy. However during this battle Edea sends a shard of ice flying through the air and into Sqall’s chest, causing him to stumble and fall off the float, ending the duel. Yet when disc two starts up, Squall appears alive and unharmed. The legend goes that everything that happens in the game after this is Squall’s dying brain attempting to process information before it runs cut of oxygen. To add to this theory, the finale features a series of scenes that flash before the player’s eyes. These include blurred out details, the battle with Edea itself and, for a brief moment, an image of Squall with his face missing. The legend states that his brain is close to death and therefore forgetting his own image.
8. Polybius
In 1998 a post on the website coinop.org stated that in 1981 a new, addictive video game was installed in a Portland, Oregon arcade called Polybius. Polybius proved popular, however players soon began complaining of nausea, headaches, and nightmares after spending time playing the game. Soon after the Polybius cabinet was visited by strange men in black who allegedly unknown and unauthorized data gathered from the players. In 2013 the website Skeptoid conducted an investigation into whether Polybius actually existed. They found that while there was no record of any game called Polybius in or around Portland in 1981… …there were two cases of gamers collapsing with headaches and stomach pains on the same day. Ten days later federal agents raided video arcades throughout the Portland area in an attempt to break up a gambling racket operated by arcade owners. To prepare for this operation, undercover agents had indeed investigated arcade machines to try and collect evidence. While Polybius may not be true, the seeds of the legend were based in reality.
7. Morrowind’s mod
Morrowind is the highly popular and critically acclaimed third instalment in the Elder Scrolls franchise, yet that hasn’t stopped people making their own mods for the game. One mod, called Juk1166z.esp, at first appeared to do nothing except corrupt the game. However when run through an MS-DOS emulator the game takes a sinister tone, Major NPCs immediately died, their corpses littering the game. The remaining characters would appear briefly and only say “Watch the sky”. The player’s health would be draining constantly and dungeons would start displaying images from your computer. The mod didn’t just affect the game, it took control of your computer. Finally a long-limbed character called the Assassin would appear, who would hunt the player and shriek in piercing tone. The game screen would slowly become darker and darker until nothing could be seen at all. According to one player who allegedly played the mod he began to dream, and then hallucinate, about the Assassin.
6. Killswitch
A company called Karvina Corp is believed to have released a game called Killswitch in 1989. The game followed the story of Porto, a human woman, and Ghast, an invisible demon, as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the mine they find themselves trapped in. There was a twist however. Once played, the game wiped itself completely, preventing the game from being played ever again. As only 5,000 copies were produced, so the legend goes, this has led to brand new cartridges being extremely valuable. In 2005 Yamamoto Ryuichi bought a copy of the game for $733,000, with the intention of broadcasting the playthrough on YouTube. Yet to date Ryuichi has only posted one two minute long video of himself crying before the character selection screen. The legend suggests that the game sends people mad. However it is most likely false, as the earliest mention of any game from that period called Killswitch… …comes from a now abandoned website called Invisible Games which deals in creepypasta about fictional games.
5. Pokemon block
Pokemon Black was released as a companion to Pokemon White in 2010. However before that there was another Pokemon Black – a far more sinister and twisted version. The legend states that an unnamed man was digging around a flea market in 2005 when he came across a version of Pokemon Red which was pure black. The game played as normal to begin with, with Professor Oak giving you the usual choice of three starter pokemon and a fourth one called Ghost. Ghost was level one and capable of only one attack: Curse. Every battle played the same. The opponent was too scared to move, allowing Ghost to cast “curse”. Once cast the screen would go black and the distorted scream of the defeated pokemon would play. This could even be cast on the trainer themselves, ultimately killing them. If you survived, Ghost would appear at the end and battle you. The screen faded to black and rebooting the Gameboy, the save file would be wiped clean.
4. Sonic.exe
Everyone knows Sonic the Hedgehog as the bright and colorful Sega mascot but Creepypasta author JC the Hyena had other ideas. The legend went that a man known only as Tom received in the mail a CD from his missing friend Kyle, accompanied by a note telling him to destroy it. Tom played the CD to find a heavily modded version of Sonic the Hedgehog. The blue sea was now an ocean of red blood, the sky was overcast and Sonic himself had glowing red and bleeding eyes. As he played the game further it appeared that Sonic was violently torturing and murdering the inhabitants of the game. Eventually the game began communicating with Tom, asking whether he wanted to play a game of hide and seek and addressing him by name. The more Tome played, the more it became clear that Kyle had been sucked into the game by Sonic… …another victim to be toyed with, tortured and murdered by hedgehog with the demon eyes.
3. Herobrine
First released in 2011, Minecraft has become a global sensation. It has sold over 106 million copies and cost Microsoft $2.5 billion when it was bought in 2014. Yet if a post on 4cham is to be believed, the simple block building game hides a dark and sinister secret. In 2011 a post on the popular online bulletin board mentioned a blank eyed character walking around his single player world and deforesting the map. After his post was deleted from the messageboard a few times, he received a message from a fellow user called Herobrine with one word, “Stop”. It turns out ‘Herobrine’ was the gamertag of the brother of Minecraft’s lead developer Markus Person aka ‘Notch’. When pressed on the issue, he allegedly said he did have a brother, but he had died. Since then people have built and expanded on the legend, insisting there is a character called Herobrine haunting the game.
2. Ben drowned
In 2010 anther 4chan user called Jadusable claimed to own a haunted copy of the classic N64 game Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Jadusable bought what he thought was a brand new game from an elderly gentleman, but when installed into his console he found only a saved game called ‘Ben’. When Jadusable attempted to start a new game, the NPCs continued to call his character Ben. When the saved game was deleted, the NPCs just ignored him altogether. A later post by his alleged former roommate stated that Jadusable was slowly sent mad by this game.
1. Pole luno
Pale Luma is a text based adventure game which required gamers to input commands in order to progress through the story. Yet unlike other text based games, Pale Luma appeared to crash if anything other than the correct command is entered leading many people to dismiss the game as a broken and buggy product. One player however, Michael Nevins, wasn’t going to be put off. After six hours of trial and error, Nevins reportedly go through to a congratulations screen and a set of coordinates. Being nearby Nevins allegedly set off to the park where the coordinates were to investigate. When he dug at the point indicated, he uncovered the decomposing head of Koren Pauisen an eleven year old gril who had gone missing a year and a half before. The developer of Pale Luna was never traced, and the rest of Karen’s body was never found.
10 Lovender Town syndrome
In February 1996 Pokemon Red and Green for the Nintendo Gameboy was released in japan to wide acclaim, however not everything about its release was so positive. Allegedly around the same time as the game’ s release, there was a noticeable rise in children committing suicide or falling ill. The legend states that this was caused by the music played in the game when the protagonist reaches Lavender Town. The Lavender Town theme is believed to have featured extremely high frequencies which were only detectable by younger gamers. These frequencies caused headaches, self harm and mental illness in those who played the game, ultimately leading to an estimated 200 children killing themselves. The story concludes by saying that due to the scandal the Lavender Town theme was later changed by developers Nintendo to a lower tone, and in the Western version, the music was changed completely.
9. Squall is dead
Final Fantasy 8 is considered a classic in the long running Japanese franchise, however the plotline is not without rumor. At the end of the first disc, protagonist Squall squared up to the evil Sorceress Edea on a parade float. So far, so Final Fantasy. However during this battle Edea sends a shard of ice flying through the air and into Sqall’s chest, causing him to stumble and fall off the float, ending the duel. Yet when disc two starts up, Squall appears alive and unharmed. The legend goes that everything that happens in the game after this is Squall’s dying brain attempting to process information before it runs cut of oxygen. To add to this theory, the finale features a series of scenes that flash before the player’s eyes. These include blurred out details, the battle with Edea itself and, for a brief moment, an image of Squall with his face missing. The legend states that his brain is close to death and therefore forgetting his own image.
8. Polybius
In 1998 a post on the website coinop.org stated that in 1981 a new, addictive video game was installed in a Portland, Oregon arcade called Polybius. Polybius proved popular, however players soon began complaining of nausea, headaches, and nightmares after spending time playing the game. Soon after the Polybius cabinet was visited by strange men in black who allegedly unknown and unauthorized data gathered from the players. In 2013 the website Skeptoid conducted an investigation into whether Polybius actually existed. They found that while there was no record of any game called Polybius in or around Portland in 1981… …there were two cases of gamers collapsing with headaches and stomach pains on the same day. Ten days later federal agents raided video arcades throughout the Portland area in an attempt to break up a gambling racket operated by arcade owners. To prepare for this operation, undercover agents had indeed investigated arcade machines to try and collect evidence. While Polybius may not be true, the seeds of the legend were based in reality.
7. Morrowind’s mod
Morrowind is the highly popular and critically acclaimed third instalment in the Elder Scrolls franchise, yet that hasn’t stopped people making their own mods for the game. One mod, called Juk1166z.esp, at first appeared to do nothing except corrupt the game. However when run through an MS-DOS emulator the game takes a sinister tone, Major NPCs immediately died, their corpses littering the game. The remaining characters would appear briefly and only say “Watch the sky”. The player’s health would be draining constantly and dungeons would start displaying images from your computer. The mod didn’t just affect the game, it took control of your computer. Finally a long-limbed character called the Assassin would appear, who would hunt the player and shriek in piercing tone. The game screen would slowly become darker and darker until nothing could be seen at all. According to one player who allegedly played the mod he began to dream, and then hallucinate, about the Assassin.
6. Killswitch
A company called Karvina Corp is believed to have released a game called Killswitch in 1989. The game followed the story of Porto, a human woman, and Ghast, an invisible demon, as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the mine they find themselves trapped in. There was a twist however. Once played, the game wiped itself completely, preventing the game from being played ever again. As only 5,000 copies were produced, so the legend goes, this has led to brand new cartridges being extremely valuable. In 2005 Yamamoto Ryuichi bought a copy of the game for $733,000, with the intention of broadcasting the playthrough on YouTube. Yet to date Ryuichi has only posted one two minute long video of himself crying before the character selection screen. The legend suggests that the game sends people mad. However it is most likely false, as the earliest mention of any game from that period called Killswitch… …comes from a now abandoned website called Invisible Games which deals in creepypasta about fictional games.
5. Pokemon block
Pokemon Black was released as a companion to Pokemon White in 2010. However before that there was another Pokemon Black – a far more sinister and twisted version. The legend states that an unnamed man was digging around a flea market in 2005 when he came across a version of Pokemon Red which was pure black. The game played as normal to begin with, with Professor Oak giving you the usual choice of three starter pokemon and a fourth one called Ghost. Ghost was level one and capable of only one attack: Curse. Every battle played the same. The opponent was too scared to move, allowing Ghost to cast “curse”. Once cast the screen would go black and the distorted scream of the defeated pokemon would play. This could even be cast on the trainer themselves, ultimately killing them. If you survived, Ghost would appear at the end and battle you. The screen faded to black and rebooting the Gameboy, the save file would be wiped clean.
4. Sonic.exe
Everyone knows Sonic the Hedgehog as the bright and colorful Sega mascot but Creepypasta author JC the Hyena had other ideas. The legend went that a man known only as Tom received in the mail a CD from his missing friend Kyle, accompanied by a note telling him to destroy it. Tom played the CD to find a heavily modded version of Sonic the Hedgehog. The blue sea was now an ocean of red blood, the sky was overcast and Sonic himself had glowing red and bleeding eyes. As he played the game further it appeared that Sonic was violently torturing and murdering the inhabitants of the game. Eventually the game began communicating with Tom, asking whether he wanted to play a game of hide and seek and addressing him by name. The more Tome played, the more it became clear that Kyle had been sucked into the game by Sonic… …another victim to be toyed with, tortured and murdered by hedgehog with the demon eyes.
3. Herobrine
First released in 2011, Minecraft has become a global sensation. It has sold over 106 million copies and cost Microsoft $2.5 billion when it was bought in 2014. Yet if a post on 4cham is to be believed, the simple block building game hides a dark and sinister secret. In 2011 a post on the popular online bulletin board mentioned a blank eyed character walking around his single player world and deforesting the map. After his post was deleted from the messageboard a few times, he received a message from a fellow user called Herobrine with one word, “Stop”. It turns out ‘Herobrine’ was the gamertag of the brother of Minecraft’s lead developer Markus Person aka ‘Notch’. When pressed on the issue, he allegedly said he did have a brother, but he had died. Since then people have built and expanded on the legend, insisting there is a character called Herobrine haunting the game.
2. Ben drowned
In 2010 anther 4chan user called Jadusable claimed to own a haunted copy of the classic N64 game Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Jadusable bought what he thought was a brand new game from an elderly gentleman, but when installed into his console he found only a saved game called ‘Ben’. When Jadusable attempted to start a new game, the NPCs continued to call his character Ben. When the saved game was deleted, the NPCs just ignored him altogether. A later post by his alleged former roommate stated that Jadusable was slowly sent mad by this game.
1. Pole luno
Pale Luma is a text based adventure game which required gamers to input commands in order to progress through the story. Yet unlike other text based games, Pale Luma appeared to crash if anything other than the correct command is entered leading many people to dismiss the game as a broken and buggy product. One player however, Michael Nevins, wasn’t going to be put off. After six hours of trial and error, Nevins reportedly go through to a congratulations screen and a set of coordinates. Being nearby Nevins allegedly set off to the park where the coordinates were to investigate. When he dug at the point indicated, he uncovered the decomposing head of Koren Pauisen an eleven year old gril who had gone missing a year and a half before. The developer of Pale Luna was never traced, and the rest of Karen’s body was never found.
45 best Android games
45 best Android games
The best Android games for your phone or tablet
1. Star Wars: Uprising
Free
With Star Wars all the rage the Galaxy needs a new hero in the fight against the Empire. Take part in Sector Battles, create your own character, and play real-time co-op.
2. Despicable Me
Free
If you love those little yellow things you’ll love Minion Rush. Jump, roll, dodge and scramble to collect bananas in this cute runner game.
3. Crossy Road
Free
Why did the chicken cross the road? Never mind that, why didn’t you? We love this hopper game, and so will you.
4. Fallout Shelter
Free
Fallout fans will love Shelter, a mobile game that gives you complete control over your very own Vault, and the citizens that reside in it. Can you keep your Dwellers happy, fed and protected from the dangers of the outside world in this post-apocalyptic adventure?
5. WordBrain
Free
“Even the smartest word game enthusiasts will have a real challenge to complete this game. In fact: only very few have!” That’s all the encouragement we need: the challenge is on to become a word master in this headscratchingly difficult hiddenword
game.
6. Minecraft
Pocket Edition
?4.99
Construction sim with endless possibilities. This infinite box of Legos has the very real potential to eat your life before your eyes.
7. Alphabear
Free
Oh now this is supercute. You spell out words and bears appear. Longer words equal bigger bears and even more cuteness.
8. Spider-Man
Unlimited
Free
Recruit an army of heroes in the Spider-Verse and take on the Sinister Six. This action-packed arcade game will keep you entertained for hours.
9. Clash of Clans
Free
Form the ultimate Clan with your own army of Barbarians, Archers, Hog Riders, Wizards and more, then defend your village and take down the Goblin King.
10. Lego Ninjago
Tournament
Free
Ninjas, it’s time to enter Master Chen’s Tournament of Elements. You must use your training to take on Elemental Masters, and the more you win the stronger you become.
11. Monopoly
?1.49
Who doesn’t love Monopoly? If you answered “me”, go directly to jail. YOU WILL NOT COLLECT ?200.
12. Table Tennis Touch
79p
It’s not a freebie, but stunning graphics make Table Tennis Touch worth the download. Even more so if you like Ping Pong.
13. Sim City Build It
Free
A realistic city-builder that lets you create an environment in which your citizens will thrive, and trade resources with friends online. Just when you think life is going good, real-life challenges will keep you on your toes.
14. Plants vs Zombies 2
Free
Plants vs Zombies is the tower defence game loved by all, and the sequel is much more of the same zombie- and super-plant goodness.
15. First Touch Soccer 2015
Free
There are loads of football games for Android, but if you don’t want to pay a penny First Touch Soccer is a great choice.
16. Walking Dead: Road to Survival
Free
TellTale’s Walking Dead series is not to be missed, but this alternative is a turnbased RPG that focuses on the original comic books over the TV series, and in which your decisions will determine who lives and who dies. Kicking off at Woodbury, can you take on The Governor?
17. The Room Two
?1.99
Physical puzzles in a beautifully-realised 3D world make this somewhat unsettling sequel a joy to play.
18. Lara Croft Go
?3.99
Explore the ruins of an ancient civilisation and face deadly challenges in this turn-based adventure game. More than 75 puzzles are split into five chapters.
19. Bad Piggies
Free
From the makers of Angry Birds, Bad Piggies is an addictive and challenging puzzle game, with some action thrown in to add to the fun.
20. Temple Run 2
Free
A hugely popular runner game for Android, Temple Run 2 sees you navigate perilous terrain as you attempt to escape with the cursed idol. However far you can get, it won’t be far enough.
21. Monument Valley
?2.99
Supremely calming puzzler with innovative perspective-based gameplay. More soothing than an opiate-spiked Horlicks.
22. Jetpack Joyride
Free
Mission-driven progression and a range of crazy gadgets, jetpacks, vehicles, achievements and character customisation add replay value to the simple controls and repetitive nature of Barry Steakfries’ endless journey in Jetpack Joyride.
23. Angry Birds
Free
Just because it’s old doesn’t make it bad: this list would never be complete without this mobile gaming classic.
24. Ridiculous Fishing
?1.99
“A handcrafted game about fishing with guns, chainsaws & toasters.” SOLD.
25. Super Hexagon
?1.99
Frantic shape-based avoidance game. Punishing difficulty set to a rather wonderful electronic score.
26. Threes!
Free
Potently addictive, simple yet full of strategic depth, Threes is based on a set of numbered tiles that you manipulate around a four-by-four board. There are blue ones, and pinky twos, and you jam these into each other to make white threes. Everything else is a multiple of three created by joining two matching white tiles. Two plus one equals three. Three plus three equals six. Six plus six equals 12. You get the picture.
27. Flow Free
Free
Addictive colour matching fun that is equal parts frustration and satisfaction. Attempt to reach the goal in as few moves as possible.
28. Sonic Dash
Free
The lovable blue spikey-haired hedgehog returns in this endless runner game for Android. Dash, jump and spin through levels collecting rings, dodging spikes and ultimately climbing the leader boards.
29. Dumb Ways
To Die 2
Free
Warioware-style mini games abound in this free gigglefest. Fun, quickfire action, with entertaining deaths aplenty.
30. Words With
Friends
Free
Words With Friends is in essence Scrabble, played with friends at your own pace. And you get to show them how much more intelligent you are than them. A no-brainer.
31. Call Of Duty: Heroes
Free
This 3D combat strategy game has you customise your base and train elite forces to wipe out enemies in fierce battle. Plus: create deadly alliances with your friends, competing for in-game rewards.
32. Riptide GP2
?1.59
Rocket-powered hydro jets and futuristic race tracks make Riptide GP2 a fast, fun, and visually stunning racing experience.
33. Cut The Rope: Time Travel
Free
Cut the Rope: Time Travel is a new adventure filled with time-travelling, candycrunching, physicsbased action. Help Om Nom feed his ancestors as you play through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, a Pirate Ship, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Stone Age, Disco Era, Wild West, Asian Dynasty, Industrial Revolution and the Future. Great for kids, too.
34. Beach Buggy Blitz
Free
A fun driving game in which you collect power-ups and performance-boosting upgrades, unlock new vehicles and collect new characters. Awesome fun and great graphics make Beach Buggy Blitz an easy download.
35. Machinarium
?3.99
Josef the robot is on a mission to save girlfriend Berta from the Blackcap Brotherhood in this award-winning adventure game.
36. Hitman GO
?3.99
Agent 47’s latest outing is a quasi-board game that plays like the leadup to a game of Cluedo. Initially odd, but ultimately rewarding.
37. Marvel Contest of Champions
Free
If you love your superheroes and fighting games then you’ll love Contest of Champions. Level up characters and build your own team of champions in this graphically stunning fighter game.
38. Thomas Was Alone
?3.99
Satisfying special gameplay takes second place to the compelling writing and characterization. You’ll never care more about a bunch of squares.
39. Badland
Free
Gorgeous sidescrolling, jump-based platformer, and winner of three awards. Worth downloading for the stunning visuals alone.
40. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
?3.99
Rockstar has retooled its genre-defining franchise for Android, and you can pick up GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas for criminally good gaming wherever you go.
41. Criminal Case
Free
Are you ready to test your detective skills? This is a hidden object game with an actual storyline: investigate crime scenes for clues and help the Police of Grimsborough crack murder cases.
42. Modern Combat 5 Blackout
Free
Gameloft’s answer to Call of Duty on the PC or consoles, Modern Combat 5: Blackout is a meaty game which includes both singleand multiplayer modes.
43. Goat Simulator
?3.99
What started out as an Internet joke has now landed on Android. Play as a goat and wreck as much stuff as possible in this fantastic mess of a game.
44. Crazy Taxi City Rush
Free
Crazy Taxi City Rush rewards you for insane driving as you race around doing whatever it takes to get your passengers to their destination on time.
45. You Must Build A Boat
?1.99
Sequel to 10000000, this builds on the original tile-matching puzzle meets running game with a boat. You have to build it, assemble a crew, and explore whatever dungeons you pass as you float down river.
The best Android games for your phone or tablet
1. Star Wars: Uprising
Free
With Star Wars all the rage the Galaxy needs a new hero in the fight against the Empire. Take part in Sector Battles, create your own character, and play real-time co-op.
2. Despicable Me
Free
If you love those little yellow things you’ll love Minion Rush. Jump, roll, dodge and scramble to collect bananas in this cute runner game.
3. Crossy Road
Free
Why did the chicken cross the road? Never mind that, why didn’t you? We love this hopper game, and so will you.
4. Fallout Shelter
Free
Fallout fans will love Shelter, a mobile game that gives you complete control over your very own Vault, and the citizens that reside in it. Can you keep your Dwellers happy, fed and protected from the dangers of the outside world in this post-apocalyptic adventure?
5. WordBrain
Free
“Even the smartest word game enthusiasts will have a real challenge to complete this game. In fact: only very few have!” That’s all the encouragement we need: the challenge is on to become a word master in this headscratchingly difficult hiddenword
game.
6. Minecraft
Pocket Edition
?4.99
Construction sim with endless possibilities. This infinite box of Legos has the very real potential to eat your life before your eyes.
7. Alphabear
Free
Oh now this is supercute. You spell out words and bears appear. Longer words equal bigger bears and even more cuteness.
8. Spider-Man
Unlimited
Free
Recruit an army of heroes in the Spider-Verse and take on the Sinister Six. This action-packed arcade game will keep you entertained for hours.
9. Clash of Clans
Free
Form the ultimate Clan with your own army of Barbarians, Archers, Hog Riders, Wizards and more, then defend your village and take down the Goblin King.
10. Lego Ninjago
Free
Ninjas, it’s time to enter Master Chen’s Tournament of Elements. You must use your training to take on Elemental Masters, and the more you win the stronger you become.
11. Monopoly
?1.49
Who doesn’t love Monopoly? If you answered “me”, go directly to jail. YOU WILL NOT COLLECT ?200.
12. Table Tennis Touch
79p
It’s not a freebie, but stunning graphics make Table Tennis Touch worth the download. Even more so if you like Ping Pong.
13. Sim City Build It
Free
A realistic city-builder that lets you create an environment in which your citizens will thrive, and trade resources with friends online. Just when you think life is going good, real-life challenges will keep you on your toes.
14. Plants vs Zombies 2
Free
Plants vs Zombies is the tower defence game loved by all, and the sequel is much more of the same zombie- and super-plant goodness.
15. First Touch Soccer 2015
Free
There are loads of football games for Android, but if you don’t want to pay a penny First Touch Soccer is a great choice.
16. Walking Dead: Road to Survival
Free
TellTale’s Walking Dead series is not to be missed, but this alternative is a turnbased RPG that focuses on the original comic books over the TV series, and in which your decisions will determine who lives and who dies. Kicking off at Woodbury, can you take on The Governor?
17. The Room Two
?1.99
Physical puzzles in a beautifully-realised 3D world make this somewhat unsettling sequel a joy to play.
18. Lara Croft Go
?3.99
Explore the ruins of an ancient civilisation and face deadly challenges in this turn-based adventure game. More than 75 puzzles are split into five chapters.
19. Bad Piggies
Free
From the makers of Angry Birds, Bad Piggies is an addictive and challenging puzzle game, with some action thrown in to add to the fun.
20. Temple Run 2
Free
A hugely popular runner game for Android, Temple Run 2 sees you navigate perilous terrain as you attempt to escape with the cursed idol. However far you can get, it won’t be far enough.
21. Monument Valley
?2.99
Supremely calming puzzler with innovative perspective-based gameplay. More soothing than an opiate-spiked Horlicks.
22. Jetpack Joyride
Free
Mission-driven progression and a range of crazy gadgets, jetpacks, vehicles, achievements and character customisation add replay value to the simple controls and repetitive nature of Barry Steakfries’ endless journey in Jetpack Joyride.
23. Angry Birds
Free
Just because it’s old doesn’t make it bad: this list would never be complete without this mobile gaming classic.
24. Ridiculous Fishing
?1.99
“A handcrafted game about fishing with guns, chainsaws & toasters.” SOLD.
25. Super Hexagon
?1.99
Frantic shape-based avoidance game. Punishing difficulty set to a rather wonderful electronic score.
26. Threes!
Free
Potently addictive, simple yet full of strategic depth, Threes is based on a set of numbered tiles that you manipulate around a four-by-four board. There are blue ones, and pinky twos, and you jam these into each other to make white threes. Everything else is a multiple of three created by joining two matching white tiles. Two plus one equals three. Three plus three equals six. Six plus six equals 12. You get the picture.
27. Flow Free
Free
Addictive colour matching fun that is equal parts frustration and satisfaction. Attempt to reach the goal in as few moves as possible.
28. Sonic Dash
Free
The lovable blue spikey-haired hedgehog returns in this endless runner game for Android. Dash, jump and spin through levels collecting rings, dodging spikes and ultimately climbing the leader boards.
29. Dumb Ways
To Die 2
Free
Warioware-style mini games abound in this free gigglefest. Fun, quickfire action, with entertaining deaths aplenty.
30. Words With
Friends
Free
Words With Friends is in essence Scrabble, played with friends at your own pace. And you get to show them how much more intelligent you are than them. A no-brainer.
31. Call Of Duty: Heroes
Free
This 3D combat strategy game has you customise your base and train elite forces to wipe out enemies in fierce battle. Plus: create deadly alliances with your friends, competing for in-game rewards.
32. Riptide GP2
?1.59
Rocket-powered hydro jets and futuristic race tracks make Riptide GP2 a fast, fun, and visually stunning racing experience.
33. Cut The Rope: Time Travel
Free
Cut the Rope: Time Travel is a new adventure filled with time-travelling, candycrunching, physicsbased action. Help Om Nom feed his ancestors as you play through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, a Pirate Ship, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Stone Age, Disco Era, Wild West, Asian Dynasty, Industrial Revolution and the Future. Great for kids, too.
34. Beach Buggy Blitz
Free
A fun driving game in which you collect power-ups and performance-boosting upgrades, unlock new vehicles and collect new characters. Awesome fun and great graphics make Beach Buggy Blitz an easy download.
35. Machinarium
?3.99
Josef the robot is on a mission to save girlfriend Berta from the Blackcap Brotherhood in this award-winning adventure game.
36. Hitman GO
?3.99
Agent 47’s latest outing is a quasi-board game that plays like the leadup to a game of Cluedo. Initially odd, but ultimately rewarding.
37. Marvel Contest of Champions
Free
If you love your superheroes and fighting games then you’ll love Contest of Champions. Level up characters and build your own team of champions in this graphically stunning fighter game.
38. Thomas Was Alone
?3.99
Satisfying special gameplay takes second place to the compelling writing and characterization. You’ll never care more about a bunch of squares.
39. Badland
Free
Gorgeous sidescrolling, jump-based platformer, and winner of three awards. Worth downloading for the stunning visuals alone.
40. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
?3.99
Rockstar has retooled its genre-defining franchise for Android, and you can pick up GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas for criminally good gaming wherever you go.
41. Criminal Case
Free
Are you ready to test your detective skills? This is a hidden object game with an actual storyline: investigate crime scenes for clues and help the Police of Grimsborough crack murder cases.
42. Modern Combat 5 Blackout
Free
Gameloft’s answer to Call of Duty on the PC or consoles, Modern Combat 5: Blackout is a meaty game which includes both singleand multiplayer modes.
43. Goat Simulator
?3.99
What started out as an Internet joke has now landed on Android. Play as a goat and wreck as much stuff as possible in this fantastic mess of a game.
44. Crazy Taxi City Rush
Free
Crazy Taxi City Rush rewards you for insane driving as you race around doing whatever it takes to get your passengers to their destination on time.
45. You Must Build A Boat
?1.99
Sequel to 10000000, this builds on the original tile-matching puzzle meets running game with a boat. You have to build it, assemble a crew, and explore whatever dungeons you pass as you float down river.
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