A week or so into 2013 and you thought that we were done with “Best of 2012” roundups, huh? Well I’ve got one more for you, if you’ll read it. 2012 was a pretty banner year for Android – it saw a lot of great progress with Jelly Bean, better looking apps, and some very popular iOS apps like Instagram and Temple Run come to the platform. Games were no different; Android users got to play a lot of really great games in 2012, from side-scrollers to puzzles to RPGs. Let’s take a look at what we thought were the best!
10. Draw Something Free
This game was one of my favorites simply because I enjoy drawing; it pits you against a friend in a Pictionary-style match where you get to pick one of three subjects, ranging in difficulty from easy to hard. If your friend guesses correctly, you both get 1-3 coins depending on the difficulty. You can then use those coins to buy upgrades like more colors. I have a lot of fun drawing and put a lot of detail into it, though I do have a tablet and a stylus to help!
9. Subway Surfers
This very colorful 3D runner reminds me a lot of the Sonic games for Sega Dreamcast. Run through various obsticles, grind trains and rails, and collect coins along the way. Playing the game feels like Temple Run because the controls are very similar, but some extra features (like running towards oncomming trains) make it different enough to be worth playing! You can also unlock new characters, customize your board, and more!
8. Arcane Legends
Of-course, if you looking for a completely free RPG, Arcane Legends is where it's at! You have a lot of teh features of Zenonia 5 and other RPGs- select from a bunch of different characters, complete quests, collect items, and even add mystical pets to the mix. One really nice feature is they allow you to join friends for co-op adventures! Plus, they tell you right up front it will be free to play forever.
7. Zenonia 5
Zenonia 5 is a fairly intense RPG with a ton to offer. Along with the features of most RPGs- fighting enemies, leveling up, and collecting items, Zenonia 5 allows you to do global Player vs. Player (PvP) to collect rare items and level your character even more. As a free game with in-app purchases, it's at least worth checking out. You will not be disappointed!
6. Jetpack Joyride
Man I love side-scrolling video games. Call me nostalgic, but the bring me back to a simpler time in video game history. Jetpack Joyride is a pretty cool side-scroller with some very simple touch controls, alost like a 2D version of Temple Run. Avoid obsticles and elevate yourself while shooting down at your enemies. You really can't go wrong with a game so fun, so easy to learn, and so free!
5. The Bard’s Tale
The Bard's Tale is a large-scale roaming RPG made for Android. It's a heafty 1.7GB to install, but that big size gets you tons of enemies, weapons, customizations, and more. It's also an incredibly funny game voiced by some well known actors like Cary Elwes (from The Princess Bride and Robin Hood Men in Tights). This is definitely a game that can keep you entertained in the same way that Diablo or Warcraft can.
4. Real Soccer 2013
*Note: I'm based in in the USA so the link it for Real Soccer 2013. It might also be under the name Real Football 2013, depending on where you're from.
If you're a Soccer/Football fan, this is the game for you. Nice graphics, and very in-depth gameplay and details immerse you in the game. Build up your team, build out your training facilities, and make money to invest back into your club. Plus, you get to use over 3,000 real players- including names and stats!
3. Need for Speed Most Wanted NA
Need for Speed has always been a popular multi-platform game, and for good reason! It's easy to learn, it looks great, and once you're good at it you can do some really cool things. Need for Speed Most Wanted for Android is no different. This game really shows off what Android can do! The graphics look amazing, the controls are easy to pick up, and with tons of cars to unlock and customize, you will be occupied for hours!
2. Angry Birds Star Wars
Here's the thing: Angry Birds is already a fun game. Adding a Star Wars themed to Angry Birds? Amazing. You get to play as Luke, Obi-Wan, Han, Chewie, and Lea as you move through Tattoine, Space, the Death Star and more. You use lightsabers, The Force, and blasters. There is even a bonus droids level. The physics engine is incredible. The Force can deflect lasers and lasers will riccochet off of metal. If you are a Star Wars fan (as I am) or an Angry Birds fan, you will absolutely love this game.
1. Temple Run
Man this game is addicting. You play a fearless hero who is running for his life from evil demon monkeys. The game makes really great use of touch/swipe gestures, allowing you to swipe to control the character and even tilt your device to move left or right. Run, swipe, and collect jewels and powerups to get a higher score. There are also some spin-offs of the game, including a version for Disney's Brave, which I am a big fan of. Seriously, have I mentioned that this game is addicting?
So those are my top games of 2012. On mobile, I'm generally a big fan of simplicity which is why Temple Run, Draw Something, and Angry Birds really appealed to me. However, you can't deny how good the immersive worlds of The Bard's Tale and Zenonia 5. What were your favorite games of 2012? Let us know in the comments!
