Author: Vasanth Simon

I am a freelance writer writing about everything including games. Check out my game listings for smartphones at AppReviewCentral. I own a Samsung Galaxy J3.

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Start your engines-Some Well Designed Racing Games

There are hundreds of car racing games in the app store and finding one worth playing can be a challenge. Here are a few well-designed car racing games to check out. Some feature rally racing, while others focus on street racing. Download one during lunch or while waiting for a bus. The time will fly right by.

Fast Racing 3D

Crisp selection screens, garage, and menus prepare you for a well-designed racing game. Follow the onscreen prompts for instructions. The game utilizes tilt controls to steer and touch screen controls for accelerating and braking. A convenient map on the left corner of the screen helps players navigate through the course. The downside is the poor graphics of the cars during races. This game is available on the Google Play store.

CSR Racing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy6hTaCWEZo

This game starts with a shifting gears tutorial, which isn’t that great and moves on to the garage, which looks really nice. See how each car looks in various paints before buying one. View it in 360 degrees and take a picture. After completing a quarter-mile race you can share the results online and upgrade your vehicle. You’ll need to when you start losing shifting battles to the various teams in the city. In-app purchases are available for cash. This game is available on Google Play and iTunes.

Fast and the Furious 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obNxzzMhdnI

Another street racing game worth checking out is Fast and the Furious 6. This game is similar to the movie. The characters provide a storyline, while the player races customized cars. The gameplay is similar to CSR Racing, which includes shifting into higher gears when prompted during the race. This game also has an online portion, which lets you race against other players. This mode is much more competitive than the storyline and the ladder races also provide a challenge. It’s available for Android devices, iOS, and Windows phones.

Pocket Rally Lite

There are several ways to play Pocket Rally Lite. Tilt the smartphone to steer or press the screen to turn. Accelerate automatically or choose to press the screen to drive. The camera angles are adjustable as well. Choose between the hood cam, overhead cam, or behind the car view. The rally courses look great, and the cars are equally beautiful. It is available on Google Play and iTunes.

Redline Rush

Drive as fast as you can while playing Redline Rush. Collect coins and avoid crashing into traffic. The highway is a blur until you flip your car. If you are fast enough, you can rewind the crash and start again, making your way through the course. The crashes are lively and nicely choreographed. In between races, upgrade your car in the garage or purchase a new one. This game offers in-app purchases for bucks, which can be used to buy and upgrade your car. It’s available on Google Play and iTunes.

Recommendations:

I would download Fast Racing 3D. The easy to use controls, especially the excellent use of the tilt function of the smartphone to steer, make this game fun and challenging at the same time. There are various modes including timed trials, elimination, and survival. All are played on well-designed courses that fit the smartphone screen perfectly.

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Get your clan on-Popular Clan based games

Since Clash of Clan was first published, there have been tons of clan-based games in the app store and finding one that is worth playing can be a challenge. Here are five games worth checking out. Each one has the same premise, which includes improving a home base and building up a clan. Some let you battle other clans online, while others focus on a single-player campaign. Take over territory and spend countless hours defending it while playing these games. Which ones have you tried?

1. Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans (the one that started it all) is a game that requires players to build a village and defend it. Some of the things you can add to your village include barracks, a gold reserve, and a well. Once the village is established, train troops to engage in battle. On the single player path, you can attack nearby villages. On multiplayer, you can search for a match online and battle other clans. There’s a chat messaging system in the game as well. With the captured gold from your victories, you can improve your village. Along the way, complete achievements such as Elixir Escapade and Empire Builder. It’s available for Android and iOS.

2. Clash of Lords 2

Clash of Lords 2 starts you off with a small town that you have to build up. Begin by adding a Hero’s Hall and eventually a Guild Castle. Engage in small battles to earn gold or purchase treasure with in-app purchases. After gaining enough currency, build a castle and join a Guild, or create your own Guild. Then you can engage in battles with other Guilds. There is a chat messaging system in this game that lets you communicate with other players. Download it for Android or iOS.

3. Clash of Mafias

Clash of Mafias is a more entertaining clan-based game with modern weapons and equipment. Build up your headquarters and raid nearby nightclubs. Establish your turf and expand it. There is a chat system to communicate with other players and a store to buy various gear including bullet proof vests, lookout towers, and decorations. Earn crystals to make purchases or buy crystals. When your mafia is strong enough, raid other gangs, and take their territory. This game is available on Android devices.

4. Castle Clash

Tap the screen to deploy your clan in Castle Clash. It’s similar to other clan-based games. Build up your clan by hiring troops, and equip your clan by completing various Dungeons, which reveal resources. Check out events as they come up for cool items and rewards. You can also complete daily reward and earn gems, as well as complete various achievements. This game will provide hours of playtime. It’s available on Android and iOS.

5. Island Raiders: War of Legends

Unlike the other games mentioned in this article, Island Raiders lets you place the character in a specific location during battles. This neat game play element doesn’t reduce the annoyance of the tutorial, which isn’t very clear and will inevitably lead you to simply pressing the prompted icon or object. After that, focus on joining an Alliance or creating one. Without that, you can’t go into battle. This game is available on Android and iOS.

Recommendation: Clash of Mafias. It’s addictive, has a more navigable layout, and has a different vibe than the fantasy, Middle-Ages themed clan games.

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Match-3 Madness: Worthwhile Games for both Android and iOS

Match-3 games are all the rage. Overall they are good fun and a great time waster. Today we are starting a new series, of hopefully weekly articles listing some of the neat games out there for Android and iOS devices. Today we are looking at match-3 games. There are quite a few but here are the top 7 games.

1. Jolly Jam

Jolly Jam is a vividly colored game that adds a new element to the match-3 genre. Just drag the corners to draw a box and collect all the jellies inside. Collect the number of jellies displayed to complete each level.

Download for Android / Download for iOS

2. Match-3 Quest Pandora

This is a popular match-3 game has a few different things going for i.t: monsters, skills, and heroes. Check the shop for leveling improvements, spin the wheel of fortune for prizes, and improve your team. Complete each level and play in different locations.

Download for Android 

3. Wonderland

Wonderland received 4 out of 5 stars on Google Play and has over 450 levels. It has large items and prompts to help you match items. Let your friends know you are playing by logging into a social network site including Facebook. It has a cute puppy and kid-friendly graphics. 🙂

Download for Android / Download for iOS

4. Booty Quest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCKumxM7Y8g

This game has a great tutorial to get you started and exciting, timed rounds. Match 3 as quickly as possible to receive the highest score; challenge your friends too. It’s great score board will keep you wanting to play again.

Download for Android / Download for iOS

5. Atlantis Adventure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6Nt7oudSt4

Match 3 jewels in a row or column in Atlantis Adventure. Unlike other match-3 games, this one has a limit on the number of moves you can make. Reach a certain score or clear away a set number of tiles before you run out of moves.

Download for Android / Download for iOS

6. Disco Bees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yz7UoavKvQ

If you prefer a game that isn’t restricted by square grids, try Disco Bees. This match-3 game lets you connect three items by moving them diagonally. After completing a stage, enjoy the dancing Waggle.

Download for Android / Download for iOS

7. Candy Crush Saga

The one that seemed to start it all. Reach the target score within the allotted moves to complete the level. Match three in a row to win. Unlock boosters to score faster and collect more candy. You can log into Facebook as well.

Download for Android / Download for iOS

Recommendation:

Out of these seven games, I would recommend downloading Booty Quest. It’s well-designed, has a great interface, and is fun to play. All seven are free to download, and each one offers in-app purchases, such as diamonds and coins.

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Run for your life – Temple Run 2 [App Review]

Temple Run 2 is a great sequel to the original running game, Temple Run, from Imangi Studios. Similar to the first Temple Run, this game has more exciting obstacles, ridiculous turns, and one scary monster that won’t stop chasing you. The ominous music at the start of the game builds the tension and prepares you for what’s ahead. But you won’t be prepared!

This is a fast-paced game where you try to escape from a Temple after taking an idol. Jump to rope-lines, jump over missing sections of pathways, and slide under flames. While fleeing from the monster, try to collect as many coins as possible. It’s fun and challenging, but lacks the immersive, ancient-jungle-ruins ambience of the original game.

To play the game, simply use the touchscreen. Swipe the screen to perform various actions. Swipe up to jump, swipe down to slide, swipe left or right to turn, and tilt the smartphone to tilt the character to one side or another. Tilting is required to collect coins on the edges of pathways as well as for traveling across ledges. Use the tutorial feature while playing to make it easier. This option for it is located in the settings.

If the game is too fast paced, just press the pause button; this will give you a chance to catch your breath. When you are ready to continue, a countdown timer will prepare you for the action.

templerunAtemplerunB

If you run out of lives, there are several unique ways to get more. The affordable way is to earn gems by completing social media tasks, such as watching a video clip or liking the game on Facebook. There are daily challenges and weekly challenges which award gems as well. You can also buy gems in the store. A pack costs $0.99 USD.

This is a free game with in-app purchases including coin packs, gem packs, and special characters. Coins are used to upgrade your character’s abilities and gems are used to extend runs.

There are several objectives to complete and artifacts to collect. You can also upgrade your character with different powers and abilities. There are several characters to choose from including a Bruce Lee and Usain Bolt character.

If you are looking for a fantastic runner game, that will keep you going for miles, then Temple Run 2 should be right up your alley.

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Airship Bakery -does not seem to be fully cooked [Android App Review]

Airship Bakery from is a game similar to tic-tac-toe that requires a little bit of planning. Correctly line up three identical foods in a row or column to serve a patron. The goal for each level is to serve the number of customers that arrive within a certain amount of moves.

At the start of the game, there is an easily viewable recommendation button for Google + and Like button for Facebook, as well as a nice catchy tune. Level one has easy-to-follow directions while serving customers. Press the screen to select an item and drag it to the prompted location.

Level two gets harder as there are no hints. The goal is to serve 9 customers in 9 moves. If you don’t complete the level within the number of moves allowed, you can give up or buy moves. Five extra moves will cost $0.99 USD. You’re better off playing the level again.

Unfortunately the games gets boring and monotonous after a while. Turning off the music in the settings helped me get through another level. The sound effects provided an alternative feel, but the gear sounds eventually became irritating. You can pause the game at any time. If it gets really boring, play with a friend on Facebook.

You have five lives while playing. You can retrieve lives lost by waiting until it replenishes or you can purchase lives for $0.99 USD.

The game is currently available for both Android and iOS.

This is a free game on Google Play, but it does have in-app purchases including extra moves, which let you finish a level, and extra lives, which lets you have more chances at completing the levels.

If you enjoy match 3 games, give Airship Bakery a try. It’s not the best, but it will keep you occupied.

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Robinson – Build Your Own Island Village [App Review]

Friday sees a plane crash and rushes to find the survivor – Mr. R….The goal in Robinson from Pixonic LLC is to survive on the jungle island by completing tasks, such as planting a garden bed and harvesting it. The player gains rewards for completing tasks and building up their island village. Just tap on the object highlighted by the yellow arrows to complete them. After completing each task, the player can share their accomplishment on Facebook. Overall, there is some educational value in this game since the player will be exposed to commerce, basic necessities for surviving on an island, and farm life.

robinson2

Players can collect items to craft tools and build various things. There is a store, which has several necessities and accessories including garden beds, livestock, building materials, and food. It also has huts, tree houses, and other types of shelter. Buy items using piastres, which are coins.

The game is free, but there are numerous in-app purchases starting at $1.99 USD. You can purchase totems (used for more ornate items and survivors), piastres (used to buy items of lesser value) in the store to help progress faster.

As with many of these types of games, there is some waiting around. I was waiting for my hens to produce some eggs-they did not, why? I had to feed them first. Oh well, live and learn. You can spend hours chopping brush, growing gardens, feeding livestock, building huts, and renovating spaces. It takes almost an hour to grow grapes, so be prepared to wait. The good thing is that if you turn the game off and play it later, the events in the game continue. If no arrows show up, just start tapping on the brush to clear it away.

robinson1

In addition to sharing completed tasks on social media sites, you can also invite friends to play in the game from Facebook. This builds up your Tribe, which helps you complete certain tasks efficiently. Your Tribe can also increase by buying survivors with Totems and finding survivors with smoke signs. To create smoke signs, you’ll need smoky leaves and matches. It’s really hard to find smoky leaves, so just continue hacking away.

The character in the game can be customized with different types of clothing and accessories.

Overall Robinson is not a bad game, just another city building type game with a social element to it.

Download it for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone

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Roar with the chickens- Jet Chicken [Android App Review]

Jet Chicken is a cute game where the player controls a chick as it flies through the air. The chick wears a jet pack that propels it higher and higher. The higher the player flies, the higher the score. If the player gets past the 500 mark, UFOs start to appear. Compete with yourself several times to get a better score. My high score was 603.

To play the game, just press the touch screen with both thumbs to move upward. As the chick flies through the air, the player must avoid birds, bombs, and UFOs. This is very difficult during the first play through, but it eventually gets easier. Turning left or right correctly requires practice and several attempts. Usually, the chick ends up crashing into one of these objects and the game ends.

To avoid crashing into these objects, take one thumb off the screen and wait as the chick spins in place. The birds and UFOs will fly by. Then, touch the screen again to move higher up into the sky. Just time it right so that the chick faces upward. Another tip is to tap the screen quickly with one thumb to change the direction of the chick by a few degrees. This will help the player avoid objects as well.

There are a few options in this game. Select to play full screen to hide the phone’s notification bar at the top of the screen. It’s a good option to have, but the ads at the bottom of the screen will remain. There are settings for music and volume. The music is pretty good for this game, and the sound effects for crashes and the jet propulsion are alright. If the bluish interface gets boring, select the paper style layout. The paper mode has simpler graphics and an arcade appearance.

regular graphics
regular graphics
jet3
paper mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The game comes with with option to log in with Google+ so they can access achievements and leader boards.

This is  a fun, free game supported with a small banner at the bottom of the screen. This is a solo game designed to challenge yourself to see how high you can go with a chicken scraped to a jet pack. If you enjoy challenges, then give Jet Chicken a fly.

Download the game at Google Play Store