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.
If you can’t find a game worth playing in the App Store, wait a few weeks and there will be three games that might be worth your time. One is a MMORPG and another is a military strategy game. The third game is a side-scrolling platformer.
MAD WORLD
This is a 2D MMORPG set on a battlefield filled with monsters. It is expected to be playable on several platforms when it is released including iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and OS X. Several players can take part in battle at the same time. In the multiplayer mode, there’s a red team and a blue team that competes against each other. Use awesome weapons that complement the character’s skills to win. Here’s a summary of features:
HTML 5
Weapons-based skill tree
Real time multiplayer gameplay
Team vs Team gameplay
No boundaries
Realpolitiks
This is a real time grand strategy game that takes place during modern events and includes countries that are at war. It is expected to be available on iOS on July 20 and on Android on July 27. It will cost $5.99. The goal is global domination through any means necessary including diplomatic skills, military force, and economic dominance. Here’s more info:
Choose any country to lead
Various game scenarios
Modify the political system and adjust relationships with other countries
Deal with internal and external affairs including natural disasters, terrorism, and financial crisis
PAULI’S ADVENTURE ISLAND
On July 18, this side-scrolling platformer will be available on iOS and Windows 10 devices. Android users can expect add-ons including sound effects, an extended storyline, and enhanced graphics for the world map. This game is free to play on iOS, but there is a $1.99 in-app purchase that removes ads. The Windows Store version costs $1.99. Here’s a list of features:
30 levels and 4, 2D side-scrolling worlds
Dangerous obstacles on each level
Two heroes (bunnies) to choose from: Pauli or Gemmi
There’s more games in the app store that are worth mentioning this month. In fact, the hot start to summer is a good reason to download more games and play them in an air conditioned room. There’s five new games in this list.
This is a frog game that features a frog. It hops around catching bugs. You can play with other players and compete in daily challenges. The setting for this game is a grassy field, and this game has a top-down perspective. The graphics are just right for a smartphone. Here’s a list of additional features:
Global leaderboards
Play against 100s of players from around the world
This is a strategy game set in a mythical world filled with monsters and dwarfs. The goal is to invade kingdoms and expand your grip on power. Each character has a well-designed card with level information. Use them to win each battle. This game is set in a hand-crafted world called Nore. Here’s more details about this game:
This is a physics platformer with lots of mazes. The goal is to roll a ball through a maze. The mazes are well-designed and filled with surprises. There are several ways to interact with the game including touchscreen and tilt motion. Tilt motion is especially useful here, since the ball can be moved by simply tilting the phone. Here’s more details:
5 worlds – 120 large levels
Unlockable ball skins
Multiple interfaces – tilt motion, touchscreen, and physical controllers
This is a turn-based strategy wargame that takes place in several ancient empires including the Roman Empire, the Incan Empire, and the Chinese Dynasties. The goal is to wage war against the world, either powered by an AI or in battles against other players in multiplayer mode. Here’s more details about this game:
The goal in this game is to destroy castles. Use a catapult and projectiles to do it. The destruction is cool and creative. Build up your own castle and showcase it, but be prepared to take revenge when it is attacked. Here’s more details about this game:
This is part 2 of June’s smartphone games list. This one contains an impressive pirate game that rivals the Black Flag edition of Assassin’s Creed. There’s also a fast-paced platformer. Two more games make the list including a battle arena game and a room-based puzzle/trap game.
This game is set in the world of pirates. There are large scale ships armed with cannons. They are highly maneuverable on the high seas. Battle other pirate ships or large bosses, such as the Kraken. There are exotic ports to visit and rest. It’s an open world game. Here’s more details:
This is a platform racer that features cartoonish cosmonauts bouncing off walls. It’s fast-paced and fun to play. Several new features have been added including ‘activated skills’ that are assigned based on specific conditions. There’s a space station map that reveals the course. New obstacles were added as well including ‘freeze obstacles.’ Here’s more details about this game:
This is a battle arena game that hosts players from around the world. There are 20 characters to choose from. Each one has special skills and animations. There are six hero classes including Assassin, Mage, Support, Marksman, Tank, and Warrior. If you want to stand out from the crowd, apply various skins to your character. Here’s a list of additional features:
In this game, you play as a pug trying to get past traps and puzzles. The rooms are based on timing. Move slowly to avoid getting caught. The graphics are reminiscent of old video games. You have several lives to use during the game. You can also collect doggie treats. Here’s a list of additional features:
June’s almost over, but there’s plenty of time to download a few new games. Here’s the first half of the list. It contains a new piano app, a pokemon app, an augmented reality game, and a 2D game with hand-drawn animations.
This is the latest piano app for the iPhone. The keys are displayed on the screen, and they respond to the touch. This app can be connected to a real piano. Also, you can listen to nine different instruments with this app including strings, electric piano, and xylophone. As you play, you can unlock achievements. Here’s a list of additional features:
This game features the weakest pokemon in the pokemon universe – Magikarp. It’s weak and unreliable, but it might get stronger if properly trained. The best you can hope for is that it jumps high. Here’s more features in this game:
Food available on-screen – just tap
Increase jump power through training
Various patterns available – calico and polka dots
This is an augmented reality game that lets players search for monsters in the real world. Find them and try to catch them. Visit the park, city square, or the grocery store. There’s a high chance that there are characters waiting to be found there. After capturing them, you can pit them against each other. Here’s more details:
Monsters hidden throughout the city waiting to be found
Camera-based features including picture-taking
Dynamic duels
Grow monsters and prepare them for tougher battles
This game has unique 2-D graphics and strange characters that are hand-drawn. It has a psychedelic vibe. There’s black holes that open up and transport beings into the world. It’s certainly one of the interesting gaming experience to try. Here are more details about this game:
March is almost over, but developers continue to add new games to the Google Play Store. One of the most popular video games in history is now available on smartphones. There’s also a game based on a popular TV show. In total, there are five Android games in this list.
This version of Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling, auto-runner. The character runs on its own and jumps automatically. When large obstacles appear, the player takes over and taps the screen to jump higher. The goal is to jump over large expanses, break bricks, collect coins, and collect mushrooms. There’s a flag pole at the end of the level.
Features:
Side-scrolling, auto runner
Pause button
Timer
3 lives
Six main levels and multiple sublevels
Rally Mode – Compete for best score against other players
Kingdom Builder – build houses and decorate the land
Friends invite – Facebook, Twitter, email
Notebook – list of characters, enemies, and moves
Nintendo Account link
What’s good about this game? Wall-jumping and sliding down steep hills What’s wrong with this game? Overly cartoony tutorial bubbles, home screen, and results screen
This is a fighting game in the world of Power Rangers. There are several fighting moves that you can use during a match including shoulder tackle, perfect spiral, and roaring tiger. You can also request assistance from another power ranger. Defend yourself with the block icon and swipe leftward to jump backwards.
Features:
Player vs Player matches with assistance
Time limit
Power meter for moves
Training Mode
Cool introduction and backstory during update
What’s good about this game? Assist option What’s wrong with this game? Slow power meter
In this game, you have to drive through a zombie-infested city in a pick-up truck. Swerve side to side and use a vehicle-mounted machine gun to fend of attacking zombies. If any of them jump onto the truck, drive close to an obstacles to knock them off. There are arrow icons on the screen to steer the truck.
Features:
Touchscreen arrow icons and gun fire icon
Auto-aim setting for machine gun
Electricity for removing zombies from truck
First Aid Kit
Pause button
Optional tilt-motion controls – accelerometer
Missions and Endless Mode
Quests
Achievements
Cloud saves
Leaderboards
Store
What’s good about this game? Well-designed gameplay – driving through city fending off zombies What’s wrong with this game? Nothing
The goal in this game is to connect four cells with the same number. The result of these numbers is the next digit that needs to be matched. Place all those numbers together. There are several game modes, and the rules are slightly different for each one The interface in the Block Lock Mode is different than others; it requires dragging instead of tapping.’In the Cloud’ Mode has symbols instead of numbers.
Features:
Several game modes – Classic, In the Clouds, Block Lock, and Extreme
Achievements
Leaderboards
Facebook and Twitter integration
Tutorial
What’s good about this game? It’s challenging to match numbers. What’s wrong with this game? Randomly appearing numbers and symbols
This is a challenging game that requires the player to constantly jump and turn corners. Tap the screen when these points arrive. Sometimes, you have to tap the screen twice to cross an obstacle. Watch out for spikes and large gaps in this zig-zagging, suspended road. A giant block is falling down the cliff behind you as well.
Features:
90-degree corners and spiked paths
Large gaps requiring double jump
Collectible coins
Pause button
Achievements
Leaderboards
What’s good about this game? It’s challenging to play. What’s wrong with this game? The corners are too sharp, and the pace is too fast.
The best game is… Zombie Squad. This game is fun to play, and the controls are easy to use. One of the best parts of this game is zombies jumping on the truck. If you have the right type of booster, you can electrocute them. If you complete all the missions, try Endless Mode. The goal is to drive through the town as long as you can.
One of the most popular types of games is sniper games. There are several in the app store. Some are mission-based, while others involve online matches against other players. The following list contains five sniper games for Android smartphones.
There are several different types of missions in this sniper game. One type involves targeting a suspect in a crowded city. You will be given information about the suspect, usually the color of the jacket, and the goal is to kill this person before he escapes. You are armed with a sniper rifle equipped with a scope and several rounds.
Features:
Well-designed Mission Cards
Kill shot replay
Easy zoom-in scope
Achievements
Touchscreen controls or tilt-motion controls
Blood option
What’s good about this game? Smooth-sniper controls What’s wrong with this game? Repeated kill shot replays
The main character in this game is a stick figure that lives at home. When sniper missions are sent, he accepts them and goes to the location. There’s a map that shows where the hit is taking place. There are several rifles to choose from.
Features:
Creative introduction with great music
Creative missions with well-drawn landscapes and scenarios
Scope view
Fire button
Reload button
Achievements
What’s good about this game? The game design is refreshingly unique. What’s wrong with this game? Printed curse words
This is a high-intensity sniper game with an annoying tutorial. The targets are in different parts of the map, and the goal is to kill all of them before they kill you. There’s different sniping postures, a zoom-in slider bar, and a fire button.
Features:
Pause button
First-aid kit
Calming aid for steady aim
Time limit to eliminate all enemies
Touchscreen panning reveals entire level
Two game modes – story mode and endless mode
Store
What’s good about this game? Challenging sniping scenarios What’s wrong with this game? Menus have distracting music
Compete against other snipers in this game. The goal is to get closer to the center than the opponent. There are three courses – Iron sights, Acog 4X, and Telescopic. There’s also a training mode. There’s a huge selection of weapons in the store.
Features:
Touchscreen aiming and firing
Pause button
Well-drawn environments
What’s good about this game? Online competition with another player What’s wrong with this game? Slow aiming
This is an online sniper game with several modes including deathmatch, team deathmatch, domination, and tournament. Each mode has several maps with well-designed environments. You can create a squad or join one.
Features:
3rd person view – over-the-shoulder camera
On-screen scope view icon and fire icon
Zoom-in option in scope view – drag finger around scope
Touchscreen panning reveals entire map
Pre-loaded, in-game messages and chat messaging
Enemy marking – exclamation point over target
Timed re-spawn
Customization options for weapons
What’s good about this game? There’s an option to highlight enemies, which makes them easier to find. What’s wrong with this game? Music
The best game is…Sniper 3D Assassin. This is the perfect mission-based sniper game for smartphones. There’s a lot of different missions, which makes it interesting to play. The sniper controls are easy to use on a touchscreen. The game also works with the accelerometer in the smartphone, so you can switch to motion controls if you want to.
There are several fishing games in the app store. Some are first-person fishing games, while others are third-person fishing games. Check out the features and the best/worst part of each game.
This is a fishing game that features a fishing boat, a fishing pole, and open waters. The player’s view is of the ocean and fishing rod. It’s similar to a first-person-shooter, but you are stationary. There’s a cast and reel button that throws the fishing line into the water. After a fish bites it, reel it in.
Features:
Cast and reel button
Reel line indicator(tightness)
Fishing Store with a selection of fishing rods and accessories
Tutorial and Skill Practice Room
Friend requests through HIVE
Cool Fish Tank home page wallpaper/tank – several are available
Chat messaging, inbox
Quests, Achievements, Milestones
Fish List – list of each fish at each beach to catch
What’s good about this game? Graphics and fish tanks What’s wrong with this game? Yanking mechanic and fight with fish to reel it in – it’s not a good style.
This is another first-person fishing game. Throw the fishing line into the sea and wait for a fish to bite it. Afterward, reel it in. If the tension is too high, the line will snap, and the fish will go free. At this point, attempt to yank the fish back with the ‘strike’ option, which isn’t clearly described in the tutorial. To make the game more realistic, use the vibration option.
Features:
Immersive environments
Easy line throwing mechanic
Pause button
Store
Different game maps and fish tanks
Share option for fish tanks (social media, email)
Collectable treasures for each chapter
Achievements
Leaderboards – World Ranking and Multiplayer Ranking
What’s good about this game? Immersive environments and graphics What’s wrong with this game? Striking feature – no clear directions
This is a third-person fishing game with touchscreen aiming. Instead of pressing the screen, drag your finger across the screen to target a spot for the fishing line. Then, swipe the screen again to throw the line. The game changes to an underwater, first-person view. The goal is to reel-in a fish after it has bitten the bait. Swipe downward and hold the screen to reel-in the fish.
Features:
Reel line length bar at top of screen
Touchscreen bait control
Store – lures, lines, rods, etc.
Map of lakes
Records – list of fish caught
Ticker displaying game rules and info
Cloud saving with Facebook
Character customization
Casting practice and tutorial
Quests and Achievements
Leaderboard
What’s good about this game? Underwater view What’s wrong with this game? Bait attraction mechanic – too active
You could sit in the office all afternoon playing this game. The sound effects create the perfect mood for fishing. It’s easier to reel-in fishes in this game than the previous games. The best way to do this is by releasing your hold on the cast button before the tension bar maxes out, and then press it again.
Features:
Realistic sound effects – water splashing, frogs, owls, etc.
Trophy board with recently caught fishes
Information board with cool info
Store
Map with fishing locations across Europe
Tutorials
Fishing Clubs
Event
What’s good about this game? Sound effects What’s wrong with this game? Nothing
In this game, you can ride a boat and use sonar to locate fish. Cast a line as close as possible to the fish, then reel the bait along the water until the fish bites. You can choose the weather and time of day to fish. There’s tournaments and challenges.
Features:
Well-made outline describing each step to catch fish
Controllable bait
Fish-bait camera view
Online tournament
In-game tournament
Timed challenges – 60 levels
Leaderboard
What’s good about this game? Nothing What’s wrong with this game? Bad music
The best game is… Lets Fish: Sport Fishing Game. This game sets the mood perfectly for fishing. This is due to the various animal sounds in the game. You can take your time and catch several pounds of fish in each level, then move on to the next fishing location. The trophy board is a nice addition as well.
