Author: Vasanth Simon

One of the most popular pastimes is playing card games. Blackjack, poker, and rummy are now available on smartphones. You can play the game as is, or compete against another player online. You can also play against a programmed player.

Solitaire

If you don’t like playing with others, try Solitaire. It’s a card game. The goal is to organize cards into separate stacks. Only alternating suites can be placed on top of each other, and the cards must be organized in numerical order. If you can’t place a card, pick a new one from the deck. There are four placeholders for the four suites. If you are lucky enough to get an ace, place it in one of the four placeholders. This makes an extra stack available for new cards drawn from the deck.

BlackJack 21

Play BlackJack, also known as 21, on your smartphone. This game has a rounded card table and four seats. Pick a seat to play at and place a bet. The dealer will give you two cards and you can decide if you want to stay or get a new card. You can stand, split, double, or hit. Here’s a list of other features:

• Chat messaging
• Store
• Sound options
• Special offers
• Extra games – Scratch n Match and Lucky Wheel

Star Poker King

Here’s a poker game for smartphones. The dealer will give you five cards to start. If you have a winning hand, tap ‘showdown.’ Otherwise, tap the cards you want replaced. If the second hand doesn’t have anything, replace them a second time. This will be your last opportunity at a winning hand. Tap ‘showdown’ to see if you win. The sound in this game can be turned off.

Rummy – free card game

Up to four players can play this game. Each player is dealt 13 cards. The goal is to make groups of three cards and one group of four cards. The groups can consist of cards of the same numerical value or cards in numerical order. To build the groups, exchange one card when it’s your turn. Tap the deck to get a new card. There’s a re-order feature that automatically arranges your cards in different types of orders.

Bingo! Free Bingo Games

When the numbers on your bingo board are displayed, place a marker on it. The goal is to match five numbers. If the numbers are displayed too quickly, you can press the pause button. The speed of the game can be changed in the settings menu as well. If you don’t like the animations, you can turn those off in the settings.

Platform games are fun, but action platformers are even better. Check out the games listed below. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through levels. Push crates and swipe your way down multiple platforms. Immerse yourself in the stories as well. Some of the stories are interesting.

Samurai Saga

This is a fast-paced, side-scrolling game that takes place in the open grasslands of Japan. The main character is a samurai, and he is running through the level trying to find someone. He learns several techniques on the way. Jump and slash your way to the next level.

Features:

• Automatic sword attacks
• Slide and jump icons
• Tap screen for dagger throws
• Story bubbles that inform the player as they play
• Pause button
• Sharing options via social media

What’s good about this game? Combines several types of games into one (action, side-scrolling, and platformer)

What’s wrong with this game? This game is too fast.

Stickman Ninja: Shadow Warrior

In this game, you play a ninja. The goal is to run through the level collecting orbs while avoiding enemies. Jump over pits and continue to the end of the level. Each stage has different designs. There’s moving platforms, toxic chemical pits, and complex wall / pillar arrangements.

Features:

• Arrow icons for running forward and backwards
• Jump icon

What’s good about this game? Innovative wall cling that prevents you from falling into pits

What’s wrong with this game? If you die, the game throws you back to the beginning of the level.

Metal Soldiers

In this platformer, you play a soldier armed with a gun. Fire at enemy soldiers and drones that fly by. Jump from one platform to another using double jump or crates. You can push crates into place and destroy them. Collect more powerful weapons as you make your way through the level.

Features:

• A & B buttons for firing weapons and jumping
• Forward and back arrows for navigation
• Double jump
• Pause button
• Automatic weapons

What’s good about this game? Well-drawn backgrounds and environments

What’s wrong with this game? There’s a timer that counts down. When it reaches zero, bombs destroy the level. You have to collect clocks placed throughout the level to replenish time.

Sword of Xolan

In this game, you play a knight. He is armed with a sword. Travel through the land filled with zombies, spiked turtles, and bouncing mushrooms. There are spiked grounds that you have to jump over and platforms that are unreachable without double jumping or launching off a mushroom. There are several maidens along the way that are trapped in cages.

Features:

• Arrow icons for walking forward and backwards
• Jump icon
• Weapons icons (sword, fireball)
• Swipe touch-gesture for dropping down a platform
• Double jump

What’s good about this game? Alcoves located just off-screen that are worth exploring

What’s wrong with this game? Bad graphics and ridiculous character animations

Geometry Dash Lite

This is a side-scrolling platform game that requires the player to jump over obstacles shaped like triangles and rectangles. The character is a square block, and it races across the screen. If you don’t jump at the right moment, the block will crash into the obstacle. If you don’t jump over pits filled with triangles, the game will end.

Features:

• Multiple stages with different level designs
• Manual checkpoints – Players can place checkpoints anywhere
• Auto checkpoints – The game randomly places checkpoints
• Progress bar shows how much of the level you have completed

What’s good about this game? The graphics are nice.

What’s wrong with this game? It’s impossible to jump at the right moment.

The Best Game Is…

Metal Soldiers. This is the perfect action platformer for smartphones. It requires the player to use crates and the double jump technique to reach higher platforms. There are high-powered automatic rifles in this game. The fire button and jump button placement are similar to console game controllers.

If you like jumping and cartoonish graphics, try these platform games. They are designed for Android smartphones. Some of them re-create console platformer games perfectly on mobile devices. The features of each game is listed below. The best and worst aspect of each game is provided as well.

Fast Like a Fox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY2Jod5tl6A&feature=youtu.be

The main character in this game is a fox. The goal is to run through a level, collecting coins. Along the way, there are gaps to jump over. The level progresses via side-scrolling, but the controls are touch-based. Tap the screen to jump and hold the screen to run.

Features:

• Touch or tap controls
• Multiple characters to play with
• Multiple levels to play In

The Good: Stylish title screen

The Bad: Touch controls block view while playing

Swordigo

In this game, you play a sword-wielding villager that wakes up from a dream. Travel through the village to find out what’s going on. Along the way, collect items and meet friends. The first goal is to find your master.

Features:

• Arrow icons for moving forward and backwards
• Jump icon (curved arrow) for jumping
• Character leveling and experience points (health, attack, and magic)
• World map
• Quests
• Achievements

The Good: Well-designed animations for background characters and entities

The Bad: Time-consuming level introduction that goes on forever

Super Phantom Cat

This is a side-scrolling platformer that features lego-style graphics. The main character is a cat. As you move through the level, destroy enemies and break blocks to get rewards. There are friends shaped like robots in each level as well; they will launch you into the air to reach a platform.

Features:

• On-screen directional chevrons for moving forward and backwards
• On-screen jump chevron for jumping
• HD mode
• Customizable buttons and touch control option
• Multiple levels

The Good: There are savepoints throughout the level. You can continue from there instead of starting over.

The Bad: Nothing. Everything is great.

Mercurial Platformer

This game has a narrative that provides directions for playing the game, and it reveals the story of the mercurial platformer. This character is shaped like a television and has emotional problems. He needs medication. Capsules float in various parts of the level,  and there are buttons to press to open walls. The goal is to finish the level by jumping over obstacles and traversing a strange upside-down realm.

Features:

• On-screen arrows for moving back and forth
• Double jump

The Good: Innovative upside-down levels that are challenging

The Bad: The character’s bouncing gait is annoying.

Super Retro Bot Platform Game

This platform game requires the player to collect batteries to stay alive. As you move through the level, the robot’s energy depletes. Collect new batteries before your energy bar reaches zero.

Features:

• Double jump
• On-screen chevrons for moving and jumping
• Crushing pylons waiting to crush you

The Good: Challenging premise that requires the player to move through the level quickly.

The Bad: The pylons may cheat by predicting when you will cross underneath them.

The Best Game is…

Super Phantom Cat. This game has everything. You can play it like a regular console game. It’s similar to Super Mario Brothers. Jump into the air to break blocks and jump onto enemies to destroy them. The save points are handy as well.

There are several new games in the app store this month. The mobile games developer Nekki has finally released their vision of hand-held soccer for smartphones. There’s a new 2D fighting game and a spaceship design game. Check out the descriptions and videos covering these games. There are links to the app stores as well.

11X11: Football Manager (iOS, Android)

This is a soccer game for smartphones developed by Nekki. You can create a team by buying players, and you can make them better by training them to use tactics that win games. You can play against opponents from around the world in online tournaments. Your home city can be renovated with new stadiums, training grounds, club shops, offices, restaurants, and hotels. Here’s a list of more features:

• Single player and multi-player modes
• Real-world opponents and virtual opponents
• No wait time for matches; start a match instantly
• 11X11 transfer market consisting of the best players
• Watch matches in real time and manage team tactics
• Tactical substitutions
• Join football unions
• PvP matches with medals and cups

Cube Knight (iOS, Android)

This is a shooting game with a medieval theme that also incorporates RPG elements. It features 3D voxel graphics. You can be a Knight of the Round Table, archers, or magicians. The first character you will play as is Guinevere. The weapon system is unique. Just aim in the direction you want to attack, and the weapons will be effective. Here are more details:

• Melee weapons, swords, and fire
• Joystick controls with top-down perspective
• Boss battles with time limit
• Card-based leveling system
• Popular characters include King Arthur, Lancelot, and Morgan Le Fay
• Coliseum Mode features 8 respawn locations

Fatal Fight (iOS, Android, Windows)

This is a 2D fighting game with seven different locations and 70 levels. It is located in the Fang Kingdom after conflict between the different martial arts schools. It is considered a ‘beat em up’ game. Tap the screen repeatedly to fight off enemies. There isn’t a time limit. You may have melee weapons or you might not have any weapons. You can play offline. There’s an events box which displays the latest bonuses and gifts. There’s leaderboards as well. Here’s compatibility info for this game:

• Phones and tablets
• ARM and x86 devices
• Cloud saves with Google Play or Facebook accounts

Spaceship Battles (iOS, Android)

This game takes place around 4,000 AD in space. You are a spaceship designer in the Spaceship Arena. This is a multiplayer game requiring strategy and featuring evolving game content. There are dozens of blueprints for different spaceships. The goal is to unlock them and build the spaceship. There are different modules to work with. You can compete against other players and their designs. Here’s more interesting information about this game:

• Created by Epic Owl
• In-game art and promo art completed by HeroCraft
• HeroCraft also improved the in-game balance, optimized UX, and added Google Play Game features
• Localized in five languages

If you like cats, these games might interest you. It’s the latest collection of smartphone games. There’s a farm-simulator, a side-scrolling platformer, and a strategy game. Browse through the descriptions and check out the YouTube videos for each game.

Plantera (iOS, Android)

This is a side-scrolling farm simulator. The goal is to build gardens. Add bushes, trees, and plants. You can also add animals. Let them roam freely on the land. As the garden increases in size, trade some of the plants for gold. Gold can be used to increase the size of the garden. Here are more details:

• Blue creatures called Helpers aid the player in finding resources and raising gold
• New types of flora and fauna at higher levels of the game
• Hens and pigs are some of the animals available
• Get a guard dog to protect the farm from foxes, birds, wolves, and bunnies. There’s scarecrows as well.

Super Cat Bros (iOS, Android)

Play as a cat in this side-scrolling, platformer. There are six cats to choose from. The goal is to collects coins and make your way through a level. There are 50 levels in total. Explore the mysterious island and find your missing siblings. You can run, jump, swim, and climb. This game has cartoonish graphics and hidden secrets. Check the leaderboard to see who has the best score. Here’s more details:

• Easy to use touchscreen controls
• Tap left or right side of screen to control the character
• Cute pixel graphics

Cats Empire (iOS, Android)

This is a strategy game consisting of quests and entertaining boss fights. The goal is to build a tribe of cats and compete against other tribes. Take their fish and charms. You can upgrade their skills to be more effective. By cross-breeding your cats, you can create super cats. There are boss fights and new areas to explore in this game. Here’s a list of additional features:

• Compete against tribes worldwide
• Develop effective strategies and tactics to be successful
• Global leaderboard
• Play anytime, anywhere on mobile or desktop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Fn4PKBZ-E

 

There are several new games in the app store that are set in the air or in space. One game features air-to-air combat, while another game features air strikes. If you like games that involve collecting and upgrading items in a space setting, there’s one on this list. Check out the trailers for each game. There are links to the app stores as well.

Retro Shooting (iOS, Android)

This is a casual flight shooter with 3D voxel graphics. There are 15 levels. The game features several fighter planes and there are challenges that add value to the game. There’s a final boss to fight as well (3 bosses). The game is localized in 10 languages. Here’s a couple more features to look forward to:

• Game Center and Infinite Mode let you compete with friends for higher rankings
• Tablet support

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGIMsMrSc3k

Click and Conquer: Space Age (iOS)

This game takes place in space and the goal is to mine galaxies for resources and ships. At the start of the game, you have one ship. Eventually, you will have enough ships to make a squadron. There are several upgrades and skills for each ship. You can also collect technologies such as extraction bots that automatically tap the screen for you. Tapping is the only way to play this game.

War Wings (Android)

This is an air combat game and an MMO. It features real-time, online PvP (4 vs 4) and 3D graphics. There are three flying modes including motion, d-pad controls, and virtual stick. The player has to learn several flying maneuvers to be successful including Split S, Immelmann Turn, and Barrel Roll. There are 70 authentic, WW2-era planes to choose from. Here’s more features:

• Damage from combat appears on planes
• Several game modes including Daily Challenges, PvP Seasons, single-session multiplayer
• Daily rewards and perks for in-game goals

Defense Zone 3 (Android)

This is a tower defense game. The goal is to defend a tower from invading enemies by building defenses. A lot of planning and decision making is required to win. There’s fast-paced activity as well. The combination makes this game unlike most tower defense games. Here’s a list of additional features:

• Time-tested turrets
• Rocket launchers
• Air strikes and nuclear bombs
• Target specific enemies

There are several new games in the app stores. See if they are worth downloading by consulting this handy list. It contains a description, video trailer, and links to the app store.

Keep Rolling (iOS)

This is an endless roller game. The goal is to stay on a zig-zag-shaped ledge by turning right and left. There are 25 roller pieces to play with. Your score is recorded on a global leaderboard. There’s an option to share screenshots of dramatic moments in the game. To play Keep Rolling, all you have to do is tap and hold the screen to turn right and release the screen to turn left. Press the screen again to turn right. Repeat the process over and over for as long as you can.

Silicon Valley Billionaires (Android, iOS)

This is a business-oriented game where the player hires employees and buys other companies to increase the size of their company. Their buildings also increase in size. Silicon Valley is the setting for this game. There are several startups that will attract your investments.

The graphics are poor, but there is one screen that is well-made – the stock list. It features a list of stocks you own and stocks you can buy. You can also sell stocks on this screen. Here’s more features:

• Stack office space
• Upgrade interiors
• Hire, fire, educate, promote, or send employees on vacation

Totem Forge (iOS)

This is a turn-based puzzle game that involves matching similar gems on a game board. The goal is to remove the gems of the game board. The gems are in several columns and there are gold nuggets in the way. As you play, golems enter the board, blocking your moves. Counter their moves by evolving magic totems. If the board fills up completely, you’ll lose points. Here’s more features:

• Fireballs are available to increase the value of gems, destroy golems, and destroy gold nuggets. You can also knock gems loose and move them into adjacent rows.
• Magnet that grabs gems and puts them into gem deck
• Activate Pullers to attract all the gems in a row to the source
• Expansive combos

 

Juggernaut Champions (iOS, Android)

This is an idle RPG set in the world of Haradan – a place where the Juggernauts rule. This is a continuation of the Juggernaut series on the smartphone. There are new characters and tough enemies including samurais, boar-riding thugs, and ninjas. The game can be played by tapping the screen. A single tap defeats oncoming enemies. Here’s a list of additional features:

• Combine spells
• Assemble a team of heroes
• Play offline
• Smooth animations and great graphics
• Invite friends
• PvP tournaments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqQOoZk3azc