With Google cozying up with Adobe Flash and the Android platform beginning to exceed the iPhone in distribution, we’re finally seeing an increase in interest from game developers on Android.
That doesn’t always mean that you’ll find the games in your Android Market—just look at Gameloft’s recent decision to sell games directly to Android users, circumventing the Android Market all together. Yet, developers and publishers alike are ramping up their Android game efforts. Here are some of the week’s most noteworthy.
Gameloft direct
Asphalt 5 is the latest version of the thrilling race car game. Skipping the Android Market, you’ll have to head to Gameloft’s website for the $4.99 game. Turning your phone into a steering wheel, the aim is to beat the other Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Ducatis to the finish line. The upgrade on Asphalt 5 also limits it to select Android devices, and runs best on the Motorola Droid.
Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. is another new title available for direct download from Gameloft’s website. Playing out the book’s plot line, you become David Crenshaw, the jet fighter assigned to overcome in-air obstacles to accomplish your mission. At $4.99, this Android game is priced well, and looks great on supported devices.
Gameloft through the Android Market
For gamers that don’t have a Motorola Droid or would prefer to get their games in the Android Market, Gameloft still has Asphalt 3. At $4.99, the game still has pretty cool 3D graphics and all the excitement of being in the driver’s seat. Race a number of courses in the finest of high-end sports cars.
Assassin’s Creed is another of Gameloft’s games that can still be purchased from the Android Market. The $2.99 app gives you a series of mysteries to solve in this medieval, Middle East adventure game. As with many of Gameloft’s other apps, the graphic game plays better on the more powerful Android devices.
Just for Android
Another racing game, Raging Thunder 2, is the latest Android app from Poloarbit. The company’s focus on 3D games is still evident with the release of Raging Thunder 2. At $4.99, you’re better off reserving this game for the high-performance Android devices, such as the Motorola Droid.
With mobile payment platforms such as Zong taking interest in Android games, we’re sure to see more with built-in payments. Mobsters: Big Apple is one such game, where racking up weapons and real estate is done via seamless purchasing options. Additional integration with Facebook and MySpace increase the virtual reach of this free game.
Mochi Media has found a novel way to promote its own Flash games with a newly released game catalog. Accessible from your mobile browser, the free game catalog is designed for Android’s 2.2 mobile platform. Magic Towers Solitaire, Lucky Coins and Tower Bloxx Mochi are some of the titles available from the new site.
If Google’s systematic removal of Tetris knock-offs has got you down, try Tetronimo. The free falling blocks game is one of the best left on the market, imitating the basics of the classic Tetris game. With fewer rivals, perhaps Tetronimo will improve gameplay features and phone integration, so you don’t lose progress when a call comes through.
