Between Android’s Flash support and open-source appeal, we’re seeing rising interest in Google’s mobile platform, despite the launch of the iPhone 4 last week. Depending on which Android device and operating system you have, you may already have what it takes to stand up against Apple’s cool factor.
Here are some games and platforms that have made waves this past week.
Growing popularity
Runes, a free MMORPG on Android, has recently been updated, opening up thousands more accounts for players to join. The fun happens in real-time, with a fantasy adventure requiring tap-spells and battle strategies, which you use to team up with other players to conquer the enemy.
With Flash support on the Android platform and the release of Froyo 2.2, many Web-based game portals are launching mobile gaming sites. Kongregate’s is rising in popularity, with free titles such as Assembler 3 offering you instant gratification for your Flash gaming needs.
Trap! is also gaining in the Android Games department, thanks to its unique gameplay. Catch the bouncing balls in your enclosed area, while drawing strategically on the screen. Free, the game quickly gets addictive, with speed settings for your drawing, tactics for point bonuses and hours of challenging play.
iOS 4 envy
In light of the iPhone 4 release, Android users may be longing for similar game titles on their phones. The Air Control Android game is comparable to Flight Control, one of the first titles to support Apple’s iOS 4. Free, Air Control gives you the attention-grabbing task of ensuring your flights land safely, without crashing into each other.
Super Tumble, a boggling game, is somewhat similar to another early iPhone 4 game, Geared. While the objectives are different, the $2.99 Super Tumble is also centered around the creative use of physics to solve each level. Clear the platform of all obstacles so your machines can get back to working properly.
World expansion
With Android’s open appeal to developers, we’re also seeing several platforms launch lately. GetJar’s upcoming Android app store will include a number of games, including popular and free titles like WordSearch Unlimited. Find and highlight the hidden words on the screen, from which you can choose several word categories.
Papaya Mobile’s recent funding and platform announcement also means more games for Android. The company already has a large social gaming platform accessible on Android devices. Free titles like Papaya Farm have set out to compete with popular games such as FarmVille, which also had an iOS 4 release this past week.
