Welcome to the latest entry in our Bonus Round series, wherein we tell you all about the new Android games of the day that we couldn't get to during our regular news rounds. Consider this a quick update for the dedicated gamers who can't wait for our bi-weekly roundups, and don't want to wade through a whole day's worth of news just to get their pixelated fix. Today we've got a Game Boy-style platformer, a new entry in a long-running strategy series, an adventure expatriate from the PC, and an air traffic control sequel. Without further ado:

2-bit Cowboy

This game is neither "two bit" in the sense of extremely simple computer graphics, nor "two-bit" in the sense of being cheap or unworthy. It is the latest title from Crescent Moon, graduating from its debut in the Humble Bundle. 2-Bit Cowboy is a typically simple platformer focused on traversing levels and fighting bad guys, with a little customization thrown in for good measure. The 2D black-and-white graphics are meant to emulate classic Game Boy titles, though the animation and definition are much better than that in reality.

There's a new sheriff in this 2-bit town: you. And you've got a lot of work to do. Tackle challenges, earn rewards, track down bad guys, and find hidden loot. Play as a cowboy or cowgirl, then customize your look with hats, bandanas, masks, and more. Explore huge levels. Gamble at casinos and drink at saloons. Ride a horse, tame a wild bull, and traverse underground mines in a minecart. Become a legend of the old West.

2-bit Cowboy Developer: Crescent Moon Games
Price: 0.99
3.4
Download

Strategy&Tactics:Medieval Wars

Herocraft's Strategy & Tactics series has won quite few fans thanks to its board game layout and solid turn-based strategy elements. The latest edition in the ever-expanding lineup brings the setting to medieval times, particularly in the more famous wars in Western Europe and the Crusades. All the features from the previous titles are there without too many new options, including quick matches, full campaigns, and "hot potato" single-device multiplayer.

The history of medieval Europe is rich in bloody wars and conflicts. The Norman invasion, the Crusades, the Hundred Years' War, the Reconquista, the Wars of the Roses, the Albigensian Crusade and endless peasant riots… A new game in the Strategy & Tactics series gives you an opportunity to try your strength in confrontations between the most ruthless conquerors. In Strategy & Tactics: Medieval Wars you are to lead the armies of England and France as well as the armies of crusaders in three campaigns and try to win the biggest wars and battles of European medieval history.

Secret Files Sam Peters

This adventure-mystery title comes from Deep Silver, of Galaxy on Fire fame. Secret Files is an established franchise on the PC, and this is its second outing on Android. The titular heroine Sam Peters must unravel a mystery surrounding some sci-fi weirdness going on in the African jungle. Graphics are solid and the title is fully voice-acted, and it includes multiplayer co-op for certain locations - an interesting novelty for an adventure game.

When alien DNA is spotted in the genetic code of algae living at a crater site in Ghana, sassy reporter Sam Peters goes after the story of her lifetime. Before she can start her research at Lake Bosumtwi, however, she has to cleave through the wilderness and escape feisty jungle animals by day and demon-like creatures from African folklore by night. And soon she has to ask herself, whether a creditable article on the front page of an esteemed science magazine is really worth risking her life.

Air Control 2

Air traffic control games are surprisingly common on mobile platforms, but this one has some interesting twists, including landing planes on aircraft carriers and super-fast aircraft like the SR-71. There are also multiplayer maps with double airports meant for playing on a single tablet. That said, the basic flight line gameplay hasn't evolved in any noticeable fashion, and in-app purchases for collision alerts (which could just as easily be a core component of a $1-3 game) are not appreciated.

The long awaited sequel to the multi million download hit Air Control is finally here. In this simple yet surprisingly addictive game you take on the role of Air Traffic Controller. It is your job to direct airplanes to runways while avoiding collisions.

  • Worldwide locations: From scorching deserts to freezing mountains
  • Multiplayer coop maps: Play with your friend on the same tablet
  • Tons of different planes and choppers
  • Zeppelin airships
  • World's fastest plane: The SR-71 Black Bird
  • Avoid blazing storms
  • Make snappy decisions when radio jam hits a plane
  • Countless hours of addictive gameplay

Be sure to check out our gaming coverage from earlier this week: