Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications, games, and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous 2 weeks or so.

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Looking for the previous roundup editions? Find them here.

Games

Space Grunts

Android Police coverage: OrangePixel's Space Grunts Is A Roguelike Turn-Based Shooter, And It's 50% Off For The Launch

OrangePixel's specialty is old-school shooters with pixelated graphics, but the developers are getting out of their comfort zone with Space Grunts. It's a turn-based shooter - it has more in common with XCOM or Final Fantasy Tactics than other OrangePixel games - but naturally it keeps the old-school visuals. It's $4 with no ads or in-app purchases, which is more than worth it if you're hungry for some turn-based strategy.

Space Grunts combines fast paced arcade action with turn-based gameplay. The year 2476, Earth's space-federation has been building moon-bases across the galaxy. One of those moon-bases has been sending a distress signal. Space Grunts are a group of intergalactic "problem" solvers, sent to investigate. You play one, out of a team, of Space Grunts, and your mission is simple: find your way into the moon-base, and figure out what has happened. You'll have to fight your way through aliens, robots, security drones and base-systems.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i37r74XZYZs[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orangepixel.spacegrunts[/EMBED_APP]

Splash Cars

Android Police coverage: Top-Down Racer Splash Cars Mixes And Matches Concepts From Micro Machines And Splatoon

Splash Cars is unconventional. You drive a car around an isometric map, trailing paint on the road and buildings like a vehicular vandal. Grab gas, dodge the cops, and paint as much as you can in the time allotted to get the best score. The visuals are simple but engaging, very much like the controls, and fans of Nintendo's Splatoon looking for a single-player alternative should feel right at home.

Tired of the everyday grey? Color the world in a ride of your life. Splash cars await. Riding a splash car is exactly what you'd expect. Fun. Paint oozes from your machine leaving a colorful trail behind. But not everybody likes fun. The cops are always watching and will chase you to the ends of the world, when they see you drive free and off road. It's the police, they want to bust you for shaking up the established order. Don't let them. Be quick and break the chase. Now's your chance to fully express yourself through color and style.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Iy6B0HxK8[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.craneballs.artdrive[/EMBED_APP]

Alto's Adventure

Android Police coverage: Stylish Snowboarding Endless Runner Alto's Adventure Slides Into The Play Store

Alto's Adventure is a fairly basic endless runner with a snowboard theme: grab coins, capture llamas, and land tricks. While the game doesn't really present anything new, the presentation itself is quite impressive. The pastel colors and smooth 2D animations almost put Alto's Adventure in the "zen" category. It's free to play with coins for upgrades, but the only in-app purchase at the moment is a $4 currency double option.

Join Alto and his friends as they embark on an endless snowboarding odyssey. Journey across the beautiful alpine hills of their native wilderness, through neighbouring villages, ancient woodlands, and long-abandoned ruins. Along the way you'll rescue runaway llamas, grind rooftops, leap over terrifying chasms and outwit the mountain elders – all while braving the ever changing elements and passage of time upon the mountain.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noodlecake.altosadventure[/EMBED_APP]

GTA: Liberty City Stories

Android Police coverage: GTA: Liberty City Stories Comes To Android With More Mobile-Friendly Open World Gameplay

Liberty City Stories is a Grand Theft Auto game set in the same fictional "I Can't Believe It's Not New York" city as GTAIII, first released on the PSP over a decade ago before being ported to home consoles. The Android version looks and plays a lot like the GTAIII release from a couple of years ago, but it features new missions and stories. Appropriately, external controller support is included, and it's on sale for 40% off at the moment.

Get ready to head back to the East Coast as Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories returns to mobile devices. With shorter, streamlined missions designed with mobile gameplay in mind, this definitive open-world adventure has been remastered for Android with extensive graphic enhancements, rebalanced touch controls and cross platform saves.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rockstargames.gtalcs[/EMBED_APP]

Ys Chronicles II

Android Police coverage: DotEmu Brings Classic Japanese Action-RPG Ys Chronicles II To Android For $5

DotEmu are the masters of classic mobile ports. Last year they released Ys Chronicles I, a port of a relatively ancient Japanese action-RPG series. The second part continues the story of the first entry, and while the mechanics are somewhat antiquated, the graphics and sound have been upgraded to more modern standards. DotEmu also makes the classic presentation available, and includes support for external controllers and Android TV. It's also considerably cheaper than the Square-Enix RPGs elsewhere in this roundup.

After a hard fight to recover the six sacred books in Ys Chronicles I, Adol is back for a sequel. Ys II -- also known as Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter -- is an action-packed, heroic fantasy JRPG game that immerses you in a beautiful Japanese artistic universe. After defeating Dark Fakt, you (as Adol) must continue your quest to unravel the island’s secrets. Use your sword skills, wield new weapons, and for the first time discover magic to free the legendary city of Ys from evil.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dotemu.ys2x[/EMBED_APP]

FINAL FANTASY IX for Android

Android Police coverage: Final Fantasy IX (The First PlayStation-Era Final Fantasy To Hit Android) Is Now Available On The Play Store For $17

Squaresoft fans have been waiting for a PlayStation-era Final Fantasy on Android for years... but most of them were hoping for a different one. Even so, Final Fantasy IX was highly praised when it was first released over 15 years ago, and Square-Enix have been steadily improving their mobile ports as of late. The Android version preserves the classic battle system and pre-rendered cutscenes, but adds some mobile-friendly features and external controls. Too bad it's so expensive for an older game.

Selling over five million copies since its release in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX proudly returns on Android. Now you can relive the adventures of Zidane and his crew in the palm of your hands. Enjoy this classic FINAL FANTASY experience with no additional fees or purchases. Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe have kidnapped Princess Garnet, the heir of Alexandria. To their surprise, however, the princess herself yearned to escape the castle.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUQMWeFsY8w[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.FFIXww.android_googleplay[/EMBED_APP]

Adventures of Mana

Android Police coverage: Square Enix's Adventures Of Mana (A Remake Of Final Fantasy Adventure) Lands In The Play Store For $14

Try to follow along here: Adventures of Mana is a remake of Final Fantasy Adventure, an action-RPG Game Boy title from 1991 that eventually became the basis for the well-known Mana series. It doesn't have anything to do with the mainstream Final Fantasy series, at least not at this point. This mobile version is actually a port of a Nintendo 3DS version that never made it to the US. It's pricey, but at least Square-Enix has finally figured out how to support external controllers.

Enshrined atop Mt. Illusia, high above the lofty clouds, stands the Tree of Mana. Drawing its life energy from the boundless celestial aether, the sentinel grows in silence. Legend holds that he who lays his hands upon its trunk will be granted power eternal―a power the Dark Lord of Glaive now seeks to further fuel his bloody quest for domination. Our unlikely hero is one of countless gladiators indentured to the Duchy of Glaive.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.adventures[/EMBED_APP]

Bombing Bastards: Touch!

Android Police coverage: Bombing Bastards (Previously Android TV Only) Launches For All Android Devices, And It's Completely Free

Bombing Bastards is an unabashed Bomberman clone, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It was previously limited to Android TV, where it could shine with multiplayer, but now there's a touch-based version for phones and tablets. Get rid of your enemies with various bombs while avoiding their explosives yourself. The game is completely free with no in-app purchases, but you do have to watch advertising to revive.

Have a blast. Bomb oodles of nasty critters in a series of 30 wicked mazes. Defeat hellish bosses in heroic fights. Embark on a hilarious journey with the witty Dr. Wallow to conquer the galaxy in this explosively fun arcade game.

• 5 picturesque worlds with 30 wicked mazes.
• A large bestiary of critters to blast.
• A multitude of items and power ups to collect.
• 5 hellish boss levels whose punishing difficulty will only be matched by the satisfaction you’ll get once you beat them.

This version of the game offers single player, touchscreen-based gameplay. It is totally free, supported with ads. You won't be pressured with in-app purchase offers.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxvcPwlr03Q[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sanukgames.bombingbastards.touch[/EMBED_APP]

Tennis Club Story

Kairosoft's latest management simulator has you ruling over a tennis club. That's a fairly specific aspirational fantasy, but more power to you if it's what you've always wanted to do. In addition to the usual stat-driven gameplay of all Kairosoft sims, this one includes an active sports mode that actually approximates tennis - what a concept! The full version of the game is five bucks with no IAP. A free demo may be coming along at some point.

Aim for the ace position of tennis club prestige in this simulation. Your leadership decides if players make it to the big time or bust. Customize your training menu to focus on power or technique, molding players as you please for competitions, fame, and snazzy sponsors. Sponsors will fund hard-working athletes with big bucks, in addition to providing top-notch gear, items, and more. Some corporations might even build you a hot springs spa or restaurant. Sign with a variety of sponsors and live the good life.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.kairosoft.android.tennis_en[/EMBED_APP]

Chel-Z

Chel-Z is an old-school platformer with appropriately 8-bit graphics. It takes more than a little inspiration from Mega Man, though the high-stepping stages also have a lot in common with Sonic or Metroid titles (especially after you unlock the grappling hook). The controls are simple, as are the graphics and sound, but there's an undeniable charm to the setup. The game is free with ads, which can be removed for $5.

Enjoy this platformer. You play as a Chel-Z (the robot) that is capable of functioning with a human brain placed inside, which was built by the one and only Dr. Boss, a twisted mad scientist. You were freed by a secret agent only for you to escape Dr. Boss’ notorious experiment lab facility. The game will be offered for free with ad support. We made the game in such a way that the ads only pop up when you switch applications or when the player dies.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DrRFtYtEpc[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.emergencystudios.chelz2[/EMBED_APP]

Drink Beer, Neglect Family

Drink Beer, Neglect Family is very similar to the original Donkey Kong... by way of Adult Swim's scathing cynicism. Your little Mario-style character leaps around the stage downing pint after pint, periodically vomiting, blacking out, and similar while his family problems scroll across the screen, largely unheeded. It's definitely not the game for you if you don't have a dark sense of humor.

You are a depressed father who spends most of his time drinking beer and avoiding his family. How long can you avoid them, and at what cost? Every beer you drink increases your score, and applies a different effect. Some beers make you unable to jump, some make you fall off of bridges, some make you throw up every few seconds, and so on. On top of that, pictures of your family pop up everywhere. You need to avoid them, so they don't remind you of your duties as a father and a husband.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR_n3mzJaXo[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.suhail.dbnf[/EMBED_APP]

DEUL

Deul is a minimalist yet hyper-violent game that relies on rag doll physics, a la QWOP, for some sadistic fun. The core gameplay element is an Old West-style one-on-one gun duel, but the bullets will hit specific body parts of your enemies with predictable results. The game includes single player and multiplayer with both local and online modes.

Are you fast enough for DEUL? DEUL is a fast paced action packed shooting game that will test your reflexes, accuracy and timing. Try to out-draw opponents across the world as you duel your way through China, London, Russia and Brazil. Each victory will earn you points and increase your score, get a higher score to climb up our leaderboards. Sometimes, in between these duels, you'll be thrown into bonus level where you have to shoot bottles as they're hurled towards you.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHZR0Dm1SM[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greenlightgames.deul[/EMBED_APP]

Sage Solitaire

Noodlecake's latest casual game mixes elements from both solitaire and poker into something new. The point is to reveal and stack new cards in solitaire fashion to make a poker-style hand. The combined mechanics feel a lot like Threes, in that they require equal parts skill and luck to clear the board and get the maximum score. The only in-app purchase gets rid of ads and opens up new game modes.

Sage Solitaire is a brand new Solitaire variant that combines the luck and joy of Solitaire with the depth of Poker; lovingly crafted, and optimized for your phone. The free version of Sage Solitaire deals out Single Deck, and Vegas Modes. A single in-app purchase kills ads, and unlocks more modes, wallpapers, and themes that pair nicely with any situation you might be in. So take it with you, Sage is a Solitaire game fit for your life.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noodlecake.sagesolitaire[/EMBED_APP]

Power Hover

Power Hover is a fairly simple endless runner about hoverboards... because who doesn't like hoverboards? The full pipe and half pipe stages are reminiscent of the special stages in old Sonic games, if somewhat more smooth, and the only real objective is to avoid obstacles and advance the story. The graphics are simple (for a 3D game, anyway) and in-app purchases are limited to $3 for the full version unlock.

HOVERBOARDS. ROBOTS. Power Hover is an action game about hoverboarding robots. Game features an original soundtrack from the Retry musician Ted Striker. As you ride your hoverboard through the game, a story about the odd and desolate world of the robots starts to unfold.

• Defy Gravity and Enjoy the freedom of controlling a hoverboard.
• Enjoy beautiful pseudo-low-poly art style.
• Beat the Levels full of surprises and challenges.
• Experience the story, told through small interactive cutscenes.
• Explore the beautiful landscapes and multiple different themes.
• Compete with your friends on the Boss levels.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FTdz8iRMag[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oddrok.powerhover[/EMBED_APP]

A Short Tale

A Short Tale is an adventure game in the point-and-click sense, though it also has heavy puzzle elements. There's an overarching story connecting the puzzles that seems designed to build up to a rather depressing revelation - everything you interact with is a toy or game you'd find in a young child's room. The puzzles and visuals are surprisingly varied, and the entire game can be had for under four bucks.

It’s been years since I lost Ben, so long yet it doesn’t seem long enough. I never thought I’d return here, to where everything started. Where everything ended. Something’s calling me back to his room though; a presence I have not felt since… Play as Jason as he explores his brother’s room from a new perspective. After wishing to be small again, to feel closer to his younger brother, Jason finds himself in a strange new world filled with larger than life furniture, troublesome obstacles, and less-than-helpful occupants.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfED2cWN9mE[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glitchgames.ashorttale[/EMBED_APP]

RPG Revenant Dogma

Kemco's latest RPG to be translated into English breaks from some of its earlier entries with a full 3D battle system, roughly comparable to a Dreamcast title. Interestingly, the overworld is in old-school 2D, presumably to keep down the expense and the app size. The style and story are predictably anime-inspired, and the premium version will give players a head start with extra experience and currency. The free version is linked below, and both of them work with external controllers.

A full blown fantasy RPG that can be played in its entirety for free. Where does the path of divine power lead? Introducing Revenant Dogma, a 3D battle RPG. Caine enters a ruins site in search of a feral relic said to be left behind by the gods and meets a mysterious girl in a mask. This strange encounter becomes the catalyst of a grand scheme that will change the worlds of humans and therians. Will this new-found power lead to prosperity or destruction...

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXv5pWCdyEQ[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kemco.execreate.revenantdogma[/EMBED_APP]

twofold inc.

Twofold is a puzzle game where every move doubles the score. You'll need a keen sense for numbers to hit the quotas for the various colors on display, sometimes carving a very strategic path through the board to get it right. It costs $4 with no ads or in-app purchases, though only two game modes are included.

From the creator of rymdkapsel comes a puzzler you've never seen before. twofold inc. is a humble puzzle game with stunning looks and mesmerizing mechanics. Scroll the playfield to unravel the tiles, then make a path to clear them away. The minimalist visuals hide a depth that will keep challenging and surprising as you master it.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grapefrukt.games.twofold[/EMBED_APP]

Merged!

Merged mixes the tile-matching gameplay of dominos with more modern sliding puzzles like 2048. The elements are fairly obvious once you get started, though they also allow for more complex strategies to clear the board. IAP goes up to $5 for extra level packs or double coins, and there's a $2 option to remove advertising.

From the folks who brought you 1010. Meet Merged. Block-merging puzzle fun prepared just for you. Merged. is a block puzzle game. Your aim is to merge blocks to get higher blocks on the board. Place three blocks with the same number & color next to each other to merge them, horizontally, vertically, or both. You can rotate blocks before placing them too. Beware, fellow puzzler, the road to glory is paved with limited space, tricky merges and totally random blocks.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7l24Wtdcxw[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gramgames.merged[/EMBED_APP]

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Ultimate Briefcase

Ultimate Briefcase is a pixelated game in which you have to avoid falling bombs, which is conventionally a good idea. There's only one platform in multiple skins, and the objective is to last as long as possible. Various power-ups (like raising an apparently indestructible briefcase over your head) can protect your bearded character. It's free to play with the usual coins for new characters, with a relatively cheap IAP for a full unlock.

Hundreds of automated doomsday machines have been unleashed on the city. Survive waves of onslaught using your dodging skills and a variety of ridiculous special moves. Where did the mysterious bomb-dropping, laser-spewing machines come from? What is the Ultimate Briefcase? And what is in it?

• Unlock a cast of unique characters, all with their own upgradable special abilities.
• Explore different areas of the city, from the fiery alley to the treacherous trapdoors of the water works bridge.
• Unlock new items to help you survive longer and rake in more coins.
• Collect security footage to piece together the story, and find answers to some of the questions above.
• No unlocks are purely cosmetic – everything you get has a real effect on the game.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nitrome.ultimatebriefcase[/EMBED_APP]

Bullets Bullets Bullets

This one is an unapologetically simple 2D shooter: look left and press shoot, look right and press shoot, activate some special attacks, rinse and repeat. Killing bad guys will earn you coins which you can spend on upgrades to advance you up the leaderboards. It's simple but effective, and the game includes no ads or in-app purchases.

A 2D shooter that puts you in control of a lone soldier defending the last remnants of earth from alien invaders. Use gold dropped by our unwanted attackers to upgrade your gear with special ammo and grenades. Survive as long as you can to get the most points.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.KDSKDev.Bullets[/EMBED_APP]

Dreii

Dreii is a puzzle game that's all about cooperation. It has an interesting setup: the only goal is to build towers out of preschool-style blocks, using little balloon thingies to put them in place. Here's the interesting part: the multiplayer aspect allows different devices to connect while players "stack" the pieces simultaneously. Imagine playing Jenga when everyone moves at once, and you might get close. Give it a shot if you need a party game or something to play with your kids.

Dreii is a puzzling game about skill, logic and friendship. It subtly connects players in real-time across the world, to help one another in a battle against gravity.

  • Build a Tower. The mission is simple. But once again, things get in the way... Explosives, thunderstorms, completely incompetent colleagues. Oh, and have you heard of this thing called gravity?
  • Play with your friends. Dreii automatically connects all screens across all platforms. This means you can even play with your friends who have Dreii on their mobiles and desktop computers.
  • Speak in 19 Languages. Dreii features an universal communication tool which allows players to speak to others, wherever they are in the world.
[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzTg6527uXw[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.etterstudio.drei[/EMBED_APP]

Protect The Planet

The Earth is being attacked by asteroids, and we lazy humans haven't gotten around to creating laser or nuclear defenses yet... though somehow we can move the moon around in its orbit. The object of Protect the Planet is to, well, protect the planet, spinning the moon around like a dance partner to block asteroids as quickly and accurately as possible. As with most KetchApp games, there's a small IAP to remove the advertising.

Your planet is attacked by asteroids, luckily you can use the Moon as a shield. Could you defend your planet long enough to let it prosper? Tap to turn the moon around, tap and hold to accelerate it.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ketchapp.protecttheplanet[/EMBED_APP]

Lost in Harmony

This is a rhythm game that mixes the usual tap-tap-tap setup with some endless runner elements, though uniquely the characters are rolling towards the camera instead of away from it. There's a basic story, but the hand-drawn visuals and the music are the real draw here. There's also a level editor and a sharing system included. Note to developers: seriously, no video on a rhythm game? That's not going to sell any in-app purchases.

Dive into a fantastic musical odyssey, brought by an immersive soundtrack imagined by famous composers, including Wyclef Jean. Go beyond by CREATING and SHARING your own levels on ANY SONG with the included level editor.

■ DISCOVER the musical story from the co-creator of Valiant Hearts
■ Guide Kaito and Aya through their adventures, in total harmony with music
■ Travel trough 30+ painted environments
■ Experience music in a new way with the combination of rhythmic tapping and choreographic runner
■ Customize your character's clothes, headphones, hat and skateboard

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digixart.lostinharmony[/EMBED_APP]

Circa Infinity

Circa Infinity is a platformer, at least in the broadest sense of the term. The platforms your character runs around are circular, and you control both male and female avatars at the same time, running opposite to one another. It's trippy to say the least - watch the video to get a handle on the game design. The simple but intensely contrasting visuals may be off-putting for some. The game costs $3 with no ads or in-app purchases.

Circa Infinity is a brain-melting circular platformer by Kenny Sun, with a pulse-pounding soundtrack by Jack + Jim Fay.

Features:
- 50 Levels
- 5 Boss Fights
- 5-6+ Hours of Content

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49uAm6XZWBA[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sun.infinity[/EMBED_APP]

Operation: Snowfall

Wow, that "downhill snowboard endless runner" format is getting popular, isn't it? This James Bond-themed title takes on the crowded idea, but its 2.5D graphics are decent and there are a few more tricks you can pull off. The game also dispenses with the "endless" part of the formula for the three-star stage idea. It's a paid game, but the IAP is limited to $3.

Thanks for checking in, Agent. We've traced the origin of the lavalanche to the activities of the Mastermind and his growing conglomerate of Henchmen. We're sending you in to gather intel and intercept the Mastermind before he collects enough diamonds to fund his evil plot. Receive and complete missions from HQ as you chase the Mastermind in this side-scroller adventure game.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj7-WQppgug[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.addictinggames.opsnowfall[/EMBED_APP]

Retro Rat Race Free

This is a racing game only in the most technical sense - you run through the 2D Tron-inspired track as fast as possible using only a tap for direction and another tap for a brake. It's certainly stylish, and the time attack format works well with the minimal controls, though the dubstep music may not be to your taste. Some of the later stages include devious timing-based puzzles that you'll need to navigate.

Blast your Rat Racer at extreme speed around deviously designed levels rigged with traps and puzzles. A true test of steely determination and razor sharp reflexes.

  • Avoid lasers, trick switches and timer traps.
  • Tear around the Daredevil Zone, using every ounce of reflexes and skill.
  • Carefully navigate the Devious Zone - nerves of steel required (or no nerves).
  • Dubstep goodness (music by Tim Jenkins).
[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.suisoft.RetroRatRace_Android[/EMBED_APP]

OK K.O.! Lakewood Plaza Turbo

Cartoon Network's Lakewood Plaza Turbo is the latest in a crop of cartoons that old people like me don't really understand. Luckily you don't have to be hip like the cool kids to get a grasp on a side-scrolling beat-em-up, though this one does have some RPG elements to advance the animated story. The graphics match the show and I assume the game includes lots of the elements of the cartoon, and the only thing kids will get tripped up on is advertising.

Become a hero with K.O. and use super radical moves to battle the evil Lord Boxman in OK, K.O.. Lakewood Plaza Turbo. Lord Boxman will do anything to destroy Lakewood Plaza. But you can't let that happen. Learn new fighting moves, unlock special attacks and use powerful items to stop his army of evil robots. Become the hero you always knew you could be, and send that bum packing.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.turner.lpt[/EMBED_APP]

A Skyrocket Story

A Skyrocket Story isn't anything special in terms of gameplay - all a player needs to do is avoid the obstacles and move the rocket around the stage to grab collectibles. But the hand-drawn visuals and paper backgrounds are unique enough to be appealing, and the folksy music doesn't hurt, either. As the levels progress they add more and more elements to the game world, fleshing out the stages and the story.

A truly unique, addictive, and seriously fun game that will test your skills, as you explore a world you've never seen before.

• Original hand-drawn artwork by John William Evelyn, brought to life in full HD
• 46 core levels to test your skills - More challenges await those who can master them
• Discover 5 unique worlds
• 46 page, fully-illustrated book included - Collect the pages throughout the game
• Gameplay to challenge your skills and puzzle solving

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihw2DS1Et0s[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.johnevelyn.skyrocket[/EMBED_APP]

Cumulus

Cumulus is a puzzle game that takes the Tetris idea and spins it in reverse. Instead of trying to clear rows, you're building as high as possible on four separate sides at once. It's an interesting take, and Tetris fans should be able to pick up on it right away. The only point is to get a high score, and the game is free with no in-app purchases.

Cumulus is a puzzle game in which you must accumulate blocks around a center piece to clear a ring. Blocks fall from all four walls around the center, so it can be pretty tricky. Enjoy the beautiful pixelated sunset while beating your friend's high score in the game that puts a four sided twist to the classic line clearing genre.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twistedlegacy.cumulus[/EMBED_APP]

Spell Gate: Tower Defense

Spell Gate is a tower defense game, as the title says, but it's a little different than you might think. First of all, the setup is much more in line with classic space shooters like Space Invaders or Missile Command, and real-time towers shoot all manner of nasty spells and projectiles. Different characters and power-ups allow for different play styles. It's free to play, along with the predictably huge in-app purchases, so prepare for a grind at some point.

Your goblin enemies are at the gates. Hordes of evil creatures have invaded the kingdom, sowing chaos, death and destruction. Only a true hero skilled in the art of magic can save the land. Are you your people's hero? Choose from one of four characters to fight off wave after wave of hideous beasts.
The elements will come to your aid: thundering skies will strike the brutes with lightning, and balls of fire will burn the invaders to death where they stand.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PuCvihESU[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.herocraft.game.free.spellgate&hl=en[/EMBED_APP]

LONEWOLF (17+)

Lonewolf is a sniper game in the vein of Silent Scope that wants you to know it's absolutely not for children. Seriously, it's so mature and adult that they put 17+ right there in the title. While the gameplay seems pretty tame in comparison with M-rated console games, at least some of the minigames and the 2D-3D scope graphics are novel. A story mode combines with more arcade-style modes for an interesting experience, with IAP that tops out at just $2.

1 Minute: Your mental-noise has calmed down. It's just you and your weapon. 2 Minutes: You feel the wind, you know the distance, you sense your target's movements. 3 Minutes : You hear the echo of your gunfire... You made the first kill. Silence. Can you handle it? The story unfolds.. Get immersed in a deep Neo-Noir story driven sniper adventure game. You step into the role of a mysterious assassin. His motives - a secret. You did what had to be done to enter the 'Assembly', a criminal organization.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvEklfNxZk[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.FDGEntertainment.Lonewolf.gp[/EMBED_APP]

Amaze

Amaze is a simple puzzle game that uses a 3D cubicle grid as a maze (get it?). It's an interesting approach to things, though the somewhat monochromatic structure uses visuals more than actual logic as a means of creating challenge. There are enemies and other obstacles along with power-ups, though early reviews say the game is suffering from performance and compatibility issues.

This is Amaze. A new and unique logic game where you will be closed in a complex multilevel glass labyrinth. Your main goal is to find the way out as fast as you can. For that you can use elevators, trap doors and other bonuses. But be aware – you are not the only one living thing in the maze.

  • Over 90 huge mazes with multiple stories
  • Gigantic bonus mazes with over 9000 blocks.
  • Dangerous enemy, that won't make things easy for you
  • Elevators and secret trapdoors? Yes, please.
  • Too hard? Use some of the cool power-ups like the compass, markers or shields.
  • Multiple beautiful environments
  • Challenges. Can you finish the maze in a time limit? Or with limited amount of steps?
  • Find hidden collectibles and unlock secret bonus levels

Cube Escape: Birthday

Cube Escape: Birthday is the latest in a long-running series of "escape the room" puzzle games. The historical setting and 2D graphics are interesting, but if you're not a fan of the genre (a quicker variant of point-and-click adventures focusing on the puzzle aspect), there won't be a lot to hold your interest. Extra story episodes will be made available over time.

Welcome to your 9th birthday, winter 1939. There is cake, music and a mysterious present. However, the mood changes quickly when an unexpected guest arrives at your party. Tap on the arrows to navigate inside the cube. Interact with objects by tapping. Select found items in your inventory and tap somewhere on screen to use them. Cube Escape: Birthday is the seventh episode of the Cube Escape series and is a continuation of the Rusty Lake story.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9pvyRLXu9s[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.RustyLake.CubeEscapeBirthday[/EMBED_APP]

Emoji with Me

If emoji were turned into Pictionary, it would look a lot like this game. The point is to send a randomized opponent (or someone from your Contacts list) a string of pictorial characters, after which they have to interpret it in Hangman style. Then you switch turns. It's an interesting idea, though you're probably not going to enjoy it if you're not a dedicated emoji user. IAP is present, but not overly excessive.

Enjoy the ultimate multiplayer emoji game: Emoji with Me. Compete and play with your friends. You send words or phrases to your teammate using nothing but emoji. Your team is awarded points when the word or phrase is guessed correctly. Played as a turn-based social game, Emoji with Me allows you and a friend to compete using thousands of predefined words and phrases, or create your own from scratch. Whether you're looking to play in movies, TV shows, or common phrases, you'll be amazed at what you can do with friends using only emoji.

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDvc_dOc-qs[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eatbrain.emojiwithme[/EMBED_APP]

METAL SLUG ATTACK

Pity poor Metal Slug. After spending decades as one of the prime examples of a hardcore old-school arcade game, SNK has now decided to turn it into a free-to-play 2D tower defense. This newest entry even includes a base builder element and semi-randomized minigames, plus predictable "hero" collecting and leveling. You bet your bottom dollar there are in-app purchases, going up to over a hundred bucks. Metal Slug, we knew you well.

"METAL SLUG ATTACK", the very latest entry in the legendary game series from SNK PLAYMORE, is a tower defense game with simple controls which can be enjoyed by everyone, and 2D dot-pixel characters who move and battle each other smoothly. Moreover, the newly added "Support System" feature will offer players deeper strategies and even more fun. "METAL SLUG ATTACK" has different types of missions for all types of players with its "ATTACK."

[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT78qYu8E_M[/EMBED_YT][EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snkplaymore.android014[/EMBED_APP]

MARVEL Avengers Academy

The idea behind Avenger's Academy is pretty neat: all those marketable superhero characters in a college setting with a bunch of cool redesigns and talented voice artists, including Allison Brie as Black Widow and JOHN CENA as the Hulk (brilliant). But once you get past that shiny veneer, it's just another base-builder that relies on unforgiving timers and in-app purchases to try and suck money out of you. It's a lot like an EA mobile cash grab, except with superheroes, which is why it didn't get a full Android Police writeup. (It doesn't help that there's no video trailer and only one screenshot of actual gameplay.)

Experience the MARVEL Avengers as you’ve never seen them before. Build the ultimate Super Hero academy, and play as your favorite Avengers characters reimagined as students developing their superpowers. Enroll today and become a hero. Hydra is at it again. In light of a recent attack that defeated S.H.I.E.L.D., Director Nick Fury has founded Avengers Academy. The goal: to teach young heroes how to develop their unique abilities and triumph over evil.

[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tinyco.avengers[/EMBED_APP]

Know A Worthy New App? Let Us Know!

If you have an application in mind for the next issue of the roundup, feel free to send us an email and let us know.

Important: there are 2 requirements in order for the app to be considered, listed below.

  • the app's launch date has to be no longer than 2 weeks ago
  • it has to be original, ground-breaking, well-reviewed, interesting, fun, etc - the cream of the crop

Now, if and only if the above requirements have been satisfied, fire up an email to this address: oh.no.its.the@androidpolice.com.

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