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 beautiful shoot-em-up remake, a 2D platforming sequel, a more friendly version of the super-tense Hopeless, a jousting simulator, a Lite-Brite puzzler, and an adventure game inspired by Hugo. Without further ado:

Sky Force 2014

It never ceases to amaze me how good the old-school games can look when you give them a little modern polish. Sky Force isn't really that old, but its use of 3D graphics on the venerable 2D shoot-em-up gameplay is impressive. It's a pretty typical bullet hell game, but the execution and polish is undeniably eye-catching. There's no real multiplayer to speak of, but you do get to enter weekly tournaments, and you can see and rescue fallen pilots. IAP is offered to remove ads and upgrade your planes.

The mobile blaster legend is back to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in super-destructive style. Harnessing the intensity of classic arcade shoot-’em-ups combined with the hottest smartphone technology, Sky Force 2014 offers a stunning scrolling shooter experience with an incredible new social gameplay element. This 10th anniversary edition adds incredible depth to the series through stunning 3D graphics, intuitive touchscreen controls and a powerful upgrade system that’ll keep you blasting for hours on end.

Sky Force 2014 Developer: Infinite Dreams
Price: Free
4.5
Download

Random Heroes 2

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After a notable absence, Noodlecake has returned to its 2D action roots. Random Heroes combines Contra-style platforming and shooting with the 8-bit style of the publisher's previous games like League of Evil. The sequel has bigger levels, more guns and upgrades, new heroes, and more player-friendly mechanics like a wall jump and diagonal shooting. Shoot things, die, collect your coins (or pay for them with real ones), then shoot things some more.

Sequel to the amazing Random Heroes; now with more guns, explosions and crazy characters. From the creators of the award winning platform game League of Evil comes Ravenous Games' newest game Random Heroes 2. A group of unlikely heroes are set out to save the world. Blast your way through these invaders in this action platformer. It's time to eradicate the alien threat once and for all in Random Heroes 2.

[EMBED_YT]https://youtu.be/kCzKe6U6Nec[/EMBED_YT]

Hopeless: Football Cup

The adorable marshmallow minions from Hopeless are back for another timely cash-in. This time they don't have to worry about terrifying monsters or aliens eating them, just terrifying soccer balls flying at their oh-so-soft and pliant faces. It's the same gameplay as it used to be: tap at the right time to save the blobs, but be careful to avoid killing the incoming teammates. An upgrade/IAP system will let you add more blobs or get jerseys from your favorite World Cup competitor.

It’s time for the WORLD CUP. Some unlucky blobs find themselves in the middle of the field, trying to defend themselves against angry football fans. Will they survive the Hopeless trip to the Football Cup? Tap the screen to hit the incoming footballs. React quickly but be careful not to hit your friends. Don’t miss too many balls or it’s Game Over for the blobs.

Rival Knights

Rival Knights is a sort of medieval take on those popular drag racing games: lots and lots of pretty graphics, but winning the match comes down to timing and upgrades. The armor and mount visuals in this game are very pretty by mobile standards, complete with motion capture for horses and riders. The main draw is playing against online opponents, but players with better mounts and equipment have a distinct advantage, which tilts the game towards those who spend money on virtual currency.

Live the fantasy: Be a knight & joust your way to victory. Compete with thousands of other players in games of glory & adventure. This is the most intuitive, action-packed & visually stunning knight combat game on touch screens. Experience the thrill of fast-paced & highly addictive jousting for free. Sharpen your war skills with precision timing & aim. Battle ruthless foes & rival clans across 5 leagues to seize their castles & thrones. Embark on an adventure across the kingdom, become a champion & etch your name into history.

Rival Knights Developer: Gameloft SE
Price: Free
4.2
Download

GlowGrid

GlowGrid is another puzzler in the vein of "match stuff up and watch it disappear." It's not altogether inspiring, though the technically unlimited combo potential should make Bejeweled and Candy Crush fans happy. The Lite-Brite color scheme and synth soundtrack might be right up your alley. Try it for free, then spend a couple of bucks to advance past level 10.

GlowGrid is a hypnotic, retro puzzle game. Create groups of matching tiles to fill the power bar and move to the next level. But will you play it safe and go for small groups or try to build up massive power combos? Try before you buy: Play 10 levels for free, then unlock the full game with a single In-App Purchase.

GlowGrid Developer: Zut!
Price: Free
4.4
Download

Les Miserables - Jean Valjean

No. I know what you're thinking, and just NO. Do not start humming, like I know you did in the theater last Christmas. I will not tolerate it. This game has no singing, it's a straight-up adventure game adaptation of Hugo's novel told from the perspective of primary protagonist Jean Valjean. You'll move around revolution-era France rescuing unfortunates and evading capture. You will not sing like Wolverine in the shower. You. Will. Not.

Discover the story of Jean Valjean, the hero of the novel "Les Misérables". This game is a free adaptation of the novel 'Les Misérables', written by Victor Hugo in 1862. In 1815, Jean Valjean is freed from prison labor, and is an outcast filled with hate and a sense of injustice. He steals silverware from Monseigneur Bienvenu, who has provided him with food and shelter. However, the bishop's generosity teaches him what virtue and integrity are. When Jean Valjean arrives in Montreuil-sur-Mer, he becomes Monsieur Madeleine, the town mayor.