The best new Android games for June 2022

Dadish 3

Android Police coverage: Android's best platforming series expands today with a brand new release

Dadish 3 is the third game in the adorable platforming series, offering 50 new levels to explore spread out across five worlds with all new bosses to beat. The game is free to play in its entirety, and if you don't enjoy advertisements while you play, you can remove them for $3.49 premium experience. So whether you're looking for a free game to causally dive into or your next platforming obsession to spend hours looking for secrets, Dadish 3 has you covered.

Gloomgrave

For some reason, Gloomgrave reminds me of the dungeon crawler Delver (long ago abandoned), as the graphics look similar. For me, this is a good thing, as Delver is dead. But, the game sure offered some sweet graphics. In comes Gloomgrave, which is also a roguelike (just like Delver), where you'll delve into the depths of dungeons in search of loot. Keep in mind the game is somewhat short, as there are only 15 floors. However, the game is challenging, so you won't hit the 15th floor on your first playthrough, that's for sure. All in all, Gloomgrave hits many of the same strikes as Delver. So if you missed playing the classic, perhaps this new up-and-comer will fill that roguelike hole in your heart.

Incoherence

Glitch Games has been cranking out escape room puzzle games for years, otherwise known as point-and-click adventure games. Incoherence is the latest release from the studio. It's a polished point-and-click adventure, offering a slew of puzzles to solve, all so you can piece together your lost memory. Sure, the setup is simple, but the gameplay is solid. So if you're a fan of similar adventure games, then Incoherence is easily worth a look.

HOOK 2

Rainbow Train's puzzle game Hook found a good bit of success back in 2015, thanks to its striking minimal design and enjoyable puzzle-based play. The concept is simple enough, simply remove all the hooks from the board. Now that Hook 2 is here, you can expect to explore all-new levels, and this time around, the entire game is presented in 3D, adding a whole new layer to the game. Thankfully the switch to 3D works quite well.

Logica Emotica

Bart Bonte is a developer that excels at offbeat puzzle games, like his color series of puzzle games. The latest release from the dev is Logica Emotica; this is also a puzzle game, and each level offers its own logic. You'll have to constantly think outside the box since each puzzle offers its own unique solution. The game is free to play, and if you prefer a premium experience, you can pay $2 to remove the title's advertisement. So far, reviews have remained positive since release. I agree that the game's a hoot and shouldn't be missed.

Abandon Ship

If you've ever played the real-time strategy roguelike FTL: Faster Than Light, then you should know what to expect from Abandon Ship. This, too is a roguelike, where you'll command a ship and its crew as you explore an untamed ocean. You can trial the game for free, and if you like what you see, you can unlock the full title for $8. And if you'd also like to snag all the game's DLC, you can unlock everything for $12. So yes, this is a premium game, and it offers about 30 hours of gameplay, making the investment well worth it if you enjoy exploration-based roguelikes.

Fury Unleashed

Awesome Games Studio's Fury Unleashed is a roguelike sidescrolling shooter, offering fast-paced action that's pretty darn challenging. Thankfully, controllers are supported, so you're not stuck with the touchscreen for such a challenging game. For $8, you get a quality run-and-gun action game that should ideally last most players around 9-hours to beat. So if you're a fan of games like Contra and Metal Slug, you'll probably get a kick out of Fury Unleashed.

Lifeline: Beside You in Time

3 Minute Games' Lifeline text adventure series has seen a few releases over the years, and this month we saw Lifeline: Beside You in Time launch on Android, the 8th game in the series. Much like previous games, Beside You in Time is also a text adventure. This time around, you're trapped on the wrong side of a black hole. Much like a choose your own adventure, it will be up to you to figure out how to get back home. For an aging series, the 8th release in the collection is hands-down one of the best. Don't miss out!

A Story of A Company!

Buff Studio offers quite a few adventure games on the Play Store at this point, it's the studio's bread and butter, and A Story of A Company! is the latest release from the company. As expected, this too is an adventure game, though it plays more like a visual novel. The whole thing is styled after text messaging on a phone, and covers what it's like working for a day. Nothing groundbreaking, but that's the point; this is just a chill story to work through.

Barnard's Star

If you're into strategy games, like X-Com, then you'll want to check out Barnard's Star. There are three factions to choose from, where you can battle with up to 24 characters across nine different maps. You can play offline against the AI or locally against a friend, and there's even online multiplayer support if you're looking to play with strangers. Best of all, this is a premium release, so for $4, you get the entire game, and there's plenty to explore to keep players busy for a good while.

RPG Gale of Windoria

RPG Gale of Windoria is the latest release from Kemco, a studio that's been pumping out mobile RPGs for at least a decade. Much like previous releases, you get a linear story that's backed by pixel graphics, and for once, the story is actually decent, where you'll save the world with a group of friends, exploring your ally's roots as you adventure together. This is a premium release, but there is also a free version available for those that want to check the game out without going out of pocket.

Magician Lord

SNK has been busy all year launching emulated NeoGeo games on the Play Store, and this month we have four new titles from the company, starting with Magician Lord. This is a sidescrolling action platformer, a classic arcade game, and since it primarily consists of moving on a single plane while punching and kicking, the new touch controls work well enough. Thankfully there's also controller support, though the functionality is hidden behind an icon on the home screen.

Burning Fight

Burning Fight is the next title from SNK to land on Android in the month of June, a beat 'em up from the arcade that plays like Double Dragon or Final Fight. That's not to say this is some sort of discount clone, as it stands on its own two feet. So if you are a fan of classic beat 'em ups and have yet to play Burning Fight, now's your chance if you have $4 to spare. Much like the rest of SNK's ACA catalog, controllers are supported.

Art of Fighting 3

Beyond brawlers, SNK was known for its fighting games, and the Art of Fighting series is easily a standout. This is the third entry in the series, offering lovely pixel-based graphics with familiar 90's style fighting comparable to games like Street Fighter II and Samurai Shodown. Controllers are supported out of the box and are recommended, as you'll have a tough time competing with the game's touch controls, as classic 90's style fighting games are pretty demanding for their move sets.

Robo Army

Last but not least for SNK's releases is Robo Army, another sidescrolling brawler. You can expect slick pixel graphics of some awesome-looking robots, where you'll smash your opponent's faces as you brawl across every stage. Much like the previous three releases, controllers are supported, though the touch controls work well enough to get some quick rounds of brawling action under your belt.

Poinpy

SNK has been pumping out games, but Netflix has been busy too, what with its new push for mobile games on the platform. I suppose this is a way for the company to diversify, as these games are all free to play if you have access to a Netflix subscription. Poinpy indeed offers a premium experience, where you'll bounce up walls in this casual vertical climbing game. Sure, it's a simple time-waster, but if you have a Netflix sub, there's no harm in checking the game out, as it is pretty polished.

Disney Mirrorverse

Android Police coverage: Disney Mirrorverse hands-on: A perfect reflection of greed

Disney Mirrorverse is the latest gacha game from Disney, and it offers exceptional graphics paired with a typical team-based RPG setup. You'll, of course, collect characters to build out your team, and since we're dealing with the Mirrorverse, expect a slew of alternate characters. Sadly the monetization is horrible, and the awful drop rates are a big part of that. This is a game you'll have to grind and grind, and that won't even be enough to stay at the top of the pack, as this is a game for whales; there's no doubt about that.

The best new Android game for May 2022

Diablo Immortal

Android Police coverage: Diablo Immortal finally arrives on Android after a grueling four-year development cycle

It's taken four years for Blizzard to get Diablo Immortal out the door, and after such a disaster of an announcement, it's amazing that the studio decided to stick it out. Sure, NetEase is still attached, which is very apparent with the game's monetization. Still, Blizzard has thankfully built an ARPG for mobile that's fun for free and paying players alike, and that comes down to the amount of content that's in the game that doesn't require a dime from the player, with a polish that easily compares to AAA console/PC games.

So if you're looking to dive some dungeons while hacking and slashing your way to victory, with plenty of Diablo lore spread around to keep fans happy, you'll want to give Diablo Immortal a try. It plays just like any other Diablo title, and controller support is included, along with a PC port complete with cross-play. Yes, you can pay for convenience items that help boost your drops. And yes, these drops are what you'll use to power up your weapons. While you can earn all of this through gameplay, you can also purchase these advantages. The game is, by definition, pay-to-win, especially since PvP is included. Still, the story-based experience holds its own. As long as you aren't looking to compete in end-game content or PvP, you should be good to enjoy this ARPG for free for a long while.

Streets of Rage 4

Android Police coverage: Streets of Rage 4 is now available on Android — here's what to expect from the brawler

Hands down, Streets of Rage 4 is the best brawler on the platform. As a matter of fact, it's the best brawler released in recent years, thanks to its spot-on controls, incredible 2D graphics (with sprites and HD art included), engaging characters (with old favorites and new characters to choose from), and outstanding music. It's a perfect modern recreation of the classic beat 'em ups, and the Android port easily holds its own.

While the $8 price tag is nothing to sneeze at, the mobile title is the cheapest version. The game's DLC is also available, though it's an added cost of $4. However, that $12 purchase gets you the new survival mode, which adds tons of replayability to the game. It is definitely worth it; plus, you get a couple of extra characters too. So, for once, Android has a fully-featured port that stacks up to every other platform at a fraction of the cost. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Apex Legends Mobile

Android Police coverage: Apex Legends Mobile is here, warts and all

Apex Legends Mobile is a mobile adaptation of the full game, and it gets pretty close to offering a similar experience. Yes, the graphics are cut down, and the controls feel slightly off. But, if you play the console or PC version, you should feel right at home on mobile. Keep in mind that cross-play only exists between Android and iOS.

The game is free-to-play, and it contains all of the familiar cash-shop items, like a battle pass and an assortment of cosmetics. This can all be ignored if you're looking to jump into a few battles with a group of friends, which is precisely where this game shines — casual group play. Controller support is included, so you have your choice between touch controls and a physical controller. However, you are currently limited to first-party Xbox and PlayStation controllers for some reason. Still, if you're looking to jump into quick matches in the latest battle royale to land on mobile, Apex Legends Mobile is a fine choice.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

Android Police coverage: Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is an adorable Zelda-like, now available on Android

There are a few Zelda-likes on Android, but Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is easily a standout within this genre, thanks to its pleasing graphics and raucous humor. The general theme will see you avoiding your taxes by tearing up all of the paperwork you can find. You'll delve into absurd dungeons in search of these documents. It's a cute game that delivers on enjoyable gameplay, and it's a premium release to boot that's free to try.

You can unlock the full title for $5.49, and the main story should last most players around 2 hours. What's nice is that the game performs great and supports high framerates and physical controllers. So whether you want to play on your phone's touchscreen or your tablet with a controller, both are possible. This Android port is pretty dang accessible for such a low price.

Dragon Quest Builders

Android Police coverage: Dragon Quest Builders lands on Android as a surprise release

Square Enix still thinks it's wise to remove features like controller support from its premium mobile releases, which puts a damper on ports like Dragon Quest Builders. Square has limited where the game is playable, relegating the title to phones if you wish to play comfortably since the only way to interact with the mobile port is through its new touch controls. These touch controls work well enough on phones, but you'll run into trouble on large screens as the on-screen button spacing is too far apart. This is what makes the $22 asking price much harder to swallow; it doesn't match the features (more like lack thereof) provided.

Luckily, if you don't mind touch controls, then this port is worth a look. It still offers the same enjoyable building gameplay the console and PC versions are known for. Yes, it's chapter-based, so it isn't open-world like the second game, but there's enough fun to be had as you move from chapter to chapter rebuilding block villages and diving into dungeons.

Catalyst Black

Android Police coverage: Catalyst Black is a polished competitive shooter from the team behind Vainglory

This is the latest release from the developers behind Vainglory. Catalyst Black was built using the same in-house engine, which is why things look familiar. Though this is no MOBA, it's a top-down hero shooter. The developer has taken the shotgun approach, tossing tons of mechanics into this release, with many modes to explore. Still, ultimately things boil down to running and gunning while utilizing your skills properly. There are no lanes, and there are no mid-level upgrades you have to purchase, so this is more for you shooter lovers out there.

Catalyst Black is free-to-play, and you can pay for items that help you advance quicker. So, the game is pay-to-win, and this grows more and more apparent the further you progress as you uncover just how much of a grind it is to level up your gear for end-game. Those who play for free will be left behind, splitting the player base. Thankfully, the drop-in gameplay is pretty accessible, and it's not like the end-game can't be ignored just to run a few matches with friends. This is a fantastic run and gun-style hero shooter, and it's incredibly easy to join friends. Just keep in mind the game is designed to be pay-to-win.

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds

Android Police coverage: Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds goes global, bringing its Studio Ghibli design to an MMORPG world

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds is a game that wants to be Genshin Impact, offering a high production value thanks to an incredible art design by Studio Ghibli. For sure, Level 5 has knocked this out of the park as far as the game's graphical design goes. Sadly all of the game's mechanics have been pulled from the typical MMORPG formula mobile games love to shove in your face, like an excessive forced tutorial and endless notifications. Plus, it has all kinds of junk spread across your screen, from pointless buttons to all sorts of areas for alerts. The pièce de résistance? The whole thing is autoplay, from questing to battling.

If you're simply in it for the story, you're free to explore the tale as the game plays itself. If you're a huge Ghibli fan, you can play for free to experience a new story in the Ni no Kuni universe. And really, if you treat the release like a gorgeous idle game, then you can tap your way through without much of an investment, all while taking in the beautiful art and music. Still, this is a gacha game with heavy monetization, so expect some grind and plenty of roadblocks along your journey.

Relic Hunters: Rebels

Android Police coverage: Relic Hunters brings its looter-shooter gameplay to Netflix Games

Netflix has been launching quality mobile games on its fledgling gaming service for a few months now, and this month there were quite a few releases, starting with Relic Hunters: Rebels. This top-down shooter offers roguelike mechanics, and since it's on Netflix, there are no in-app purchases or ads. You're free to enjoy the game as long as you have access to a Netflix account.

You will have to use the touch controls, as there is only partial controller support. This means you have to play with the touch controls, but at least they work well enough. More or less, this is a premium release that offers casual run and gunplay styled after the console and PC games in the series. So think of Relic Hunters: Rebels as a bite-sized offering in the series that suits mobile, and you'll have a fine time.

Townsmen

Android Police coverage: Netflix Games launches Townsmen and Dragon Up, as another expected game goes MIA

Like Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, Netflix is learning that building a library of games is challenging. To pad its numbers, some of these games are simply re-releases of older titles with their monetization removed, and Townsmen is one such game. That doesn't mean this is a bad game; it just means we've seen it before. Townsmen is a standard mobile city-building game, now without any greedy monetization to ruin the flow. So if you have a Netflix account, you can check out the new version of Townsmen.

Dragon Up

Android Police coverage: Netflix Games launches Townsmen and Dragon Up, as another expected game goes MIA

This is another pre-existing mobile game that's now found its way to Netflix. Unlike Townsmen, the original Dragon Up listing was taken down from the Play Store to return under Netflix as the publisher, with all of the in-app purchases removed, making for a premium experience. Dragon Up is an idle collection game, so it's very casual. You'll tap on the screen to kick things off, then manage your earnings to gain dragons and unlock new habitats. It's a simple setup that's fun enough if you enjoy idle games, and now that the awful monetization is gone, it's much easier to enjoy.

Moonlighter

Android Police coverage: Netflix Games launches Townsmen and Dragon Up, as another expected game goes MIA

Thanks to performance issues, the Netflix version of Moonlighter was quickly pulled from the Play Store on release day, but it soon came back once the problem was fixed. This is an action RPG, somewhat similar to a Zelda game, and you'll dive into dungeons searching for loot that you can sell in your shop. Plus, there are roguelike elements to keep things fresh.

Like the rest of the Netflix tile in today's list, an account is required to play, but this does mean each game is premium, without any ads or in-app purchases to ruin the experience. Of course, if you happen to live in Canada, Moonlighter should already be available as a non-Netflix release, which is also a premium release.

Exploding Kittens

Netflix announced that Exploding Kittens would land on Android on May 31st, and it indeed did. Sure, the game was already available on the Play Store, but now that there's a new version under Netflix, you can expect an experience free of in-app purchases (granted, there weren't that many, to begin with). For those unfamiliar with the title, this is a card game. It's a digital adaptation of a popular party game that plays out like a round of Russian roulette, where whoever pulls an exploding kitten from the deck is out until there's one player remaining.

The setup is simple enough for just about anyone to grasp, which makes this a great party game. Best of all, Netflix plans to produce an Exploding Kittens TV show, which means the Netflix version of the game will see exclusive content that will more than likely tie into the upcoming show. So if you're an Exploding Kittens fan, the Netflix version of the mobile game is probably the version you should stick with.

Gunfire Reborn

Gunfire Reborn is an indie shooting roguelike that has been available on PC and consoles since 2021, ported to Android, offering the same FPS action. Controller support is included, but only for PlayStation and Xbox controllers. Still, it's nice to see some controllers supported at release, as this FPS plays great with proper thumbsticks. Sure, the on-screen controls are good enough to play, but bring a controller along if you want to excel.

This is a premium release, and you can snag a copy for $7. While there is an in-app purchase listed on the Play Store, it doesn't appear to be utilized yet, but it is there when the developer launches extra characters. So if you're looking for an enjoyable FPS that works with controllers, and offers RPG roguelike play, you should check out Gunfire Reborn.

This Is the President

Another port to mobile, This Is the President is a story-based management game, similar to a point and click adventure, with management mechanics on top. You'll spend your time ratifying an amendment to ensure your past crimes won't be prosecuted. It's a strange setup for a somewhat refreshing game, though the mechanics never allow the story to reach its full potential.

Still, as a mobile release, This Is the President holds up much better than on PC, where the competition is much larger. So, if you're a fan of puzzle-based adventure games or dig management sims, you'll probably get a kick out of This Is the President.

Rotaeno

Rhythm games are fairly popular on mobile, thanks to simple interfaces where you simply tap buttons on the screen, timed with a song's beat. Rotaeno turns this simple setup on its head with a rotation mechanic (the clue is in the name). As music plays and the beats you need to hit stream across your screen, these rows of beats will rotate, which means you need to counteract this rotation by physically turning your phone as you play. At first, this can be intimidating, but it starts to click with practice.

Like most mobile rhythm games, Rotaeno is free-to-play, and it does contain in-app purchases, but at least these purchases don't get as lofty as the competition. Still, the goal is to sell you more music, but at least this is an honest business model. So if you'd like to check out the latest rhythm to hit the Play Store, a game that brings something new to the genre, then there's no hard installing Rotaeno to see what it's all about.

The King of Fighters '95

Like Netflix, SNK has been releasing games at a breakneck pace, so we have a handful of titles from the company that launched over the last month. The King of Fighters '95 is easily one of the top standouts. This is a classic fighting game, up there with the Street Fighter series. Of course, since this is a classic game, it's displayed in 4:3 with pillarboxed visuals on the side. Controller support is included, though it's somewhat hidden behind an icon and has to be toggled.

Honestly, you'll want to play this with a controller, as it will be a tough game to beat with the touch controls. The King of Fighters '95 is a premium release on Android, available for $4, so there are no ads or in-app purchases to ruin the experience.

Aero Fighters 2

If you're looking for a top-down shooter to play, Aero Fighters 2 is a new release from SNK that offers the classic gameplay of the sequel. This is a typical arcade shooter, so it's pretty challenging. The touch controls do work well with this style of game, so you won't have to bring a controller along to play this one. The good news is that controllers are supported. It's a great way to play a classic shooter like this since the game was created to offer a challenge to kids with pockets full of quarters.

World Heroes

This is another fighting game from SNK, the first title in a series of four dating back to 1992. While it's a lesser-known series than something like The King of Fighters, it's still a solid contender worthy of your time if you enjoy classic 90s fighting games. Like the rest of SNK's recent ACA releases, this title supports physical controllers. It's recommended to use one as the game is challenging, and the touch controls just aren't good enough to master the game. Still, if you have a controller lying around, this is an enjoyable fighting game that many gamers may have missed when it was in arcades.

Blue's Journey

Now for a brief reprieve from classic fighting games and shooters, Blue's Journey is a side-scrolling platforming game from SNK. This is a title that was available on the home console Neo Geo as well as arcades and even saw a port to Neo Geo CD. To say this was a standout platformer during Neo Geo's prime would be correct; it's a fan-favorite platformer that offers excellent pixel graphics that still looks great to this day. The game has aged well, and thanks to the included controller support, it's a joy to play. Heck, even the touch controls are fine enough! Remember, the game will be challenging, so a controller may help with the difficulty to ensure your inputs are precise.

Voodoo Detective

Point and click adventure games are a fantastic genre to explore on mobile, thanks to mechanics that lend themselves well to touchscreen play. Pointing and clicking have never been easier now that we can use our fingers instead of a mouse. Thanks to its simple controls, enjoyably amusing story, and colorful graphics, the latest point and click title to land on Android is easily worth a look. The game is supposedly inspired by Monkey Island, a classic point and click from the LucasArts era. So if you're a fan, you should probably give Voodoo Detective a look, especially if you enjoy stories that revolve around voodoo culture.

Skeletal Avenger

Roguelikes are all the rage anymore, which means devs get to avoid level design; a lazy path, though this has resulted in some great games. Even though you might not have heard of Skeletal Avenger, it's easily a worthy hack and slash to grind your days away. Best of all, it's a premium release you can pick up for $6, and there are no ads or in-app purchases included. The game has been available on Steam for the last year and is still showing positive reviews, so if you were wondering if it has longevity, it sure does.

Knotwords

Ever since Wordle landed earlier this year as a breakout word game success, to the point The New York Times purchased the game from its creator, it would seem everyone dashed to create their own word game. This has resulted in even more noteworthy titles, such as the release of Knotwords on the Play Store. This is more a logic puzzler than a strict word game, where the goal is to arrange all letters so that every word is valid. It's much more challenging than you'd think, but that's why the game's so fun.

So if you've been looking to fill a Wordle hole in your heart with something new, Knotwords is easily worth a look. Plus, it's a free download, and you can unlock the full game for $11.99 through a single in-app purchase if you like what you see.

Sokobond

Sokobond combines classic Sokoban tile-shuffling gameplay with molecular mind bends, creating something pretty original while still feeling familiar enough that you're not lost. That's to say, chemistry knowledge isn't required; anyone can tackle this title, and you just might learn something as you play. There are over 100 levels to explore, with an inviting minimal design to it all, not to mention a beautiful soundtrack. So don't miss out, especially if you enjoy Sokoban games.

Dislyte

Last but not least for the month of May, is Dislyte, the latest Genshin-like to land on the Play Store, offering incredible graphics. Sadly the gameplay falters as it's a typical free-to-play RPG, where you'll collect a team of heroes while building them up to take on team-based content that resembles every other team-based RPG on the Play Store. So even though this title offers a fancy coat of paint that's up there with games like Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, much like Ni no Kuni, the rest is familiar gacha RPG territory designed to suck up money. Whether or not you can ignore this monetization is another matter, so if you don't mind F2P gacha games, then you can go into this one knowing it at least offers a slick theme.

The best new Android games for April 2022

Total War: Medieval II

Android Police coverage: Total War: Medieval II is here to deliver massive battles on small screens

Feral Interactive is well known in the industry for its ports, as this company is a port house, but these ports stretch beyond macOS and Linux, as the studio has been pumping out Android ports for years now, and the latest is Total War: Medieval II. Of course, Total War: Medieval II is regarded as one of the Total War games ever made.

Granted, this is an older game that dates back to 2006, and while the Android version is new, sporting a fresh touchscreen interface, pre-existing mods for the PC that alleviate some of the clunky UI aren't available on Android. Still, the base game is great, especially on tablets. Heck, the game even supports keyboards and mice if you prefer something a little more tactile than a touchscreen.

Rovio Classics: Angry Birds

Android Police coverage: The original Angry Birds is back, and it's as great as ever

Rovio has rebuilt the original Angry Birds with the Unity engine for a modern release that delivers the classic's familiar slingshot gameplay. Thankfully, the developer has seen fit to offer the game as a premium release, with a single price attached. There are no ads or in-app purchases, just pure bird-slinging fun. There are 390 levels to explore, and earning three stars in each will surely take many replays, which means this title has legs wings.

So if you were a huge fan of the original or simply never got to try the classic, now that Rovio Classics: Angry Birds is available, everyone has another opportunity to take the game for a spin.

Danganronpa V3:Killing Harmony

Android Police coverage: Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is the latest entry in the murder-mystery franchise on Android

The first two games in the Danganronpa series launched on Android back in 2020, but thanks to a pandemic, it would appear the third was delayed. Well, as of this last month, Killing Harmony is now available on the Play Store as a premium release. This is the third-anniversary release in the original trilogy, which means this trilogy is now complete on Android.

Like previous games in the series, this is a visual novel where you're stuck in a school with a killer, and so it's up to you to find the killer by any means necessary. New mini-games are in the mix, along with new characters. So if you've been waiting for the third and final game in the original Danganronpa series to land on Android, now's your chance.

Echoes of Mana

Android Police coverage: Echoes of Mana is now available on Android as a free-to-play release

If you're big into Square Enix's Mana ARPG series, then you may want to check out Echoes of Mana. This is a free-to-play gacha game released as part of the 30th anniversary of the series. It offers the typical gacha gameplay found in most games on the Play Store, where you'll collect heroes to build a team to take down baddies. The combat is real-time, and you can switch your characters on the fly, where you'll use a rock paper scissors mechanic to rule supreme.

Of course, gacha and Square are a questionable combination, and so this is a game with in-app purchases that reach up to $80. Luckily we have a handy guide to help navigate the title's character pulls, so as long as you know what you're getting into, there is some fun to be had as you build out your perfect Mana team. Just be prepared for poor optimization and long load times.

Crush the Castle Legacy

Armor Games had some early breakout success with three Crush the Castle titles, though these games haven't aged well. Well, in recent years, there's been a trend of old mobile titles receiving new updated versions to bring older games back to their glory days, and so Armor Games has launched Crush the Castle Legacy, a game collection that offers all the content from Crush the Castle, Crush the Castle: Players Pack, Crush the Castle 2, Crush the Castle 2: Players Pack, and Crush the Castle: Adventures. That's three separate games in one, which adds up to over 300+ levels of castle-crushing content.

Keep in mind that these games haven't been remastered that much, where all titles still display in 4:3 instead of widescreen, and performance could be improved too. Still, if you were a fan of the originals, you're going to get a kick out of this release thanks to its enjoyable gameplay that offers a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Crux: The Great Outdoors

In 2020, a delightful climbing game called Crux launched on the Play Store. It's a game that's all about rock climbing, and this month its sequel just dropped, and it's even better than the first implementation. While the original was designed around minimal graphics, The Great Outdoors steps it up a notch with colorful backgrounds that add some flair to each level. The goal is still the same, climb walls through a sequence of moves to reach the top.

Players can compete for high scores, and thanks to the game's design, each stage works a bit like a puzzle, where the shortest route that can be completed in the least amount of time won't be apparent, at least not at first. This means trial and error is the key to success, which allows for a good bit of longevity, especially if you're looking to compete for high scores.

Slime Labs 2

Just like the first entry in the series, the sequel will see you squishing and stretching your slime blob, as this is a physic's-based platforming series. Like all sequels, you can expect expanded features, like a heavier reliance on item collection. New biomes are also in the mix, along with themeable slimes, not to mention a handful of new mechanics that keep things fresh.

While Slime Labs 2 is available for free with advertisements, you can pay to remove these ads through a single $2 in-app purchase, which means this is a premium release if you want it to be. Thankfully the asking price is well worth the cost, as this is an enjoyable physics-based platformer that feels right at home on a touchscreen.

FATAL FURY 2 ACA NEOGEO

The next release from SNK is Fatal Fury 2, and this is a classic fighting game, similar to Street Fighter, but of course, offers familiar Neo Geo characters, like Terry, Andy, and Joe. Sure, Fatal Fury and Street Fighter used to duke it out in the arcades, with games in the respective series borrowing ideas from one another, but still, if you were a mall rat back in the early 90s, then you already know NEO GEO offers a bit more prestige thanks to its 32-bit graphics.

For all intents and purposes, Fatal Fury 2 is an absolute classic fighting game, and the good news is that controllers are supported, which means you can play this like a proper 90s fighting game, as the touch controls simply aren't serviceable enough for a game that relies on twitch response times. While this may put a damper on the portable play, it's not like you can't mess around for fun; just don't expect to clear the game with touch controls.

SHOCK TROOPERS 2nd Squad

If you're looking to run and gun, Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad offers a good time shooting baddies left and right. Like all of these Arcade Archives releases, controller support is included (if a little hidden), and for this release, the touch controls easily work in a pinch. After all, this is basically a top-down shooter, so it's not like the controls are complicated.

Still, this is a tough game, as it was initially designed for the arcade, which means it's often weighed against the player. There's a lot to like here if you enjoy such things, thanks to the delightful graphics and gameplay that requires skill. Of course, the two Neo Geo titles in today's list weren't the only games to land on the platform in the last month; you can also pick up Super Sidekicks, Art of Fighting, and Sengoku.

Rhythm Fighter

Combine Crypt of the Necrodancer with Castle Crashers, sprinkle in some roguelike mechanics (why not), and you're getting close to what Rhythm Fighter has to offer. Thanks to the game's procedurally generated content, there's tons of replayability here, and if you can keep a beat, you can play this game.

What's cool is that the game is presented as something of a fighter, with plenty of characters to choose from that offer their own zany moves. This is a game with style, and the characters easily illustrate that. So as far as rhythm games go, Rhythm Fighter is a top-notch release that should keep players busy for a good while, which is pretty much all you can ask of a mobile game. Thanks to enjoyable gameplay and fair monetization, this one's a winner.

Hot Lap League: Racing Mania!

When you find most racers to be boring, perhaps something like Hot Lap League is more your speed. Sure, this is a racing game, but its tracks are the star of the show, as these courses encourage stunt racing, with crazy designs that encourage creative routes. Much like Trackmania, Hot Lap League encourages you to explore each track to find the best routes.

So think of this title as a quirky game where you'll race your car right off the track, to then land back on the track, where you'll immediately climb up a wall or speed through a loop. Even better, the monetization doesn't get too high, though controller support is missing. Still, there's high framerate support, which is a nice touch.

Lost Yeti

Lost Yeti is another release from NEUTRONIZED this month, but unlike Slime Labs 2, this isn't a platformer; it's a puzzler. Much like a classic Sokoban title, you'll slide blocks to create routes to each stage's goal. Essentially, it's up to you to build a path for the yeti by moving ice blocks around the screen. There are three worlds to explore spread across 60 levels, which should keep players busy, especially if you tackle this piecemeal in your downtime.

No prince needed

This is a game that popped up on Reddit and received immediate attention from readers, thanks to quality puzzle-based play. Sure, the graphics are simple, even generic, but it's the puzzle play that stands out, thanks to the quality level design. Each stage is its own puzzle, and it will be your job to platform your way to the goal by interacting with the stage's objects. It's a simple setup, and it works well.

Best of all, this is a free release, absent of in-app purchases or advertisements, which means everyone can take this for a spin to see precisely what it's all about.

Watcher Chronicles

This is a game that's labeled as a 2D souls-like, and that's pretty apt since this is a game that also offers dungeon crawler gameplay, where you'll hack and slash your way to victory, all while dodging and rolling like a madman. Of course, victory will be hard-won. This is an incredibly challenging game by design for those that enjoy such challenges.

Controller support is included, which is great to see when this is such a challenging title, and you can even have a friend join you for local co-op; even if they want to play with a controller, there is no need for two Android devices. Heck, there's even a game+ mode for those who really want to sink some time into the game, but be warned, the game+ mode is even more challenging.