Billabong Surf Trip – Android Game Review

Overview I’ve enjoyed surfing games since I played T & C Surf Designs on the NES back in the day, and have been on the lookout for a good Android surfing game. I’m happy to say that a new game from Biodroid called Billabong Surf Trip is a slick new surfing game that was well worth the wait.   Gameplay Controlling your surfer and catching the right wave is made simple the way Biodroid has set things up. Once you see a wave you can paddle out to it or use the arrow to go directly to the action. The size and color of the arrow let you know what type of wave is headed your way; it’s basically a color system where red is bad, yellow is decent, and green is the best. Your left joystick controls the surfer while the right one lets you pull off maneuvers. You can also tilt your phone to ride the tube if you hit the sweet spot on a wave. Pulling off sick moves does require energy and you can build some up by pulling off simple maneuvers, you will lose energy if you wipe out so you’ll definitely want to stay on the board.   Features Billabong Surf Trip is all about surfing so you’re going to get some moves, but you’ll get some gear as well. You can customize your characters general appearance and then deck him out with over 30 different pieces of gear including shorts, shirts, and wetsuits. There are six different moves you can pull off with Aeriels, Cutbacks, Curving 360’s, and Snaps just to name a few. When you pull off moves you’ll earn the games form of currency called Mondo points, and you’ll use those points to buy new boards and gear from the surf shop. Verdict Overall, Billabong Surf Trip is a great surfing game and great addition to the market. The controls are responsive and make pulling off tricks fun; the game also has some depth with all the unlockable gear and different beaches. Billabong Surf Trip is free to download but I’m unsure of how many spots (says 18) you get as there’s an option to “upgrade” the game through an in-app purchase for $3.27 that gives you 11 more surf spots along with new maneuvers, boards, and shorts. After looking at market comments it seems as if some people have issues running the game on particular phones, that being said I’m happy to report I had no issues with the game on both devices I ran it on (captivate and streak) . If you feel like tearing up the waves for awhile you can pick up Biodroid’s Billabong Surf Shop in the Android market.  Market Link – Billabong Surf Trip

Android Games

A Review of Tappily Ever After for Android

  Overview appily Ever After is a new Android game from Pocket Gems that lets you build an animal park full of exotic species and as the fairytale name implies, you also get you rescue a princess. It’s a Zoo game with a storyline, villains, and scores of animals to tame and breed. Gameplay When you first fire up the game you’ll go through a brief walkthrough that shows you the basics through series of tasks. You basically buy animals, breed them and decorate your castle grounds to suit your liking. When you reach a certain level you’re given the ability to cross breed animals; I just bred a Leafy Sea Dragon on my first try so I’m sure there are some wacky animals to breed further into the game. Tappily Ever After is also a time based game meaning that you’ll collect coins & Xp from every animal you place and breed; each animal pays out at after a certain amount of time, you just have to go back to collect. You can also tame the villain’s creatures and make them your own but I haven’t gotten that far along with things yet. Features As Tappliy Ever After is a building game at heart there are plenty of things to build and animals to place. You’ll buy your stuff from the animals or store section; the animals section gives you everything from a basilisk to an arctic wolf while the store section lets you buy trees, décor, walls, rivers, sidewalks, buildings, extra land and staff. At rough count there are around 60 things to snag from the store and I’ve unlocked 20+ animals at only level 5. Everything in the game will cost you silver or crowns; silver is earned through your animals and by completing tasks while crowns can only be bought via an in-app purchase or through completing offers. Verdict Tappily Ever After is a great little Zoo game with plenty of items and animals to unlock. It is a free game, but a lot of the content can only be gotten through crowns which have to be purchased. Even without buying crowns there’s still a lot to do, but if you want all the animals or at least some of the cooler ones you’re going to have to pay for them or download some apps. Either way it’s a solid Zoo game with crisp graphics and plenty of depth, and it’s a game that most casual gamers should enjoy. You can pick up Pocket Gem’s Tappily Ever After for free in the Android market.   Market Link – Tappily Ever After

Android Games

Mojo Bones prepares to Unleash The Curse for Android

Overview he guys at Mojo Bones introduced themselves to the world of Android a few weeks back with a cool Android game called Tongue Tied! They’ve been pretty busy since then having released a Valentine’s Day update for Tongue Tied while putting the finishing touches on a new game titled “The Curse.” The team’s effort is a total 360 from their first as this time around you’ll delve deep into the mysteries of The Curse while you take on the trickster simply known as The Mannequin… Mojo Bones has kept The Curse under wraps for the most part, but here’s what we’ve learned so far. It’s a puzzle game, but a puzzle game with a storyline as you attempt to solve the mysteries in an ancient book. This old tome has 100 pages which means you’ll have a whopping 100 puzzles to work your way through as you put your logic solving skills to the test. We don’t have anything in the way of screens, but a few things in the trailer did pique my interest. The old record player, cyptic symbols, the laid back jazzy soundtrack, and the very mysterious looking mask with the monocle. We may not know what the gameplay actually looks like yet, but the trailer has definitely left me curious. No official release date has been announced yet, but I’ve been told in good confidence that it will be sometime in April. The Curse looks to be a great new puzzler with a classic vibe, and it’s definitely a game I look forward to checking out when it arrives. We’ll keep you updated on The Curse as news comes in, until then you can check out Tongue Tied! or Mojo Bones facebook page for more info on the studio and The Curse. Mojo Bones – http://www.mojobones.co.uk/

Android Games

Top 10 Android Games of the Week – February 19, 2012

  We’re back on track this week with another edition of our best picks from the wild world of the Android market. Whether you like shooters, sports, puzzles or sneezing there’s a little something for everyone this week as we start to bring the month to a close. Without further ado, here are our Top 10 Android Games of the Week for February 19, 2012… 1. Baseball Superstars 2012 Every year there are a few games I “know” are coming out, and I got to see one of those last week with Gamevil’s Baseball Superstars 2012. The newest iteration of their baseball staple has updated graphics along with new characters, and a few other nice additions. It’s part baseball game and part sim; either way you choose to play it the game is a whole lot of fun. You can get Gamevil’s Baseball Superstars for free in the Android market. 2. Sneezies Achoo! That’s something you’re going to hear a lot of in a new game from Retro Dreamer called Sneezies. The Sneezies are colorful little characters that have become trapped in bubbles, your job is to help them get free by throwing a little sneezing powder into the mix which causes quite the chain reaction. The game has multiple game modes, 50+ levels, and lots of colorful little sneezies. It’s a fun new bubble-popper that you can pick up for free in the market. 3, Paladog A slick little game called Paladog crept into the market a few weeks back and somehow remained under my radar until a few days ago. FazeCat Co. has put out a crazy looking game that lets you control Paladog as he battles his way past the demons of hell to gain control back of Critterland. As bizarre as the premise may sound, the game is solid and a blast to play. I plan on spending some more time with this little gem in the coming days and will give a more in-depth report towards the end of the week. No free version is available, but you can pick up the full version of Paladog for $1.99. 4. Monster Shooter Gamelion Studios dropped a new dual-stick shooter into the market this week called Monster Shooter and it’s by far the best looking “free” 2D shooter I’ve played in quite some time. You’re on a quest to rescue your cat from some evil aliens and it’s going to be a bloody battle as you take out swarms of aliens with weapons ranging from shotguns to nukes. This action-packed game has a lot of levels, plenty of weapons and more aliens than you can shake a stick at. You can check out Monster Shooter for free in the Android market. 5. Azkend Azkend is a new puzzler from 10Tons Ltd that takes gamers on a trip to the magical (and puzzling) world of Azkend. It’s not your typical match this – swap that puzzler either as Azkend has a storyline, beautiful backdrops and top-notch gameplay. If...

Android Games

A Long Way Home – Android Game Review

Overview You’re a lonely astronaut who’s lost his ship and is stranded 100 light years from Earth. You’re all alone and all you want to do is make it back, but its A Long Way Home… That’s the premise behind a great new Indie game called A Long Way Home from Jonathan Mulcahy. After spending some time with the game I can tell you that it’s quite the journey and I’m glad it’s a long one because the game is a blast to play. Gameplay When you first crank up the game you’re given the back-story of our stranded astronaut which unfortunately ends with you being stranded on a piece of floating rock. You’ll need to jump from asteroid to asteroid and collect all the Dark Matter you see so you can open a portal to the next level. Basically, you’ll need to line yourself up with a nearby asteroid, jump and let gravity do the rest. There’s a little room for error, but if you’re off by much you’ll miss your landing and drift off into space. Once you’ve collected enough Dark Matter you’ll open a portal that you can jump through which leads to the next level. Features As the name might imply A Long Way Home takes gamers on a journey that covers a lot of ground with 100 levels spread out across 10 different galaxies. It starts out fairly easy but gets tougher when you start dealing with things like comets and exploding asteroids. The game has two different control setups; I used the simple on-screen control setup, but you can use the accelerometer if you want a little extra difficulty. There aren’t any extras to speak of, but a game like this doesn’t need them as the gameplay, graphics and atmosphere are the stars of the show. Verdict From the opening scene and conversation with Eddie I was sucked into the game and have had a hard time putting it down since. The gameplay is easy to pull off but challenging to master and the game as a whole is really top-notch. There are a few minor things need to be fixed (back button), but overall it’s a great effort and an Indie hit in the making. Not many games make you “feel” something, but A Long Way Home seems to hit just the right chord with me as I’m sure it will with others. It’s a great game and an Indie I think everyone should check out. You can pick up A Long Way Home for $0.99 cents in the Android market.   Market Link – A Long Way Home

Android Games

Solve the Mystery behind The Magician’s Handbook by G5 Entertainment

  Overview Fans of Hidden Object games are in for a treat this week as the folks at G5 Entertainment have just released a new Android game called The Magician’s Handbook.G5 has already had success with hits like Mystery of the Crystal Portal and Special Inquiry Detail, so it’s pretty safe to say The Magician’s Handbook looks to be a solid entry into the genre Hidden Object games. You have received the fabled “Magician’s Handbook” and are beckoned to a mysterious, nameless place to search hand-painted backgrounds for hidden enchanted objects. You’ll used incantations and other tricks to reveal pages of the sacred book as you make your way through 13 gorgeous, but puzzling levels. The levels do look good and have been fairly challenging so far which is a good thing as nobody wants a hidden object game that’s too easy. There are 2 gameplay modes with casual & apprentice and 12 challenging mini-games that are sure to keep you busy for awhile as you work your way through the mysteries of The Magicians Handbook. Verdict G5 Entertainment has put out some top-notch games over the past year and The Magician’s Handbook is another nice addition to their catalog. In my brief time spent with the game it seems to be a good Hidden Object game that fans or newcomers to the genre will definitely dig. If you’d like to try and unlock the mysteries of the Magician’s Handbook you can check it out for free in the Android Market.   Market Link – The Magician’s Handbook

Android Games

Take charge of a Planet with Simusphere’s Robotic Planet for Android

  Overview Robotic Planet is a new Real-Time Strategy game from Simusphere that lets you control robots while you explore and settle a small planet. Awesome name aside, I’m happy to say that Robotic Planet is also one of the best new RTS game’s I’ve seen in quite some time… The premise of the game puts you in charge of an army of tiny little robots and you’ll need to gather resources, construct buildings, set up an economy, and do all the little things that come into play when you run a robotic city. If that’s not enough for you, you also get to produce new robots and you’ll need them to defend your city from attack and to take down your opponents base. It kind of reminds me of old school RTS’s like Command & Conquer but with little robots instead of Yuri & the Soviets. Robotic Planet has 21 scenario maps, a map generator, WiFi/Bluetooth multi-player, and lots of cool units and buildings to produce. Verdict I’ve only played the game for around half an hour, but so far it’s a big thumbs up. The graphics are simple but nice, and the game’s got some depth as well with 21 scenarios and the included map generator. If you’re a fan of Real Time Strategy games (or Robots) you’ll definitely want to give Robotic Planet a try. There’s a demo version to let you get a feel for the game or you can dive straight into the full version for $1.49. Both versions of Robotic Planet are available for download in the Android market. Market Link – Robotic Planet Lite

Android Games

Terran Droid releases Cheese Tower for Android

  Overview Cheese Tower is a new block stacking game from Terran Droid that puts you to work separating the mice from the cheese. I’ve enjoyed a few of the other block stacking games that are out there, so when I noticed Cheese Tower in the market I knew I had to take it for a spin and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Your goal in Cheese Tower is to break all the “mouse” blocks while saving as many cheese blocks as you can. The blocks are stacked into different configurations on a platform, and you’ll need to tactically remove the mouse blocks without knocking off the cheese. The blocks are removed by tapping; it’s a very simple (and fun) setup that most of us have seen before. You’re given 3 cheese lives to start each stage and lose one every time a piece falls off the platform. Any or all of the cheese you’ve got left from the 3 you started with is added up and goes towards unlocked the next cheesy channel in the game. Cheese Tower’s levels come in four different flavors with Kids, Normal, Expert, and Insane. There are 25 levels in the first world so I’m guessing the others have at least that many as well. There aren’t any real extras to speak of, but the amount of levels and degree of difficulty should keep gamers busy for awhile. Verdict Cheese Tower is a great addition to Terran Droids lineup and a fun game to play. The overall theme of the game is great, it has some very slick graphics and the soundtrack fits the game to a tee. It’s family friendly and simple to pick up and play, if you’d like to give Cheese Tower a try you can get it in the Android market for free. Market Link – Cheese Tower

Android Games

Jeebumm releases Taumi – Disc Challenge for Android

  Overview Taumi is a new Android game from Jeebumm that takes the classic games of Air Hockey and Ping Pong and combines them into something new. If you’re in the mood for some Tron like disc slinging fun, Taumi – Disc Challenge might be just the game for you. The game takes place in one of several arenas; you’ll take to one side while your opponent takes the other. Your goal is to keep the disc out of the goal by catching it, and once you’ve caught it you’ll want to send it screaming back towards your challenger. The first one to score the set amount of points takes the game; it’s a simple premise and it’s fairly easy to play. Movement and firing your disk is all done through a virtual d-pad of sorts; you hold in the direction you want to go, slide by double tapping and throw by tapping in the red zone on the pad. There are some pretty cool power-ups in there as well, to use those you just need to collect them when they appear and tap your player to activate them. Verdict Taumi – Disc Challenge is a great looking game that’s very easy on the eyes, but the controls could use a bit of adjusting. Moving your little man about is easy, but it can be difficult to aim your disk at times. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but it could use a little fine tuning. Overall, it’s a fun quick-play game that’s definitely worth a look. You can pick up Taumi – Disk Challenge in the Android market for free. Market Link – Taumi Disc Challenge

Android Games

Fabulapps releases New Puzzler Kiko: The Last Totem

  Overview Can you help Kiko get his precious totem back? That’s the premise behind Fabulapps new Android game Kiko: The Last Totem. Kiko is a cat and you’ll have to guide said kitty through 80 exciting levels on his way victory and his long lost totem. The levels are laid out in a maze of sorts; Kiko is at one end with your goal at the other. You’ll move Kiko by sliding your finger in the direction you want to go, but once you start moving you won’t stop until you hit an obstacle. You will get some help along the way from transporters, and a few other devices; Kiko’s feline friends even stop in to lend a hand as well. The game offers up 80 levels split across three levels of difficulty; easy and medium have 30 a piece while hard gives you 20. There is a store that lets you buy extra levels, goodies, and even a level editor so you can make your own stages to share. Verdict I’ve only played through a handful of levels so far, but I definitely like what I see. The levels look great and definitely offer up a challenge while the in-app section of the app is nice as well and the prices on the extras are very reasonable.  Kiko: The Last Totem is a nice puzzler and one that folks should definitely check out. You can pick up Fabulapps Kiko: The Last Totem in the Android market for free. Market Link – Kiko: The Last Totem

Android Games