10. GRID Autosport Despite the five year difference between this
game's release on the PC and this Android port, Codemaster's 2014 racing game zoomed
through the yearly platform rankings and into a very respectable 10th place. In its previous
releases, GRID Autosport has been described as one of the generation's best racers. And,
though there were criticisms, it's not as prevalent in the Android transition.
It's console-quality racing on the go, with smooth, customizable controls, and content
spanning hundreds of cars and circuits, game modes, plus all of the game's DLCs in one
convenient package. It might come at a heavy price of 4 gigabytes but that's crumbs compared
to all the awesome Triple-A content that comes with it.
One of the gems of the TOCA series made available in a portable format, it gets a playscore
of 8.6
9. Rush Rally 3 Yes, we have another racing game. The third
installment to Brownmaster's racing series, Rush Rally 3 markets itself as one of the
realistic rally simulations out there. It's not quite the console-quality game that GRID
Autosport is, but what makes Rush Rally 3 a great addition to the Android roster is
its perfectly balanced mechanics.
Rally racing is really one of the most demanding sports in the racing genre. With this installment
of the Rush Rally series, they tinker with optimized controls to deliver an accurate
encapsulation of that atmosphere. On top of the impressive speed and controls, Rush Rally
3 also has tons to offer in terms of content. For less than five bucks, it gives players
72 different stages, that same number in cars and a variety of game modes to try your hand
on.
It's not the best in terms of graphics, but it more than makes up for it in style. It
has a playscore of 8.64
8. Whispers of a Machine Slowing us down from the breakneck speeds
of racing is this point and click adventure from Raw Fury. After the rave reviews of their
previous title, Kathy Rain, Whispers Of A Machine is a welcome treat as it explores
a mystery in the realm of science fiction. It tells the story of the cybernetically augmented
Vera who's tasked with investigating a series of murders but unfolds something a little
more sinister.
Adventures are always helped by a foundation of a great narrative and Whispers of a Machine
definitely has that. But to add to it is the layers of effective puzzles that are sprinkled
in between the twists and turns of Vera's journey. Short as it is, Whispers
of a Machine is an exquisite mystery that deserves all the praise it gets.
It has a playscore of 8.64
7. ANOTHER EDEN Android gems are hard to keep up with, but
if you're a fan of JRPGs, this is a title you can't miss. In name, it doesn't invoke
the classic titles of Square Enix's golden era. And, in story, it's typical JRPG fare
with a brave a hero journeying through time and space to save the future from darkness.
As simple as everything else is, what sets Another Eden apart from the rest is how it
brought together some of the genre's best minds. From Chrono Trigger's writer, Masato
Kato, to the musical talents of Yasunori Mitsuda and Shunsuke Tsuchiya. All of them coming
together to take a simple JRPG to the next level.
Unfortunately, it isn't a premium game. But, this fact never gets in the way of the enjoyment,
letting you enjoy the experience with or without the epic characters.
It has a playscore of 8.66
6. Star Traders: Frontiers Take control of a starship and venture into
a massive open universe in this turn-based strategy RPG from Trese Brothers. It's the
story of a galaxy-wide takeover and you get to sit in place of captain, commandeering
your crew against alien threats, political intrigue, and internal strife.
As an RPG, Star Traders offers plenty of paths to take, whether its spy, merchant, pirate
or any of its 26 different jobs. Not to mention its wide array of ship customizations and
loyal recruits that will help you forge your own path through a narrative of your own creation.
Star Traders: Frontiers is only one among many of Trese Brother's beloved RPG creations
and with this 2019 title, it looks like they're only getting better.
It has a playscore of 8.69
5. BTS WORLD Following their World Tours and collaboration
with international artist, Halsey, the Korean pop group, BTS has solidified itself as a
global sensation. Which is why it makes sense that this latest official game is making rounds
on the mobile.
With Netmarble's BTS World, not only do you get to know each of the talented boys, you
also get a few glimpses of their life outside the cameras. All of it through visual novel
narratives, short films, video calls, and even texts. For ultra fans, you can even dress
up each member as you please, from their wardrobe to their hairstyles. But, even for non-fans,
BTS World holds its own thanks to its manager sim style gameplay.
Addictive, charming, and well-written. Just like the boys themselves, BTS World casts
a wide net for audiences and it gets a playscore of 8.77
4. Oddmar This adventure game from Mobge Games already
made waves on the iOS, earning its top spot in the rankings last year. But, in 2019, it
carves its name on the top ranks of the Android too. First released in January, Oddmar has
consistently been the game to beat, offering players a unique Nordic paradise as a Viking
fighting to redeem his place in Valhalla.
It's a mobile platformer that has quality in every aspect. Its mushroomy jumping animation
is quirky but it works, and its level designs--ribbon-wrapped with a pleasant, magical atmosphere--is satisfying,
to say the least.
Oddmar seems to be a balancing act of sophisticated gameplay and cartoony, childlike wonder. Through
its move to the Android, it still continues to work like a charm, remaining a top-notch
title with a score of 8.78
3. Stardew Valley Speaking of smooth transitions from one platform
to the next, developer ConcernedApe's take on the classic Harvest Moon formula was undoubtedly
one of the most celebrated mobile releases this year. Already garnering a massive success
on its indie PC debut, Stardew Valley has made itself THE name in modern farm life RPGs.
It's a fusion of old and new.
While it invites nostalgia with its retro pixel aesthetics and chiptune soundtracks,
Stardew Valley is also loaded with activities. It expands the country sim from its simple
farming roots, letting you branch out into other branches of agriculture too. Bringing
the quiet and quaint experience into the portable format, Stardew Valley on the Android is yet
another feather in their cap.
It has a playscore of 8.83
2. Grimvalor Peace and quiet is one thing, but some of
us want a degree of punishment in their games and this game is for them. Considered the
Dark Souls equivalent on the mobile, Direlight's Grim Valor excelled at delivering brutal combat
and dark settings.
Unlike its iOS release, it arrived on the Android as a free to play demo, giving you
a taste of the action before you bring out the cash. It's a definitely an advantage for
the budget gamer, but ultimately, with its top-to-bottom slickness GrimValor proves itself
worthy of the investment.
Within its limited, mobile format, it offers visually stunning environments and a bestiary
of cool monsters to take down with its exhilarating combat.
Today's gold standard in portable hack and slash, it gets a playscore
of 8.87
1. Raiders of the North Sea Even before its translation into digital,
Raiders of the North Sea is already a renowned name in the board game sphere. It's a worker-placement
board game that challenges you to conquer the lands of the ice and snow all for gold
and fame. With that strong Viking premise, it's already a winner. But, with the talents
of Dire Wolf, Raiders of the North Sea continues to shine as a digital game too.
It translates the quiet and contemplative into a full-blown experience packed with beautiful
backdrops and glorious soundtracks that fully immerses you in your plundering. In a genre
ruled by competition, Raiders of the North Sea has plenty, not just in their active online
community but also against their decently challenging AI too.
Digital adaptations can be tough, but Dire Wolf Digital did an excellent job at creating
an experience we can enjoy for many years to come.
That's why it's our Android Game of the Year with a playscore of 9.1