Android Central: The Guardians of the Galaxy are here to save the day! [Best New Games for Android]

Friday, April 28, 2017

The Guardians of the Galaxy are here to save the day! [Best New Games for Android]

What are the latest games worth checking out in the Google Play Store?

There are thousands and thousands of games available in the Google Play Store, with more being added every month. With so much content hitting the app store, it can be damn near impossible to keep up on all the latest releases and determine which games are worth your time.

Here at Android Central, we want to help. We'll be using this space to let you know about the latest gaming releases for Android that we think deserve your attention. We'll be checking in and updating this page weekly as new games are released, so refresh often!

Update, April 28: Become a Guardian of the Galaxy in the latest Telltale game series, destroy all robot competitors in CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars, and then give your brain a puzzle workout with Invert.

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series

The Guardians of the Galaxy are heading back to the big screen on May 5th, but you can check in with Star Lord, Gamora, Drex, Rocket and Groot on your phone in Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series. A total of five episodes are set to be released, with the first available right now and season passes available for purchase via in-app purchases.

If you were a fan of the first GotG movie (and really, how could you not love it?), you may be slightly disappointed to know that they couldn't get the film's cast in the game — neither their voices or likenesses. Fans of the comic may be unfazed, but for those who fell in love with these characters from the movie, the differences are a bit jarring at first. However, the classic tunes and witty dialogue more than make up for it, and the game really builds steam.

Telltale Games have a very particular style to them and tell a great story that is affected by the choices you make through the game. At its best moments, it feels like you're really in control of an action sequence from the film. As usual, Telltale Games have done a great job of capturing the tone of the film while delivering an original story.

There are some downsides; while the game itself is available for Family Sharing, the in-app purchase to unlock the season pass is locked to that device, and the loading times can get pretty out of hand. But if you're hyped for the new movie, we definitely recommend checking out the game.

Download: Guardians of the Galaxy TTG ($4.99, $24.99 for a season pass)

CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars

Build your own custom war machine and battle opponents in automatic PvP combat in CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars. It's a pretty unique concept that's been getting a pretty huge advertising push around its launch.

This is the latest game from ZeptoLab, the folks behind the wildly popular Cut the Rope franchise, which typically means it's worthy of our attention. Put your best engineering hat on as you design, craft, and upgrade your battle robot and then take it to the arena. If you're a robotics geek, the battles play out like classic robot sumo matches, which play out automatically.

There's a lot of fun to be had here testing out all the different configurations for weapons, wheels, and other tools of destruction. You can play some quick matches or try and work your way up through the ranks upgrading your build quality as you go leading up to the World Championship. Even when you're not playing, your bot is still fighting on your behalf.

It's worth mention that the game does require some grinding for upgrades, and also features in-app purchases, but overall the combination of casual gameplay with frantic, physics-based robot action is surprisingly fresh and fun.

Download: CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars (Free w/IAPs)

Invert — Tile Flipping Puzzles

It still amazes me how game developers are able to constantly come up with great new puzzle puzzle game concepts for mobile. Invert is the latest great puzzle game published by Noodlecake Studios that's sure to be a hit for fans of Reversi, Go, and Rubiks Cubes.

To solve each puzzle, you must invert tiles using the buttons along the perimeter of the puzzle to flip the tiles. There are several ways to solve each puzzle and multiple modes to play:

Campaign: Solve levels in a set number of moves (no time limit)
Challenge: Solve levels against the clock (no move limit)
Expert: A harder version of Challenge mode

There are over 120 levels to play here and because it's a paid app there are no distracting ad or commercials. That's great, because the game definitely has a good zen vibe going with its design.

If you're a huge fan of puzzle games, $1.99 is a small price to pay for a really polished and challenging puzzle game.

Download: Invert ($1.99)