15 Best Android Games

With the announcement that Rockstar is bringing Max Payne to Android and Temple Run hitting 5 million downloads on the platform, it’s clear that Android owners love mobile gaming as much as iPhone and iPad fans. Dual-core processors are now the norm and quad-core devices are slowly building momentum, so gamers have powerful pocket platforms for everything from casual titles to graphics-rich RPGs.

There are thousands of games in Google’s aptly named Play Store. However, don’t be taken in by knock-offs or boring games. These 15 games are favorites here at GBM. They range from deceptively simple casual games, physic-based puzzlers, games you can play with friends, and several safe for kids and adults.

What games did we miss? Let us know your favorite titles in the comments.

Grand Theft Auto III: 10th Anniversary Edition

Though this game is over ten years old, it’s still just as fun and addictive as it was back then, even if it’s no longer groundbreaking. Rockstar Games did a great job translating the PC and console game into something one can easily play on a tablet or smartphone thanks to the well-designed on-screen controls. Plus, I love that you can either play the missions or just go complete sandbox mode and ride around Liberty City getting into trouble.

Download Grand Theft Auto III for $4.99 on the Google Play Store

Anomaly Warzone Earth HD

If you are a strategy gamer who loves tower defense games, but is sick of always being on defense, this is the game for you. There are a number of levels and skill levels to bring enjoyment to users of any skill level. Unlike many games which hit a wall early on, requiring you to re-play levels to unlock the game you paid for, Anamoly flows smoothly. —Josh Smith

Download Anomaly Warzone Earth HD for $3.99 on the Google Play Store

SHADOWGUN

One of the most popular games designed for Tegra tablets, Shadowgun is often praised for the sick graphics, but graphics alone don’t make a great game. This title offers hours of immersive gameplay, multiple endings, and an engaging storyline. Loved by hardcore and casual gamers alike, Shadowgun appeals to anyone who relaxes by killing, crushing, and destroying digital enemies.

Download SHADOWGUN for $4.99 on the Google Play Store

Temple Run

After months and months of waiting Temple Run is finally available for Android. Well, most devices, anyway. The object is simple: run and keep running lest the evil monkeys catch and eat you. The game throws plenty of obstacles in your way: sharp turns, tree roots, fire, mysterious gaps. Flick your way over, under, and around them for as long as you can. The graphics here would look at home on a Nintendo 64, but the addictive and fast-paced gameplay more than makes up for that.

Download Temple Run for Free on the Google Play Store

Minecraft – Pocket Edition

Addicted to Minecraft? Then you’re going to love the pocket edition for mobile devices. Gamers can build with 36 different kinds of blocks in little pocket worlds to their heart’s content. You can even share worlds with friends as long as you’re on the same local network (Wi-Fi).

Download Minecraft – Pocket Edition for $6.99 on the Google Play Store

Grand Prix Story

This isn’t another driving game. Instead, it’s up to you to put together a winning racing team by training drivers, building cars, creating parts and getting enough sponsors (and money) to win the big race.

Download Grand Prix Story for $4.99 on the Google Play Store

Angry Birds Space

The newest addition to the Angry Birds franchise adds new funky physics to the equation. Now you’re not just worrying about one planet’s gravity, but several, or none. The familiar birds from the original game get upgraded powers and are joined by a new frosty friend. Space provides new kinds of gameplay and strategy to occupy even the most advanced veteran for hours.

Download Angry Birds Space for $0.99 on the Google Play Store

Sprinkle

Another fun physics-based game, Sprinkle is all about figuring out how to get water where it’s needed, which is usually on the other side of a rock, cliff, or windmill. The combination of physics and puzzle solving makes this game good for both adults and kids. Plus, the characters are super cute.

Download Sprinkle for $1.99 on the Google Play Store

Osmos HD

Osmos HD is a very cool, chill-out game. You move your orb around with taps, collecting orbs smaller than you to grow enough to absorb bigger orbs. Paired with a cool soundtrack this game is a nice way to relieve some stress at lunch or before you call it a night. —Josh Smith

Download Osmos HD for $2.99 on the Google Play Store

Where’s My Water?

This Disney game has the distinction of being the 25th billionth app downloaded from Apple’s App Store, so it’s no surprise that the game is popular on Android. Even though it’s obviously aimed at kids, the puzzle solving and water physics involved will challenge adults, too. The goal is to fill Swampy the alligator’s tub with fresh, clean water by digging tunnels, avoiding mold, and channeling gross toxic water and green slime away.

Download Where’s My Water? For $0.99 on the Google Play Store

Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja is another game safe for kids and challenging for adults that keeps gamers of all ages engaged and wanting more. Simply swipe across the screen to slash the fruit. Easy, right? Ha! See how long you can go without letting any drop or slashing a bomb. And in Arcade Mode you can go for he high score. There are plenty of knock-offs available, but this is still the best of the genre.

Download Fruit Ninja for $1.26 on the Google Play Store

Doodle Jump

Though it hasn’t been updated in over a year, Doodle Jump remains a favorite for Android users. Perhaps it’s because it’s just so satisfying to make the little guy jump. Use springs, rockets and momentum to leap up the levels, avoid enemies, and become a master.

Download Doodle Jump for $0.99 on the Google Play Store

World of Goo

This fun (and, let’s admit it, kinda gross) physics game tasks you with building towers, bridges and more to solve puzzles in a variety of landscapes. You don’t have wood or nails, but rather balls of Goo that can stick to each other to form structures. The well-done graphics are reminiscent of a storybook, yet aren’t just for little kids.

Download World of Goo for $4.99 on the Google Play Store

Draw Something

Draw Something is one of the most popular games across both iOS and Android right now with millions of players across the world in 79 countries. If you haven’t gotten into it yet, you should. It’s a little like Pictionary, but you can play with people even if they’re across town or across the world. With each win you both get more coins and helper objects and more reasons to keep playing.

Download Draw Something for $0.99 on the Google Play Store

Scramble With Friends

Like any of the other “With Friends” games, Scramble with Friends allows you to play against any of your friends. But unlike the other games, this one is extremely fast paced. Before you know it, you’ll have learned a host of new words while at the same time destroyed anything that even remotely resembles productivity. —Adam Mills

Download Scramble With Friends for $0.99 on the Google Play Store