With 2017 coming to a close, it might be time to review the great games that came out on the Android platform over the past year. Whether it comes in the form of an original mobile game, or a solid port of a former exclusive, these seven games are must-plays for any mobile gamer. In fact, you should get these soon before a new wave of titles take over!
1.Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
As one of the most anticipated game releases for mobile this 2017, Pocket Camp adapts the charm of the Animal Crossing franchise into a free-to-play title. Despite being a mobile game, it certainly brings the complete feel and atmosphere of an Animal Crossing game. The moment you pop into the game. Isabelle greets you (as always), and you meet a friendly, fun cast of characters as you progress.
Even though it’s not exactly the ‘build your own town’ mechanic from the usual Animal Crossing, Pocket Camp certainly feels right in every aspect.
2. Iron Marines
Ironhide Studios brings a familiar sci-fi feel to Android with this 2017 real-time strategy game. Notably, it follows the heels of the studio’s more popular tower defense game Kingdom Rush. For this game though, Iron Marines lets players control groups of miniature squads to combat enemies, and defend their own base.
3. Fire Emblem Heroes
One of the earlier 2017 releases on this list, Heroes takes the Fire Emblem tactical RPG formula and adds a gacha mechanic to keep the odds random. While not everyone will like grinding or spending real money to get their favorite money, the battle system is probably the best way to translate Fire Emblem’s combat to mobile. Also, let it be said that you definitely can grind your way to getting your beloved characters from various points in Fire Emblem history.
4. Reigns: Her Majesty
If you’re in the mood for a choose-your-own-adventure game, Reigns: Her Majesty will gladly satisfy. Standing as the 2017 followup to Reigns, it uses a swiping mechanic to make choices to a multitude of scenarios. Devolver Digital places a lot of humor, drama, and intrigue to what feels like a simple storybook narrative.
5. Cat Quest
Some critics call this game ‘Skyrim with Cats’, so that should tell you everything you need to know about Cat Quest, the newest RPG to hit Android. Animated in a colorful 2D open world, players control, well, a cat. On a quest. But that’s not all! There are a ton of missions and side quests to undertake, making sure gamers get the most bang for their buck.
6. Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 2 improves upon the popular first game by introducing more fun and eye-catching visuals through marvelous architecture. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it does delve into deeper narratives, like the bond of a mother and a child. If you want a unique puzzle game that tries to express a meaningful story, this might be for you
7. Ace Attorney Investigations – Miles Edgeworth
December 2017 saw the release of the Android port for Ace Attorney Investgations – Miles Edgeworth, a critically-acclaimed entry in Capcom’s Ace Attorney series. Of course, any entry from the Ace Attorney franchise that released on Android this year deserves this spot. However, Investigations stands out by taking gamers out of the court room and into the crime scene.
Originally made for the Nintendo DS, this conversation manages to get all the gameplay on a single phone screen, without making sacrifices. Long-time Ace Attorney fans will get the original, full experience in this release, while newcomers won’t need to play any prior entries before digging into this adventure starring prosecutor Miles Edgeworth.