All things considered, 2015 was truly a marquee year for Android as a gaming platform. From high-profile releases from some of the industry’s top publishers to boundary-pushing interactive storytelling experiences from up-and-coming indies, the last 12 months has seen a cavalcade of innovative, diverse, and most importantly, fun games for Android devices. While choosing the best is no small task, the staff here at Hardcore Droid wanted to share our list of favorites. These are games that have, for one reason or another, stuck with us the most throughout the year. Some racked up ridiculous amounts of our free time with addictive gameplay; others offered immersive, emotionally-charged experiences; still others rode the wave of nostalgia into our hearts and minds. Regardless of the tone or the mechanics, each of these games highlight in their own way the possibilities and potential of the Android platform as a vital hotspot for modern gaming. So, without further ado, Hardcore Droid presents…
The Best Android Games 2015
Best Android Action Game
Space Marshals
“Following in the footsteps of fan-favorite shows like Cowboy Bebop and Firefly, Space Marshals perfectly exemplifies the space western aesthetic… It’s honestly impressive how vibrant this game looks. The whole experience makes for a truly exemplary action title, and, thankfully, there are even more games promised to come in the Space Marshals universe.”
Read Richard Goodacre’s full review
Best Port to Android
Munch’s Oddysee
“Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee is a lovingly constructed resurrection of a classic. Its hilarious, heartbreaking story, visionary variations on the platformer genre, and endlessly inventive visuals make for a wonderful introduction to the Oddworld series.”
Read Matthew Noojin’s full review
Best Android Platformer
“You are falling. You jumped before you realized that this was more dangerous than you could stomach. You could end up on a nice safe platform from which you can see your enemy, and time your jumps. More often than not, you’ll land on some spikes. Or, within the strike zone of an axe-wielding dog. You are in the world of Devious Dungeon 2.”
Read Ayesha Depay’s full review
Best Android Strategy Game
Door Kickers
“While not an RTS in the traditional sense, Door Kickers is a game that very much harkens back to an era when strategy games were not there solely for your amusement. It is triumphant in its pursuit of providing an uncompromising hardcore strategy experience for Android gamers. You should be playing this now.”
Read Matthew Byrd’s full review
Best Microdev Indie
Star Chindy
“Star Chindy’s pedigree as a roguelike space exploration games means that it will inevitably be compared to the all-time classics — but if you’re not intimidated by the challenge, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to give this game a try. But be warned — the biggest challenge you’ll face with this game is putting it down.”
Read Matthew Byrd’s full review
Best Android Indie
You Must Build a Boat
“It’s a match-3 that plays like a dungeon crawler RPG, and it’s easily one of the most fun and addictive mobile games I’ve ever played. Every single aspect of the game hinges on one goal: build a boat that’s large enough to cross the ocean. How and why are irrelevant. So what are you waiting for? That boat isn’t going to build itself, you know.“
Read Jessica Critcher’s full review
Best Android RPG
Tales of Illyria 3: Destinies
“Tales of Illyria keeps what made the first two games innovative while offering new ways to deepen player engagement. Like an old friend, Illyria 3 has grown in all the right ways. The huge world map makes Oregon Trail envious, and the organized inventory system puts Skyrim to shame. Every second is a blast. If you love RPGs, get it.”
Read Aliya Tyus-Barnwell’s full review
Best Tower Defense
Kingdom Rush Origins
“Everything about this game is carried off with charm, even humor… I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the finest tower defense games you could buy on Android just now. Ladies and gentlemen, the king has just entered the building. Go play with his kingdom, why don’t you?”
Read Meirion Jordan’s full review
Best Freemium Game
Dungeon Hunters 5
“The visuals, resembling of all things Diablo III, have a soft, hand painted quality, making the title’s characters and environs look like a scene off the cover of a fantasy novel. And the combat works and then some; it’s lively and satisfyingly visceral.”
The Best Android Game of 2015
Tales of Illyria 3: Destinies
“The variety of the environments, the changing seasons, and the colorful characters you encounter along the way — Tales of Illyria 3 quickly proves itself a lovingly crafted nearly-never-ending journey through a massive open world. It’s just a big, fun, challenging game.” And an all-around easy pick for The Best Android Games of 2015.
Read Aliya Tyus-Barnwell’s full review
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