As an open-source platform, the Android OS can be found on literally millions of mobile devices, most of them smartphones. This makes Android one of the most prolific platforms for gaming. And yet, when it comes to mobile gaming, most people gravitate towards popular titles like Mobile Legends or Call of Duty, while some ride the hype and try to cash in with Axie Infinity. And yet, the Google Playstore is a rich trove of indie games that can be just as rewarding, if not more so. Here are five such indie titles based on different genres that we recommend for 2022. If you find yourself tired of playing the same old COD or PUBG match, check out the following list of The Best Indie Games to Play on Android in 2022.
1. Typoman Mobile
Genre: Puzzle platformer
This innovative title combines both word dexterity and puzzle solving skills in a compelling platform game. You play a character made up of letters struggling to survive in a brooding and hostile environment. To survive, you need to craft words which can change the environment and enable you to advance to the next level.
The game is full of crafty word puzzles and witty puns that contrast with the dark setting. Apart from word creation, you must also solve puzzles using a mix of typography and ink graphics. All of these take place in a surreal world with lovingly detailed graphics and a soundtrack created especially for the game.
Featured in the Indie Game Revolution section of Seattle’s EMP Museum, this award-winning title won multiple accolades.
2. Botanicula
Genre: Adventure
This whimsical game follows the adventures of five little tree creatures who embark on a quest to save the last seed from their home against evil parasites that threaten to end their line for good. The characters are colorful and have their own unique abilities, such as the ability to shrink, expand or fly.
It uses a point and click interface, and players must explore the environment while collecting items and solving puzzles. The character can also interact with various NPCs and easter eggs scattered around the game world. The game is somewhat similar to Machinarium in interface and lack of dialogue, but shines through with its own titular characters and game design.
It enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews from IGN, Eurogamer, Game Spot, and Game Informer, among other game publications.
3. Terraria
Genre: Side-scroll adventure
This massive game boasts 400 enemies, 20 NPCs, and a whole array of world sizes. It also takes places across a diverse range of biomes, from lush jungles to scorching deserts and gloomy dungeons.
What sets this game apart from other side-scrolling adventure games is the ability to create. Besides exploring and fighting, the player’s character can dig defenses and build architectural creations. And the fun isn’t limited to waves of bots. As a multiplayer game, it can support up to 7 players via local Wi-Fi.
Terraria boasts over 100 million downloads on the Google Playstore, with a 4.6 rating. Terarria’s developers continually update with the title with new items, gameplay mechanics and crafting.
4. Geopoly
Genre: Strategy / Monopoly
This game is a Monopoly-type simulation that lets players purchase, rent, build up, and advertise entire economic sectors. In other words, it’s a real-estate tycoon game… with a twist.
There are several innovative concepts that sets it apart from other Monopoly-type games:
- It uses GPS geolocation to determine the value of real estate assets
- It uses NFTs, in the form of assets and ownership certificates
- The game currency purchased with both fiat and crypto currencies
- It supports blockchain technology
The game itself has four main activities: Construct, Lease, Update, and Sales Business. Casual players can also enjoy touring the virtual world, by exploring actual cities across the globe.
Geopoly was chosen to be part of Google’s Indie Games Accelerator in 2019. It’s also backed by Google Cloud for Startups, the Blockchain Game Alliance, and counts Seedify and TrustPad among its investors.
5. Chrono Trigger
Genre: RPG
One of the most iconic role-playing games is now on Android! To recap, Chrono Trigger is a turn-based RPG famous for its strategic combat and engaging storyline.
The Android version is based on the Nintendo DS port, which itself is an expanded and improved version of the original SNES game. It retains the charming sprite visuals, but has been improved with a few updates for mobile:
- It now uses on-screen enemies for a seamless transition between exploration and combat, and allows players to first clear the room of enemies so they can explore it uninterrupted.
- There is a bit more depth to unique abilities, weaknesses, and the tech tree.
- The mini-game challenges have been modified for touchscreen controls.
The game is a much-loved update of the 16-bit classic, adapted for the smartphone era. It remains as compelling as it was during the heyday of Win95 and dial-up modems, and is still a must-play today.
