Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for Australians to dive into some new and exciting Android games. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, intricate puzzles, or strategic challenges, there’s something for everyone. We’ve handpicked some lesser-known yet highly rated paid games across various genres. Let’s explore these hidden gems that are perfect for your summer entertainment.
Action
1. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a roguevania action platformer that combines elements of roguelikes and metroidvanias. You play as a failed alchemic experiment and explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle to uncover its secrets. The game features fast-paced combat, responsive controls, and a variety of weapons and spells to master.
Review: Dead Cells offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The procedural generation keeps the gameplay fresh, and the combat mechanics are finely tuned. Its beautiful pixel art and atmospheric soundtrack further enhance the immersive experience.
2. Grimvalor
Grimvalor is an action-packed hack and slash platformer set in a dark fantasy world. You play as a lone warrior tasked with restoring a corrupted realm. The game boasts fluid combat, tight controls, and stunning visuals, making it a joy to play.
Review: Grimvalor excels in delivering a satisfying combat experience with its precise controls and varied enemy types. The level design is impressive, encouraging exploration and strategic combat. Its dark, atmospheric world is beautifully crafted, making it a must-play for action fans.
Adventure
3. Forgotton Anne
Forgotton Anne is a beautifully animated adventure game that takes place in the Forgotten Lands, a magical world inhabited by misplaced objects longing to be remembered. You play as Anne, an enforcer who keeps order in this world, uncovering its secrets through a compelling narrative and puzzle-solving gameplay.
Review: Forgotton Anne stands out with its stunning animation and deep, emotional storyline. The game’s world is rich with detail, and the characters are well-developed. The blend of platforming and puzzle-solving is well-balanced, providing a unique and engaging experience.
4. Old Man’s Journey
Old Man’s Journey is a heartfelt adventure game that follows the story of an old man embarking on a journey to reconcile with his past. The game features hand-drawn visuals, interactive environments, and a touching narrative that unfolds through beautiful puzzles and exploration.
Review: Old Man’s Journey is a touching and visually stunning game that tells a profound story through its gameplay. The puzzles are intuitive and well-designed, complementing the narrative perfectly. Its emotional depth and artistic beauty make it a standout title in the adventure genre.
Puzzle
5. Gorogoa
Gorogoa is a unique puzzle game where you manipulate beautifully illustrated panels to solve intricate puzzles. The game tells a story through its stunning hand-drawn artwork and innovative gameplay mechanics, creating a mesmerizing experience.
Review: Gorogoa is a masterpiece of puzzle design and visual storytelling. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful artwork make each puzzle a joy to solve. The narrative is conveyed through the visuals, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
6. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a minimalist puzzle game where you design and manage subway systems for growing cities. The game features a clean, elegant design and simple yet challenging gameplay. You’ll need to strategically place stations and routes to keep the city’s transit system running smoothly.
Review: Mini Metro is a brilliantly designed puzzle game that combines simplicity with strategic depth. The clean visuals and intuitive controls make it accessible, while the increasing complexity keeps it challenging. It’s a perfect game for those who enjoy thoughtful planning and problem-solving.
Strategy
7. Pocket City
Pocket City is a city-building simulation game where you can create and manage your own metropolis. The game offers a variety of building types, from residential and commercial to industrial and recreational, along with various challenges and disasters to keep you engaged.
Review: Pocket City is an addictive and well-crafted city builder that offers a lot of depth and customization. The touch controls are intuitive, and the gameplay is engaging, making it easy to lose hours building and managing your city. Its balance of strategy and creativity is impressive.
8. Iron Marines
Iron Marines is a real-time strategy game from the creators of the Kingdom Rush series. The game takes you to distant planets where you’ll lead a squad of space marines against alien threats. It features a variety of units, upgrades, and challenging missions.
Review: Iron Marines delivers a top-notch RTS experience with its engaging missions and strategic gameplay. The game’s art style is vibrant and detailed, and the controls are well-optimized for mobile devices. It’s a must-play for strategy enthusiasts looking for a quality RTS on Android.