We usually take a look at one of the new(er) paid games on Android every week but these last few weeks have been a little lacking, unless you have one of those shiny new Xoom tablets and want to take a look at Monster Madness (you lucky devils). So rather than leave you hanging I thought we could take a quick look at some of the great games that were released for free on Android recently. Before I start let me just get this out of the way, Angry birds seasons has over a dozen new levels in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, although I imagine all those interested would already have the app installed.
Meganoid
By OrangePixel
When OrangePixel releases a game, it’s foolhardy not to take notice. They make their games primarily for the Android platform, and their games are based around the beloved 8 and 16-bit area of gaming. Meganoid’s name as well as gameplay is a kind of mashup between MegaMan and Metroid and so it’s also a lot like the more recently released vvvvvv (no my keyboard didn’t just get stuck). The game takes place over a series of very short and small platforming levels that take under a minute each to complete. These levels can often be quite challenging but the larger challenge is trying to collect the gems that can be found, both hidden and in plain sight, on each level. Meganoid is a great download if you enjoy short but challenging levels and rocking out to some ace chiptunes.
Cordy
By SilverTree Media
Next up is Cordy, another Android exclusive and a delightfully charming one at that. You take control of Cordy the robot, in a 2D puzzle platformer in a 3D space, so although you only move left and right, as path turns so does your orientation (anyone remember Bugs! for the Sega Saturn? No?). Unlike  Meganoid’s simplistic graphics, Cordy is technically very impressive graphically as well as artistically with a detailed and interesting 3d world and character along with plenty of effects. The complete contrast to Meganoid continues with the gameplay, there’s a definite focus on puzzle solving and a near complete lack of tight and punishing jumps which makes Cordy far better suited for a more casual gaming experience.
Pachinko Frenzy
By ngmoco
What’s this? Another Android exclusive and by a company that makes massively popular iOS games? Pachinko Frenzy is based on Japan’s Pachinko machines although most will likely recognize it as some form of Peggle. You have to fire balls down a board of pegs and once you’ve hit every peg you’ll play in a short minigame before repeating the process over again. To begin with you’ll only have a single board unlocked and you’ll have to play the table a lot before you’ll unlock the others, much like Mega Jump. Pachinko Frenzy could definitely benefit from some extra variety but it still has a pretty fun and addicting hook.
Cyberlords – Arcology
By HandyGames
Cyberlords only just showed up and it’s the only game listed that has a paid for version as well as free, but it’s included here as the free version is fully featured and supported through Ads. The game takes place in a futuristic world viewed from the top down perspective and plays like an action RPG. You can command up to four characters at once, equip a variety of weapons and armor and accept side missions while taking part in the main story. With so many features and things to see, Cyberlords is by far the deepest of the games in this roundup and could definitely find itself living on your device for some time.
That’s all for this week, be sure to check out the games mentioned here and enjoy gaming.
