Adam Birney / Android Authority
After years of free video games dominating the scenes, we lastly noticed a giant shift in 2023. Though there have been loads of nice Android video games launched this yr that have been nonetheless free, solely two out of ten of our high favourite cellular video games of 2023 are fully free with advertisements, though just a few have demo variations.
Why the sudden reversal? A part of it is because of Netflix. The streaming big dipped its toes into cellular video games in 2021, however 2023 noticed it ramp up these efforts, providing high-quality ports of console video games and different unique titles to its subscribers at no further value. Apple additionally performed a task with the announcement of the iPhone 15 Professional and the corporate’s plans to carry console-quality video games to its cellphone, providing them at premium costs starting from $30 to $60.
When Apple introduces a brand new pattern, the Android world usually appears to observe swimsuit. With Apple pursuing costly premium video games, builders are probably extra comfy releasing premium experiences on Android once more. Now that you just perceive why there are extra premium titles than ever, let’s dive proper into our high ten picks, adopted by an inventory of honorable mentions.
Interested by how we got here up with our picks? Whereas I used to be the first curator of the titles, there was extra to the method than simply selecting my favorites at random. We offer extra element on the backside of the publish.
The most effective Android video games for 2024
1. Hey Neighbor Nicky’s Diaries
- Worth: Free to attempt, $7 to unlock
- Style: Horror/Journey
This yr’s race was very shut, making it difficult to pick the highest three or so. Finally, Hey Neighbor: Nicky’s Diaries was chosen for a number of causes. First, Nicky’s Diaries is without doubt one of the few cellular video games from a franchise that gives an expertise on par with its console counterparts. As an illustration, Warcraft Rumble is an okay sport, however it doesn’t come near the standard of a real Blizzard title.
Whereas the unique Hey Neighbor was beforehand ported to Google Play and offered an honest expertise, it didn’t attain the identical stage resulting from bugs and awkward controls. Nicky’s Diaries additionally stands out as a result of it boasts lovely graphics, well-functioning mechanics, and among the greatest cellular controllers I’ve ever used.
The story is just about the identical as in some other sport within the sequence: you’ve gotten a bizarre neighbor, and also you resolve to analyze whereas he primarily tries to kidnap you. This time, nevertheless, there’s much more in-game lore that may be unlocked, which makes this title stand out much more. You possibly can obtain the sport free of charge, however you’ll be restricted to a really small portion of it until you pay $7 to unlock the total expertise, which we consider is value it. Searching for extra journey video games? Try our information to the very best journey video games for Android.
2. Laya’s Horizon
- Worth: Free with Netflix
- Style: Motion /Journey
This one was a really shut second, because it was my private favourite of 2023, at the least till Nicky’s Diaries got here round (one in all my favourite franchises). From the makers of the Alto sequence, Laya’s Horizon is a 3D open-world sport that shares the identical common aesthetic as the corporate’s earlier titles. This implies equally charming graphics and sound.
Basically, the sport is about indulging in limitless flights across the open map, though it does present particular objectives that may unlock new kinds of flight via extra capes. It affords a really informal, stress-free expertise that works nicely for each quick playthroughs and longer periods. The controls are fairly a bit totally different from different movement-driven video games, as Laya’s Horizon makes use of touches and gestures to navigate the world. There’s a little bit of a studying curve right here, however when you grasp them they’ll really feel extra pure than different strategies utilized in related video games.
3. Pocket Metropolis 2
- Worth: $5
- Style: Citybuilder/Sim
Pocket Metropolis arguably was the gold customary for cellular city-building simulation video games, however sequels could be difficult — simply take a look at how Metropolis Skylines 2 has been having a tough time residing as much as its predecessor at launch. The excellent news is Pocket Metropolis 2 not solely lives as much as its predecessor, however it brings new 3D Graphics and loads of different enhancements.
The sport mechanics have additionally been polished and it’s added some fairly thrilling new options like the power to free roam and enter buildings or drive round in vehicles. The excellent news is that the corporate has struck an honest stability between these options and what folks need: a very good metropolis builder.
There are two variations of the sport, however we extremely suggest selecting up the premium app because it’ll solely set you again $5, and but you’ll lose the advertisements and achieve a bunch of additional options and capabilities which can be omitted from the bottom sport. If you wish to attempt the free model first, you’ll discover it on Google Play as nicely.
4. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
- Worth: Free with Netflix
- Style: Arcade
As a younger boy, I spent extra hours than I care to confess making an attempt to beat TMNT 2: The Arcade sport on the NES so I used to be excited by this launch. Whereas it’s an entire new sport it nonetheless offers me the identical nostalgic vibe as the unique and it’s good to see a strong sport like this in trendy instances, as these kind of video games aren’t almost as widespread anymore. This sport has been round on different platforms for some time, however Netflix introduced us an Android model in 2023.
Netflix is without doubt one of the greatest with regards to optimizing its video games and so it’s no shock that the cellular controllers are literally pretty respectable. Nonetheless, you possibly can’t replicate the expertise of an precise bodily controller, so I’m even happier that the sport contains full help for controllers as nicely. As with different Netflix video games, the one draw back is which you could solely play it when you subscribe to Netflix.
5. Sid Meier’s Railroads!
- Worth: $12.99
- Style: Tycoon
Probably the most costly Android video games of the yr, Sid Meier’s Railroads is a trustworthy port of the 2006 basic. Whereas there are a lot of nice tycoon video games on the market for cellular with extra trendy additions to the mechanics, the sport truly holds up fairly nicely regardless of its age. You get all sixteen eventualities from the unique sport, in addition to the 40 real-world engines from the sport. Sadly, there’s no multiplayer help within the Android model.
Once I first heard about this sport, I used to be involved as I owned the unique and the graphics have been fairly dated. Fortunately, this isn’t only a straight port, as there’s a redesigned interface for cellular, in addition to upgraded graphics. It’s nonetheless not essentially the most visually spectacular Android sport by an extended shot, however it’s a strong improve from the unique. Is it value $12.99? In the event you’re into these sorts of video games, then completely.
6. Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
- Worth: Free with Netflix
- Style: Motion/Puzzle
Netflix is on this record a number of instances this yr, a testomony to simply how good its console ports are. The sport is a novel mix of rogue-lite motion and puzzle mechanics. You have got a important map that you just stroll throughout and might enter into encounters with enemies, which begins up a puzzle spherical. There are many puzzle video games that provide an identical expertise, however this extra gamified rogue-lite strategy helps it stand out as an enthralling, addicting expertise.
Whereas Shovel Knight works nicely for shorter playthroughs, I’ll admit I usually bought misplaced within the sport and ended up taking part in longer than I meant. That is largely right down to the fast-paced gameplay that makes you are feeling such as you earned it when a stage is obvious and leaves me wanting to begin the subsequent one. I let my spouse do this one, as she sometimes sticks extra to conventional puzzle video games as her mainstay. She fell in love and has been taking part in it virtually nightly since.
7. Coromon
- Worth: Free trial, $4.99
- Style: RPG
As a Pokemon fanatic because the unique Recreation Boy period, I used to be joyful to see a full-fledged basic monster-catching sport lastly come to Android, even when it was initially for different platforms first. The sport is totally unapologetic with regards to copying the Pokemon video games, however it manages to do it with utmost respect, much like how Stardew Valley was impressed by basic Harvest Moon video games. You’ll discover similar-looking however distinctive monsters (there’s a ghost-cat, which is my favourite), in addition to the identical common story of abandoning your mother to gather pocket monsters
The graphics are harking back to the sooner Pokemon video games, notably in the course of the GBA period, however with extra polish and modernization. Though you’re restricted to only a small a part of the sport free of charge, it’ll solely value $4.99 to unlock an expertise that can hold you busy for at the least 25 hours however can simply double that point if you’re a completionist.
8. Hitman: Blood Cash REPRISAL
- Worth: $14.99
- Style: Stealth
Sure, there are a ton of ports on this record however this one stands out as it’s a large improve that’s value a replay, particularly when you haven’t touched it for a decade or extra. For Hitman followers who got here to the sequence extra just lately, Blood Cash was first launched in 2006. The Hitman franchise has developed quite a bit since then including a number of new modifications to the formulation. Though it gained’t really feel just like the newer Hitman trilogy, the sport does make some enhancements to assist modernize the sport, corresponding to including a core characteristic from its direct successor.
The sport Hitman: Absolution arrived in 2012 with a model new Intuition Mode, which marks NPCs with yellow outlines and permits your character to see enemies and civilians alike. It additionally helps point out factors of curiosity. This makes it a lot simpler to play the sport, particularly with cellular controls. That is the costliest sport on the record at $14.99, however it’s value it when you’re a fan of the sequence or need to replay the favored basic with quality-of-life enhancements.
9. Harry Potter: Magic Woke up
- Worth: Free with in-app purchases
- Style: Card RPG
Though Harry Potter Legacy has had some combined crucial reception, it was an enormous hit amongst the followers. That’s not the one new Harry Potter sport although, because it’s been a reasonably good yr for The Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter Magic Woke up went below the radar a bit however was nonetheless picked up by loyal followers like my daughter. The sport is a mixture of RPG and RTS, blended additional by card sport mechanics. it’s an attention-grabbing combine, if not a totally unfamiliar one. The artwork seems to be nice and the gameplay is a number of enjoyable more often than not. A few of the mechanics can admittedly be a bit irritating in my expertise. Even the storyline is strong.
Harry Potter is a giant franchise with an enormous fanbase, so why isn’t this additional up the record? Bugs, for starters. I discovered this sport would play inconsistently on the Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Professional, and even my Z Flip 3. It might work nicely till it encountered some error and crashed, and even worse it could simply disconnect the sport. You gained’t at all times run into points, as my daughter says she’s had many nice play-throughs with no points, however equally as many instances she’s been fully pissed off with the sport.
10. Honkai: Star Rail
- Worth: Free with in-app purchases
- Style: RPG/Gacha
Honkai: Star Rail is definitely the very best RPG gacha sport launched to Android in 2023. Set within the HoYoverse, the graphics of this title are lovely, the storyline attracts you in instantly, and inside minutes you’re already thrust into some early motion that’s interspersed with cut-scenes that additional the story and introduce you to the world round you. The battle is your typical turn-based fare and is sort of balanced as the sport progresses, and there’s clear inspiration in among the mechanics taken from the developer’s different smash hit, Genshin Impression.
Whereas the sport is simple to leap into, it additionally will get progressively tougher as it’s important to be taught the very best transfer and talent combos for sure battles and extra. We extremely suggest this sport whether or not you’re into RPGs, gachas, or each. Lots of my coworkers particularly voted for this one to be on the principle record and actually, I want I may give the final three picks a tie because it was a really shut determination. You possibly can play the sport free of charge and whereas there are in-app purchases you possibly can simply get via a lot of the sport’s aims with out paying a dime, simply bear in mind development can be tougher and slower when you attain larger character ranges.
Honorable mentions: The remainder of the very best
Yearly, we additionally record just a few video games that almost made the record, however fell simply quick. In spite of everything, there are tons of nice titles launched, however our record solely holds our favourite ten. Listed below are the remainder of the very best new Android video games launched in 2023:
- Excellent Grind (Free with in-app purchases) — This quirky informal title allows you to flip, grind, and carry out skating methods, construct your individual skatepark, customise your type, full challenges, and extra.
- Roto Pressure (Free to attempt, $5 to purchase) — This distinctive sport is a fast-paced bullet-filled frenzy. It feels just like the type of s arcade sport from Atari’s heyday however with a contemporary twist.
- Baldur’s Gate: Darkish Alliance ($9.99) — Baldur’s Gate takes on a really totally different type on this motion RPG from the early 2000s, ported masterfully to Android. Whereas it’s not low-cost, it’s an incredible sport and can present numerous hours of enjoyable.
- Tremendous Meat Boy Without end ($0.99) — The sequel to Tremendous Meat Boy, this sport is about years later the place Meat Boy has lived fortunately and security for years along with his new household. Till Dr. Fetus reveals up.
- Iris and the Large ($5.99) — This sport is an odd however satisfying fusion of RPG and card sport, with roguelike parts thrown in.
- Goat Simulator 3 ($12.99) — The Goat Simulator is again on Android, full with good graphics and all the identical options as you’d get within the console model.
- Metria (Free with in-app purchases) — At first brush, this seems to be and performs a bit like trendy Zeldga video games, however the world is simply semi-open and the sport has extra JRPG/Gacha parts.
- Storyteller (Free for Netflix subscribers) — Netflix introduced Storyteller to Android in 2023, which helps you to drag and drop fairy-tale characters onto a digital web page. Each a puzzle sport and only a enjoyable expertise, however bugs and different points do drag it down a bit.
- Monster Hunter Now (Free with in-app purchases) — Monster Hunter Now was an try by Niantic to carry one other AR sport to the world with pretty combined outcomes. Nonetheless, it’s value a search for Monster Hunter followers, because it’s free to play.
- Mud & Neon (Free for Netflix subscribers) — This port is fairly strong however suffers from awkward contact controls. It’s value a play when you subscribe to Netflix, although.
How did we resolve on our picks?
There have been a number of nice video games launched in 2023 and never all of them may make this record, however how did we resolve our picks within the first place? By just a few elements:
- Because the curator for our Weekly App Publication since about mid-September, I’ve used a ton of latest video games and apps alongside the way in which. I used this to compile a Google Sheet of my observations and ideas.
- I consulted over eight months of Android Authority‘s backlogged “greatest video games of the week” articles to select among the most notable.
- I got here away with an inventory of lots of of apps, so I went via Google Play evaluate scores and factored this into the choice course of. I additionally eliminated something rating lower than 3.5 until there was a very good motive, and solely positioned four-star apps into my first high ten draft.
- After narrowing the record to twenty video games, it was put out to the crew for recommendations and to vote any of my sport picks preliminary positions up or down.
- Lastly, I spent a bit further hands-on time with something in our high picks to make sure the picks have been strong, after which I locked within the picks.
As with all greatest record, this one is clearly at the least partially subjective, however that’s our choose for the highest ten greatest cellular video games for Android launched in 2023. Which was your favourite? Tell us within the ballot beneath.
What was the very best Android sport launched in 2023?
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