There is a huge immersive and quality library of games available on Android, in which few are free-to-play as well. It’s true that Android game selection has long been derided as second rate compared to iOS, but that’s no longer the case. More and more quality titles from studios big and small are making their way to the ‘Google Play’ store, and many of them won’t cost you a cent to play. From intense fighting games and addictive casual fare to turn-based war-games, puzzles and sports. Here are the top 10 of the most popular freemium games available on Android:
- Subway Surfers
App category: Arcade
In my opinion, the current successor of runner games on Android with over more than 100 million of downloads on ‘Google Play’ store, this is also my top pick. Subway Surfers is all about cool railway/subway tracks from various different locations of world. The idea is simply to run (very fast) along the railway tracks, avoiding trains and other obstacles, and picking up coins. Earning enough coins lets you unlock new characters and power-ups. It’s great fast-paced fun and it gets better if you put more of your money on the line, the more power-ups and valuables, the better.
- Metal Soldiers
App category: Action
Now this is one exciting adventure action-packed combo but it is also in my opinion pretty similar to ‘Metal Slug’ or more like a rip-off. A proper side-scrolling shooter that combines short platforming elements with a lot of killing. Gameplay is pretty much similar, however not that accurate and a bit pesky at times, you control your character via on-screen buttons; there are two directional buttons, a jump button, and a button that lets you shoot your weapon. You can’t aim your weapon, however, so airborne enemies become a real hindrance. But still Good graphics, interesting gameplay, lots of upgrades, Metal soldiers has more than 1 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Temple Run 2
App category: Action
Pretty much like its predecessor ‘Temple Run 2’ is one fine, addictive runner-type and even have the same controls. Gameplay is slightly different from the previous one as it contains new objects, zip-lines, mine tracks, much sharp turns than before, waterfalls, and jets of fire. The game also features new power-ups, and players now have the ability to save the protagonist from death by using green gems that are collected while running, or purchased online. The game is set in a different location than the first game, and the main character runs faster. The three monkeys that chased the character in the original game have been eliminated. ‘Temple run 2’ also like ‘Subway Surfers’ has more than 100 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Crossy Road
App category: Action
A free-to-play riff on Frogger, Crossy Road takes the classic and gives it a modern, pixel-retro spin. Starting with a simple, blocky chicken, players tap and swipe to try to get their avatar as far as they can while dodging cars, trucks, trains, and other hazards. As you play, you’ll earn coins that can be used to unlock new cartoon avatars (which can also be bought with real money). Simple, addictive, fun, and accessible without aggressively gouging players with in-app purchases, Crossy Road is an enjoyable timekiller for your Android device. Crossy road has more than 10 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- 8 Ball Pool
App category: Sports
Probably one of the best billiard app for mobile devices out there featuring colorful graphics and a robust online community. To play a round, each player pays the entry fee in in-game currency; the levels have progressively higher fees. If you win the game, you’ll win twice the amount you paid — basically, you win your coins back, plus your opponent’s share. If you lose a game, you can lose coins, but you won’t drop below zero. You can start playing as a Miniclip member, a Facebook user, or (my favorite) a guest member — that last requiring no registration or username. 8 Ball Pool has more than 50 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Asphalt 8 : Airborne
App category: Racing
It is an arcade racer with real dream cars and phenomenal graphics that can also please racing simulation fans. Gameplay is pretty much similar to ‘Asphalt 7’ with player given four controls options, Tilt to steer” (auto acceleration with movement controlled by tilting the device), “Tilt and icons” (manual acceleration via an on-screen icon, with movement controlled by tilting the device), “On-screen controls” (auto-acceleration with movement controlled by an on-screen virtual steering-wheel), “Tap to steer” (auto acceleration, with movement controlled by touching the side of the screen). Asphalt 8 can make you crazy in no time, highly addictive racing game app with over 10 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Hill Climb Racing
App category: Racing
This is a physics-based game where players try to advance as far as possible without flipping over the buggy they’re driving. The game magnifies physics, making it a bit too hard for young kids, and has some violence, notably a “crunching” sound when the vehicle flips. Players can buy coins via in-app purchase, and there’s some advertising, but nothing too egregious. A classic experience and still on top of the list with more than 100 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Shoot Bubble Deluxe
App category: Puzzle
Yes! It is definitely the most amazing and classic shooting bubble buster game app available on Android. Deluxe version contains an exclusive content with both ‘Arcade Mode’ and ‘Puzzle Mode’. Gameplay is pretty simple, same as any classic tetris type game you only need to make 3 combinations to make bubble burst. Clear all the bubbles for a level up. Shoot Bubble Deluxe has more than 100 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Clash of Kings
App category: Strategy
This is a real time strategy game from where users battle to build an empire and control seven fantasy kingdoms, if you are a fan of PVP games or multiplayers, you are going to love this base building, fighting army game where you must conquer kingdoms to survive. This multiplayer building game pits you against friends and enemies from all over the globe. Build massive enemies and clash with enemies in these battle games. Explore the fantasy kingdom world as you attack enemies and build castle defense. Clash of Kings has more than 10 million downloads on ‘Google Play’ store.
- Candy Crush Saga
App category: Casual
One word just comes up for a game who sits on top of the throne of all Facebook games, “The sweetest game ever” exactly, although on record, i am not a fan of this game. But this app is however quite popular and addictive among all kinds of players. This is a puzzle game that very aggressively pushes in-app purchases. Players are given a limited number of lives — and they lose one each time they fail to accomplish a puzzle’s goals. Power-ups are also offered to help players through difficult levels, but these must be purchased — and typically cost a lot more than a dollar. The game also pushes for Facebook integration to get users to act as its marketing arm, but this is not required of players. The license agreement for the app requires users to be 13 or older, and to be at least 18 to make in-app purchases.
