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Pocket Gamer's Top 10 Games of the Year 2011 - Android Edition

Rise of the robot

Pocket Gamer's Top 10 Games of the Year 2011 - Android Edition
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I'm going to go on record right now and state that an Android top ten for the whole of 2011 is the hardest to write.

Whereas Android was treated like the awkward stepchild of the mobile industry (albeit one that was six feet tall and built like an ox) in the past, it seems nowadays everyone is dashing to release titles on the platform at the same time as, or at least only slightly after, on iOS.

What they're not rushing to do is release exclusives on Android, though, which means a fair few of my favourite titles have had to be cut from the article on account of their being nabbed by the iPhone crew for its top ten.

So, if you don't spot your favourite game here, make sure you drop me a word in the comments thread below (and include something about my needing to stand up against those iOS bullies for once in my life).

Karoshi
By YoYo Games, buy on Android mr_karoshi

If you're a fan of original puzzle games, then chances are you've already sampled the twisted brilliance of Karoshi.

Karoshi flips gaming convention on its head by asking you to find a way of killing your business man, rather than challenging you to avoid dying.

While the first few levels can essentially be solved by just flinging the little guy onto some spikes, it doesn't take long before elements such as Mr Karoshi's wife (who turns all the spikes into damn flowers) appear to scupper your suicidal plans.

It's dark, clever, unique, and - not to mention - one of the weirdest titles you're likely to play on your Android this year.

Great Little War Game
By Rubicon, buy on Android rubicon-great-little-war

It's not quite Advance Wars, but Great Little War Game is definitely our favourite turn-based strategy game on Android right now, combining accessible gameplay with great cartoony graphics.

Not that this appealing exterior means the combat is any less tactical. During the game's campaign, you'll not only have to factor in different unit types (ranging from tanks to snipers), but also how the terrain itself can influence your chances of victory.

Some fantastic comedy voice work and pass-the-handset multiplayer round off this Great Little Strategy Package.

Starfront: Collision HD
By Gameloft, buy on Android starfront_android_1

Starfront: Collision wears its real-time strategy game influences on its sleeve, but when it plays as well as it does, who really cares?

Released early in the year on Android, it remains the best RTS game you can buy for the platform, combining the sci-fi sensibilities of PC classic Starcraft with... well, it's basically just Starcraft, if we're being honest.

But, that means there are three unique races to play as - each with its own units and building trees - refined touchscreen controls (with handy shortcuts), a lengthy Campaign mode, and even a rather good multiplayer Skirmish to take part in.

Pocket League Story
By Kairosoft, buy on Android pocket-league-story-android-1

In 2011, Kairosoft really bolstered its smartphone library, with a new release practically every month from its extensive back catalogue of PC simulation games.

While not exactly the hardest of this year's crop of Kairosoft sims, Pocket League Story contains the studio's trademark combination of accessibility, cute graphics, and bus stop-missing addictiveness, and then turns into one of the strangest 'football' games you'll ever play.

Often, you'll see reviewers mention that a game will appeal even to those that don't like the sport / genre in question, but Pocket League Story is genuinely fun to play for both non-footy followers and die-hard fans alike.

Matches are surreal, with players literally bursting into flames, yet when they score, it's hard to keep quiet (even on the train).

Sonic CD
By Sega, buy on Android sonic_cd

Okay, it's slightly odd to include a game that's getting on for 18 years old in a best games list for 2011 (and the Xperia Play owners will be wondering why I didn't include it in my other top ten), but Sonic CD is easily one of the best conversions we've seen for a long time, and as good a platformer today as back when it debuted on the Mega-CD.

The touchscreen controls are tight and responsive (and, surprisingly, don't take up half the screen in the process), while the game runs at such a clip as to make every other title on your phone look positively snail-like in comparison.

It's also a Sonic game that comes from the Blue Blur's golden era, i.e. before it went 3D and rubbish, meaning it possesses that addictive cocktail of blistering speed, careful jumping, and multiple routes through each colourful stage.

The level design can be a little harsh at times, but there are few platformers on the system that can rival Sonic in its prime.

Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation
By Gameloft, buy on Android modern-combat-3

Yes, I only awarded it 7/10 when it appeared on iPhone. Yes, I know this. If I were to say Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation is the best FPS game you can get on Android right now, though, I would still be correct. (It's just that I'm particularly hard on iPhone FPS games).

The single-player campaign is as bombastic and explosive as ever, and as long as you can block out the memories of Call of Duty, there's a lot of fun to be had racing across America to stop a combined invasion force.

It's the multiplayer that really shines, though, with tons of modes, unlockable items for you to shoot for, and game-changing killstreaks to rain down hell from above.

Carcassonne
By Exozet, buy on Android carcassonne-android-1

The best boardgame on the Android Market? Very possibly. Carcassonne tasks players with building up a land that (kind of) resembles the famous fortified French town of the same name.

Even if you're the sort of person who would normally avoid boardgames like the plague, Carcassonne offers up a fast-paced, tactical, and unique strategy game that's partially about luck, but mostly about skill.

The way the board is formed during gameplay means that each match plays out differently, while the basic rules are simple to learn and adapt well to multiple players (or AI) taking part.

Forget Monopoly or those other dice-based games you used to play as a child - Carcassonne is a whole different boardgame, and is far more fun because of it.

Symphony of Eternity
By Kemco, buy on Android symphony_1

Square Enix may be shunning Android when it comes to porting over the Final Fantasy games, but Kemco's Symphony of Eternity is more than capable of plugging any hole in a JRPG gamer’s heart.

The hallmarks of a great title are all there: the expanding plot, the massive gameworld, the reams of equipment, stat buffs, and skills. Don't be surprised if you don't grow attached to the likeable cast as the game progresses, either, as the long story mode allows for plenty of time for character development.

It's not going to win many prizes in the originality stakes, but Symphony of Eternity is a slice of old skool JRPG goodness that long-time fans of the genre should enjoy immensely.

Robotek
By Hexage, buy on Android robotek-android-1

Hexage always produces interesting Android titles, and Robotek is no exception. A bizarre blend of neon colours, turn-based strategy, and a fruit machine, it's a game that defies a simple summary despite being extremely easy to play.

As freemium games go, it's not overly keen on taking your money, either, which is likely to sit well with the more 'core' gamers out there.

Your task is to overtake the world by pitting robots against robots in a one-on-one (or, rather, three-on-three) battle to the death. Each turn revolves around spinning what is essentially a slot machine, with your input limited to 'holding' the first dial.

This one element turns what would have been a pretty, but somewhat random, game into one with a decent amount of tactics. It's not going to challenge the veterans of the strategy genre, but for those looking for an attractive and approachable (not to mention competitively priced) title, Robotek delivers.

Sprinkle
By Mediocre Games, buy on Android sprinkle

The debut title from the unfortunately named Mediocre Games is far from average. Originally a Tegra exclusive, yet now available on all Android phones, Sprinkle puts you in charge of a tiny group of alien firefighters, battling to stop flames from overwhelming little wooden huts.

It sounds fairly simple, but the task is made more challenging (and more satisfying) thanks to some stellar water physics that need to be seen in motion to be believed.

Each push from your cannon reacts in a natural way, forcing you to tweak both the amount of water and the angle / direction of the spray in order to overcome the various obstacles blocking the path to the flames. It's not a long game, but it's worth - ahem - splashing out on.

World of Goo
By 2D Boy, buy on Android world_of_goo_1

PC indie darling World of Goo is one of the best puzzle games around full stop. This Android version (which supports tablets in the same download) is a nigh-on perfect facsimile of the physics-puzzling phenomenon.

The task is simple on paper. Using a series of 'goo balls', you have to build a series of (shaky) constructions in order for the globules to reach a suction pipe, inevitably placed in the most awkward position possible. Say, over a huge ravine.

Why the game is held in such high regard isn't just down to the fantastic, surreal graphics, but to the devious level design and outstanding physics. It's not an easy game, but it's unquestionably fun.

Will Wilson
Will Wilson
Will's obsession with gaming started off with sketching Laser Squad levels on pads of paper, but recently grew into violently shouting "Tango Down!" at random strangers on the street. He now directs that positive energy into his writing (due in no small part to a binding court order).