Finding exciting new Android apps games can be difficult on the crowded ay Store, but please allow us to do the hard work for you. Our Five to Try column highlights five new releases each week, you’re sure to find something interesting entertaining in each batch.
This week’s collection is led by kémon Duel, another spinoff from Nintendo’s monster-battling phenomenon, it’s a lot different than the location-based kémon Go. Other intriguing options this week include curated dating app The ague, an Android version of classic adventure Myst, Fender Tune for guitar players of all sorts, Disney’s colorful Moana Isl fe.
kémon Duel
probably won’t get a traditional, full-fledged kémon game on Android anytime soon, but at least we have another fun spinoff option to consider. kémon Duel hit the ay Store this week, while it still has the adorable creatures head-to-head combat of the main games, this freemium entry takes the form of a strategic, two-player board game.
You’ll bring a set of the delightfully plastic-looking kémon faux figurines into each skirmish, attempt to defeat the opponent by moving one of your monsters into his/her territory. The actual battles come down to a spin of a wheel, so it’s definitely simplified—but the “catch ‘em all” appeal still shines through, there’s plenty of live competition on h. One note, however: I’ve encountered a lot of disconnections errors so far, which I presume has to do with overwhelming dem, so you might hit some issues at the moment.
The ague
Dating is hard, Tinder can be a mess—so how about a dating app that’s a bit more curated? That’s what The ague attempts to provide, it’s now available on Android. The ague requires free users to register with connections to both Facebook nkedIn, which its creators use to “vet” members before letting them in. From there, the app lets users get hyper-specific about their wants desires, the vetting is supposed to ensure that you actually get what you want in a prospective partner.
It’s unsettling to think that someone will look over your social profiles decide whether you’re good enough to be a part of their dating club. ll they base that decision on my looks, or what they perceive as my status or career success? It’s all a bit icky, but even if you’re “qualified,” you might not get access anytime soon: non-paying users get put on a massive waiting list, I am #160,879 on that list. You can pay $180 a year to become a member get expedited access, though… but has dating really been that rough?
realMyst
Yes, it’s true: now you can finally play Myst on your Android phone. Actually, it’s realMyst ($7), the remade version that swaps the original pre-rendered environments for a fully 3D setting that you can freely wer around. In any case, it’s possible to play through the entire iconic adventure game right from your phone, as you solve puzzles, travel to other Ages, piece together the mysterious storyline.
Rather than click/tap to move around static environments, as in the original version, realMyst is more like a living world that you can explore in any direction, although the classic art direction remains largely intact. The touch controls are a bit clumsy, but it’s surely better than filling the screen with virtual buttons. Besides, if you’re craving a quick blast of Myst on your phone, you can probably tolerate some awkwardness. And sequel Riven is coming soon, too!
Fender Tune
ether you’re an old h at guitar or you’ve just recently picked up the six-string for the first time, Fender Tune can help you precisely tune the instrument. Released by the famed guitar-maker, Fender Tune isn’t the only such app on the ay Store, but it has some added features that might make it the most useful of the bunch.
Automatic tuning via your device’s microphone lets you strum a string get instant feedback, while those with an ear for notes can use manual tuning instead. so, you can switch between electric acoustic guitars, as well as bass guitar, engage a number of specialized tuning configurations, including Drop C Half Step Up.
Moana Isl fe
Moana is a real treat, as Disney’s latest animated flick wows with amazing songs, dazzling animation, wonderful characters— now there’s an Android game based on it. Curiously released several weeks after the film itself, Moana Isl fe is a colorful village-building game that finds you planting crops, harvesting resources, playing mini-games to help your own version of Motonui thrive.
It’s pretty stard fare as far as the farming, harvesting, building goes, as you gradually improve your village unlock new structures crops, although the colorful isl setting nicely recalls that of the film. And you can also set sail to visit friends other players, trade items all the while. Expect some timers other freemium restrictions, however, which can be circumvented by spending money or watching video ads.