Here are Android Fan Network’s Weekly App Picks from the AFN staff for the week of December 28. These may be apps we can’t live without or apps we just discovered. Either way, we think they are worth sharing with you. If there is an app that you think we may enjoy, send us a tip so we can take a look.
Badland – Sean
Badland is truly an astonishing piece of artwork. Any fan of the Maxx cartoons from MTV’s Oddities back in the 90′s or Afro Samurai for the more current generation will love the background artistry.
The basic story is that you, the player, are this cute little creature finding your way through a forest of skewed reality and mechanical intrusions. Along the way you will encounter obstacles such as spinning blades, falling surroundings and a variety of items and power ups to aid you along your journey. Some will help and some can hurt you in this side scrolling adventure. Physics based (I’m a fan of these types of games) and non stop fluttery action with this little guy makes for a very hard time of putting this game down.
There are in-app purchases that can be made such as buying up to new levels but that is not a reason to pass on the game. Very worth the try and time.
Minion Rush – Gavin
I am not a huge gamer on my phone but, when I have a few minutes to kill, my “go to” game is Minion Rush. I look for games that I can play for a few minutes and then walk away from. Simple controls, good graphics, and Google Play Game support are a must. Minion Rush checks all of those boxes.
The graphics are amazing and smooth. Play Game support is a must for me due to the fact I switch devices regularly. There are back up methods out there (and they are easy) but to have that support built into the game is great and one less step I need to take when setting up a new device. The controls are simple, swipe left or right to go left or right, up for jump, and down to roll. This can be done anywhere on the screen which makes it even easier, no need to make sure you are using an on-screen D-Pad.
Game play itself is also simple, in Minion Rush you are a minion that runs around creating havoc. You run around, under, or jump over obstacles, knock over other minions, and fight various villains from the movies. This game is free to download with in-app purchases. Minion Rush is highly addictive, check it our for yourself at the link below.
Slice HD – Kevin
Slice HD is a sadistic puzzle game that pits your dexterity, skill, and fingertips against a myriad of razor blades blocking your way to a red button. Seemingly simple, you slide the blade out-of-the-way with one finger and tap the button with another. Touch the business end and you are rewarded with an acute vibration and sharp “knife noise” reminiscent of the shower stabbing scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
The game is a free download that includes 12 levels and a random Daily Puzzle. Additional standard blade level packs for Slice HD can be added with a $1-2 in-app purchase along with Dragon and Gold blades featuring alternate sets of levels and challenges. Achievements and Leader-boards are also supported through Google Play Games.
Early levels were enough to hold my attention and be somewhat challenging on the HTC One’s display. Later levels were almost impossible without an extra finger from a friend to hold a blade or two out-of-the-way. Playing this on a tablet is quite helpful for the later levels that require help. You may think of Slide HD as Twister for your fingertips with razors as the mat.
Image Credits: Android Fan Network