Racing Moto

 It's quite rare to find free games that really make the best of the accelerometer that most Android phones have, often driving games with them fail to really work as you expect and in fact it seems an under-utilised tool. Racing Moto however manages to use the accelerometer to create one of the more addictive driving games on the Android which brings an arcade feel to the phone and a high speed enjoyment.

You control the rider and bike on a long stretch of road and the controls are really simple. You press down on the screen to go faster and tilt the phone left and right to steer the biker past cars on the road. The further you get the more points you get and you a bonus for going faster as well.

Whilst the control are the simple and the graphics are more then acceptable the game really stands out for not only how well it uses the accelerometer but also for how addictive it is. The game has the same sort of addictive qualities as those old arcade machines that we'd pile more and more money into almost like a gaming crack addict.

Whilst the game it's self will have you hooked the only real problem are the pretty basic sound effects and maybe the fact the game isn't actually that original. We've all played similar sort of flash games, though the controlling method is a bit different to the norm on these sorts of games and it is genuinely enjoyable even if it doesn't really push the boundaries of gaming.

Addictiveness-8/10 Arcade like addictiveness
Controls-9/10 Really simple...though it's used wonderfully.
Graphics-7/10 Nice, and although not highly detailed they are sharp enough to see whats actually happening
Sounds-3/10 Rather annoying bike sounds that you will end up turning off sooner rather than later.
Originality-5/10 It's an "avoid the traffic" game, not new but the control method is a nice new slant on it.

Total score 32/50

Although it's addictive the life span seems to be rather limited and although you'll enjoy it in bursts you'll likely go back to it once a week for a few runs rather than sit hooked to it for a day or two. The game is enjoyable fun to play and is hopefully a game that shows the others how to use the accelerometer properly.

Game mark B+

Yoo Ninja

It seemed fitting that if I was going to review a platform game then it was only fair I reviewed a really good one and in Yoo Ninja I think I've picked a beauty.

The game sees you controlling a small ninja (as you can see in the screen-
shots) who has to run from one level to the next in a fast paced and action packed game. What sets this apart from most other platform games isn't the frantic pace that rivals Sonic but the method in which you avoid the gaps in the floor (and ceiling). Instead of jumping like you would in a normal platform game you "flip" and start running on the roof.

Wheee!

Whilst this may seem like a simple task, the fact that you are automatically guided through the levels leaves this not as a test of your true platforming ability but of your reactions as some gaps are almost instantly followed by one on the flipside.

With Yoo Ninja you get a frantic and challenging game that will beat you senseless but keep you coming back for more which is the perfect sign that the developers (RunnerGames.Studios) have created a fantastic game. Though it's not just the control method and simplicity that makes it so good but the sharp graphics and excellent backing music add to the pleasure of playing what is simple one of the best games you will find on the Android market!

Addictiveness-9/10 It'll make you cry, it'll make you feel like you suck but you'll come back.
Controls-8/10 Really simple...but really effective.
Graphics-8/10 Wonderful, a real delight to see an Android game remind me of the old 2D platform games of my childhood.
Sounds-8/10 "Ninja" themed backing music, not to everyone's taste but I certainly don't mind it.
Originality-7/10 A huge twist on Platforming games. Quite similar to VVVVVV if you've ever played that.

Total score 40/50

It's not often that I find my only flaw with a game being "it frustrates me like a hot woman who wants to tease me" but that's the feeling I get here. It's beautiful, it's fun, it's addictive, it's challenging and it's one of the most complete Android games you can find on the market. It's life span may not be huge though it's challenging enough to keep you busy.

Game mark A

Wordfeud Free

 I'm sorry it's almost 2 months since the last entry on to this blog, though I've had a good excuse and returned with an excellent game that brings multiplayer action, intelligence and a twist on a memorable game. Firstly I've been busy with the parent blog of this one which has now become a booming success regularly getting 400+ visitors a day. If you'd like to check that out click here and read about tips and tricks to get the most from your phone and even how to save some money!

Anyway now we've returned to Android Games Reviews we've returned with Wordfeud a multiplayer scrabble clone that has become on my most played games on my phone. As you can see from the screen shot on the right this is essentially Scrabble under a different name with slightly differently set "bonus" squares and and the letters scores have been tinkered with slightly.


Whilst the graphics are simple and the sounds are relatively minimal what the game does wonderfully is is allow you and a friend to play head to head to try and out score each other.

The rules are basic, you are given a "rack" of 7 letters with which to make words on the board and try to accumulate more points than your opponent. You word must connect with at least one other word currently on the board and when all the letters (or "tiles") are used the player with the highest score wins. Despite being awfully simple the competitive nature of the game will have you hooked and the fact you can spice up the board with the bonus squares randomised and playing randomly selected players makes the game a good time waster.

The game also has a chat function in if you wish to flirt...or taunt your opponents.

The game has 2 issues that I'm not a big fan of, mainly that your wins and losses don't seem to be recorded any where which is a bit of a shame and the adverts. Whilst the adverts do lead to the game being free they just seem a little bit too frequent for my liking. However neither of these detract from an excellent game and a game that truly shows how excellent the internet can be used for gaming with an android phone.

Addictiveness-8/10 The competitive nature really hooks you.
Controls-7/10 Simple but they work. The game really couldn't have much simpler controls.
Graphics-5/10 They do their job.
Sounds-2/10 Very simply sounds, nothing to be shocked or amazed by.
Originality-5/10 It's scrabble with a slight twist.

Total score 27/50

Very fun and shows the ability to make truly online multiplayer android games. This is a success and who cares if it's a clone of Scrabble?

Game mark B