Our picks for the ten finest new Android video games in 2023

After years of free video games dominating the scenes, we lastly noticed an enormous shift in 2023. Though there have been loads of nice Android video games launched this 12 months that had been nonetheless free, solely two out of ten of our high favourite cellular video games of 2023 are fully free with adverts, though just a few have demo variations.

Why the sudden reversal? A part of it is because of Netflix. The streaming big dipped its toes into cellular video games in 2021, however 2023 noticed it ramp up these efforts, providing high-quality ports of console video games and different unique titles to its subscribers at no further value. Apple additionally performed a job with the announcement of the iPhone 15 Professional and the corporate’s plans to convey console-quality video games to its telephone, providing them at premium costs starting from $30 to $60.

When Apple introduces a brand new pattern, the Android world typically appears to comply with swimsuit. With Apple pursuing costly premium video games, builders are seemingly extra comfy releasing premium experiences on Android once more. Now that you simply perceive why there are extra premium titles than ever, let’s dive proper into our high ten picks, adopted by a listing of honorable mentions.

Interested by how we got here up with our choices? Whereas I used to be the first curator of the titles, there was extra to the method than simply choosing my favorites at random. We offer extra element on the backside of the publish.

1. Whats up Neighbor Nicky’s Diaries

• Value: Free to strive, $7 to unlock
• Style: Horror/Journey

This 12 months’s race was very shut, making it difficult to pick the highest three or so. In the end, Whats up Neighbor: Nicky’s Diaries was chosen for a number of causes. First, Nicky’s Diaries is likely one of the few cellular video games from a franchise that provides an expertise on par with its console counterparts. As an example, Warcraft Rumble is an okay recreation, nevertheless it doesn’t come near the standard of a real Blizzard title.

Whereas the unique Whats up Neighbor was beforehand ported to Google Play and offered an honest expertise, it didn’t attain the identical degree on account of bugs and awkward controls. Nicky’s Diaries additionally stands out as a result of it boasts stunning graphics, well-functioning mechanics, and among the finest cellular controllers I’ve ever used.

The story is just about the identical as in another recreation within the collection: you could have a bizarre neighbor, and also you determine to research whereas he basically tries to kidnap you. This time, nonetheless, there’s much more in-game lore that may be unlocked, which makes this title stand out much more. You’ll be able to obtain the sport without spending a dime, however you’ll be restricted to a really small portion of it except you pay $7 to unlock the total expertise, which we consider is price it. In search of extra journey video games? Take a look at our information to the finest journey video games for Android.

2. Laya’s Horizon

• Value: Free with Netflix
• Style: Motion /Journey

This one was a really shut second, because it was my private favourite of 2023, at the very least till Nicky’s Diaries got here round (one among my favourite franchises). From the makers of the Alto collection, Laya’s Horizon is a 3D open-world recreation that shares the identical normal aesthetic as the corporate’s earlier titles. This implies equally charming graphics and sound.

Basically, the sport is about indulging in limitless flights across the open map, though it does present particular objectives that may unlock new kinds of flight by way of further capes. It gives a really informal, enjoyable expertise that works nicely for each quick playthroughs and longer classes. The controls are fairly a bit completely different from different movement-driven video games, as Laya’s Horizon makes use of touches and gestures to navigate the world. There’s a little bit of a studying curve right here, however when you grasp them they’ll really feel extra pure than different strategies utilized in related video games.

3. Pocket Metropolis 2

• Value: $5
• Style: Citybuilder/Sim

Pocket Metropolis arguably was the gold customary for cellular city-building simulation video games, however sequels could be tough — simply have a look at how Metropolis Skylines 2 has been having a tough time dwelling as much as its predecessor at launch. The excellent news is Pocket Metropolis 2 not solely lives as much as its predecessor, nevertheless it brings new 3D Graphics and loads of different enhancements.

The sport mechanics have additionally been polished and it’s added some fairly thrilling new options like the flexibility to free roam and enter buildings or drive round in automobiles. The excellent news is that the corporate has struck an honest steadiness between these options and what folks need: a superb metropolis builder.

There are two variations of the sport, however we extremely suggest choosing up the premium app because it’ll solely set you again $5, and but you’ll lose the adverts and achieve a bunch of additional options and features which are omitted from the bottom recreation. If you wish to strive the free model first, you’ll discover it on Google Play as nicely.

4. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

• Value: Free with Netflix
• Style: Arcade

As a younger boy, I spent extra hours than I care to confess trying to beat TMNT 2: The Arcade recreation on the NES so I used to be excited by this launch. Whereas it’s a complete new recreation it nonetheless provides me the identical nostalgic vibe as the unique and it’s good to see a strong recreation like this in trendy occasions, as these kind of video games aren’t practically as standard anymore. This recreation has been round on different platforms for some time, however Netflix introduced us an Android model in 2023.

Netflix is likely one of the finest relating to optimizing its video games and so it’s no shock that the cellular controllers are literally pretty respectable. Nonetheless, you possibly can’t replicate the expertise of an precise bodily controller, so I’m even happier that the sport contains full assist for controllers as nicely. As with different Netflix video games, the one draw back is you could solely play it in the event you subscribe to Netflix.

5. Sid Meier’s Railroads!

• Value: $12.99
• Style: Tycoon

One of the vital costly Android video games of the 12 months, Sid Meier’s Railroads is a devoted port of the 2006 basic. Whereas there are lots of nice tycoon video games on the market for cellular with extra trendy additions to the mechanics, the sport truly holds up fairly nicely regardless of its age. You get all sixteen eventualities from the unique recreation, in addition to the 40 real-world engines from the sport. Sadly, there’s no multiplayer assist within the Android model.

After I first heard about this recreation, I used to be involved as I owned the unique and the graphics had been fairly dated. Fortunately, this isn’t only a straight port, as there’s a redesigned interface for cellular, in addition to upgraded graphics. It’s nonetheless not probably the most visually spectacular Android recreation by an extended shot, nevertheless it’s a strong improve from the unique. Is it price $12.99? In case you’re into these sorts of video games, then completely.

6. Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon

• Value: Free with Netflix
• Style: Motion/Puzzle

Netflix is on this checklist a number of occasions this 12 months, a testomony to only how good its console ports are. The sport is a singular mix of rogue-lite motion and puzzle mechanics. You have got a major map that you simply stroll throughout and may enter into encounters with enemies, which begins up a puzzle spherical.  There are many puzzle video games that supply an analogous expertise, however this extra gamified rogue-lite method helps it stand out as a captivating, addicting expertise.

Whereas Shovel Knight works nicely for shorter playthroughs, I’ll admit I typically received misplaced within the recreation and ended up taking part in longer than I meant. That is largely right down to the fast-paced gameplay that makes you’re feeling such as you earned it when a degree is obvious and leaves me wanting to begin the following one. I let my spouse do this one, as she sometimes sticks extra to conventional puzzle video games as her mainstay. She fell in love and has been taking part in it nearly nightly since.

7. Coromon

• Value: Free trial, $4.99
• Style: RPG

As a Pokemon fanatic because the unique Recreation Boy period, I used to be pleased to see a full-fledged basic monster-catching recreation lastly come to Android, even when it was initially for different platforms first. The sport is totally unapologetic relating to copying the Pokemon video games, nevertheless it manages to do it with utmost respect, just like how Stardew Valley was impressed by basic Harvest Moon video games. You’ll discover similar-looking however distinctive monsters (there’s a ghost-cat, which is my favourite), in addition to the identical normal story of abandoning your mother to gather pocket monsters

The graphics are paying homage to the sooner Pokemon video games, notably through the GBA period, however with extra polish and modernization. Though you’re restricted to only a small a part of the sport without spending a dime, it’ll solely value $4.99 to unlock an expertise that can hold you busy for at the very least 25 hours however can simply double that point if you’re a completionist.

8. Hitman: Blood Cash REPRISAL

• Value: $14.99
• Style: Stealth

Sure, there are a ton of ports on this checklist however this one stands out as it’s a huge improve that’s price a replay, particularly in the event you haven’t touched it for a decade or extra. For Hitman followers who got here to the collection extra lately, Blood Cash was first launched in 2006. The Hitman franchise has developed quite a bit since then including a number of new modifications to the formulation. Though it received’t really feel just like the more moderen Hitman trilogy, the sport does make some enhancements to assist modernize the sport, comparable to including a core characteristic from its direct successor.

The sport Hitman: Absolution arrived in 2012 with a model new Intuition Mode, which marks NPCs with yellow outlines and permits your character to see enemies and civilians alike. It additionally helps point out factors of curiosity. This makes it a lot simpler to play the sport, particularly with cellular controls.  That is the costliest recreation on the checklist at $14.99, nevertheless it’s price it in the event you’re a fan of the collection or need to replay the favored basic with quality-of-life enhancements.

9. Harry Potter: Magic Woke up

• Value: Free with in-app purchases
• Style: Card RPG

Though Harry Potter Legacy has had some combined essential reception, it was a large hit amongst the followers. That’s not the one new Harry Potter recreation although, because it’s been a fairly good 12 months for The Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter Magic Woke up went underneath the radar a bit however was nonetheless picked up by loyal followers like my daughter. The sport is a mixture of RPG and RTS, blended additional by card recreation mechanics. it’s an attention-grabbing combine, if not a totally unfamiliar one. The artwork appears to be like nice and the gameplay is a variety of enjoyable more often than not. A number of the mechanics can admittedly be a bit irritating in my expertise. Even the storyline is strong.

Harry Potter is an enormous franchise with an enormous fanbase, so why isn’t this additional up the checklist? Bugs, for starters. I discovered this recreation would play inconsistently on the Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Professional, and even my Z Flip 3. It might work nicely till it encountered some error and crashed, and even worse it might simply disconnect the sport. You received’t all the time run into points, as my daughter says she’s had many nice play-throughs with no points, however equally as many occasions she’s been fully pissed off with the sport.

10. Honkai: Star Rail

• Value: Free with in-app purchases
• Style: RPG/Gacha

Honkai: Star Rail is definitely the perfect RPG gacha recreation launched to Android in 2023. Set within the HoYoverse, the graphics of this title are stunning, the storyline attracts you in instantly, and inside minutes you’re already thrust into some early motion that’s interspersed with cut-scenes that additional the story and introduce you to the world round you. The battle is your typical turn-based fare and is kind of balanced as the sport progresses, and there’s clear inspiration in among the mechanics taken from the developer’s different smash hit, Genshin Influence.

Whereas the sport is simple to leap into, it additionally will get progressively tougher as it’s a must to be taught the perfect transfer and skill combos for sure battles and extra. We extremely suggest this recreation whether or not you’re into RPGs, gachas, or each. Lots of my coworkers particularly voted for this one to be on the primary checklist and truthfully, I want I may give the final three picks a tie because it was a really shut determination.  You’ll be able to play the sport without spending a dime and whereas there are in-app purchases you possibly can simply get by way of many of the recreation’s targets with out paying a dime, simply bear in mind development might be more durable and slower when you attain greater character ranges.

Honorable mentions: The remainder of the perfect

Yearly, we additionally checklist just a few video games that just about made the checklist, however fell simply quick. In any case, there are tons of nice titles launched, however our checklist solely holds our favourite ten. Listed below are the remainder of the perfect new Android video games launched in 2023:

• Good Grind (Free with in-app purchases) — This quirky informal title permits you to flip, grind, and carry out skating methods, construct your individual skatepark, customise your model, full challenges, and extra. 
• Roto Drive (Free to strive, $5 to purchase) — This distinctive recreation is a fast-paced bullet-filled frenzy. It feels just like the sort of s arcade recreation from Atari’s heyday however with a contemporary twist.
• Baldur’s Gate: Darkish Alliance ($9.99) — Baldur’s Gate takes on a really completely different type on this motion RPG from the early 2000s, ported masterfully to Android. Whereas it’s not low cost, it’s an incredible recreation and can present numerous hours of enjoyable. 
• Tremendous Meat Boy Ceaselessly ($0.99) — The sequel to Tremendous Meat Boy, this recreation is ready years later the place Meat Boy has lived fortunately and security for years together with his new household. Till Dr. Fetus exhibits up. 
• Iris and the Big ($5.99) — This recreation is an odd however satisfying fusion of RPG and card recreation, with roguelike components thrown in. 
• Goat Simulator 3 ($12.99) — The Goat Simulator is again on Android, full with good graphics and all the identical options as you’d get within the console model. 
• Metria (Free with in-app purchases) — At first brush, this appears to be like and performs a bit like trendy Zeldga video games, however the world is barely semi-open and the sport has extra JRPG/Gacha components. 
• Storyteller (Free for Netflix subscribers) — Netflix introduced Storyteller to Android in 2023, which helps you to drag and drop fairy-tale characters onto a digital web page. Each a puzzle recreation and only a enjoyable expertise, however bugs and different points do drag it down a bit.
• Monster Hunter Now (Free with in-app purchases) — Monster Hunter Now was an try by Niantic to convey one other AR recreation to the world with pretty combined outcomes. Nonetheless, it’s price a search for Monster Hunter followers, because it’s free to play. 
• Mud & Neon (Free for Netflix subscribers) — This port is fairly strong however suffers from awkward contact controls. It’s price a play in the event you subscribe to Netflix, although. 

How did we determine on our picks?

There have been a variety of nice video games launched in 2023 and never all of them may make this checklist, however how did we determine our picks within the first place? By means of just a few components:

• Because the curator for our Weekly App E-newsletter since about mid-September, I’ve used a ton of latest video games and apps alongside the best way. I used this to compile a Google Sheet of my observations and ideas.
• I consulted over eight months of Android Authority‘s backlogged “finest video games of the week” articles to pick among the most notable.
• I got here away with a listing of a whole bunch of apps, so I went by way of Google Play evaluation scores and factored this into the choice course of. I additionally eliminated something rating lower than 3.5 except there was a superb purpose, and solely positioned four-star apps into my first high ten draft.
• After narrowing the checklist to twenty video games, it was put out to the crew for solutions and to vote any of my recreation choices preliminary positions up or down.
• Lastly, I spent a bit further hands-on time with something in our high choices to make sure the choices had been strong, after which I locked within the picks.

As with all finest checklist, this one is clearly at the very least partially subjective, however that’s our decide for the highest ten finest cellular video games for Android launched in 2023. Which was your favourite? Tell us within the ballot under.