Leviathan: Warships

Technically this one should have been on last week’s list, but apparently I missed it. Considering that I’m a personal fan of Paradox Interactive’s PC games – I figured better late than never. This one is a unique strategic action game that allows you to customize your own fleet and duke it out against other friends. You can also play cooperatively.

The game has a fleet editor with multiple ship/weapon types, a heavy focus on multiplayer and so much more. This is a true gem and while it is a bit expensive for an Android game, coming in at $4.99, I’d say it is worth every penny if you enjoy these types of strategy games.

 Google Hangouts

Revealed at Google I/O this week, Google Hangouts is a cross-platform messenger app that brings group messaging and more. It is a unified experience and is designed to replace Google Talk.

If you are deeply integrated into the Google services and social experience already – you don’t want to miss grabbing this app.

Sonic the Hedgehog

One of my favorite games from the golden age of 16-bit gaming! While technically just a port of Sega’s most successful game, it goes beyond that with great mobile optimization, touch screen controllers, 3rd party controller support and an all-new time attack mode.

Not enough new for ya? What if you could play as someone else besides Sonic??? Yep, Tails and Knuckles are making their way over to the original Sonic game for the very first time. Major cool change, though really it doesn’t change up the gameplay. Still, a welcome addition.

Bottom-line, if you are a Sega fan and don’t mind paying $2.99 for an old Genesis game port, you should snag this one up right away.

 

Kingdom Rush

Do you have a love for fantasy defense games? Well then here’s a new one to whet your appetite. Fighting on terrains from wastelands to mountains, customizing unique towers and even recruiting elven warriors makes this game a bit different from other tower defense titles and a must have at just $1.99.

Saurik’s Cydia Substrate

You might have heard of Saurik’s Cydia before – you know, the jailbroken app store for iOS. Now comes Cydia Substrate, a special app designed as a platform for distributing extensions that modify software without requiring source code access.

To use the extensions, you will need a rooted device, but basically it is designed to make it easy to change up and add new functionality to your phone without worrying about custom ROMs to get the job done.

Certainly a cool idea, though the platform alone does very little – it is up to developers/hackers/modders to contribute in order to make this platform really shine.

Anyhow, you can get it now through Google Play.

Heroes and Castles

To be fair, this isn’t a new game – it’s a massive update. The 3rd person shooter/castle defense game now has three new playable characters (assassin, druid, barbarian), as well as a brand new single player campaign that unlocks once you’ve completed the original campaign mode.

There is also a new co-op pap, a pvp map, and three new upgrade levels for both units and buildings. It has also been enhanced in the performance department, using less RAM than before, which means that it will play nicer with older iOS devices.

The update is of course free, though the game itself will set you back $1.99.

Can Knockdown 3

Really a game about knocking down a can, how is that fun?

Surprisingly, it is extremely addictive and is now the third game in the series. The newest version doesn’t change too terribly much from the previous titles, though its graphics are certainly very polished to say the least.

The game does cost, but it’s only $.99. Honestly, it is probably worth it, considering this game can really help you kill time when waiting for the bus, for a meeting or just because you have nothing better to do.

 

Haunting Melissa

From the producer of “The Ring” comes Haunting Melissa, an episodic app that is really more of a movie like you’d find in iTunes than an actual game. It is certainly a unique way to go about delivering the experience – and it comes in at $1.99 per episode or $14.99 for the entire film.

Have to give them mad props for doing things differently, and it is certainly worth checking out if you are into horror films.

Limelight

What’s Limelight? It’s a brand new iPhone app designed to create a comprehensive movie database of the films you’ve already watched – and those you plan to watch in the future.

Limelight focuses not just on keeping track of the movies you have or will watch, it is also about sharing these lists with others and recommending films to various people.

Check the app out now, for $.99.

 Google Hangouts

It was bound to happen, every week there is at least one app that arrives for both iOS and Android. This week its the cross-platform messaging program, Google Hangouts!  This is designed as a replacement for Google Talk and is a must have if you are actively involved in using Google services. Grab it now from the AppStore.

WeatherSignal

This unique app uses the sensors in your phone to determine the weather around you. Additionally it takes that info – with your permission – and shares it to creating a more accurate map of weather around the globe. The project is still in its infancy, but it is certainly interesting and worth checking out. The more users that grab the app, the more accurate the weather information will be.

The app is totally free and works with just about any Android device, although to take full advantage of every feature, you really need all the sensors of the Galaxy S4.

Anyhow, check it out through Google Play.

 

Blitz Brigade

Blitz Brigade isn’t shy about what it is – a game that clearly borrows strongly from the ideas of the popular Team Fortress games. That means that this isn’t exactly a unique title from Gameloft, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.

There are 5 classes you can play as, 100+ weapons, and there is even 120 single-player missions. Not to mention the ability to duke it out against 12 other plays online.

This one is free, but of course that means it is a “freemium” title that using in-app purchases to expand the game experience.

Carmageddon

In an endless sea of freemium titles, comes Carmageddon. The game originally arrived in 1997, but has now has made it over to Android. This game is ultra-violent, but also ultra-addicting and fun. You might remember the project to bring it to Android actually started as a Kickstarter game, and received quite a bit of attention.

As mentioned, this is a paid game — but you can also play it free with the “promo” version. The promo version is actually the full game, it just only works for 24 hours. After that, you’ll have to upgrade to the non-promo version. Or you can simply buy it for just $1.99 from the get-go.

Clutch Mobile Wallet

What’s Clutch Mobile Wallet? In short, it is an alternative to Google Wallet. This one allows you to pay with barcodes generated by your credit, debit and/or gift cards. It actually works quite a bit like the Apple’s own Passbook app for iOS.

Check out the app now from Google Play.

 

Flipboard

Okay so Flipboard isn’t new, but a pretty big update has finally arrived – the same update arrived in late March for iOS users. What’s new? The app now makes it possible for users to create their own “magazines”. Maybe not a world-changing thing, but it’s still pretty cool, nonetheless. There are also some bug fixes and other improvements in the update.

The app is available now through Google Play.

Netflix

Like Flipboard for Android, this one isn’t new (obviously), but considering how important Netflix is for most of us – it is still worth covering. The latest iOS update brings with it an improved interface elements including auto-starting the next episode of shows you are watching after one ends.

There is also an awesome new recommendation feature that gives you suggestions of new movies to watch, once one ends. Of course all in an evil plan to keep us watching forever and ever.
While the app is free, you do need a subscription for this one to work (duh, right?).

Facebook Pages Manager

Lot’s of big updates this week, huh? Last one, we promise. Facebook has now received an update to its Pages manager application. This one has been re-written for speed, allowing faster scrolling through timelines, loading of photographs and more.

For those that don’t know, FPM is about making it easier for page admins to keep up with and connect with their audience on the go. It is free to use and available through the AppStore. 

Earlier today Amazon released this iPhone verison of its Amazon Cloud Drive Photos mobile app. In a change of pace, it actually came to Android first (back in November), but is finally here.

For those that don’t know, this one makes it easy to back up and vie photos to an Amazon Cloud Drive account. If you aren’t happy with the iCloud Photostream feature, this is a great alternative.
Best of all, its free from the AppStore.

Running With Friends

Running with Friends takes everything we love about games like “Temple Run”, put ads its own small twists to the formula. The game takes place in Pamplona, Spain – yep, in the middle of running of the bulls. You guide your character through, collecting stars and avoiding obstacles.

Luckily, there is no tilting needed for this one. Moving left to right is instead done through easy swipes.

There is also an interesting asynchronous multiplayer option that adds a bit more challenge to the game, allowing you to go up against Facebook/GameCenter friend scores.

Check it out now, as it is free from Apple’s AppStore.

Chuck the Muck

The makers of Critter Escape brings us a new free-to-play iOS games, this one called “Chuck the Muck”. In the game you play a blob of muck, named Chuck. You will have to escape crystal mines, using flinging action along the way.

In a way the game is a bit like Angry birds, though it also stands out on its own thanks to its unique levels and characters. Check out the video, and grab this one from the AppStore.

Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno

If you are looking for something truly different this weekend, here it is. Sega’s Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno has seen a fair amount of success on iDevices and now has finally made its way to Android.

The game has you play as a prince of Hell, who also happens to be a rabbit (yes, really). The bunny prince utilizes unique weapons and masks to defeat a whole slew of baddies across 60 levels, taking place in six distinct worlds.

For $.99, this is certainly a worthy choice if you enjoy endless runners with odd-ball characters and story.

Angry Birds Friends

Technically this isn’t a new game, as it has been available on Facebook for quite a while, but now Rovio has taken the game, added a few extras and thrown it onto Android devices. Angry Birds Friends isn’t terribly different from any other “Angry Birds” title, except for it has a much more social focus.

Check this one out now, for free, via Google Play.

LibreOffice

There are many great office suites out there for Android, but what if you could get a well-known Office program without paying a cent? LibreOffice is coming to Android. Now this app isn’t officially on Google Play and is a pre-alpha, meaning that it might not be suitable for daily usage.

Why post it? Despite being a pre-alpha, it is a VERY notable app and one that could be very important when it comes to future productivity on Android devices. To download this one, you’ll have to download the APK files and install them, all outside of Google Play.

This might not be for everyone, but if you are curious, it could still be worth checking out.

Punch Quest

Another game that started on iOS, Punch Quest has now arrived to Google Play. So what’s the game all about? Simple put, its a side-scroller where you punch things. Sounds pretty basic, but it is actually a heck of a lot of fun.

There are several moves and abilities you can customize your character with, and there are even path choices during the game that spawn special encounters and help add to the title’s uniqueness.

Punch Quest isn’t free, but at $.99 it is hardly what we’d call expensive.

Weatherbug

WeatherBug is far from a new app. As one of the more popular Android weather apps, why is it on the list then? Because it just got a new makeover. The new interface uses dynamic live tiles that can be rearranged, making it easier than ever to access the weather-related information you want and need.

Check out the video below to see the new design, and then head over to Google Play and grab it for free.

Angry Birds Friends

As is inevitable, this is a repeat again, as we already mentioned it in the Android list.

Anyhow, it is basically just Angry Birds with social elements. Get it free from the AppStore.

 

Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles

Battling across 15 levels playing as Yoda or Count Dooku? Sign me up. This one is in celebration of Star Wars Day tomorrow, though it is available now. There are lightsaber duels, blaster battles and so much more.

If you are a fan of the Lego Star Wars universe, you’re going to love this freemium title. Grab it now through the AppStore.

Songza

What’s Songza? The app is all about helping your find the perfect music for your current mood, activity, occasion or whatever have you. The app curates playlists better than alternatives like pandora and works to pair based on time of day and so much more. This one is certainly worth checking out, best of all, it’s free.

Dark Avenger

Not too long ago, we covered Dungeon Hunter 4 on an iOS and Android app list, now comes a similar dungeon-based hacking experience, again of the freemium genre. This one has tons of enemies, plenty of loot and pretty impressive graphics.

Overall not a bad game, but it is worth noting that you have to have an active Wi-Fi connection to play the game, which might turn off some players. Anyhow, check this one out through the AppStore.

Star Command

What’s Star Command? It’s a sci-fi resource management and strategy game that lets you hire crew, upgrade em’ and fend of attacks from pesky aliens.

The game is probably a bit on the complex side compared to your average mobile game, but for strategy lovers, it could be perfect. So how much will this one set you back? $2.99, which really isn’t bad considering how engrossing this one really is.

Re-Volt

This great classic originally made its way over to the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PC and Playstation back in 1999. It then found itself going mobile last year on iOS. Late to the party, Android fans can now dive into the classic as well.

Featuring 14 race tracks, 42 cards, and multiple play methods – there is quite a bit of content to enjoy here. Unfortunately there are also a few things missing from the original, such as the track editor. Still, it is an enjoyable enough experience and one that WeGo Interactive promises to continue updating with new content down the road.

Of course for a 14-year-old game, some might feel that the asking price of $4.47 is a little on the high side.

Fieldrunners 2

Easily one of the most well-known tower defense series, Fieldrunners 2 has finally made its way over to Google Play. The latest game features 25 levels, a whole new game engine and a massive 20+ hour campaign that will keep you plenty busy this weekend.

Again, this isn’t one of the many free or $.99 games we so often see on Android, coming in at $2.99. Still, it is plenty worth the money if you at all enjoy this genre.

Swype

It’s hard to call Swype ‘new’ considering how long it has been around, but this week the app finally ditched its very, very long beta phase and became an official downloadable app via Google Play. Swype likely needs no introduction, as one of the most popular alternative keyboards for Android.

The get the full app, you will have to shell out $.99. If you are one of the few who haven’t actually used Swype before and want to give it a go before you buy, there is also a 30 day trial version available.

SoothPostr

This an interesting question and answers app that randomly generates answers to questions of all sorts, and even allows the answers to be easily posted to a social network such as Twttier, Facebook and Google+.

This app is obviously not meant to be taken to seriously, but it is still interesting enough, and best of all it is totally free.

Spiderman 3

Gameloft’s tie-in to Spiderman 3 has now arrived! For those that like endless runner types of games, there is a lot to love here. The graphics are great and the content isn’t half bad. The only downside is that it is a freemium title, meaning that to get the full experience you might have to be willing to spring for some in-app content.

As for the levels? There are three different levels that are randomly generated to take place in New York City, Malibu Shores and China. Another great bonus is that there are 18 unlockable suits to be found throughout the game as well.

Even if you don’t love freemium titles, it still might be worth checking this one out. You can always uninstall later if it turns out to not be your thing.

FocusTwist

This app has certainly received a far amount of attention as of late. This unique photography app is designed to take pictures with variable focus points and makes use of multi-image fuctionality to refocus on specific areas of the snapshot.

FocusTwist works with the iPad and older iPhones, but is specifically optimized with the iPhone 5 in mind. You can snag the app now for just $1.99.

Nutrino

Nutrino is a new virtual nutritionist app, designed to provide a day-by-day format that will tell you what meal to have and even when.

The app uses a Facebook account to connect and also asks for vital stats in order to help give us our recommended meal plans. So does it actually work? Yes and no. It will truly give you day-to-day recommendations but many times the ingredients it chooses are quite expensive, totaling to as much as $60 for one day.

Additionally, it only gives you the grocery items you need for one day at a time, so unless you plan to shop every single day – this might not be for you.

Still it is a really cool idea and worthy of a mention as one of the best apps of the week, even if it isn’t all the way there yet. The app is currently in beta and at least for now is offered completely for free.

Lego Batman: DC Super Heroes

The Lego gaming series has gained quite a following over the last few years, regardless of whether its on a mobile system, console or even PC. The latest game goes way beyond Batman, bringing in superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Green Lantern. There are also quite a few unique villians as well.

In total, the game allows more than 80 playable characters and works with both the iPhone or iPad.

On the downside, this one is a bit pricey for a mobile game, coming in at $4.99.

Iron Man 3

Due to the fact that some apps come out for iOS and Android at the same time, we are bound to have at least one app each week that is found in both sections. This week we have Iron Man 3. The official tie-in game is an endless runner with excellent graphics and quite a bit to do.

On the downside, it is a freemium title – meaning that you will likely be pressured into buying in-app purchases to make the most of the title.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to check it out, as it doesn’t cost you a cent up front.

The House of the Dead: Overkill – The Lost Reels

Despite the REALLY long name, this is certainly a fun title if you enjoy endless hours of zombie shooting. This all-new game is essentially a remix of 2009′s “House of the Dead: Overkill” with optimized touchscreen controllers and three worlds to explore.

If you are a fan of the series, you won’t want to pass this one up. The game is available now for $4.99.