This is our monthly game selection with no other apps included. Go here for the best Android, iPhone and iPad apps of May 2012.
Wow, what a month for new games was this May! We had plenty of big launches, and no shortage of witty puzzle games along with a couple of addictive racing titles to keep everyone entertained.
You probably already heard about the big two new launches - for us these were Sonic 4: Episode II and NOVA 3 by Gameloft, available for both Android and iOS. SEGA’s return with Sonic 4 is spectacular - the game looks stunning, and will remind of a decade ago when you rocked your 16-bit console in front of the TV screen. Some things never change (except for the TV screen that is!) And NOVA 3 will have you shooting galactic enemies, all spiced up with jaw-dropping graphics and the quality you’ve come to expect from Gameloft’s series.
But that’s far from everything we’ve picked for you this month. There are two extremely addictive racing titles we wholeheartedly recommend you trying out - Slingshot Racing and Mini Motor Racing for iOS. Both top-down racers will surprise you with a great combination of graphics and physics.
For those looking for a bit calmer, deeper adventure game we give our thumbs up and recommendation for Lostwinds 2: Winter of the Melodias. The sequel will bring you a real storyline, and game characters and visuals that will allow you to dive right in adventure.
There’s plenty more below, all games worthy of being in our selection of the best new mobile games for May 2012. But we may have missed some - so don’t hesitate to let us know about your favorites for this month in the comments below.
Also, you may want to check out our selection of best new games for April 2012, a lot to see there as well.
Best iPhone, iPad and Android games for May 2012
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N.O.V.A. 3 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance - iOS, Android - $6.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/n.o.v.a.-3-near-orbit-vanguard/id474764934?mt=8
image
Sonic needs no introduction - the running blue hedgehog collecting golden coins became a classic in the nineties on Sega, and now it’s brilliantly ported to both iOS and Android, enriched with awesome graphics. The gameplay is just as addictive as you remember, and if you don’t here’s a chance to learn about it. The only con - it’s pricey.
Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II - Android, iOS - $6.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-ii/id511332635?mt=8
embed
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hEkGJREl3_c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div>
Better late than never, Mass Effect Infiltrator finally made it to Android in May. You are Cerberus agent Randall Ezno, protecting the human race from aliens when your fellow Cerberus folks go a bit too far, and you step in to fight against your former allies. 9 high-res levels, taxing your graphics to the maximum. The downside? It’s $6.99.
Mass Effect Infiltrator - Android - $6.99
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ea.games.meinfiltrator_row
embed
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Rj-od4lFJc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
A sequel to last year’s Lostwinds, Winter of Melodias gives you control of Toku, a cheeky irresistably drawn, absolutely adorable character that is looking for a cure for his mother’s disease. Noble as it sounds, the game has some unique visuals that you’ll instantly fall in love with. The controls are very convenient, the game seems a match made in heaven for touch devices. The more than 20 levels can be played in two seasons, and this adds some extra value. Overall, a game we can whole-heartedly recommend.
Lostwinds2: Winter of the Melodias - iOS - $3.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lostwinds2-winter-melodias/id488671285?mt=8
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What, another racing game for iOS? Yes, we might not need yet another one, but Slingshot Racing won’t disappoint as it offers great graphics and a surprisingly addictive gameplay. It is what it looks like - you race tied to slingshots that you hold on to for turns. A great value for only $0.99.
Slingshot Racing - iPhone, iPad - $0.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slingshot-racing/id516349924?mt=8
image
Here’s a puzzler that will work those rusty brain cells. You have to create shapes called polymers (hence, the title) in a lego-like game. There are three different types of gameplay, but initially only the first one is available. There you have to create a polymer in under two minutes. If you play more, you earn more points and unlock it further. The next two modes have you creating the biggest polymer possible with no time limit, and in the last mode you destroy bomb pieces before they destroy you.
Polymer - iOS - $1.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polymer/id499490016?mt=8
image
With incredible music and visuals, Cuboid is a puzzler where you maneuver a rectangular block without falling in the abyss all around. You get harder puzzles as you progress, and along the way a peaceful soundtrack and great visuals will keep you focused.
Cuboid - iOS - Free
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cuboid/id413868705?mt=8
image
Machinarium is one of the greatest puzzle challenges with steam-punk graphics you instantly fall in love with. It’s best played on a big screen, and it would have easily made it to the top of the list, if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s been long available on iTunes. For Android though it arrived in May, and if you have 5 bucks you want to spend on a game, that’s pretty much your best choice for the month.
Machinarium - Android - $4.99
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.net.machinarium.Machinarium&hl=en
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Axon Runners is another futuristic game that has you racing on a hoverboard through tunnels. It’s not that hard to go through the 10 levels in story mode and 6 in hard mode, but try getting the best five-star score in each of them, and you’d find a great replay value. It’s also pretty difficult with your board starting to go very fast and controls sensitive enough to have you bump into objects and restart pretty often. If you like challenge, this one is for you.
Axon Runners - iPhone, iPad - $3.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/axon-runners/id523550957?mt=8
image
MegaRun picked the right or the wrong month to launch. The game is very much like Sonic - you run a cute creature and collect coins, and while it doesn’t have the stunning graphics, it’s also free, and we find it hard to find many flaws at that, right?
MegaRun - iOS - Free
http://itunes.apple.com/app/mega-run-redfords-adventure/id521906541?mt=8
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Mini Motor Racing is finally out on Android this month, and that’s what gives it the place in this list. One of the best top-down racers, with great controls and awesome cartoony cars. Over 20 tracks, and the soundtrack and effects to keep your adrenaline high, justify the $1.99 price tag.
Download Mini Motor Racing on Android
Download Mini Motor Racing on iOS
Download Mini Motor Racing on Android
Download Mini Motor Racing on iOS
Mini Motor Racing - iOS Free, Android $1.99
image
In Ski Safari, you are going down a ski slope, chased by an avalanche, but you still try to look cool and pull stunts, as well as swipe animals (yes, animals) along the way to boost your speed. It’s weird, but it’s fun, and it’s a lot cheaper than skiing, so why not try it?
Ski Safari - iOS - $0.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ski-safari/id503092422?mt=8
embed
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41880102" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div>
Astronut arrived on the iPad this month, and it allows you to use your iPhone as a game controller. This combo works great for the game where you have to jump up in your space suit in a universe where gravity sticks you up to the next planet. Astronut has 24 levels across 6 sectors, and it’s optimized for the new iPad’s retina display.
Astronut - iPad - $1.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/astronut-for-ipad/id456728999?mt=8
image
A free hockey game looking like this is a no-brainer for us, but even if you don’t like hockey, this looks like great fun.
Download Big Win Hockey on iOS
Download Big Win Hockey on Android
Download Big Win Hockey on iOS
Download Big Win Hockey on Android
Big Win Hockey - iOS, Android - Free
image
Built using the Unreal Engine 3, Renaissance Blood lands on Tegra 3 tablets and it’s a first person shooter, but don’t even ask us about the storyline. You kill enemies with a crossbow, a mace and a machine gun. We found it a bit too boring with zombies and others just running mindlessly your way, but if you’re into first-person shooters, don’t care much about the story, then you’d probably like it. It’s our hesitant last pick for this month’s best games.
Renaissance Blood THD - Android - $3.99
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Bridea.NC.THD.RenaissanceBlood
Best iPhone, iPad and Android games for May 2012
A group of rebel soldiers headed by commander-in-chief Kal Wardin return to take back Earth in a Halo-like first-person shooter. The story revolves around the stolen Judger artifact that could be used to save the planet if in the right hands or bring forth mass destruction if picked up by the evil Volterites. The gameplay leads you through 10 single-player levels where you kill enemies, ride vehicles and kill enemies, and save fellow troopers and kill enemies. You get the emphasys, right? Factor in the amazing multiplayer supporting 12 players, and this is pretty much a must have.
Download NOVA 3 on Android
Download NOVA 3 on iOS
Download NOVA 3 on Android
Download NOVA 3 on iOS
Best iPhone, iPad and Android games for May 2012
1. N.O.V.A. 3 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance - iOS, Android - $6.99
A group of rebel soldiers headed by commander-in-chief Kal Wardin return to take back Earth in a Halo-like first-person shooter. The story revolves around the stolen Judger artifact that could be used to save the planet if in the right hands or bring forth mass destruction if picked up by the evil Volterites. The gameplay leads you through 10 single-player levels where you kill enemies, ride vehicles and kill enemies, and save fellow troopers and kill enemies. You get the emphasys, right? Factor in the amazing multiplayer supporting 12 players, and this is pretty much a must have.
Download NOVA 3 on Android
Download NOVA 3 on iOS
Download NOVA 3 on Android
Download NOVA 3 on iOS
2. Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II - Android, iOS - $6.99
Sonic needs no introduction - the running blue hedgehog collecting golden coins became a classic in the nineties on Sega, and now it’s brilliantly ported to both iOS and Android, enriched with awesome graphics. The gameplay is just as addictive as you remember, and if you don’t here’s a chance to learn about it. The only con - it’s pricey.
3. Mass Effect Infiltrator - Android - $6.99
Better late than never, Mass Effect Infiltrator finally made it to Android in May. You are Cerberus agent Randall Ezno, protecting the human race from aliens when your fellow Cerberus folks go a bit too far, and you step in to fight against your former allies. 9 high-res levels, taxing your graphics to the maximum. The downside? It’s $6.99.
4. Lostwinds2: Winter of the Melodias - iOS - $3.99
A sequel to last year’s Lostwinds, Winter of Melodias gives you control of Toku, a cheeky irresistably drawn, absolutely adorable character that is looking for a cure for his mother’s disease. Noble as it sounds, the game has some unique visuals that you’ll instantly fall in love with. The controls are very convenient, the game seems a match made in heaven for touch devices. The more than 20 levels can be played in two seasons, and this adds some extra value. Overall, a game we can whole-heartedly recommend.
5. Slingshot Racing - iPhone, iPad - $0.99
What, another racing game for iOS? Yes, we might not need yet another one, but Slingshot Racing won’t disappoint as it offers great graphics and a surprisingly addictive gameplay. It is what it looks like - you race tied to slingshots that you hold on to for turns. A great value for only $0.99.
6. Polymer - iOS - $1.99
Here’s a puzzler that will work those rusty brain cells. You have to create shapes called polymers (hence, the title) in a lego-like game. There are three different types of gameplay, but initially only the first one is available. There you have to create a polymer in under two minutes. If you play more, you earn more points and unlock it further. The next two modes have you creating the biggest polymer possible with no time limit, and in the last mode you destroy bomb pieces before they destroy you.
7. Cuboid - iOS - Free
With incredible music and visuals, Cuboid is a puzzler where you maneuver a rectangular block without falling in the abyss all around. You get harder puzzles as you progress, and along the way a peaceful soundtrack and great visuals will keep you focused.
8. Machinarium - Android - $4.99
Machinarium is one of the greatest puzzle challenges with steam-punk graphics you instantly fall in love with. It’s best played on a big screen, and it would have easily made it to the top of the list, if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s been long available on iTunes. For Android though it arrived in May, and if you have 5 bucks you want to spend on a game, that’s pretty much your best choice for the month.
9. Axon Runners - iPhone, iPad - $3.99
Axon Runners is another futuristic game that has you racing on a hoverboard through tunnels. It’s not that hard to go through the 10 levels in story mode and 6 in hard mode, but try getting the best five-star score in each of them, and you’d find a great replay value. It’s also pretty difficult with your board starting to go very fast and controls sensitive enough to have you bump into objects and restart pretty often. If you like challenge, this one is for you.
10. MegaRun - iOS - Free
MegaRun picked the right or the wrong month to launch. The game is very much like Sonic - you run a cute creature and collect coins, and while it doesn’t have the stunning graphics, it’s also free, and we find it hard to find many flaws at that, right?
11. Mini Motor Racing - iOS Free, Android $1.99
Mini Motor Racing is finally out on Android this month, and that’s what gives it the place in this list. One of the best top-down racers, with great controls and awesome cartoony cars. Over 20 tracks, and the soundtrack and effects to keep your adrenaline high, justify the $1.99 price tag.
Download Mini Motor Racing on Android
Download Mini Motor Racing on iOS
Download Mini Motor Racing on Android
Download Mini Motor Racing on iOS
12. Ski Safari - iOS - $0.99
In Ski Safari, you are going down a ski slope, chased by an avalanche, but you still try to look cool and pull stunts, as well as swipe animals (yes, animals) along the way to boost your speed. It’s weird, but it’s fun, and it’s a lot cheaper than skiing, so why not try it?
13. Astronut - iPad - $1.99
Astronut arrived on the iPad this month, and it allows you to use your iPhone as a game controller. This combo works great for the game where you have to jump up in your space suit in a universe where gravity sticks you up to the next planet. Astronut has 24 levels across 6 sectors, and it’s optimized for the new iPad’s retina display.
14. Big Win Hockey - iOS, Android - Free
A free hockey game looking like this is a no-brainer for us, but even if you don’t like hockey, this looks like great fun.
Download Big Win Hockey on iOS
Download Big Win Hockey on Android
Download Big Win Hockey on iOS
Download Big Win Hockey on Android
15. Renaissance Blood THD - Android - $3.99
Built using the Unreal Engine 3, Renaissance Blood lands on Tegra 3 tablets and it’s a first person shooter, but don’t even ask us about the storyline. You kill enemies with a crossbow, a mace and a machine gun. We found it a bit too boring with zombies and others just running mindlessly your way, but if you’re into first-person shooters, don’t care much about the story, then you’d probably like it. It’s our hesitant last pick for this month’s best games.
Download NOVA 3 on Android
Download NOVA 3 on iOS