While major game releases were few and far between this June, this only made the gems stand out even more. From unexpected hits like Harry Potter: Magic Awakened to long-awaited sequels like McPixel 3, June is a month of quality, not quantity. Some of June’s releases will inevitably be included in our roundup of thebest games on Android, so rest assured it’s only the cream of the crop directly below. Keep in mind most of these games are suited for a phone’s smaller screen, but if you want to upgrade to something more cinematic, playing on one of ourfavorite budget Android tabletsis also an enjoyable way to play.
1Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened doesn’t look like a compelling adventure through Hogwarts on the surface, but it indeed delves into plenty of lore in this intriguing CCG, and that’s exactly what you’ll find.As we explain in our review, Magic Awakened mixes RTS, CCG, and RPG mechanics alongside a charming storybook aesthetic to create a tight, competitive experience with remarkable narrative depth.
While the microtransactions have the potential to spoil the game later in its life, right now, this is one of thebest CCGs on the Play Store. While Harry Potter fans will get the most out of the game, thanks to its respect for the source material, we recommend this to anyone looking for a new CCG.
2Coffee Golf
Coffee Golf might not look it, but it’s essentially a Wordle spin-off with a golf twist. If you’re tired of the Wordle trend, don’t look away yet, as this might be the best golf game on the Play Store. Coffee Golf has a simple premise, sink the five holes on each course in the fewest strokes possible. Once you’re done, share your score in a Wordle-style format with your friends.
Coffee Golf is free-to-play; you’ll get one chance on each daily course. However, you can watch an ad to replay it or pay $3.99 to unlock unlimited replays forever. Beyond this, there are no ads and no microtransactions.
3Fireball Wizard
Fireball Wizard is a platformer firmly rooted in the past. The gameplay is straightforward, and while it may seem too simplistic at times, it will likely bring up nostalgic memories for people who grew up playing the earliest platformer games. However, Fireball Wizard gives a nod to current trends by offering a dedicated speedrun mode. It’s got full controller support, so grab one of thetop Android controllers before you begin.
Fireball Wizard is free-to-download, but you’ll have to make a small in-app purchase to unlock the entire game. This is a little cheeky on the developer’s part, as it’s easy to mistake the game as free-to-play until you’ve invested a significant amount of time in it. Regardless, this is a nifty retro platformer that retro platformer fans are sure to enjoy.
4Golf Odyssey 2
The second golf game of June, Golf Odyssey 2, is entirely different from Coffee Golf. It’s 2D pixel-art graphics are akin to Desert Golfing, but Golf Odyssey 2 offers a much deeper progression system. As you complete each set of levels, you’ll advance to a more challenging set, upgrading your character as you go. It can be frustrating to be forced to restart the set after failing at the last level (the developers have the audacity to describe Golf Odyssey 2 as “relaxing”). Still, it’ll be all the more satisfying when you finally sink the last hole.
Golf Odyssey 2 is free-to-play with in-app purchases. We recommendpicking up your favorite earbudsto play it, as the sound effects are just as satisfying as the gameplay.
5Lucid Lenses
We covered Lucid Lenses when itlaunched as early access in March, but now the full release is available to play. A romance adventure game where you’ll follow the lives of a couple through the ups and downs of their relationship; you’ll have to make critical choices to determine their fate. There are multiple story paths and endings to follow, so if you’re keen to try out a fresh adventure game, Lucid Lenses is the game for you.
Lucid Lenses’first chapter is available as a free download, but we’ve linked the full version below. Upgrading from the free chapter is the same price, so if you’re unsure about diving in, give the free chapter a try first.
6Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon may not share much in common with the original Shovel Knight game, but don’t be wary of this puzzle spin-off. Pocket Dungeon is a puzzle-adventure game with a roguelike twist. Real-time matching gameplay is the core mechanic, but the adventure and roguelike mechanics add plenty of depth to turn this game into one of thebest puzzle games on Android.
As a Netflix game, there are no microtransactions or ads in Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon. Best of all, this mobile version is up-to-date with all the free DLC added since the game’s original release on other platforms.
7McPixel 3
If you’re unfamiliar with the McPixel series, there’s no better place to start with McPixel 3. A sequel to the 2012 indie hit McPixel, McPixel 3 offers the same absurdist point-and-click adventure gameplay. It’s a parody game where failure is just as satisfying as success. Issuing a command to the titular character is unlikely to have the result you expect, and success can only be found after a long trek through a bizarre and winding road of trial and error.
McPixel 3 is available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. However, if you want to give the original a shot first, you candownload it for the same pricefrom the Play Store.
June 2023 was a great month for quality Android games
Mobile games become more spectacular by the day, with some offeringbeautiful graphics that will push the limits of your phone’s hardware. However, in June, we saw plenty of non-intensive games that provide the short and sweet gameplay that makes mobile gaming great. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend giving Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon’s addictive gameplay a try first.
