Another full list of games and tools to try this weekend
Another week is behind us, and that means it’s time to cap it off with another Apps of the Week post. Each week we take up a slot of time on Saturday afternoon to list an app that each of the folks here at Android Central have been using, and give a little explanation of why it’s something we use. Not every app will be new or buzz-worthy, but if we’re using it, we’re going to tell you about it.
This week’s list has a few different games (what else is the weekend for?) highlighted by another weather app that may just hit the spot for you. Read along with us after the break and see how the list stacks up.
Alex Dobie – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
SEGA proclaims Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to be one of the best games ever made, and while that night be just slightly hyperbolic, it’s certainly one of the most iconic titles of its era. In the second installment, generally considered to be the best of the original run, Sonic and Tails speed across 11 zones before meeting Robotnik in his space-based lair.
SEGA and Christian Whitehead, the developer responsible for the Sonic 1 and Sonic CD ports for mobile, have updated Sonic 2 with widescreen graphics, 60fps gameplay, smoother animations and a couple of surprises for fans. Players can take on the role of Sonic, Tails, Sonic & Tails or Knuckles, as in the Sonic 2 & Knuckles lock-on mode for the console original. There’s also a finished version of Hidden Palace Zone, a level partly revealed in a leaked beta of the game, but unplayable in the retail version. And a new Boss Attack mode pits players against all of Robotnik’s contraptions from Sonic 2’s boss battles.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for Android is available now on Google Play, priced at $2.99 in the U.S. and £2.18 in the UK. If you played any of the Genesis/Mega Drive Sonic titles back in the day, this mobile port is definitely worth your time.
Download: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ($2.99)
Simon Sage – Division Cell
Division Cell is a geometry game about identity crisis. Polygons want to be triangles, rectangles want to be squares, and you need to shrink and expand them so they get what they want. The catch is that these shapes share edges, even with non-adjacent shapes. Contorting one will do the same to another. Trying to get every shape into its ideal form in as few moves and as quickly as possible proves to be a daunting task. There are 140 levels, plus a time attack and endless mode, which should keep most folks entertained.
For a stylish puzzle game with a lot of humor, pick up Division Cell.
Download: Division Cell ($1.89)
Phil Nickinson – Weather Underground
The Weather Underground app got itself a pretty significant update this week. First and foremost is the new design and updated widget. There’s now a landscape mode, though the banner ads look pretty janky in it. You’ve also got options for light or dark themes, you can confirm the current conditions at your location and see what other spots are reporting. And for those of us who live in Hurricane-prone states, you can read Jeff Masters’ blog right in the app.
Download: Weather Underground (Free)
Jerry Hildenbrand – Douchebag Beach Club
Looking for a good reason to install Adobe Air? Douchebag Beach Club is a hilarious way to spend a few hours living the dream. The game is simple — the goal is to get big muscles, buy the coolest beachwear to increase your swag, and holla’ at the ladies. Seriously — those are the main objectives of the game. You work out at the gym to bulk up, which allows you to “impress” the ladies — including the one who will sell you sunglasses and fancy beach attire so you get that swagger. Build up enough of each to get close with the “boss” target, who ranges from a perky personal trainer to a chic reality TV star.
You won’t learn anything playing this one, nor will you sharpen your hand-eye coordination. But if you want to be the ultimate douche for an hour or two, there is no easier way.
Download: Douchebag Beach Club (Free)
Andrew Martonik – Dead Trigger 2
I’m not much of a fan of shooter games on touch screen devices (controllers are a whole other story), but something about Dead Trigger 2 has kept this game installed on my Nexus 7 since it was released. Yes, I know, it’s cliche zombie fighting game where you’re trying to stay alive as your run for salvation from the shambling horde, but dang if that’s not some serious fun sometimes.
The control scheme actually works quite well, and I prefer to dial the controls back to be a bit less “on rails” even. While you’re in the settings, make sure to turn up the graphics all the way if you’re on a modern device that can handle it — you’ll be glad you did.
Download: Dead Trigger 2 (Free)
Happen to miss previous editions of our weekly app picks? You can check them out right here. Our continuing weekly app coverage can also be seen right here as well.