Exploring the Best Free iOS & Android Games of July 2020 and Beyond
The mobile gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new titles hitting digital storefronts every single day. For avid gamers, sifting through the countless options to find truly engaging experiences can be a challenge. That’s why curated lists, like the one presented in the video above, are invaluable resources for discovering hidden gems and must-play titles. This article delves deeper into the top picks for free iOS & Android games highlighted in the video for July 2020, offering expanded insights, contextual details, and a closer look at what makes these mobile adventures stand out.
From fast-paced brawlers to intricate JRPGs, the diverse selection ensures there’s something for every type of player. We’ll explore the innovative mechanics, captivating aesthetics, and crucial features that define these exceptional mobile games. Moreover, we’ll consider how these titles manage to deliver high-quality entertainment often without an upfront cost, making them incredibly accessible to a wide audience of mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Brawlhalla: Cross-Platform Fighting Comes to Mobile
Kicking off the list of top free iOS & Android games is Brawlhalla, a title that has already made significant waves on PC and console platforms. This brawler fighting game, often compared to the iconic Super Smash Bros. series, excels in delivering accessible yet deep combat. Imagine a scenario where your favorite console fighting game translates perfectly to your mobile device, retaining all the competitive intensity and character variety.
A key feature that truly elevates Brawlhalla’s mobile debut is its commitment to cross-platform play. This means that once the game fully launches for iOS and Android, players will be able to compete against friends and opponents across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This expansive ecosystem promises a consistently large player base, ensuring quick matchmaking and diverse challenges for all skill levels. Furthermore, the ability to pre-register at brawlhalla.com/play signals developers’ confidence in a smooth mobile experience, often a crucial factor for action-packed titles on touchscreens.
Hell Rider 3: A Fresh Spin on Motorcycle Action
The third installment in the Hell Rider series, Hell Rider 3, takes a bold departure from its predecessors, moving from a top-down view to a more immersive 3D perspective. This shift is not merely cosmetic; it injects a significant amount of urgency and frenetic energy into the gameplay. Players are still tasked with dodging obstacles, engaging enemies with various weapons, and collecting power-ups, but the new viewpoint makes every action feel more immediate and impactful.
This evolution highlights a broader trend in mobile gaming: how developers innovate within established series to keep them fresh. By changing the camera angle, the game creates a sensation of being directly “in the action,” a feeling that often enhances engagement in high-speed titles. It’s a thoughtful design choice that leverages modern mobile device capabilities to deliver a more dynamic and visually compelling experience, making it a standout among other Android games and iOS releases.
WinWing: Mastering the Art of Bullet Hell
For fans of intense arcade action, WinWing presents a compelling “bullet hell” experience infused with rogue-like elements. In this game, players pilot an airplane against an onslaught of alien invaders, collecting upgrades and modifying their craft as they progress. The appeal of a bullet hell game often hinges on a delicate balance: providing challenging, pattern-based combat while maintaining visual clarity amidst chaotic explosions and projectiles.
WinWing manages to achieve this balance with its distinct aesthetic, which sets it apart from many other titles in the genre. This unique visual style, combined with robust gameplay, makes it incredibly engaging. Imagine trying to navigate a screen full of projectiles, where the visual design not only guides your eye but also adds to the overall immersion. A solid aesthetic can significantly impact player retention in such visually demanding games, ensuring that players keep coming back to improve their skills and unlock new upgrades.
Soulworker Anime Legends: Fluid Action RPG on Mobile
Adapted from the popular PC title, Soulworker Anime Legends brings its action RPG gameplay to mobile with a strong emphasis on fluid combat. Many action RPGs struggle with on-screen controls, often feeling clunky or unresponsive. However, Soulworker Anime Legends stands out by effectively utilizing screen real estate to provide intuitive controls that don’t hinder the fast-paced battles.
The seamless execution of combat is a major draw, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world and storyline. Whether engaging in PvP (player-versus-player) skirmishes or tackling PvE (player-versus-environment) co-op missions, the responsiveness of the controls makes a tangible difference. It’s a testament to good mobile adaptation when button placements feel natural, almost as if you’re not consciously aiming for them, which contributes significantly to an enjoyable iOS games and Android experience.
Soda Dungeon 2: Deep Dungeon Crawling with Management Flair
Soda Dungeon 2 offers a delightful blend of turn-based dungeon crawling and town management, providing surprising depth for a mobile title. Players recruit a team of adventurers, delve into dungeons for loot, and then use their spoils to upgrade their tavern and town. The game incorporates crafting systems and light management mechanics, adding layers of strategy without becoming overly complex.
What truly makes Soda Dungeon 2 shine is its player-friendly approach to free-to-play mechanics. While monetization options exist, players can achieve everything in the game using in-game currency earned through gameplay. This commitment to equitable progression ensures that success is tied to effort and strategy rather than just spending. The combination of engaging gameplay loops and fair monetization makes it one of the most rewarding free iOS & Android games for those seeking a rich dungeon-crawling adventure.
Emergent Fates & Tales of Crestoria: JRPG Excellence on Mobile
The mobile platform has become a fertile ground for Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), with Emergent Fates and Tales of Crestoria offering two distinct yet equally captivating experiences. Emergent Fates distinguishes itself with a unique art style reminiscent of a storybook or ’90s computer games, a rare and refreshing choice in today’s mobile market. Its linear, story-driven, turn-based combat system evokes nostalgic feelings of classic JRPGs, like Chrono Trigger or Persona, appealing to long-time fans of the genre.
Tales of Crestoria, from Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a proper “Tales universe” game built from the ground up for mobile. It successfully adapts the series’ signature JRPG gameplay, offering a familiar yet optimized experience for smaller screens. Both games highlight the growing capability of mobile devices to host expansive narratives and complex battle systems. Imagine embarking on an epic JRPG journey, complete with compelling characters and intricate plots, all from the convenience of your phone. These titles prove that deep, immersive role-playing is not exclusive to consoles.
Battle Legion: The Spectacle of Auto Battlers
Battle Legion brings the popular auto battler genre to mobile with a fast-paced, strategy-focused approach. Players design their battle formations with various units and then watch as the tactical engagements unfold automatically. The genius of Battle Legion lies in its quick, engaging battles, which typically conclude in less than 20 seconds. This brevity makes it perfect for short bursts of play, ideal for mobile gaming on the go.
The game expertly combines elements of Auto Chess and Clash Royale, presenting a unique take on army management and strategic positioning. PvP is a central component, allowing players to test their carefully crafted formations against others. It’s incredibly satisfying to optimize your lineup and see it dominate the battlefield, all within a rapid, visually exciting spectacle. This quick-fire strategy creates a highly addictive loop, establishing Battle Legion as a top contender among free iOS & Android games for tactical minds.
SINoALICE: A Dark, Intricate Mobile RPG
Directed by the renowned Yoko Taro, SINoALICE offers a darker, more complex narrative experience than many typical mobile RPGs. Its bizarre and original story features twisted fairy tale characters, creating a uniquely atmospheric world. While the game’s intricate class system and sometimes slow-moving plot might require a bit of patience, its presentation, unique gameplay, and captivating atmosphere make it an endlessly intriguing title.
The game excels in creating a distinct mood, drawing players into its surreal world despite its initial complexity. Imagine a mobile RPG where the narrative pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, challenging players with a rich lore that unfolds gradually. For those who appreciate depth and originality in their mobile RPGs, SINoALICE is a compelling journey, proving that Android games and iOS titles can offer truly unconventional and artistic experiences.
Guardian Tales: Zelda-esque Adventure for Your Pocket
Rounding out the top ten free iOS & Android games is Guardian Tales, a title that immediately evokes strong Legend of Zelda vibes. This action-adventure game blends faster-paced combat with a significant emphasis on puzzles, creating a fresh and engaging package. It strikes a balance between familiar mechanics and innovative design, making it feel both nostalgic and new.
The game’s ability to deliver a classic adventure feel while introducing unique puzzle challenges is a major strength. It doesn’t simply re-tread old ground; instead, it thoughtfully incorporates elements that enhance the overall experience. Imagine exploring dungeons, solving environmental puzzles, and engaging in lively combat, all within a charming pixel-art world perfectly optimized for mobile play. Guardian Tales is an excellent example of how classic inspirations can be reimagined for modern mobile gaming audiences, offering hours of captivating exploration and problem-solving.
Beyond Free: Premium Mobile Games Worth Exploring
While the focus remains on outstanding free iOS & Android games, July 2020 also saw the release of several premium titles that warrant attention for those willing to invest a little. These games offer high-quality experiences often comparable to their console counterparts, boasting impressive graphics, deep narratives, or unique gameplay mechanics that justify their price tags.
- MudRunner Mobile ($5.99): This off-roading simulation delivers phenomenal graphics and realistic physics, challenging players to navigate treacherous terrain in powerful vehicles. It’s a deep simulation experience that truly tests your driving skills.
- Pascal’s Wager ($3.99): A “Soulsborne-like” action RPG, Pascal’s Wager crafts a unique and atmospheric world with challenging combat and a distinct aesthetic. It successfully captures the essence of its inspirations while forging its own identity on mobile.
- Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales ($9.99): Believe it or not, this is a single-player campaign set in the Witcher universe, expanding on the card game Gwent. It offers a rich, choice-driven narrative combined with strategic card battles, delivering a premium RPG experience.
- Layton: Unwound Future in HD ($15.99): A remastered HD version of the beloved third Professor Layton puzzle game, this title is a must-play for fans of intricate brain teasers and charming storytelling. Despite its heftier price, the sheer volume of high-quality puzzles and delightful narrative makes it a worthwhile investment.
These paid options underscore the breadth of quality available in the mobile market, demonstrating that sometimes, a small investment can unlock truly exceptional gaming experiences on both iOS and Android platforms. Whether you’re seeking a quick thrill or a deep, narrative-driven adventure, the world of free iOS & Android games and their premium counterparts continues to deliver outstanding entertainment.
