Uncovering the Gems: The Best Free iOS and Android Games of February 2020
This deep dive complements the video above, exploring the top free iOS and Android games that truly made February 2020 a memorable month for mobile gaming. We’re breaking down each title, expanding on what makes them stand out, and offering insights beyond the initial review. Mobile gaming continues to evolve, bringing console-quality experiences and unique concepts to your fingertips. This list celebrates the releases that captured attention and offered genuine fun.
Crystalborne: Heroes of Fate – A Refreshing Take on Gacha Strategy
At number 10, Crystalborne: Heroes of Fate emerges as a strategy RPG that significantly elevates the gacha genre. This title blends JRPG elements with tactical combat, creating a hybrid experience that prioritizes player enjoyment. Quality of life features truly shine here. Imagine if every gacha game respected your time as much as Crystalborne.
Unlike many competitors, it avoids excessively long waits for chest unlocks or tedious, multi-tap battles. The narrative, while present, remains minimal, allowing players to focus on core gameplay rather than an overblown story. This self-awareness makes Crystalborne a far more pleasant experience for fans of the genre, offering deep strategy without the usual frustrations.
Overdrive City – Building a Car-Centric Empire
Next up at number nine is Overdrive City, a genuinely unique car-themed city building tycoon game. This title challenges players to construct an entire metropolis centered around the automotive industry. It’s a refreshing concept, moving beyond traditional city builders. While many city builders focus on general urban development, Overdrive City carves a truly unique niche.
Players build factories to produce cars, alongside various structures that enhance the production cycle. A major draw is the inclusion of numerous licensed, real-world cars. One minor criticism is that the pacing can occasionally feel slow. However, the game’s inherent charm and distinct focus on vehicle culture often keep players engaged.
Kick-Flight – Soaring into 3D Aerial Combat
Kick-Flight, coming in at number eight, delivers on its promise of three-dimensional aerial action. This game plunges players into fast-paced 4v4 real-time battles where characters fly and fight with swords in mid-air. It’s not easy to create genuinely innovative mobile combat, yet Kick-Flight manages this with flair.
Initially, the controls might seem a little wonky and not immediately intuitive. Once players master them, however, the experience becomes incredibly fun and fluid. The art style, while perhaps reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts, carves its own distinct identity. Fast-paced, well-laid out, and with fair progression, Kick-Flight offers a unique and engaging battle arena.
Dadish – Wholesome Platforming with a Radish Dad
At number seven, Dadish offers perhaps one of the most wholesome game concepts ever conceived: playing as a radish who is also a dad, searching for his lost kids. This platformer combines the slow-paced, puzzle-oriented challenge of Super Meat Boy with the approachable charm of Super Mario World. On one hand, Dadish offers straightforward platforming; on the other, its charm is utterly disarming.
The game’s art style beautifully reflects its wholesome nature. It provides a pleasant and extremely fun experience without being overly difficult or confusing. Featuring great music and a straightforward design, Dadish is simply a good game. It embraces ads, but they don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
Shadowgun War Games – Fast-Paced 5v5 Mobile FPS Action
Number six brings us Shadowgun War Games, a first-person shooter delivering intense 5v5 PvP action. This title offers multiple game modes where players engage with various heroes, akin to an Overwatch-style game with Fortnite-esque graphics. For those craving intense competitive action, Shadowgun War Games delivers a high-octane experience.
While it might not break new ground in terms of originality, it compensates with an incredibly fast and hectic pace. Controls are remarkably tight for a mobile FPS, making it a highly recommendable experience. The Capture the Flag mode, in particular, stands out for its exhilarating gameplay.
Lucid Adventure – An Idle RPG That Stands Out
Lucid Adventure, at number five, is an idle RPG that manages to rise above the genre’s common pitfalls. It features basic battling, but the auto-battler system ensures a smooth experience, especially once unlocked. Many idle RPGs can feel repetitive, however, Lucid Adventure injects enough fun to keep you engaged.
This game also functions as a hero collector, boasting a diverse roster of fun and often silly characters. While some complaints might echo common idle game issues, Lucid Adventure generally succeeds where many others fail. For those who are typically lukewarm about idlers, this title often proves to be a surprising win.
World War Doh – Clash Royale’s Quirky Cousin
World War Doh, landing at number four, presents itself as a real-time strategy card-collecting game with a distinct Clash Royale-ish vibe. This title introduces a plethora of unique buildings and elements. While it shares DNA with genre giants like Clash Royale, World War Doh establishes its own distinct identity.
Its aesthetic sets it apart from anything else in the genre. Players will find a robust system of different heroes and structures, offering strategic depth and enjoyable gameplay. It successfully carves out its own niche without feeling like a mere rip-off, providing a fun and engaging RTS experience.
Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed – Building a Turn-Based RPG Adventure
At number three, Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed offers a turn-based RPG featuring a vast array of themed Lego heroes. The game masterfully captures the plastic look and movement of Legos, delivering an authentic visual experience. The visual fidelity truly captures the essence of Lego, yet its long-term engagement might be questioned by some.
Over time, players collect pieces to build sets, which unlock abilities and add significant dimension to the gameplay. While undoubtedly fun and well-executed, some players might find its long-term replayability a bit limited. However, what’s currently available is undeniably good and highly enjoyable.
Dragon Raja – The Rolls-Royce of Mobile MMORPGs
Taking the number two spot is Dragon Raja, a fantasy open-world MMORPG built on the powerful Unreal Engine. This game is absolutely gorgeous, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from a mobile title. Dragon Raja sets a new benchmark for mobile MMORPGs, presenting a world of unparalleled visual quality.
Attention to detail extends beyond graphics to fluid, responsive character movement. It creates an intimate yet vast MMORPG experience, achieving feats rarely seen on mobile. While not overtly innovative in core gameplay outside of its presentation, its combat is robust, featuring optional auto-combat. For mobile MMORPG enthusiasts, Dragon Raja truly stands out as a premium experience.
Dragon Quest of the Stars – A Classic RPG Experience for Mobile
Finally, at number one, Dragon Quest of the Stars bills itself as an adventure RPG that delivers a truly well-made experience. This game offers both solo play and co-op options, allowing players to team up with others. Unlike some mobile adaptations, Dragon Quest of the Stars truly honors its lineage.
Its turn-based “skill gauge battle system” is intuitive, taking only a few seconds to understand. Character customization, while not mind-blowing, provides a welcome element of personalization. Overall, this is a fun and enjoyable game that stays remarkably true to the classic Dragon Quest formula, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
Beyond Free: February’s Top Paid Mobile Games
February 2020 wasn’t just about free titles; it also brought some exceptional paid games worth noting. These bonus recommendations offer premium experiences for those looking to invest a little more.
Company of Heroes (iOS Exclusive) – WWII RTS Excellence
This World War II real-time strategy game, exclusive to iOS, distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on fast-paced action and grim, yet effective, visuals. While many RTS games struggle on mobile, Company of Heroes proves that strategic depth can thrive on smaller screens. Priced at $13.99, it offers an immersive and compelling experience that truly sucks players in, making it well worth the investment.
Disgaea 1 Complete – A Strategy RPG Masterpiece Remastered
Disgaea 1 Complete is a brilliant remaster of the original strategy RPG, widely regarded as one of the best in its genre. It looks better than ever and even includes an auto-battle option for convenience. Its price tag is hefty at $32.99, however, the sheer depth and quality of Disgaea 1 Complete justify the investment for fans of tactical role-playing. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
The House of Da Vinci 2 – Immersive 3D Puzzle Adventure
Following the footsteps of ‘The Room’ games, The House of Da Vinci 2 offers a captivating 3D puzzle adventure with a compelling story. Despite not being as polished as ‘The Room’ series, it offers an engaging narrative and intricate puzzles. The story is good, drawing players into its intricate world. Available for $4.99 on iOS and Android, it provides hours of brain-teasing enjoyment.
The Last Remnant Remastered – A Square Enix Gem Revived
Perhaps one of the most underrated games on this list, The Last Remnant Remastered is a Square Enix RPG from the PS3 era that never quite received the attention it deserved. It boasts an otherworldly charm and a unique combat system. This is a must-buy for Square Enix RPG fans, offering a unique journey that finally gets its due. Priced at $20, it’s a robust and memorable experience now available on iOS and Android.
These titles, both free and paid, exemplify the rich diversity and quality available to mobile gamers. Whether you seek strategic depth, fast-paced action, or charming adventures, February 2020 delivered a fantastic selection of the best free iOS and Android games, alongside some premium gems.
