As an Android fan I can list a large number
of things I think make it the better mobile platform when
compared with iOS. That's familiar territory though and we've all heard these
arguments a hundred times, so rather than going down that road again, I'll list
a few useful downloads that you can enjoy on a long journey – on Android only – and let them do the
talking for me.
On a long journey you want something that
can engross you and keep you entertained, and that means you want high quality
media entertainment.
Games are ideal for this, but the problem
with mobile games is that they're designed to be 'pick up and play' type
experiences that you can dip in and out of: they're not intended for long
sessions of gaming that last for several hours on a car journey to the airport
for example.
But this is where Android has the edge. You
see on Android you can download emulators that will let you play a number of
games designed for home consoles and even
PCs. That's right: you can play games that were designed to be enjoyed in
long sittings, that were crafted by teams of companies, and that have become
classics throughout the years. Best of all, these games are completely free,
and there's no legal problem with playing them as long as you own the original
cartridge or disk.
So if you can think of a game you used to
love as a kid, there's nothing to stop you now from going ahead and enjoying
that game on your phone or tablet next time you're stuck in the car. Here are
some of the best games you can get up and running on Android devices…
Half Life
Let's start off with a surprise one that
will leave many people with open jaws. That's right: you can play the original
Half Life on Android. How you ask? Simply by using the handy DOS emulator known
as DosBox. This will let you install the original Half Life game on your
Android device, and as long as you have some decent specs, it should run at
decent speed. You may want a controller though.
Mario 64
Here's another incredible classic you can
enjoy easily on most Android devices. With an N64 emulator this one will run
surprisingly smoothly and it's still just as impressive to explore the Pincess'
Castle and collect the stars as it ever was.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time
And while we're talking about N64 classics
you should definitely get back to Hyrule for a bit of exploration and some real
in-depth gameplay that will last you for even the longest drives...
Sonic Adventure
If you were never a Nintendo kid when you
were growing up, then you may understandably not have access to Mario or Zelda or
may just not be interested. Why not install a Dreamcast emulator then and enjoy
some Sonic Adventure instead? That's right, incredibly you can play Sonic
Adventure in its original form and it's still just as much goofy fun and
high-packed action as it ever was.
Shenmue
Shenmue was the ultimate in ambitious game
titles when it first came out, with more to do and explore than any other game,
a full orchestral score and amazing attention to detail. Well turns out that it
stands up pretty well even today and will give you hours and hours of gaming
that really sucks you into its immersive world. This is the kind of game that
will just seem unreal when running on
Android. You won't want to get out even when you reach the airport parking.
Catlevania
Symphony of the Night: Just to
make sure that Sony get a fair look in as well, Castlevania is one of the most
incredible RPG/action/platform games ever created. The animation is stunning,
the exploration is absorbing and the gameplay is addictive. This is a classic
that's definitely worth dipping back into.
Nancy Baker is a freelance blogger who is a part of the team at Park N Jet, a company offering airport parking services in Seattle, WA. She enjoys taking her family on vacations. You can catch up with her on Twitter @Nancy Baker.