The Best Free iOS and Android Games of February 2020: A Deep Dive into Mobile Gaming Gems
Remember that feeling of discovering a new mobile game, launching it for the first time, and realizing it’s actually *good*? It is a delightful surprise, especially when a title manages to captivate without demanding an upfront payment. February 2020, as highlighted in the video above, was a particularly strong month for these mobile gaming revelations. Many players found themselves navigating a diverse landscape of genres, discovering experiences that defied typical mobile game expectations. This curated list explores some of the standout free iOS and Android games that truly made an impression during that time, along with a few premium titles that offered compelling reasons to open a wallet.
Exploring the Top Free iOS and Android Games of February 2020
When the month of February 2020 arrived, it brought with it a selection of mobile games that truly stood out in their respective categories. A significant number of these titles were offered without an initial cost, allowing a broad audience to engage with innovative mechanics and familiar genres alike. The following games were singled out for their quality and unique appeal, demonstrating the robust potential of the mobile gaming landscape.
Crystalborne: Heroes of Fate – A Refined Strategy RPG
Kicking off the list is Crystalborne: Heroes of Fate, a title that was recognized as a highly competent JRPG gacha strategy hybrid. While it may not have been presented as a revolutionary game, its significant focus on quality of life improvements was readily apparent. Players were not subjected to excessive wait times between chest unlocks, nor were battles burdened by a million taps, making for a much smoother experience. The narrative component was kept minimal, a choice often appreciated in gacha games where the story might not be the primary draw, allowing players to focus on the core gameplay loops. This design philosophy created a more pleasant experience compared to many other games in the genre, making it a definite recommendation for fans of strategy RPGs on mobile.
Overdrive City – The Car-Centric City Builder
Overdrive City presented a truly unique concept, described as a car/city building tycoon game. This title challenged players to construct a town entirely centered around the automotive industry, a whimsical premise that proved surprisingly enjoyable. The game avoided anthropomorphic cars, which was seen as a beneficial departure from similar themes. The core loop involved building factories, producing various types of cars, and erecting structures to enhance the production cycle. It was noted that the game featured licensed real cars, adding an element of authenticity for enthusiasts. While the pace of the game could be a bit slow at times, its charm and refreshing silliness ensured players remained engaged in this distinct car-themed city builder.
Kick-Flight – High-Flying Aerial Action
Kick-Flight delivered on its promise of three-dimensional aerial action, immersing players in exhilarating four-versus-four real-time battles. This game was lauded for its innovative gameplay that defied easy comparison to other titles, even while its art style might evoke a hint of Kingdom Hearts. Although the controls were initially described as “wonky” and not immediately intuitive, mastery of them unlocked an incredibly fun experience. The fast-paced battles were clearly laid out and progression was felt to be fair, offering a refreshing take on mobile PvP. The overall design and execution of Kick-Flight earned it significant praise for its distinctive approach to mobile combat.
Dadish – A Wholesome Platforming Adventure
Dadish was celebrated as a platform game featuring one of the most wholesome concepts imaginable: players embody a radish who is also a dad, on a quest to find his lost children. The game’s art style perfectly mirrored this endearing premise. It was described as a delightful combination of the slow-paced challenge of Super Meat Boy with the approachable design of Super Mario World. This blend resulted in a puzzle-platforming experience that was both enjoyable and easy to grasp, without being overly difficult in its initial stages. With its pleasant aesthetic, engaging gameplay, and great music, Dadish was considered a game with virtually no downsides, ads notwithstanding, offering pure, unadulterated fun for platformer enthusiasts.
Shadowgun War Games – Fast-Paced Mobile FPS Action
Shadowgun War Games entered the mobile FPS arena with a clear objective: to deliver a five-versus-five PvP experience reminiscent of Overwatch, albeit with graphics that had a touch of Fortnite’s aesthetic. While originality might not have been its strongest suit, the game excelled in its pace, offering incredibly hectic and engaging battles. The controls were highlighted as particularly tight for a mobile first-person shooter, which is a crucial factor for player enjoyment in the genre. For players seeking a fast, well-controlled shooter on their mobile device, Shadowgun War Games was highly recommended, with modes like Capture the Flag providing immense satisfaction, even if the premise was not entirely new.
Lucid Adventure – A Captivating Idle RPG Experience
Lucid Adventure was positioned as an idle RPG, a genre often met with mixed reactions, but this title managed to distinguish itself. The game featured basic battling that was primarily handled through an auto-battler system, a feature that players were expected to earn, indicating a deliberate design choice. Once the auto-battler was unlocked, the game was noted as a very good example of what an idle RPG could be. Beyond its idling mechanics, it also functioned as a hero collector, presenting a diverse cast of often silly and enjoyable heroes. While any complaints leveled against it were common to the idle genre as a whole, Lucid Adventure was found to be more engaging than the average title, marking it as a significant win for fans or those lukewarm towards idlers.
World War Doh – A Unique RTS Card Collecting Game
World War Doh, a real-time strategy and card collecting game, was instantly recognizable for its Clash Royale-ish mechanics, albeit with a distinctive Play-Doh-esque aesthetic. This game successfully integrated a variety of unique elements, including different buildings and a fresh visual style not commonly seen in the genre. The primary appeal of World War Doh was its ability to offer a similar strategic depth to Clash Royale while incorporating enough unique heroes and structures to prevent it from feeling like a mere imitation. Its engaging blend of strategy and collection mechanics made it an enjoyable experience for those seeking a fresh take on the mobile RTS formula.
Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed – A Turn-Based RPG with Plastic Charm
Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed brought the iconic building blocks to life in a turn-based RPG, allowing players to collect a plethora of themed Lego heroes. A particular highlight was the game’s meticulous attention to capturing the authentic plastic look and movement of Legos, delivering on the visual expectations for Lego video games in 2020. The gameplay loop involved collecting pieces to construct sets, which in turn unlocked abilities and added significant depth to the experience. While it was acknowledged that the game’s long-term retention might be a concern for some players, the quality of what was present at launch was highly praised, offering a genuinely good and fun adventure for Lego enthusiasts and RPG fans alike.
Dragon Raja – A Visually Stunning Mobile MMORPG
Dragon Raja was lauded as a fantasy open-world MMORPG, built on the impressive Unreal Engine, which contributed to its absolutely gorgeous visuals. This title set a new benchmark for what could be expected from a mobile game, pushing boundaries with its detailed graphics and responsive movement. The game managed to feel both intimate and expansive, a challenging feat for a large-scale MMORPG. While not necessarily breaking new ground in terms of innovative core mechanics beyond its presentation and feel, Dragon Raja offered robust combat (with auto-combat options) and enough content to be considered the “Rolls-Royce” of mobile MMORPGs at the time. For those who enjoy immersive, graphically rich mobile experiences, this game was an undeniable must-play.
Dragon Quest of the Stars – A Classic Adventure RPG on Mobile
Concluding the top 10 free iOS and Android games is Dragon Quest of the Stars, an adventure RPG that was recognized for its solid gameplay and faithful adherence to the beloved Dragon Quest series. The game could be enjoyed as a solo RPG, but also featured a cooperative mode for players seeking to team up with others. Its turn-based battle system, known as the Skill Gauge Battle System, was designed for quick comprehension, allowing players to understand the mechanics within seconds as a skill gauge influenced available actions. Character customization, while not revolutionary, was a welcome addition, providing players with a degree of personalization. Overall, Dragon Quest of the Stars was commended for its well-made, enjoyable experience that successfully brought the essence of Dragon Quest to mobile platforms.
Bonus: Premium Mobile Gaming Experiences Worth Considering
Beyond the free offerings, February 2020 also saw the release of several premium mobile games that commanded attention. These paid titles often delivered deeper experiences, higher production values, and an absence of typical free-to-play monetization mechanics, justifying their price tags for discerning players.
Company of Heroes – Strategic World War II Action on iOS
Company of Heroes, an exclusive release for iOS at the time, brought a fast-paced World War II real-time strategy experience to mobile. The game was specifically highlighted for its emphasis on quick strategic engagements, which set it apart from other RTS titles. Its grim yet compelling visuals were noted for their ability to draw players into the intense battlefield atmosphere. Priced at $13.99, it was considered a worthwhile investment for fans of the RTS genre seeking a high-quality, immersive war strategy game on their mobile device.
Disgaea 1 Complete – A Remastered Strategy RPG Gem
Disgaea 1 Complete offered a beautifully remastered version of the original Disgaea game, widely regarded as one of the best strategy RPGs ever created. This version presented the classic tactical gameplay with enhanced visuals, looking better than ever before. For players who preferred a more hands-off approach, an auto-battle feature was also included. While its price tag of $32.99 was recognized as substantial for a mobile game, the deep strategic gameplay and quality of the remaster made it a compelling purchase for long-time fans and newcomers to the acclaimed series on both iOS and Android.
The House of Da Vinci 2 – A 3D Puzzle Adventure
The House of Da Vinci 2 provided a 3D puzzle adventure experience, drawing comparisons to the well-received Room games. This title distinguished itself by incorporating a compelling story, adding narrative depth to its intricate puzzles. Although it might not have achieved the same level of polish as The Room series, its engaging storyline and clever challenges were enough to ensure player commitment. Available for $4.99 on both iOS and Android, it was a highly recommended game for those who appreciate immersive puzzle-solving with a narrative backbone.
The Last Remnant Remastered – An Overlooked Square Enix RPG Classic
Finally, The Last Remnant Remastered was presented as a Square Enix RPG from the PS3 era that, at its initial release, perhaps did not receive the attention it deserved. This remastered version brought its otherworldly charm and unique combat system to mobile. For aficionados of Square Enix RPGs, it was presented as a must-buy, offering a rich narrative and engaging gameplay that resonated with the publisher’s distinctive style. Priced at $20, The Last Remnant Remastered was made available on both iOS and Android, providing a second chance for players to discover this underrated gem on their mobile devices.
