Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications, games, and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted by us in the previous 2 weeks or so.

Please wait for this page to load in full in order to see the widgets, which include ratings and pricing info. Please wait for this page to load in full in order to see the widgets, which include ratings and pricing info. Looking for the previous roundup editions? Find them here.

Featured App

Passport Photo ID Studio

This week's roundup is brought to you by Passport Photo ID Studio from Handy Apps. If you need a photo for your passport, visa application, or any other kind of license or ID, you don't need to go to a drug store to get one. Just install this app, take a selfie with your front-facing camera, and the app will help you apply the correct format for what you need. It supports live capture and photo imports, direct printing via Google Cloud Print, and a staggering variety of sizes for various national passports. The updated version sports a new interface with improved usability.

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Passport Photo ID Studio is a completely free ID photo maker app that enables you to create passport photos and any other ID photos in the comfort of your own home and without having to pay a single cent. All you need is a white backdrop and ample lighting, and by simply following the in-app guidelines, you can begin making professional-looking passport photos and ID photos that will pass the standards set by government agencies worldwide. Passport Photo ID Studio also allows you to print out the ID/Passport photos you have made, should you require physical hardcopies.

Games

FireWhip

Android Police coverage: When A Bad Guy Comes Along, You Must Whip It In Pixelated Casual Game FireWhip

FireWhip is a casual game that asks, what would happen if Indiana Jones and the Human Torch had a love child? Spin your finger around the central blob to smash enemy blobs with the titular fire whip. It requires a bit of technique: you'll need to lure the bad guys in, and spinning too fast will empty your fuel. Release the whip at just the right time to unleash the "crack" attack. FireWhip includes an interesting GIF-creator that lets players share the end of more interesting enemy waves.

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Drag around yourself to spin. Spinning too much will burn out parts of your whip. If you are at full length, you can swipe and release to crack your whip. Master the whip crack to survive. You will encounter lots of cowardly enemies. You will discover special enemies. Go for it. Make GIFs of your wins and coolest losses.

Chronology - Time changes...

Chronology is a 2D platformer that takes more than a little inspiration from Steam darling Braid. You use various time-warping mechanics to traverse the levels and advance through a trippy story involving a Doc Brown-style main character and his giant pet snail. The visuals are beautifully realized in 2D, a nice change from the usual faux retro style, and all the characters have full voice acting. The first part of the game is free, with subsequent chapters available as in-app purchases.

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Chronology is an episodic puzzle platform adventure starring The Inventor and The Snail. Try "Part I" with 3 chapters for FREE."Part II" is available in the game as an in-app purchase, with additional parts following later. In Chronology, you manipulate the past and the future, in order to fix the present. Play as the Old Inventor and his sidekick The Snail, and take advantage of their special abilities - travel back and forth in time, stop time, manipulate objects and solve puzzles.

Green Ninja: Year of the Frog

Unless I'm remembering my Chinese restaurant placemats incorrectly, there's no such thing as a "year of the frog" - a good thing, too, since ninjas wouldn't be all that concerned with another culture's zodiac. Green Ninja is a puzzler with an action veneer: you hop from floor to ceiling to walls taking out as many pixelated ninjas as possible. A single in-app purchase removes ads.

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It's the year of the frog, the celebrations are in full swing and you are on the menu. You escape the clutches of the evil ninjas. Now you must take revenge using your unstoppable kick. THIS FROG FIGHTS BACK.

•Unique Kung Fu turn based action puzzler.

• Smash your way through tons of levels - we give you optional challenges as well in case you get stuck.

• Easy small puzzles that eventually lead up to brain-melting challenges.

• Super simple controls. Swipe left, right & up is all you need to move around.

• Cutting edge pixel graphics

RESCUE: Heroes in Action

Here's an odd combination: a firefighting game with a real-time strategy setup. The missions in Rescue: Heroes in Action play out sort of like a game of Age of Empires or Red Alert... except that the only enemies are burning buildings. The top-down interface combines a bit of old-school driving with managing your firefighters and improving your station. This is the Android version of a PC firefighting franchise, and it works surprisingly well on mobile.

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Dive into realistic, suspense-packed missions with your firefighting unit, where your decisions can often mean the difference between life and death. Find out what it means to be a true "Hero in Action". When the sound of sirens fills the streets of your city, the blue flashing lights reflect in the windows of the house fronts, the stampede of soot-blackened boots against the asphalt rings in your ears and the command "Water on." is shouted out, everyone knows: It's that time again - THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HERE to win the fight against the flames.

Heroes and Castles 2

We covered the original Heroes and Castles, a mix of over-the-shoulder fantasy action with strategy and tower defense, at around this time last year. The sequel adds more RPG-inspired character customization, better graphics (or at least better visual design), and more unit and weapon types. The game is split up between single-player and multiplayer in both cooperative and competitive modes. The in-app purchases for currency aren't too egregious, but they'll still unbalance the multiplayer modes at times.

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You stand solemn, overlooking the battlefield. To your left, towering giants rush into battle, bashing hordes of goblins high into the air with each swing of their bone clubs. To your right, Dwarven Iron Helms break into shambling skeletons, while a line of Pikemen ready their spears for one last charge. Behind you, your Elven Archers unleash their arrows overhead into lumbering Trolls and savage Orcs. But it is not enough, and the enemy keeps coming... With one last cry to battle, you ready your sword and charge into the fray.

Blamburger - Clarence

Cartoon Network's latest mobile game stars a portly young man whose only concept of portion control is that you shouldn't eat explosives. Your job is to build an excessively layered burger out of falling ingredients, sometimes strategically selecting combinations that work well together. The game is simple and effective for touchscreens, and like most of Cartoon Network's titles, it includes no in-app purchases.

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Clarence wants to build the perfect burger, but when Sumo throws some firecrackers in the mix, the food goes flying. See how many burgers you can catch in Blamburger. Use simple and intuitive touch controls to catch falling ingredients and avoid firecrackers. Build burgers using normal items like beef, cheese and lettuce, or weirder stuff like fried eggs, donuts, lobsters, or even worms.

Brickies

Brickies is a new and almost disturbingly cute take on Breakout - there's something extremely unsettling about smashing every block on the stage when each one has a little face on it. The unconventional design of the various stages mixed with interesting power-ups makes for a lot of new gameplay ideas. The game is more concerned with timing than accuracy, since there's no penalty for milling with your paddle.

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Fast, colourful, simple, and addictive, break the brickies and bounce your way to victory. Brickies is a fresh take on the classic breakout game, with fast paced levels that will leave you thirsty for more action. Use the paddles to launch the ball and unleash a variety of power ups upon the brickies, but don’t worry if you miss the ball. In Brickies missing a shot doesn’t mean the game is over, it deactivates the ball until you bounce it again and then you’re back in action.

E3 1915

If you're a gamer, you've probably had your eyes glued to the Electronic Entertainment Expo this week. But what would E3 look like if it took place a hundred years ago? There's not much gameplay to E3 1915 - you're a game reporter scouring the sepia tone floor for news and food - but the interesting premise and charming art are worth a look. Puzzle fans can import levels from the Hondenkat Engine if the admittedly shallow playtime isn't satisfactory. E3 1915 is free with no in-app purchases.

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A puzzle game to celebrate this year's E3. Can you find all the newspapers? You are a news reporter set in 1915 and one of the biggest industry events, E3, has just come into town. It's time to see if you can find the biggest scoop across 10 levels in this celebratory game for the event. Includes a custom level player so you can import your own Hondenkat Engine levels.

Outside World

Outside World really, really wants to be Monument Valley when it grows up. The game's visual inspiration is hard to ignore, but the puzzles are much more linear, mostly relying on the main character's ghost pal to activate multiple portions of a small stage at the same time. That said, it's not as if the design is bad - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all. For just a buck, it's worth a try for puzzle fans.

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Lost and bewildered in an exotic world, Kyrsten wishes nothing but a way home. With the help of a newly-met ghost-like friend Jaynie, her surreal journey of exploration begins. Travel through the strange land and solve puzzles to get Kyrsten home.

Into The Circle

Into The Circle is a lot like shuffleboard, but with more gravity. Tap, hold, and release to send the ball sliding up to the next target, earning more points the closer you get to the center. Different stages and balls behave in different ways. The game relies heavily on physics, but you'll also need good directional instincts and timing. The $4 "ultimate edition" IAP includes new skins and removes advertising, but doesn't get rid of the annoying social pushes.

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Shoot the ball in the right direction with the right amount of force. Aiming from one circle to the other and achieve a Perfect. How far can you survive? From Gameblyr and ZipZap Games comes this minimalist physics based action title. Shoot the ball into the circle and get as many perfects as you can.

● A unique and original physics based action game that requires skill and precision

● Simple to play but challenging to master.

● Complete against other players on the worldwide leaderboards EVERY DAY for rewards based on ranking.

● Earn bonuses for playing daily to help you achieve your goals.

● Ultimate Edition includes custom designed skins to change up your gaming experience

The app was not found in the store. :-( Go to store Google websearch

Space Galaga Int'l Edition

Space Dandy is an anime action-comedy from the guy who made Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. This game is... well, it's Galaga, but with a few backdrops and enemies inspired by Space Dandy. That's about it apart from a spaceship builder mechanic, but with the way Bandai-Namco churns out freemium junk these days, fans of either Space Dandy or Galaga should be happy to pay $2 for a skinned version of the classic space shooter. There's no Android 5.0 support, because Bandai doesn't really know how software works.

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We hope you enjoy this true shoot 'em up game that can be enjoyed casually with simple controls using only one finger. Anyone can enjoy a true shoot 'em up game experience with the simple controls of Space Galaga. You've just got to try this new generation shoot 'em up game that anyone can enjoy, from shmup masters to brand new players of the genre. This brand new Galaga game includes systems from the hack-and-slash genre where you can obtain powerful fighters or parts by clearing stages.

The app was not found in the store. :-( Go to store Google websearch

Lifeline

Lifeline is a text-only Choose Your Own Adventure-style adventure game. The story follows a stranded astronaut, and you're his only connection to the outside world. Your job is to help him make life-and-death decisions that will help him survive. It's basically Apollo 13 (with a desolate moon instead of a spaceship), and you're mission control. The game uses notifications to advance the story in an interestingly immersive way.

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Lifeline is a playable, branching story of survival against all odds. You will help Taylor make life or death decisions, and face the consequences together. Acclaimed writer Dave Justus (Fables: The Wolf Among Us) weaves a gripping interactive story through the aftermath of a crash landing on an alien moon. Taylor is stranded, the rest of the crew are dead or missing, and Taylor’s communicator can only reach you.

Feed Me Oil 2

Think of Feed Me Oil as a more visually interesting and creative version of Disney's Where's My Water games. The objective is to get oil into the maw of one of the crazy monsters using some slippery physics. While the core gameplay might be familiar to you, it's the impressive 2D sprites that will keep you coming back, to say nothing of the various physics-based modifiers. In-app purchases can buy hints to get you through the tougher stages.

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Channel oil into the gaping jaws of surreal living worlds in Feed Me Oil 2, the sequel to the groundbreaking and genre-defining Feed Me Oil. Guide gallons of the stuff around a series of mind-bending mechanical designs using new and improved physics. Watch as the oil moves realistically around each level and through the air, water and along ice in four fun-filled chapters. Touch and drag new tools around to experiment with windmills and fans to create the perfect solution. Try using as few tools as possible to earn a three-star rating to share with your friends.

Find a Way Soccer: Women’s Cup

At first glance this looks like a soccer game, but in fact the soccer players are pieces on an unusually grassy playing board. The idea is to get the ball into a position for a valid strike at the goal... so, pretty much exactly like regular soccer, except it's turn-based and you move on tiles. This edition of Find a Way Soccer is a timely take on the Women's World Cup. The free game includes ads, but the only in-app purchase is for "super" shots that work across greater distances (basically stage skipping tokens).

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A football puzzle game, challenging your brain to the max with an all ladies lineup. Following the games Find a Way Soccer and Find a Way Soccer 2, we are now launching Find a Way Soccer: Women’s Cup - just in time for you to get hyped for the Canada World Cup. The 24 tricky puzzle levels are all about planning several steps ahead, anticipating your opponent’s next move and keeping track of your teammates. There are several different player types to know and utilize in the best possible way, as well as different kinds of opponents to look out for.

The Trace: Murder Mystery Game

The Trace is a grisly take on the popular "escape the room" genre that has you solving murder mysteries instead. You play the game in first person, searching for clues and solving puzzles, and if you succeed the relevant portions of the murders will play back in CSI flashback fashion. Reviewers say the game is solid, if a little short, and the visual effects are impressive for what's essentially an adventure game. No in-app purchases is a nice bonus.

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Ever wanted to play at being Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple, solving puzzles, finding clues and leading the investigation into the crime that needs to be deciphered? The Trace is an immersive murder mystery puzzle adventure game that will pit your wits against a baffling crime that needs solving and a case that needs answers. Discover clues, find the leads and reveal the proof, become a detective, solve the mystery and close the case.

TransPlan

TransPlan is a physics puzzler that plays out on a stage that looks like a blueprint. Whiteprint. Engineering drawing. Whatever. You only get two tools: a pin that works as a hinge, and an eraser that can delete portions of the stage. With only those you'll have to fling, roll, scoot, and blast the key block into the goal in dozens of stages. This game is a pilgrim from Steam, and it offers additional levels via in-app purchase.

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Deliver a payload from point A to point B with only a few simple tools and the laws of physics. Create ramps and catapults, watch objects tumble and fall, and someway... somehow reach the destination. Each project is a hand-drawn puzzle for you to interact with -- Devise a plan, experiment, and make it happen. TransPlan features dozens of projects to explore, starting simple and growing ever more complex.

Monument Builders : Alcatraz F

If you dream of overseeing the construction of America's most notorious maximum-security prison... then you've got a very strange and specific dream. This game indulges you, but only in so much as you can build a theme park-style tourist attraction on the island. Yeah, you'd think that most people would prefer to build a roller coaster or something. Still, this is one of the few park builder games available on the Play Store as a premium title with no in-app purchases.

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Take part in building the monument that made Alcatraz Island a household name. Alcatraz Island is located near San Francisco Bay and attracts over a million tourists every year. The island is also famed for possessing the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast and was once a nesting site for countless pelicans, called ""alcatraces"" in archaic Spanish. Alcatraz prison is renowned for inspiring many films and books, and gained notoriety for housing such famous inmates as Al Capone.

Guncat

This 2D game uses the powerful Unreal engine to... pit a cat against a bunch of birds. But this particular furball has an advantage over Sylvester: various forms of high-powered projectile weapons, flamethrowers, and explosives. Guncat itself is pretty simple: hit lots of birds with the one-touch controls, and try to avoid the explosive crows. The IAP is relatively light for this free game, but unfortunately some crashing and purchase restore issues are giving early users trouble.

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Grab the weapon, take down all pesky birds and boost score until ammo runs out. Be sure to shoot down birds carrying ammo boxes or buy better guns in order to extend shooting experience. No matter what – don't hit black crows or else... KA-BOOM. Combo system awards skilled players so getting 100% accuracy guarantees biggest scores.

Nambers: A unique puzzle game

Nambers is a fairly straightforward grid puzzler where the objective is to match up the numbered squares to the diagram and/or number conditions of the stage. Select multiple squares at once and create the target pattern to clear the stage. Nambers is a free download with a $2 in-app purchase to remove ads.

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It's simple to pick-up and learn, but it will give your brain a workout as you advance to the more difficult levels. Select adjacent cells with the same number and scroll them left and right to change their values. Complete levels by creating the target pattern. Finish in as few moves as possible to get all of the stars. In the game you will find over 50 levels. No moves limit, no time limit. Play this perfect mobile game and have fun.

Age of Explorers

Age of Explorers is a kid-friendly game from The History Channel all about the European explorers you learned about in Social Studies... without the wholesale slaughter and genocidal plagues. The game is split up into sailing and boat management sections, sort of like a nautical version of all those tower builders. It's free with no in-app purchases, always a plus for games aimed at kids.

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Set sail for new worlds. Age of Explorers takes you back to the time when daring sailors took to the seas to discover new lands and map the globe, facing unbelievable challenges and perils. Age of Explorers is part of Planet H -- a new brand from HISTORY, created for kids to explore historical topics and eras through play. Experience this exciting era in world history and learn about these brave explorers and the incredible journeys that shaped today's world.

Threes! Free

Apparently the developer of Threes is tired of seeing twenty dozen 2048 clones on the Play Store grabbing advertising revenue. This free version is identical to the original number-combining game, except that you need to watch ads to get credit to play new games. It's understandable, especially since Threes still has no in-app purchases.

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Threes is tiny puzzle that grows on you. Explore our little game’s deep challenge and grow your mind beyond imagination. Threes grows with you and you’ll grow with Threes.

Endless challenge from one simple game mode

An endearing cast of characters

A heart-warming soundtrack

No IAP - Threes is a complete experience the moment you download it

Evertales Free

Here's another free ad-supported version of a game we've featured previously. Evertales is a high-end platformer (2D gameplay, 3D graphics) with three playable characters and oversized bosses. Have fun stormin' the castle.

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Once upon time, there was a tale of mighty heroes, protectors of the realm, and the saviors of many damsels in distress. This…is not that tale. This is a tale of unlikely Heroes. Embark on journeys of not-so-epic proportions with Sir Jorgin, the noble knight past his prime; Arwick, the ladies man and elf rogue; and Taragon, wize, old, and somewhat senile wizard. Welcome….to Evertales.

High Rise (ALT)

In a reverse of the usual practice of paid games going free, developer Nickervision has decided to offer a paid version of its building-stacking game High Rise. This edition includes no ads or in-app purchases (and incidentally, no Android permissions). For some reason the first release is getting lackluster reviews.

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This ALT version contains NO ADS, NO IAP's and NO PERMISSIONS. HIGH RISE is an intense and challenging one touch stacking / building game. Touch and hold the screen to move your drop indicator, let go of the screen to drop a piece of building. Try to stack building pieces on top of each other without your structure falling over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDVHo4hruws

The app was not found in the store. :-( Go to store Google websearch

Angry Birds Fight!

Android Police coverage: Android Police Presents: Angry Birds Fight! - A Lament

You'd think a game named Angry Birds Fight would be a sort of cartoony take on games like Street Fighter. Nope, it's a Match Three puzzle title, like Bejeweled. A more apt comparison might be Candy Crush, since Rovio's shameless copy also includes a ton of in-app purchases, semi-gambling minigames, and pushes you to fight with your social contacts. Angry Birds Fight isn't a game, it's a lament on how far the franchise has fallen.

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Get ready for a showdown in Angry Birds Fight. – a match-3 frenzy where you take on other players in real-time battles of strategic, bird swapping agility. Join your favorite flock on a journey to match tons of addictive feathery puzzles. Play against friends (and foes) in real-time matches. Race against the clock to match as many panels as possible to power up your bird for the fight. GRRRR.

Know A Worthy New App? Let Us Know!

If you have an application in mind for the next issue of the roundup, feel free to send us an email and let us know.

Important: there are 2 requirements in order for the app to be considered, listed below.

the app's launch date has to be no longer than 2 weeks ago

it has to be original, ground-breaking, well-reviewed, interesting, fun, etc - the cream of the crop

Now, if and only if the above requirements have been satisfied, fire up an email to this address: [email protected].

1 sponsored placement per week is available (your app would be featured at the top and marked as sponsored) - please contact us for details.