Free Android Smartphone Games - By: Neo Nashville

While there are plenty of serious apps out there for the Android smartphone platform, you might be pleased to learn that there are a number of great games already available from the Android Market. Here are a few that will not cost a penny to download:

4NumGuess: This bizarre number guessing game does not come with instructions, and has to be played in side-view mode. Numbers need to be entered using the on screen display, rather than the keypad, which may seem an odd decision but it means that it is fully compatible with machines without one.

Amazed - This maze game uses the accelerometer as a control device, and requires you to tilt the phone to guide a white ball along a 2-dimensional path towards the goal. It uses a grid-based maze with a lot of 90 degree turns, and is infuriatingly addictive.

Asquare: A potentially endless game, in which you have to match three shapes by swapping one or two at a time. The points system depends upon your matches per turn ratio.

Backgammon: If ever there was an example of a game not suited to using the touchscreen interface, it is Backgammon. Although the graphics and computer opponent are decent enough, it is too easy to drop your counter in the wrong place.

Bonsai Blast - Arrgh! You are being confronted by a never ending stream of coloured balls. What can you possibly to save yourself? Shoot back with your own coloured balls, of course! This great-looking game is marred by the inaccuracy of the touch screen control, particularly if you have chunky fingers.

Brain Genius Deluxe - Fans of the brain training genre will go ga ga over Brain Genius Deluxe. The game consists of a series of puzzles and tasks, which unlock various mini-games such as Sliding Puzzle and SuDoku as you complete them. Although different tasks can be done with the accelerometer, touch screen, and mini joystick, although you will probably end up just sticking with the latter after the novelty of the other two has worn off.

Bubble Bash demo - This cute-looking game involves shooting coloured balls at other coloured balls, in order to make them disappear. The aiming can be difficult using the touch screen, but it is otherwise a fun game.

While there are plenty of serious apps out there for the Android smartphone platform, you might be pleased to learn that there are a number of great games already available from the Android Market.

Vodafone stock a great range of mobiles if you are looking to upgrade, or sim cards if you already have your phone of choice.