New Android games: The best from May 2024

The Play Store saw many critically acclaimed games arrive on Android devices in May 2024, from retro creations like Sonic Mania Plus to newer hits like Katana Zero. However, we saw a new and exciting puzzle game, Paper Trails, a must-play for anyone with one of the top Android tablets.

Many of the games released this month are Netflix exclusives, so you’ll need a Netflix account to play. If you’re unsure whether a subscription is worth it, check out our roundup of the best games in the Netflix Games library.

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1 Paper Trail

Tactile and clever puzzle adventure

Paper Trail

In-app purchases

❌ No

Subscription

Netflix Games

Controller support

❌ No

ChromeOS support

❌ No

Publisher

Netflix

Publish date

May 17, 2024

Genre

Puzzle

See at Play Store

Paper Trail is one of the most unique puzzle games we’ve played. Each level is a sheet of paper that you can fold, revealing new paths, routes around obstacles, and solutions to puzzles. While these puzzles aren’t the most challenging, the experience of folding virtual paper is carefully designed to feel as satisfying as possible. There are also plenty of hidden secrets to uncover that aren’t required to progress through the game.

The story of Paper Trails follows Paige, a young woman running away from home to attend university. Throughout your adventure, you’ll meet a diverse cast of characters who, while unintelligible, are universally charming. That being said, the story is somewhat melancholic; an atmosphere of quiet contemplation permeates the entire game. Overall, it’s easily one of the best puzzle games on Android.

2 Katana ZERO

Beautiful and action-packed pixel platformer

Katana ZERO

In-app purchases

❌ No

Subscription

Netflix Games

Controller support

✅ Yes

ChromeOS support

❌ No

Publisher

Netflix

Publish date

May 16, 2024

Genre

Action

See at Play Store

Katana ZERO is a neo-noir action platformer that launched on PC and consoles in 2019. While it took a few years to arrive on our phones, we’re happy to report that the mobile port is just as good as the original. If you’re unfamiliar with Katana Zero, it’s a short (about 5 hours) experience but is undoubtedly one of the best platformers on mobile.

Katana Zero’s gameplay looks straightforward on the surface, but when you start playing, you’ll quickly realize why people rave about it. The gameplay is fast-paced but brutal, so you’ll have to replay each level several times as you figure out your next steps. It’s just the right level of challenge, and the plot twists will keep you looking forward to the next chapter in the story.

3 Squad Busters

Short and satisfying multiplayer fun

Squad Busters

In-app purchases

$0.29 – $99.99 per item

Subscription

❌ No

Controller support

❌ No

ChromeOS support

✅ Yes

Publisher

Supercell

Publish date

May 29, 2024

Genre

Action

See at Play Store

If you’re a fan of Supercell’s games, you probably don’t need much encouragement to try Squad Busters. Drawing in familiar characters from the publisher’s range of games, you’ll group up a few and travel around a map, defeating other players to gather as many gems as possible. It’s simple to pick up and play, and while Supercell’s tradition of slightly frustrating progression is very present here, there’s no denying that Squad Busters is an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes at a time.

Squad Buster is not an RTS, although it draws elements from that genre. Instead, it’s a weird mashup of multiple genres to create something that feels familiar and new. It’s worth a go; just remember that this is a Supercell game, with all the caveats that come with that name.

4 Braid, Anniversary Edition

A stunning remaster of the puzzle platformer

Braid, Anniversary Edition

In-app purchases

❌ No

Subscription

Netflix Games

Controller support

✅ Yes

ChromeOS support

❌ No

Publisher

Netflix

Publish date

May 24, 2024

Genre

Puzzle

See at Play Store

Braid was initially released in 2008 for Xbox 360 and made its way to desktop computers and PlayStation in 2009. Hailed as a landmark in indie game development, this remastered version brings the game into the modern era with overhauled visuals, extra content, and remixed sound. For those unfamiliar with Braid, it’s a platformer game with stunning water-color graphics in which you manipulate time to solve various puzzles.

Braid’s puzzles revolve around non-linear gameplay. You can rewind time as much as you want; you’re not forced to restart a level if you die. The remastered version contains plenty of new content to discover, and for veterans of the original, there’s a commentary track that lets you explore different parts of game development.

5 Sonic Mania Plus

The made-by-fans game returns with extra content

Sonic Mania Plus

In-app purchases

❌ No

Subscription

Netflix Games

Controller support

✅ Yes

ChromeOS support

❌ No

Publisher

Netflix

Publish date

May 24, 2024

Genre

Action

See at Play Store

Sonic Mania was the game developed by fans for fans. Revisiting the elements that made the 90s era of Sonic games great, Sonic Mania is an equal parts nostalgia trip and enjoyable gameplay for newcomers to the franchise. Sonic Mania Plus includes extra content and characters to play as.

Sonic Mania Plus is designed with nostalgia in mind, but it’s a new experience first and foremost. From collecting hidden Chaos Emeralds to defeating various bosses, there’s content here to keep you occupied for weeks.

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Play the top Android games released in May

Puzzle and platformer games dominated the releases in May 2024. Some of these are critically acclaimed titles that are certainly amongst the best Android games.