Free Android game pick: Diversion

Normally, free games on Android are free for a reason. Either they look like they just fell off a nursery / kindergarten wall (although that hasn’t done a certain game any harm), or they’re so derivative that merely looking at the menu screen makes my brain hurt.

Thankfully, Diversion is neither of these two things.

In fact, I’m very surprised the developer, Ezone, went down the ad-supported route for this one, as I could see it doing very well as a freemium game (no hissing at the back, please) or even a fully paid-for release.

In any case, what you’re getting for your zero pounds and dollars is an attractive and downright huge chunk of platforming action.

As a (customisable) character, your job is to run from the left to right, leaping over gaps and obstacles, and picking up stars. Running is automatic, which gives the game an almost Canabalt-feel, with jumping handled by tapping the screen.

The graphics in Diversion are the first thing that catches the eye: they’re bright, well drawn, and smoothly animated. You will need a fairly powerful handset to run the game, so those still clinging to their HTC Hero should leave this article now.

If you’re still here, it’s also worth knowing that Diversion is jam-packed with content. Along with three long worlds, each crammed with their own obstacles and multiple routes, there’s a Survival mode to play.

That’s quite a few hours of gameplay for nothing - especially as the levels are designed to reward multiple playthroughs. Oh, and there’s a ton of unlockable costumes to purchase using the in-game currency, too, just in case you thought it was easy to put down.

If you’re in the mood for an attractive platformer, you can’t really go too far wrong.

You can grab Diversion from the Android Market for free right now (download).

We'll have another top free pick for you all in the near future, but if you’ve spotted a good Android title that costs absolutely nothing, then do drop me an email - will.wilson [at] steelmedia.co.uk

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