54 top games in soft launch: From Angry Birds Casual and Hay Day Pop to Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells and Tom Clancy's Elite Squad

• Puzzle Breakers

  

  Developer: Playrix
  Where: The Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 29th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  Playrix has soft-launched a new match-three puzzler where you control heroes and attack enemies on the battlefield under the name of Puzzle Breakers.

  Enemies move through the field and employ devious tactics to defeat you. Strong fighters try to engage you in melee, archers and mages attack from the top of towers and hiding places.
  Players must use heroes and unique abilities to attack and control your enemies or to heal their allies.

  Destroy walls and covers, shoot at explosive barrels and wipe your pesky enemies off the map.

  

• Dragon Brawlers

  

  Developer: I Got Games
  Where: Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia and Botswana
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 20th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  Enter the world of dragons and heroes to become the best in Dragon Brawlers, a new three versus three battle royale MOBA game.

  Players train their own Dragon and participate in quick battles that last approximately five minutes. Unlock and train a large number of Dragons, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

  Befriend or challenge other Dragon Brawlers and compete against players all around the world.

  

• My Talking Tom Friends

  

  Developer: Outfit7
  Where: Cyprus, Slovenia, Thailand, Colombia, Ukraine, Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Macau and China
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: February 13th, 2020
  Updates: March 27th, 2020

  Virtual pet simulator My Talking Tom returns with My Talking Tom Friends, which sees six characters from the franchise all move in together for the first time.

  Players are tasked with feeding, bathing, tending to their wishes and playing fun games with their toys. The more time spent with the characters, the more the group can advance their skills and more details surrounding each character's personalities will be revealed.

  Toys can be collected to decorate the house, alongside customisation of all the feline's outfits.

  

• Blade XLord

  

  Developer: Applibot
  Where: US, Canada and Singapore
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 14th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  Blade XLord is a story-driven, hero-collecting RPG from a number of veteran Final Fantasy developers. After launching in Japan and accumulating 10 million downloads, the title has now soft-launched in North America before moving to a global release.

  "Blade XLord’s goal is to provide something for everyone: an emotional high fantasy story for RPG fans, idle options for the busiest among us, and challenges for our most competitive players," said Applibot producer Kazunari Ebihara.

  "Our Japanese fans have enjoyed this combination, and we are confident our new fans in the United States and Canada will become hooked as well."

  
  

• Guardian Tales

  

  Developer: Kakao/Kong Studios
  Where: Canada
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 20th, 2020
  Updates: (5) May 28th, 2020

  Kakao Games has collaborated with Kong Studios to publish its new multiplayer title Guardian Tales.

  Guardian Tales is a pixel art, top-down, action-adventure game in which players dive into dungeons as part of an epic quest.

  The soft launch window will also be extended to European countries at a later date. A worldwide launch is planned for later this year on both iOS and Android.

  

• Crash Bandicoot Mobile

  

  Developer: King
  Where: Malaysia
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 23rd, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  King has tapped the Crash Bandicoot license from Activision to help bring the marsupial to the mobile platform for the first time.

  Dr Neo Cortex has dispatched mutagen henchmen across the multiverse to enslave all dimensions. With the help of his sister Coco, Crash must bash Cortex's minions back to their own dimensions.

  Players can run, spin and slide against classic enemies and bosses including Mutagen Ant, Scorporilla, Nitrus Brio and Dingodile. Interestingly, the design for Crash has changed during soft launch to a closer resemblance to his recent console counterpart.

  

• Mad Skills Motocross 3

  

  Developer: Turborilla
  Where: Canada and the Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 17th, 2020
  Updates: (1) April 24th, 2020

  The Mad Skills Motocross series returns with its third iteration now soft-launched on Android.

  The side-scrolling racing game has players competing against one another over different tracks and difficult terrain. By competing and winning races, faster motorcycles are unlocked with a global scoreboard available to see how riders stack up against one another.

  Both single-player and versus mode will be accessible for players in Canada and the Philippines through testing.

  

• Train Riders

  

  Developer: Sybo
  Where: Belgium, Netherlands, The Philippines and Canada
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: December 2nd, 2019
  Updates: (18) April 25th, 2020

  Sybo has soft-launched a follow up to its hugely successful endless runner Subway Surfers with Train Riders.

  Riding hoverboards, players must dash and dodge through oncoming trains as they escape from a grumpy Inspector and his dog.

  Controls follow a fast swipe motion with paint powered jetpacks able to be unlocked for better momentum. A challenge mode against friends is available too.

  Over the course of its first 18 updates, numerous bug fixes and performance improvements have been implemented.

  

• Globematcher

  

  Developer: Mars 1982
  Where: Brazil
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: April 12th, 2020
  Updates: (1) May 1st, 2020
  

  Japanese lifestyle brand Tokidoki has teamed with Sanrio's Hello Kitty for a cartoon multiplayer match-three puzzler, known as Globematcher.

  Friends can connect over Facebook or via a unique registration ID to compete against one another. Blast your opponents and build your planets, gain and collect your strawberry coins and save them in the account, then play this brain puzzle game and spin to win some more.

  A rewards system is in place to access more gameplay or gain further opportunities to progress in-game. Monetisation works through both an ad-based and pay-to-play basis.

  
  

• Disney Mirrorverse

  

  Developer: Kabam
  Where: Romania, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Denmark, Indonesia and The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 31st, 2020
  Updates: (5) May 29th, 2020

  Kabam has collaborated with Disney on a new action-RPG called Disney Mirrorverse.

  Players unite teams of guardians - made up from well-known Disney and Pixar characters - to defend against an unrelenting dark threat. Sulley, Baymax, Scar, Captain Jack Sparrow, the Genie, Merida, Belle, Oogie Boogie and more are all set to appear.

  The Mirrorverse features worlds such as Agrabah Merchant’s Alley, Scarefloor F, and Port Royal Queen’s Landing.

  The fourth update rolled out Alliances so players can take part in events together as well as the 'Unlikely Allies' campaign, a limited-time event quest where.

  The fifth update has put Alliances live, which allows players to band together to take part in events and win rewards, alongside bug fixes, performance optimisations, and grammar fixes.

  
  

• Pocket Politics 2

  

  Developer: Kongregate
  Where: The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 25th, 2020
  Updates: (7) May 28th, 2020

  Kongregate has soft-launched the second iteration of its satirical idle Pocket Politics series, where users select a candidate and run their presidential campaign.

  Choose to play as a Liberal or Conservative and rise through the political ranks, gain cash from the biggest fundraisers in the country, and watch your lobbies earn billions to help you become the most powerful person in the free world.

  Furthermore, campaigns can be automated with managers and supporters which will earn idle cash while you’re away. Meanwhile, investors can be upgraded to grow the player's empire.

  
  

• Spyjinx

  

  Developer: Epic Games
  Where: Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: April 1st, 2020
  Updates: (10) May 22nd, 2020
  

  After being revealed in 2016, Epic Games' collaboration with movie director J.J. Abrams has unveiled in Spyjinx.

  The game is set to feature action-strategy gameplay as well as RPG character development, Spyjinx is a head-to-head multiplayer set in a world of espionage, with heists and gadgets playing a major part too.

  "Welcome to the Jinx League, where only the greatest Masterminds compete head-to-head to prove their worth," reads the blog post.

  "Do you have what it takes to move up in the League... or will your story end in the belly of a shark?"

  
  

• Angry Birds Legends

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: UK, Sweden and Finland
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: March 28th, 2020
  Updates: (2) April 16th, 2020
  

  Angry Birds moves into turn-based RPG with Angry Birds Legends, a new mobile game that sees mysterious dark forces being thrown into the world as the ongoing battle between the creatures and their piggy nemesis rages on.

  Players must assemble an unstoppable team of heroes from all races to take down the evil forces that are threatening life as they know it. Collect a huge roster of Angry Birds characters and new faces, earn treasures and level up your Heroes to make your team even more powerful.

  Pick teammates with complementary abilities, choose the right team for every battle and decide which skills to unleash or merge during the mayhem.

  Interestingly, Rovio has also soft-launched a near-identical game called Chronicles of Legends, which excludes the Angry Birds property entirely. 

  The first update added more campaign levels, balanced heroes, and fixed a number of bugs.

  

• Tiles & Tales

  

  Developer: Kuuhubb
  Where: Finland, Croatia, Netherlands, The Philippines and Australia
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 19th, 2020
  Updates: (2) May 16th, 2020
  

  Tiles & Tales looks to combine two of the most popular genres within the female gaming community; match-three and visual novels.

  "Tiles and Tales is our flagship second-generation game and Kuuhubb’s key focus in calendar year 2020," said Kuuhubb CEO Jouni Keränen.

  "I am extremely proud of our talented development team for all the dedication, hard work and love they have poured into the game. I am confident that this is the beginning of a new long-term franchise and an important growth driver for Kuuhubb in the future".

  

• Tom Clancy's Elite Squad

  

  Developer: Ubisoft 
  Where: The Philippines, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: March 10th, 2020
  Updates: (8) May 26th, 2020

  Ubisoft has soft-launched Tom Clancy's Elite Squad, a new five versus five squad battler that will feature a campaign, PvP and guild versus guild modes.

  Taking characters from universes spanning the Splinter Cell, Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, The Division series players can collect various popular figures to fight in battle. These include Sam Fisher, Nomad, Caveira, Megan, El Sueno, Walker and more

  The title is being developed by Ubisoft's Paris-based Owlient studio, which it acquired back in 2011.

  The fourth update added a hotfix for missing AI logic affecting recent order and ability rebalancing.

  The fifth update changed Daily Ops and Event missions, added a new icon for EMP Order as well as a number of technical optimisations.

  
  

• Hay Day Pop

  

  Developer: Supercell
  Where: Australia, Finland, New Zealand
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 16th, 2020
  Updates: (7) May 14th, 2020
  

  Breaking away from its usual hardcore fare, Supercell has soft-launched a casual match-3 puzzler called Hay Day Pop.

  Based around its farming game, Hay Day Pop sees players tapping connected cubes to score points and clear boards, among other objectives.

  On top of that, there looks to be a base-building aspect, as players develop their farm however they see fit with new animals and buildings.

  

• Soccer Rally: Arena

  

  Developer: Lava Skull (IceFlame)
  Where: US
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 6th, 2020
  Updates: (5) May 15th, 2020

  Soccer Rally: Arena, the third entry in the now eight-year-old series, has soft-launched in the US.

  The mobile car football game features three versus three multiplayer matches, with cross-platform online play. Cars boost themselves into the giant football to try and score and ultimately win the match.

  As players progress they can expand their lineup of vehicles. Each has different top speeds, acceleration, boost speeds and handing.

  The second update upgraded the servers for faster matchmaking, added new music tracks, rolled out a Discord server and made it so 12 fuel cans are available with a lower refill time.

  The fifth update added missions, achievements, controls settings, and more bug fixes.

  

• Angry Birds Casual

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: Finland, Poland, Sweden and the US
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: March 2nd, 2020
  Updates: (2) March 31st, 2020
  

  Red, Bomb, Chuck, Stella and co. return in Angry Birds Casual which sees Rovio go back to its roots by utilising the classic slingshot mechanic.

  As opposed to taking out the Bad Piggies, players will instead look to free caged Hatchlings across hundreds of levels and multiple worlds. Coins can be collected by completing levels which in turn can be used to unlock rewards.

  The new free-to-play title will feature in-app purchases as well as leaderboards to compete against fellow Angry Birds users. Rovio has confirmed this is "early market testing" that will last approximately one to two months.

  The second update brought in a player profile, avatars, mystery boxes as well as improved levels, effects and visuals.

  

• Survive Together

  

  Developer: Gameloft
  Where: The Netherlands and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: February 12th, 2020
  Updates: (1) February 26th, 2020

  Set in a world controlled by powerful witches driven by evil motives, players journey in Survive Together begins in their own base

  From here, users can craft, build and repair weapons in preparation to explore the land and take down any zombies and monsters encountered.

  By conquering unexplored map areas and defeating bosses, survivalists can level up and help expand your faction to win the war.

  

• Pirate Evolution

  

  Developer: Gram Games
  Where: Singapore, Netherlands, Austria and South Africa
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: December 2nd, 2019
  Updates: (6) May 27th, 2020

  Gram Games' new sea-based adventure has players captaining their own pirate ship in Pirate Evolution.

  Over 140 islands are accessible with treasure scattered throughout. Battle enemies you encounter along the way to collect loot and thus upgrade your ship and weapons.

  Another component allows bases to be expanded while pirate crews can be frown to increase overall power to help take over the high seas.

  

• Arcane Showdown

  

  Developer: Big Huge Games (Nexon)
  Where: Canada and the UK
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: June 16th, 2019
  Updates: (11) April 22nd, 2020

  Arcane Showdown tests your magical might in a showdown of spells, strategy and creatures in this real-time card-based strategy title.

  Create your deck of spells, devise a winning strategy and capture your opponent’s territory by overwhelming them with spells and creatures. Fantastical creatures and powerful spells can be unlocked as well as the ability to upgrade powers.

  Players can join guilds with friends or fight against one another in online multiplayer battles.

  

• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells

  

  Developer: Zynga
  Where: Australia, Canada, Austria, Taiwan, India and The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 5th, 2020
  Updates: (4) May 28th, 2020
  

  Zynga has partnered with Portkey Games and Warner Bros. to license the Harry Potter IP for a new match-three puzzler.

  This is the first match-three puzzler based in the Harry Potter universe and will feature iconic characters and moments from the series played out via a narrative structure surrounding the main gameplay.

  This marks the third license utilised since Zynga began its "strategic relationship" with Warner Bros. following its use of the Willy Wonka and The Wizard of Oz IP.

  The third update implemented a new set of puzzles and scenes, alongside new spells: Obliviate, Evanesco, and Accio.

  

• Plants vs. Zombies 3

  

  Developer: PopCap Games (EA)
  Where: Ireland, Romania and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: February 25th, 2020
  Updates: (4) May 26th, 2020
  

  The Plants vs. Zombies series returns with its third official iterations, bringing back lots of fan-favourite plant and zombie characters as well as several faces.

  Players will defend their town in classic, lane-based tower defence combat, while also encountering new zombie bosses that will put user skills to the test.

  Team up with friends and other players to share seeds, share strategies, and compete for prizes.

  
  

• Angry Birds Tennis

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: US and Mexico
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: February 8th, 2020
  Updates: (3) February 22nd, 2020

  Finnish mobile studio Rovio has soft-launched a new Angry Birds game in the US and Mexico.

  Angry Birds Tennis is a new free-to-play sports title that features real-time PvP, multiple different game modes as well as dozens of characters to unlock. The description suggests that "super abilities" will be incorporated into the mechanics in some way.

  No global launch date has been revealed for the title however testing is expected to occur for two weeks.

  

• Stellaris: Galaxy Command

  

  Developer: Paradox Interactive
  Where: Sweden, New Zealand, Australia and Canada
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: October 15th, 2019
  Updates: (9) May 20th, 2020

  After the universe barely survives an inter-dimensional invasion that devastates vast swaths of the galaxy, players must assist the United Nations of Earth in rebuilding galactic civilisation.

  Stellaris: Galaxy Command has users taking control of their own space station as well as discovering new mysteries in the depths of the universe.

  Work together with teammates to build an empire, occupy territories, build defensive structures, set tax rates for passing trades, sign trade deals, and work collectively to colonise planets.

  The fourth update added more Stations Events, prepped for a new alien leader, now allows users to sell supplies as well as added a pirates drop event

  

• Deer Hunter 2020

  

  Developer: Glu Mobile
  Where: New Zealand, The Philippines and Australia
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: October 15th, 2019
  Updates: (4) May 1st, 2020
  

  Glu Mobile's latest title sees the return of Deer Hunter. Players can team up with friends and compete in daily events to hunt down the animals in the simulator.

  Users can explore exotic locations across the globe from Alaska to Zimbabwe in search of the animals, while also collecting and customising a kit to have at hand.

  Further features set to return from past iterations include dogs, predators, trophy hunts and more.

  The second update rolled out a new Clash game mode that pits hunters against one another to try and achieve the highest score in a fast-paced shoot-off. Furthermore, there are new event types, an overhaul of the main menu, and performance improvements and bug fixes.

  The third update added a Global Chat feature for connecting with other players around the world, a new avatar system, as well as updates to tutorial and onboarding sequence.

  

• Ivy: Stories We Play

  

  Developer: Pocket Gems
  Where: Australia and New Zealand
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: November 20th, 2019
  Updates: (5) May 12th, 2020

  The creators of the mobile game Episode return with Ivy: Stories We Play, a mature story-driven episodic adventure that is said to feature "drama" and "thrills".

  Take control of protagonist Ivy across a number of stories, which introduces the character to new worlds with complex themes, fantasies and desires.

  Players get to make all the choices for how the story unfolds, whether that's partying with singles in Miami or recovering from the death of your partner.

  

• Battle Bouncers

  

  Developer: Gamehive
  Where: Australia, Canada and the UK
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: October 7th, 2019
  Updates: (27) May 29th, 2020

  Vanquish evil monsters that terror your kingdom by banding together with a group of unlikely heroes in Battle Bouncers.

  Battle through hundreds of RPG style levels, defeating enemies using your aim and ball bouncing abilities. Pull back and release to unleash an attack on the evil forces that progress towards you.

  As you journey through different worlds, you'll release captive heroes from their shard prisons in order to unlock their powers. Unlock customisable characters and skill cards to assemble a team of your favourite heroes to battle hordes of enemies.

  The 12th update improved the visuals for Normal and Heroic Mode, alongside adding updated UI panels, a new Tower Victory Banner to help clarify win conditions and several bug fixes.

  The 17th update implemented a host of new features and updates, including new skins, a new bundle panel, updated towers UI, various skill changes and balance tweaks.

  

• Riddleside: Fading Legacy

  

  Developer: MyTona
  Where: Finland, Australia, Singapore and Russia, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: February 20th, 2019
  Updates: (20) May 20th, 2020

  Russian developer MyTona's new match-three title Riddleside: Fading Legacy sees a detective storyline set in the 80s play a backdrop to the puzzle aspect.

  Set in the town of Nightfall, the player's uncle Henry Walker, a world-famous detective, has disappeared, so it's up to them to investigate and find out the mysteries of the town and what Walker was really investigating.

  To reveal the story, players must collect clues, interrogate suspects, solve "the most unusual cases", and discover Nightfall's secret.

  The 13th update gives players a new storyline to see Nightfall "from the other side", as well as a new event and improved animations.

  The 17th update overhauled the interface and design with new tiles and tools. Furthermore, a race league has been added as well as avatars and bug fixes.

  The 18th update rolled out more episodes to continue the story.

  

• Phoenix Rangers: Puzzle RPG

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: Finland
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: November 26th, 2019
  Updates: (21) May 20th, 2020

  Rovio has soft-launched a new monster collecting puzzler known as Phoenix Rangers: Puzzle RPG.

  Build the perfect team and embark on a monster-collecting puzzle-solving adventure through different locales, defeating waves of enemies along the way.

  Each monster has a special skill which is powered by matching gems, then unleash their special abilities for a devastating attack.

  The fourth update added 50 new levels, daily missions, a secret vault feature to claim loot, and a 'Monsterpedia' to track monsters, as well as several bug fixes.

  The fifth update introduced daily trials and 50 new levels, as well as expanding the Ranger Base. An inbox has also been implemented so players don't miss out on rewards as well as several "game improvements".

  The 11th update implemented Daily Missions while addressing some balance changes.

  

• LEGO Star Wars Battles

  

  Developer: Playdemic
  Where: India, Phillippines, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: September 9th, 2019
  Updates: (9) May 6th, 2020

  Collect, build and fight in Lego Star Wars Battles, with famous characters from the series going head-to-head.

  Take part in real-time multiplayer PvP battles in arenas inspired by iconic locations, while collecting and upgrading your inventory of famous faces.

  Build LEGO towers on the battlefield to strategically attack, defend, and capture territory as you push towards the enemy base to claim victory.

  The sixth update added in the Wookie planet of Kashyyyk as well as several new characters including BB8, BB9E and Moroff.

  The eighth update made sweeping changes to balancing, most notably reducing map sizes and increasing troop movement speed to make for faster battles.

  The ninth update added a new scan system, supply beacons, interplanetary travel, planet milestone rewards, a new planet, new champions and new towers.

  

• Minecraft Earth

  

  Developer: Mojang
  Where: UK, US, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and large parts of Europe
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: October 18th, 2019
  Updates: (17) May 20th, 2020

  Mojang has launched augmented reality title Minecraft Earth in several territories across the globe, including the UK and US.

  Minecraft Earth is free-to-play and will allow players to build creations with friends and place them in the real world. On top of this, Minecraft mobs will battle users, putting their survival skills to the test.

  The game was announced as part of Minecraft’s 10th anniversary, releasing a video showing a young girl traversing her neighbourhood while interacting with block elements and creatures from the universe.

  The 10th update added in different types of boosts, new Mobs (Glow Squid and Skeleton Wolf) alongside bugs affecting multiple device sign-in.

  The 12th update rolled out measures that enable players to spawn from home and can avoid leaving the premise to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  
  

• Small Town Murders

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: Poland, Finland, Sweden and the US
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: October 11th, 2019
  Updates: (7) May 8th, 2020

  Rovio has launched a new match-three puzzler under the name of Small Town Murders.

  In the town of Thornton Grove, something sinister hides under the surface. As Nora Mistry, players must uncover the truth by investigating the scene, following clues and narrow down suspects to find the killer.

  Find clues by solving matching puzzles – just match three or more items to clear them and finish the level. Use the clues to interrogate suspects, and solve the mystery once and for all.

  In the third update, a new mystery with over 80 new levels was added. Players here must help Nora and Mike find out the secret of the Cursed Monkey's Paw and return it safely back to Mr. Gaunt's House of Curiosities.

  

• Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls

  

  Developer: Konami
  Where: Canada
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: September 18th, 2019
  Updates: (6) March 25th, 2020

  Taking place years after the defeat of Count Dracula, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls sees Genya Arikado receiving a mysterious letter before venturing into the night to unravel the secrets.

  Iconic characters from the classic Castlevania series return to help take on the demonic horde. Master each character's unique combat style to overcome even the fiercest of foes.

  A new Bounty Hunt mode introduces multiplayer, which allows players to fight alongside one another to defeat as many enemies as possible within the time limit.

  The fourth update has brought in a 'Daily Order', a special request which is updated every day for a player to fulfil, alongside various bug fixes.

  
  

• EVE Echoes

  

  Developer: NetEase (CCP Games)
  Where: Australia and New Zealand
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: August 22nd, 2019
  Updates: (7) December 6th, 2019
  

  EVE Echoes is a mobile spaceship MMO game based upon the EVE Online design principles.

  In EVE Echoes, players will forge their own path to glory within a massive space sandbox environment, forming alliances with other pilots from across the galaxy to shape the game’s persistent universe.

  Users will be free to engage in interstellar combat, exploration, piracy, resource harvesting, industrial manufacture, trade, as well as many other activities across thousands of solar systems.

  
  

• Avatar: Pandora Rising

  

  Developer: FoxNext
  Where: Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: September 16th, 2019
  Updates: (6) March 11th, 2020

  Avatar: Pandora Rising is a massive real-time strategy and social game based on James Cameron's smash hit 2009 film. Players choose to lead a flourishing Na’vi village deep in the bioluminescent forest or can build a prosperous human mining colony and base to save Earth.

  Compete and play for both the human and Na'vi sides of the conflict to immerse yourself in an epic battle for survival and determine the fate of Pandora.

  Build and battle in a massive, social and open world with deep combat flexibility and extensive breadth of play.

  The second update brought in a host of new features and updates, including two new enemy troops, changed the user interface, updated the leaderboard UI, balance adjustments and more. Two specific bugs were also fixed concerning the commander talents and cancelling an outpost.

  

• Darkfire Heroes

  

  Developer: Wargaming
  Where: Philippines, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: August 16th, 2019
  Updates: (15) May 4th, 2020

  Wargaming has soft-launched a new action RPG that sees players enter the fantasy realm of Darkfire Heroes and go on a heroic adventure.

  Collect and battle with more than 50 heroes from six unique factions available. Gather your team, plan a strategy and lead the attack in real-time battles against hordes of enemies. Prove your skills as you cast magical spells and unleash powerful special attacks to save the lost realm.

  Heroes can be upgraded and customised to fit your tactics which pits users against evil minions, brutal boss enemies, otherworldly beasts, and ancient dragons.

  

• FarmVille 3 - Animals

  

  Developer: Zynga
  Where: Australia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: July 17th, 2019
  Updates: (10) March 19th, 2020

  Zynga has soft-launched a new entry into the FarmVille series, with the aim of restoring a farm to its former glory.

  Players can build the farm in the design of their choice as well as breed a number of rare animals. Farmhands are available to help pitch in with the work too.

  Grow crops, decorate the farm and weather whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

  The second and third updates introduced more decorations, building skins and improved upon the title’s graphics.

  The fifth and sixth update added better memory optimisations.

  The ninth update added co-op mode allowing players to partner up with 25 other farmers maximum and several new exotic animals including tigers, penguins, kangaroos and more.

  

• Rivengard

  

  Developer: King
  Where: Sweden
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 17th, 2019
  Updates: (13) May 15th, 2020
  

  King’s latest soft launch title is a new turn-based RPG that goes by the name of Valiant Heroes.

  The strategic title sees players forming teams of heroes to deploy as unwavering forces on the battlefield, making use of their specific strengths to take down enemies and lead your team to victory.

  Heroes can be summoned via the portal. Otherwise, by taking down bosses, you can force them into joining your team.

  The sixth update added three new collectable heroes: Akio, Taro and Shun. Also, 10 new quest levels and six quest level types were brought in alongside 20 new items, 12 power levels and several bug fixes.

  The seventh update changed the game's name from Valiant Heroes to Rivengard.

  

• Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming

  

  Developer: Yoozoo (Tencent)
  Where: China
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: June 2nd, 2019
  Updates: (4) April 1st, 2020
  

  Tencent has partnered with Warner Bros. to soft-launch Games of Thrones: Winter is Coming in China.

  Developed by Yoozoo, the strategy war title was originally launched on PC but is now being brought to mobile devices.

  Players control famous characters from the show through their respective storylines and will also experience many of the memorable moments from the series.

  

• Marvel Super War

  

  Developer: NetEase 
  Where: Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and India
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 28th, 2019
  Updates: (17) May 22nd, 2020
  

  NetEase and Marvel Entertainment have revealed the first game to come from their collaboration deal.

  Marvel Super War is a free-to-play MOBA title that brings together superheroes and supervillains from the Marvel Universe including the Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man.

  Combat focuses on teamwork while users can combined powerful combos together to string together stronger attacks. Characters work differently off one another so mixing up heroes can turn about different outcomes.

  

• Hills of Steel 2

  

  Developer: Superplus Games
  Where: Finland, Poland, Sweden, Philippines, Singapore and United Kingdom
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 10th, 2019
  Updates: (20) May 29th, 2020
  

  Superplus Games has soft-launched Hills of Steel 2, a new three-versus-three real-time tank battler on iOS and Android.

  Seven different tanks are accessible from the start as well as three different modes: Rampage. Star Catch and Domination.

  Players must fight it out using the physics-based gameplay to see who will conquer the Hills of Steel.

  The fifth update added new maps to Rampage, Star Catch and Domination mode.

  The seventh update added a new Trophy Road that gives players access to lots of new in-game rewards.

  The 13th update added a new electrified tank known as Sparky.

  The 14th update added a new Bunker Bash event, new emotes and new tank items.

  The 16th update added the ability to invite friends to your team and play together, as well as nine new languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

  

• Anchors in the Drift

  

  Developer: 5TH Cell
  Where: Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: January 24th, 2019
  Updates: (4) June 20th, 2019

  Anchors in the Drift takes place In a world where time and space have collapsed, with humanity forced to search for the mysterious Arc before the Domain Empire claims the item.

  As part of The United Generations, the heroes (known as Anchors) must work together to recover the Arc for themselves and bring about peace to the new world.

  Players can act as commanders, bounty hunters, Thieves or Tycoons in this new online RPG adventure.

  The third update added a single player campaign as well as several bug fixes.

  According to developer 5th Cell, the game is currently "shelved".

  

• Puzzletown Match

  

  Developer: Parrot Games
  Where: USA
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: March 1st, 2019
  Updates: (29) March 23rd, 2020

  Moonlight Mystery sees players investigating the disappearance of the city of Nightwood that vanished during the 19th century.

  The puzzle title is brimming with quests, puzzles and a plot that is said to feature unexpected twists and turns.

  Featuring animated cutscenes and over 100 items to craft and collect, it’s up to you to solve the conundrum.

  The 15th update added a diary feature that lets players follow up on old and current investigations through a new visualisation as well as several bug fixes.

  The 17th update changed the visualisation for investigations, changed a number of requirements for progressing certain levels alongside several bug fixes.

  The 22nd update changed the name of the game from Moonlight Mystery to Puzzletown Match, alongside adding 125 more match-three levels.

  

• Mech Arena: Robot Showdown

  

  Developer: Plarium
  Where: India, Israel and Ukraine
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: January 8th, 2019
  Updates: (28) May 26th, 2020

  From developer Plarium comes a new competitive multiplayer mech shooter.

  Mech Arena: Robot Showdown is a five versus five PVP built upon battles that last approximately five minutes apiece.

  The title boasts intuitive gameplay and unique maps with a variety of weapons.

  The sixth update allows players to unlock chassis through the Prize Path, tweaked weapons, removed modules and added daily challenges.

  The eighth update added a damage display toggle option, stat info, a 360-degree view of the player’s inventory along with minor fixes.

  The 10th update brought in new mech abilities and challenges as well as tweaks to certain weapons and chassis. Modules were removed from the game too.

  The 20th update brought in the ability to add friends and connect via Facebook. A chat feature was also implemented alongside a Holiday Hangar and several fixes.

  The 22nd update added Chassis and Weapons to the Prize Path unlocks, a Ranks system for upgrades, XP bonuses for playing with friends in a team, and other fixes.

  The 27th update added tournaments, a Team Deathmatch mode and several new maps.

  The 29th updates added tournament history, bracket records and player statuses across leaderboards.

  

• Puzzle Combat

  

  Developer: Small Giant Games 
  Where: Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada and the UK
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: March 8th, 2019
  Updates: (51) May 29th, 2020
  

  Zynga-owned Empires & Puzzles developer Small Giant Games has soft-launched its newest title Puzzle Combat.

  Players can build an army of heroes to take down enemies while ever-growing a home base. A variety of weapons including missiles, grenades and bombs combined together for combo opportunities.

  PvP battles allow users to take part in matches against others from around the world.

  The 13th update rebuffed added Special Quests, changed the rarity of upgrades surrounding War Machines and solved various bug fixes.

  The 19th update added four new heroes Rashan, Zidane, Logan and Aiko, while changing up the battle difficulty, progressions and skill levels. Chat rooms and advanced tutorials have been implemented too.

  The 23rd update added an exclusive hero (Goldman) for the month, upgraded the weapons system and base visuals, as well as fixing several bugs and UI improvements.

  The 51st update rolled out localisation in 13 more languages: Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Indonesian, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish

  

• Farm Heroes Champions

  

  Developer: King
  Where:  Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, United Kingdom
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: November 5th, 2018
  Updates: (20) April 8th, 2019

  The Farm Adventure life is so nice that it appears twice in our soft launch regular, with King tentatively launching another title.

  Called Farm Heroes Champions, it maintains the series staple of polished and cute animations, with match-three puzzles to boot.

  The twist this time around is team-play, which can be achieved through syncing the game between devices. Buddying up will also lead to great rewards.

  

• Garena Contra Return

  

  Developer: Tencent
  Where: Philippines, Thailand, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Hong Kong
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: August 7th, 2018
  Updates: (8) May 21st, 2020

  After a year on Asian shores, a westernised version of Contra: Return has also been on the rollout in the region.

  Helmed by Garena, alongside Konami and Tencent, the retro favourite seems to come with all the bits you remember.

  Featuring heroes Bill and Lance, you’ll be able to make your way across side-scrolling levels in 3D and co-op action.

  Alongside the familiar boss battles, PVP instant battles will also be available. No word if the classic Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right code still works though.

  

• Hungry Shark Heroes

  

  Developer: Ubisoft
  Where: Australia, Canada, Singapore and New Zealand
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: September 21st, 2018
  Updates: (22) January 21st, 2020

  Ubisoft’s batch of hungry chaps are back and are ready to be collected and battled against each other for your enjoyment.

  Called Hungry Shark Heroes, it features over 120 sharks that can be collected and bred in a customisable reef through the pairing of two sharks. Additionally, you can also borrow different species of sharks from your friends to further unlock other species.

  After that, you’ll be tasked with mentoring your young shark and teaching them the ways of ‘shark-fu’.

  After your aquatic apprentice is ready for the trials and tribulations of combat you can take to one of 15 arenas and do battle in team-based formats.

  Different combinations and specific timing will be key to helping you vanquish foes.

  A range of live events will be in place to keep you playing and they will centre around various maps.

  

• Wild Things: Animal Adventures

  

  Developer: Jam City
  Where: New Zealand, Thailand and the US
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: January 22nd, 2019
  Updates: (20) May 28th, 2020

  Jam City has soft-launched match-three puzzler Wild Things in a bid to make your heart sing.

  Wild Things: Animal Adventures features a myriad of cutely animated created called the Wild Things who live peacefully in a diverse land. Their tranquil life is all thanks to a tree, which is also referred to as their “touchstone”.

  As it goes, nothing good can last and it appears something is on the way to upset the balance.
  Gameplay-wise, you’ll be navigating your way through match-three puzzles with plenty of animals to collect.

  The 11th update added a new story with two new chapters and 130 new levels, as well as improvements to the game board and front-end visuals.

  The 15th update added one new Chapter and 31 new levels among performance updates and bug fixes.

  The 19th update added a new adventure for Emma, Liam, Zelda and Arvind, as well as a new river element.

  

• Blade Runner Nexus

  

  Developer: Next Games
  Where: Finland, Australia and Poland
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 10th, 2018
  Updates: (22) May 21st, 2020

  Following on from releasing The Walking Dead: Our World Next Games has soft-launched its next big title based on a famous IP.

  Blade Runner 2049 is a role-playing game with a story that will no doubt be indulgent should you be a fan of the original films, or even the book if you’re a Philip K Dick fan.

  As a fresh-faced blade runner, you’re tasked with collecting evidence to aid you in hunting down rogue replicants.

  Staple characters from the series are collectable and will aid you in overcoming threats. Freshly formed teams can also be powered up to take on more challenging targets with proportionate awards.

  You don’t have to go it alone though as friends and blade runners alike can be enlisted to help you accomplish a mission.

  The 17th update added a selection of new characters from the Blade Runner universe as well as performance and usability improvements.

  The 18th update saw the game enter early access while adding new case files, a new Patrol game mode and improved the user interface.

  The 19th update added a tutorial for new players, new animations, bigger health bars for boss battles, push notifications, UI enhancements and bug fixes.

  The 21st update introduced rogue-like gameplay, as well as "multi-branched cases" where each choice makes a difference. Players need to collect clues to improve your team and to gain an advantage over enemies.

  

• God Eater: Resonant Ops

  

  Developer: Bandai Namco
  Where: Japan
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: April 3rd, 2018
  Updates: (45) May 26th, 2020

  Bandai Namco’s God Eater: Resonant Ops not only represents the newest instalment in the God Eater series but the first time it’s come to the mobile platform on iOS and Android.

  Currently in soft-launch in Japan, the RPG title is free-to-play with item-based micro-transactions.

  The story continues on from its previous title God Eater 2: Rage Burst and sees humankind in decline, with the game's protagonist thrown into restricted battle zones in the game’s collapsing world.

  Combat is turn-based and features a party system with returning characters from previous games in the series, who all make cameo appearances for specific missions.

  The fourth update laid the groundwork for an upcoming event whilst performing other maintenance, such as adjusting game balance and refurbishing exchange UI.

  

• Rocksmith

  

  Developer: Ubisoft
  Where: Canada
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: May 16th, 2017
  Updates: (20) November 8th, 2019
  

  Rocksmith is a pretty good piece of kit and found its original home on PC and console, but now Ubisoft is giving it a new lease of life with a mobile release, also called Rocksmith.
  

  Using a guitar jack adaptor musicians use to record their guitar on an iPad, Rocksmith allows guitarists and bassists to play along with songs, learning them on an actual instrument at their own pace.

  You can repeat a section at different speeds and as many times as you like, and you can watch and interact with video tutorials to teach you particular parts of guitar playing.

  And since it's on mobile, it's free-to-start - you get four songs with the download, and you can add more to your catalogue by purchasing new tracks.

  The 10th update makes the game available to play on iPhone and iPod, and offers up a free song to download.

  The 14th update integrates Facebook, so players no longer need to create a new account to play the game, as well as improving the UI for songs requiring a capo and allowing more control over difficulty settings.

  The 17th update brought in a new Course Mode so students could track their personal progression through a curriculum designed to teach basic techniques and familiar songs.

  

• Temple Run: Treasure Hunters

  

  Developer: Scopely
  Where: Spain, Ireland, Romania and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: November 30th, 2016
  Updates: (31) March 16th, 2020

  Treasure and match-3 seem to go hand-in-hand since they both usually involve gems, so maybe Temple Run: Treasure Hunters (formerly Treasure Hunters!) isn't such a wild idea after all.

  You'll be solving puzzles through match-3 mechanics as your character delves deep into over 100 levels of tomb-raiding looking for the titular treasure.

  You can also customise your character as you see fit, and the game promises hidden paths, a variety of game modes, and plenty of other distractions to keep you entertained.

  The third update increases the number of levels to over 200, and adds new boosters to help with trickier levels.

  An 11th update came nine-months after its predecessor. The "all-new" Temple Run Treasure Hunters features redesigned puzzles and gameplay.

  The 14th update introduced a slew of new levels along with a new store to purchase items from.

  The 23rd update brought in 40 new levels alongside various bug fixes.