FedEx and UPS are at my house on a weekly basis, but I’m accustom to getting phones, tablets, and accessories sent to me from PR companies, not swag.

That’s what happened to me a short while ago when I received a bundle from EA Mobile. To my surprise, the box featured a pair of paper speakers, a scarf that will get plenty of use when I go to New York soon, and a mug that I can use to drink my morning tea. Um, thanks for the gifts EA, but why on Earth would you send this to me?

All of the swag EA sent is branded with The Sims Free Play, a popular freemium game based in the Sims universe. Players live virtual lives by building and decorating homes, interacting with other avatars, completing goals, and the like. The game is free, but users can access in-game purchases for upgrades. It’s highly-rated on iOS, so maybe EA is finally bringing the party over to Android?

It would appear so because Taylor from AndroidAndMe got the same curious bundle of promo materials. I’d imagine some of our other friends at Android blogging sites will report receiving the package as well, so this must be EA’s way of teasing us that the game is coming soon. How soon? Very soon most likely, but I’ll keep an eye out. For now, I have some mint tea on the stove to tend to while listening to my new paper speakers.

Everyone can name a decent tower defense game, but how many Android users can rattle off the title of their favorite tower offense game? Anomaly Warzone Earth HD flips the old format on its head and creates a fun strategy-based game in which players plan an attack on a position rather than protect it.

The premise of Anomaly HD, available for $3.99, is that aliens have invaded planet Earth and a commander must lead a group of units through fields of enemies to complete tactical missions. That can range from cutting through alien forces to rescue trapped comrades, re-taking military facilities, or going on recon missions to learn more about the invaders and acquire weaponry that will lead to ultimate victory.

Along the way, players will see the familiar features of a tower game: destroying adversaries earns money to acquire new units and purchase upgrades, tactical rewards can heal fighters or provide an advantage in battle, and waves of attacks will determine your chance for survival. Players can make changes to their attack plan – including route and sell vehicles to get more money for upgrades or changes – in the middle of an attack.

The main problem with Anomaly is actually the installation process. The app requires an additional 180 MB of game data to function and it took me 3 days before I finally managed to get the entire filed downloaded without crashing. Once I did, I found that the graphics weren’t mind-blowing, but the other aspects of the production value were very good. Support staff provides audio updates about missions and alerts users when they need to perform repairs or consider alternate routes. There’s also a good story and three levels of difficulty that can be changed for each mission. At $4.99, this is a game that I can see people enjoying when they pick it up, put it down when they have to, and come right back to find the same level of enjoyment.

Here’s a video showing some action from the game.

Valve didn’t release an official Steam app for Android devices until last week, so some folks have been relying on third-party apps to get their fix of checking the stores, seeing when their friends were online, and communicating with other gamers. But reports are trickling in that some of those apps are starting to disappear from the Android Market since the official app debuted last week.

DroidGamers first reported that Steam for Android, SteamDroid, and Steam Friends are among the handful apps that aren’t available in the Android Market. Before you put Valve to the fire, understand that the takedowns might not about a greedy corporate grab for power and money. It’s likely about copyright/trademark violations.

Many of the Steam apps taken down used the “Steam” brand in the primary portion of their names, and used the official logo in their icons for the Android Market. Look at Steam for Android, an app that we covered a few weeks ago. Not only did it incorporate the official logo, but the name itself could easily be confused with being an official app. I momentarily thought it was an official app because of the name and the quality of the design. You can’t have an unofficial app use that kind of name, especially once the official app lands on Android and might create confusion.

Neither Valve nor any of the affected developers have signal why the apps were removed, but that’s the likely explanation. There are still some third-party apps that don’t seem likely candidates for trademark violations, so I doubt the apps are being removed indiscriminately. A name change and some new graphics will probably set everything right and allow those apps back into the market.

Now, if only we could get Valve to let more people access the beta app so they don’t have to rely on third party apps.

SEGA is hedging its bets on Android and delivering the a new-ish game Sonic the Hedgehog. No longer just an iOS affair, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is available now in the Android Market for anyone with an urge to race through plush lands, grab coins, and defeat evil in a way that only Sonic can. Ok, you might be able to see someone on PED’s do something similar, but not in digital form.

Be aware that this is not the Tegra-optimized version of the game first teased in December. That version of the game (Episode II) is to have an all new set of graphics and physics built specifically for Tegra 2 and 3 processors that would really push the boundaries of what we’re use to seeing from SEGA’s mobile games. Not only is this version compatible with non-Tegra devices, the Android Market website tells me that it is incompatible with several Tegra phone and tablet models linked to my account. The Motorola Atrix and Toshiba Thrive are supported, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Toshiba Thrive 7 are not for some reason.

All compatible devices can purchase Episode I for $3.99 USD and download an additional 107 MB file in order to run the game under a more traditional Sonic look. There are also two levels built specifically for phones with an accelerometer, 7 special stages, 4 unique zones, a “revamped classic boss battle” when taking on Dr. Eggman.

I made the purchase instantly based on my childhood love of Sonic, even though I know something better’s coming along. Grab this game if you don’t want to wait until the unnamed date later this year when Sonic Episode II arrives.

Thanks, Erin!

We all know how much I loved the first Quell, and despite the disappointing nature of sequels, I thought Quell had too solid gameplay to let us down. Of course, it didn’t, and it’s just as fun a game as the first. I’m not as giddy about this sequel as I was with the original game, but in terms of addictiveness, ease-of-play, and longevity, Quell: Reflect is every bit as good as the first game.

The gameplay of Quell is straightforward and nothing has changed from the original. You move the raindrop around the board while avoiding spikes, infinite loops, and, this time around, poison bubbles. With this type of gameplay, there is certainly no reason to change it up (see: Angry Birds), and Quell: Reflect sticks to the path Quell laid before it.  You won’t get frustrated with controls or have your fingers stick, but with the extra raindrops you may accidentally move one instead of the other. This is by no means a frustrating, only a minor annoyance from time to time, and it isn’t something I think the developers could really help. Just make sure your finger is on the bubble you want to move.

Strategy has developed a good deal over the original Quell. With gold blocks to hinder your progress, multiple raindrops that you’ll have to sacrifice, and poison drops killing you, your wits will be challenged throughout the game. I can definitely say Quell: Reflect is harder than the original, but in no way impossible. I never thought to myself, “I will never pass this level”; I put my phone down, surveyed the whole puzzle, and tried again and again. If you need help, there are plenty of hints that you can unlock by completing a level perfecting or, if you need more, Quell’s Youtube page has all the answers (don’t cheat!).

As I said for the original Quell’s atmosphere, Quell: Reflect is soothing and melodic. While this brings quite the comforting environment, I would  have liked a little something extra for the sequel. Not to say you won’t still fall into the dreamy state Quell surrounds you in, but the game could have used different types of music and background to change the game to something familiar yet completely different. Instead of Quell: Reflect (the name is absolute perfection), we could have played   Quell: Frenzy or Quell: The Raindrop with a Dragon Tattoo.

I absolutely think Quell: Reflect is a worthy sequel if not better than the original. However, slight variances instead of complete newness can make a game go stale (See: Angry Birds), and I hope the Quell developers can learn this truth and keep the Quell series alive and fresh. Quell and Quell: Reflect are both in my top ten games for Android, and at least one is in my top five. So try them both and tell me which you like better. You can get both in the Android or Amazon markets now.

Angry Birds. That’s what people always used tod ascribe the possibility of gaming on Google TV, and it’s a sad limitation on either the capability of the platform or spectator imagination. Cloud-based gaming company OnLive plans to push those limitations and introduce console-quality gaming to Google TV.

On the Google TV blog, OnLive announced that it has just launched the OnLive Viewer, a Google TV app that allows users to watch live streams of competitive gaming videos. Viewers can then cheer what they see, see highlights and lowlights in special video clips, chat with others, form friend connections, and watch the action on their big screen.

Obviously, you’re not much of a fan of all that “watching” part that I just mentioned. You want to play OnLive on your TV. That’s coming too. OnLive CEO Steve Perlman says, “hang in there, OnLive is working closely with Google to enable full gameplay with OnLive gamers from around the world on Google TV.  And more Google TV devices are coming, with OnLive built right in.”

One such device is Vizio’s new Google TV line of products that supports OnLive out of the box. For now, you can head to the Android to the Android Market on your Google TV and install the viewer app. The app also features trailers and links to your OnLive profile.

Gameloft has thrown a lot promotions over the past year, but most of them have been for iOS or in the company’s own online store. One of the most prolific mobile game developers around will bring a sale that will see all of its paid games go on sale for just a buck.

Beginning Thursday December 29th, 2011, at 10 AM PST, Gameloft’s entire library of paid games will go on sale for just $0.99. The sale will continue until January 5, 2012, at 10 AM PST; and the only exclusion will be the just-launched Modern Combat 3, which will only be on sale for one day. The following games will be available through the entire sale period:

• The Adventures of Tintin – The Game
• Asphalt 6: Adernaline
• Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus
• N.O.V.A. 2 HD
• Order & Chaos Online

As always when it comes to Gameloft, we have to give the requisite reminder about device compatibility. We love Gameloft, which has been ahead of the curve in graphics and games for a while, but the company hasn’t been as consistent with getting its games to work on Android phones and tablets. Even on high-end devices, especially those from Samsung, there have been problems with the games. Understanding that, be sure to open whatever game you download immediately after purchase and check for the notification stating whether or not your device is compatible.

For a reminder on when the games become available, follow Gameloft on its many social channels and you’ll know when we know. Twitter, Facebook and Google+

Android gamers thirsting for a first person shooter can head to the Android Market and download Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation. The game is available now for select Android 2.1 or higher users with $6.99 and 1.37 GB of storage space to spare.

Modern Combat 3 takes inspiration from COD: Modern Warfare 3, only it attempts to make the mobile game the “deepest and most intuitive FPS gameplay on smartphones.” That 1.37 GB data download powers the beautiful graphic rendering, “cinematic” moments in which the game slows down and focuses on imagery, sound effects, and voice acting that’s really a step-up from MC2. With 13 missions in single-player taking place across several levels that represent major global cities, the gameplay got a big boost in the latest version of Modern Combat.

Of course, no FPS is complete without multiplayer, and Modern Combat delivers shootouts with up to 12 players battling online. There are 7 different multiplayer modes, 6 maps, and enough weapon diversity to make for some interesting battles. Early reports from the Android Market show signs that there’s some lag in multiplayer, so there may be an issue with devices/networks not accessing content fast enough. It could also be that Gameloft needs to refine how it matches players to ensure similar connection speeds. At the moment, the game has sold only 100 copies, so that may improve once there are more players online.

Head to the Android Market to download Modern Combat 3. Not all devices will be compatible with the game, so be sure to request a refund if your phone doesn’t make the list.

I fear turn-based RPGs may have gone the way of the dodo, but I am finding a little relief in the exploding market of action/RPGs. Exitium is one of the newer of these hybrid games on the market, and I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of detail, polish, and overall mechanics of the first game from Minoraxis, Inc. From the moment you are literally thrown into the beautiful world of Vardonia, you will control four heroes with whom you can take the reigns and steer the future of the Arkan and Abylonian kingdoms.

Before you begin any of the storylines, you are given the choice to play as Kiron, a fierce brute warrior, Jasen, a paladin with a mix of martial and magical powers, Galen, a warrior-wizard, and Alia, a priestess. Each has their own storyline and backstory along with unique sets of attacks, skills, and weapons. Every character is a soldier on one side of the war or another, allowing you to gain a unique perspective on their beliefs on the war and their civilization. The two magicians were more difficult to use because of their spell attacks so if you want more of a challenge start with either of them.

Exitium’s gameplay is very reminiscent of Destina. You travel through multiple environments to fulfill quest requirements all the while fighting monsters and leveling up. There are no breaks in battle as monsters constantly reappear, though you can change equipment, use items, and save anytime you’re in a hostile setting. Fighting and using spells are easier than in Destinia, mainly because you have less spells to use, but you aren’t constantly switching menus to find the right spell. All the controls are at your thumb-tip making it easy to cast a spell or use a potion.

The story is a little linear for an RPG game. I don’t mean there aren’t plot twists or turns, there are, but there’s not really any exceptional dialogue or intrigue for the characters. The whole story is told to you without actual happening to you (it’s the show vs tell argument). While, thankfully, it is easy to find quests and your next objective, you can almost foresee what you will be told to do and what will happen. Obviously with four characters there are four different interesting paths and stories to choose from, but the basic quests and missions are a bit too predictable.

As I mentioned, gameplay is fantastic, and I think the simpler, but just as rich, inventory/forging/skills is the best approach. There are thousands of weapon and armor choices to find or create or upgrade at your whim so you don’t ever have to be stuck with the same equipment. Menus are easy to navigate, and Exitium allows you to simply and quickly drag and drop items. While forging and upgrading equipment was easy, selling was time-consuming as you have to input what price you want to sell the equipment for.

Despite a few hiccups like continuing running in a direction after I stopped pressing or some lag when facing many enemies (albeit on my fading Xperia Play), the amount of polish and detail in this game are astounding. The world is completely filled with subtle background objects like bones or cracks that would normally go unnoticed. Vardonia is a visually rich world, and the character details are magnificent. The art quality is worth the price of admission alone.

For a 20+ hour campaign along with hundreds of quests for multiple characters, Exitium is one of the best “bang for your buck” games. Vibrant environments, multiple story arcs, and a plethora of quests and weapons mean there are few games that can match the quality and scope which Exitium displays. In a market craving RPG-type games, Exitium is a gem that can truly stand out and say mobile RPG games are the best and strongest of all the nostalgic forces in gaming.

*Unfortunately, the developers just informed me that Google has blocked this game for unknown reasons. Check back soon for more information.

Fans of The Adventures of TinTin are likely happy that Spielberg in conjunction with Peter Jackson are producing the TinTin film, but if you want to experience The Adventures of TinTin now, then you may want to purchase the game on an Android handset near you.

Gameloft, an industry leader of mobile smartphone games, has recently introduced The Adventures of TinTin – The Game to Android and is available for purchase and download through the Android Market.  The game is only available for users running Android 2.1 and higher.  In addition to Android, the TinTin game is also available for download on iOS devices.  In terms of pricing, the app is available for $6.99 on Android and iOS.

Here are some of the game features you can expect from the press release:

• Use stealth to sneak your way past guards, engage in a swordfight, pilot a plane, solve puzzles, race a camel and discover many more exciting experiences.
• Take control Tinin, his faithful dog Snowy, Captain Haddock, and even the legendary Sir Francis Haddock during the great Age of Pirates.
• Visit main locations from the movie including the Marlinspike Mansion, desert and Karaboudjian ship
• Explore the world, collect clues and items, and battle villains with just a swipe of your finger (or a tilt of your device)
• Experience stunning 3D graphics and animation that perfectly matches the style of the film with carefully recreated buildings and character

A full list of compatible Android smartphones and tablets can be found at the Market link below.  The game is designed for players of all ages and is sure to provide an enchanting gaming experience for all.

[Android Market]